FileJoy vs. CPA: When Software Beats Professional Help

CPAs are expensive. FileJoy gives you CPA-level accuracy at a fraction of the cost.

CPA Costs

Typical CPA Fees (self-employed):

• Simple return: $300-$500
• Complex return: $500-$1,500
• Multiple states: +$100-$200 per state
• Quarterly consultations: +$200-$500/year
• **Total: $500-$2,500+ per year**

What You Get:

• Someone else does your taxes
• Professional advice
• Audit support (sometimes)
• Time savings

What You Don't Get:

• Understanding of your own taxes
• Ability to make mid-year adjustments
• Real-time tax planning
• Control over the process

FileJoy Costs

Annual Plan: $99/year

Monthly Plan: $29/month

What You Get:

• CPA-level accuracy
• All calculations explained
• Step-by-step guidance
• Audit-ready documentation
• Unlimited returns
• Real-time calculations
• Tax planning tools
• Receipt storage
• Email support

Cost Comparison

Scenario: Freelancer, 1 state, $75k income

CPA:

• Tax preparation: $400
• Quarterly check-ins: $200
• **Total: $600/year**

FileJoy:

• Annual plan: $99
• **Total: $99/year**

Savings: $501/year

Accuracy Comparison

CPA Accuracy:

• Generally very good
• But humans make mistakes
• Depends on the CPA's experience
• May miss deductions if you don't mention them

FileJoy Accuracy:

• Tested against IRS publications
• Automated calculations (no human error)
• Comprehensive deduction finder
• Validated against real scenarios

Speed Comparison

CPA Process:

• Gather documents: 1-2 hours
• Meeting with CPA: 1 hour
• Wait for preparation: 1-2 weeks
• Review and sign: 30 minutes
• **Total time: 2-3 hours + waiting**

FileJoy Process:

• Import data: 5 minutes
• Review and file: 25 minutes
• **Total time: 30 minutes**

When to Use a CPA

Use a CPA if:

• You have very complex situations (multiple businesses, international income, etc.)
• You want ongoing tax planning advice
• You're being audited
• You prefer to outsource completely

Use FileJoy if:

• You want to understand your taxes
• You want to save money
• You want speed and convenience
• You want control over the process
• Your situation is typical for self-employed filers

The FileJoy Advantage

FileJoy gives you:

• CPA-level accuracy
• Faster filing
• Lower cost
• Better understanding
• More control

Try FileJoy and see why thousands of self-employed filers choose software over CPAs.