Study: More Than 30% of Americans File with Professional Tax Preparers

More than one-third of Americans (37%) use a professional tax preparer to file their returns, and most begin doing so by age 29. The findings come from a recent poll of 2,000 U.S. taxpayers commissioned by TaxSlayer Pro and conducted by Talker Research.

While most people still file their own taxes, the data suggests that many hand things over to a pro once their life – and finances – become more complicated. The decision to switch may also come earlier than expected.

For many people, the decision to hire a tax preparer seems to coincide with big life changes. Major milestones typically introduce new tax forms, deductions, or filing requirements. When forms become more complex or greater in number, some tax filers would prefer to call on an expert.

When it comes to finding a preparer, people tend to rely on recommendations and word of mouth.

• 49% of respondents said they were referred to their preparer by someone they know.
• 19% already had a personal connection with their tax preparer.
• Only 3% found their preparer through social media.

Interestingly, Gen Z respondents were more likely than other generations to hire a tax preparer after they started investing, a sign that younger taxpayers are thinking seriously about their financial future.

When asked why they prefer to work with a tax preparer as opposed to filing their own returns, most people said it comes down to expertise and confidence.

That gap in self-confidence shows up across generations, too. While 56% of DIY filers say they feel “very confident” doing their own taxes, Gen Z was the least likely to feel that way. This suggests a potential shift toward professional help in younger generations.

For the self-employed, tax pros are especially helpful. According to the survey:

• Nearly half (48%) of self-employed respondents said they’ve turned to a preparer for business-related guidance.
• Taxpayers in the Midwest were more likely to seek business-related tax advice than in any other region.

These insights highlight the growing demand for expert help as more Americans are juggling multiple income streams and running side businesses.

Even though most Americans (63%) still file their own taxes, many say they’d be open to hiring a professional in the future. In fact, 53% of DIY filers said they’d consider hiring a preparer within the next two years.

Younger generations are especially open to change compared to older groups. Gen Z respondents were more likely than others to hire a tax pro if they got a second job or “simply wanted to try something new.”

Interestingly, 34% of Gen Z reports having two sources of income already, which could make filing more complex and, in turn, could motivate them to seek help from a tax pro.

The survey was conducted online by Talker Research between September 1st–5th, 2025, on behalf of TaxSlayer Pro. A total of 2,000 U.S. taxpayers participated. Respondents were recruited from online panels and digital channels, where they opted in to complete the survey in exchange for a small incentive.

Responses were screened to ensure data quality, removing duplicates, bots, and participants who rushed through or provided irrelevant answers. Only groups with at least 80 respondents were analyzed, and results are statistically significant at the 95% confidence level.

Because the survey was conducted online, results may not reflect the views of Americans without internet access.