Florida tax prep among nation’s most expensive

You’re not alone if you’re low on cash after paying someone to prepare your federal income taxes.

Florida is one of the least affordable states to get tax help, according to a new study that compares the state’s average hourly pay of accountants and auditors — those who usually prepare taxes — to average wages. Only Georgia, Arkansas and Texas offer a wider gap in pay between tax preparers and the average worker, WalletHub.com, a personal finance website, concluded after studying the 50 states and the District of Columbia.

The average hourly pay for accountants and auditors in Florida is 164 percent more than the average hourly wage in the state, WalletHub.com reported. That translates into $32.43 an hour vs. $19.78, according to U.S. Department of Labor data, said Jill Gonzalez, a WalletHub.com spokeswoman.

Reached last week, the Tallahasseebased Florida Institute of CPAs had no immediate comment.

The large pay gap may be because of a lack of accountants in the state. Florida ranks 33rd in accounting jobs per 1,000 residents, the study found.

Still, a majority of Floridians — 56 percent — elect to hire someone to figure what they owe Uncle Sam, WalletHub.com reported. Florida ranks 27th in the study for the percentage of taxpayers paying for help.

That suggests some workers who earn less than the average wage are ponying up money they don’t need to, Gonzalez said. “There are a lot of free options out there,” she said.

Locations throughout Florida offer free tax help for individuals and families under certain income thresholds, said Michael Dobzinski, IRS spokesman. The IRS trains the volunteers.

“We suggest people take advantage of these free services” before the April 15 filing deadline, Dobzinski said.

People can call toll-free 1-800-906-9887 to find the closest free tax preparation or they can go online to irs.gov and click on “Get Free Tax Preparation Help.”

People wanting their taxes prepared by a volunteer should bring:

Valid photo ID and Social Security cards or Individual Taxpayer Identification Numbers for themselves, spouses and dependents.

W-2 wage and earnings statements and Form 1099 interest and dividend statements.

A copy of last year’s return and any other information concerning income and expenses for the 2014 tax year.

Service is provided on a first-come, first-served basis, Dobzinski said.

Call 800906-9887 toll-free or visit irs.gov for free taxprepara

help.