Why shouldn’t I do my own tax return?

If you have a short form with no intricacies, you can with limited risk.
If you need to prepare a long form with some intricacies, you should seek professional help.  A little knowledge of how to complete the form is just that.  The tax laws are constantly changing.  As a CPA, I am required to take 40 hours of continuing education every year just to keep current.  It takes a lot to keep up with the changes, much less understand the complexities of the tax code and apply them to your situation.

What if I use tax preparation software, such as TurboTax?

Tax software does an adequate job of performing the calculations and printing the forms.  It does not replace the professional judgement and experience of a CPA.  A professional is trained to identify potential tax savings while complying with the letter of the tax law.  It is not enough to ask a bunch of canned questions.  A professional gets to know your specific situation.  It is not just a matter of knowing where to put data,  but knowing how to define the data that goes in the blank spaces.
 

What do I need to bring to a tax appointment with my CPA? 
I provide a free organizer to help you in gathering your tax documents. This form asks a number of questions directed at identifying those matters that will effect your tax return. It summarizes your tax information and helps you collect the required tax docments. These documents include W-2′s, 1099′s, K-1′s, brokerage statements, etc. Gather your documents, fill out the schedules that apply, and bring the entire package in with you. 

If I file an extension, will I be penalized or red flagged by the IRS for further investigation?

This is a common misconception.  There is no penalty for filing an extension of time to file your return.  Neither does it raise a red flag or put you on some sort of watch list.  The extension is automatic.   That means a properly prepared request for extension of time to file is automatically approved.  You don’t  have to sign the requested extension or explain why you need it.  Remember, an extension of time to file is not an extension of time to pay .

If I owe money, should I wait to pick up my return until just before April 15th?

That is unecessary.  It is best to go ahead and file your return without the additional payment well before the due date to ensure that it is filed and received before the last minute crunch.  Then there is plenty of time to deal with any unforseen setbacks, like lost returns.  You can separately mail the payment along with a payment voucher directly to the IRS payment address at a time closer to April 15th and not risk late filing penalties.

If I can’t pay the total amount due the IRS, should I keep the tax return until I have the money to pay the whole amount?

Absolutely not!  Go ahead and file the return on time.  Include a payment for what you have available or can borrow.  The IRS does not want you to drop out of the system.  To discourage that from happening, the penalties for late filing are far more than the penalties for late payment.  The penalty for late filing is 5% of the unpaid balance per month or any fraction thereof (up to a 25% maximum).  The penalties for late payment amount to the IRS charging interest on the unpaid balance.