Smart Moves for W-2 Employees, Small Business Owners & Real Estate Investors:

DIY tax software like TurboTax and H&R Block makes filing quick and affordable. For simple tax situations, it works just fine. But when things get more complex—like owning a business or rental property—software can only take you so far.

Here’s why working with a tax professional can save you time, money, and stress.

For W-2 Employees: It’s Not Always “Simple”

Even if your only income is from a W-2 job, that doesn’t mean you won’t benefit from professional help.

Real-life examples:

• You had a baby
• Made charitable donations
• Paid big medical bills

A tax pro can help you:

• Claim tax credits you may not know exist
• Strategically group deductions across years
• Avoid leaving money on the table

For Small Business Owners (Schedule C): You Need More Than Just Boxes to Check

If you’re self-employed or own a small business, tax strategy matters.

What a pro brings to the table:

• Recommending the best business structure (e.g., Sole Prop vs. S Corp)
• Suggesting tax-saving retirement plans like a SEP IRA
• Spotting deductions software might miss—like mileage, partial home internet, or industry subscriptions
• Catching potential red flags before the IRS does

Bonus: A tax pro can review your income-to-expense ratio and give you a second opinion on your business’s actual profitability.

For Rental Property Owners (Schedule E): Real Estate Needs Real Expertise

Rentals come with layers of tax complexity—depreciation, passive activity rules, and local regulations. That’s where software falls short.

A tax professional can help you:

• Use cost segregation to accelerate depreciation
• Navigate 1031 exchanges to delay capital gains
• Offset gains and losses across multiple properties
• Understand what applies in different states

Even one missed opportunity here could cost thousands.

When Software Does Make Sense

If your return is super simple—one W-2, no kids, no investments or deductions—software can be a quick and cheap solution.

But remember: Software can only work with what you tell it.
It won’t ask follow-up questions. It won’t think about next year. It won’t help you plan.

A real tax pro sees the big picture—your goals, your lifestyle, and your future. They give advice tailored to you, not just this tax season, but for the long haul.

Let Buffalo Tax Strategies Help

If you’re ready to stop guessing and start maximizing your return, we’ve got you. Our experts make taxes less stressful and more strategic—no matter your situation.

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