At tax time many years ago, I faced reporting a series of securities transactions on my federal and state tax returns. Before I came in for my appointment with my CPA, she asked me to detail each of the (as it turned out to be) too-many stock transactions: Date bought and sold, basis, name of security, etc.

Later, when I picked up my return and I saw my accountant's bill -- guess what? She billed me for each item as if she had independently gone through my pile of records herself.

Now, I don't mind paying for someone's work. But I found myself both doing the work, and then paying her for it again! Ever since that time, I decided that the best thing for me would be to use one of the many time saving software products to complete my yearly taxes.

Yet, despite my own frustrating and expensive experience, there are still many instances when using a tax professional is not only warranted, but desirable.

Now that once again it's "tax time" which route should you take? Should you do your own taxes, or look to a professional to do them?

In general you might seriously consider hiring a professional to do your taxes if you fall in one or more of the following circumstances:

You are confused about the filing process (but on the other hand, who isn't?)

Of course, this is a common problem. It is especially true if (for whatever reason) you usually do your return by hand: There are so many forms and instructions. If they are confusing to you, you might want to consider hiring a professional.

However, as an option, you might instead consider using a tax preparation program like Turbotax (www.Turbotax.com) or Kiplinger's TaxCut (www.Taxcut.com). These programs ask detailed questions -- and provide significant assistance in weaving through the important issues.

But, if the thought of using a computer program is still daunting, or if you feel uncertain about it, I suggest that you use the professional.

You are in business for yourself (and feel that you should stick to what you know best)

If you have a business, there are many additional complexities. Also, the more complex your business transactions and format, the more you might benefit from going to the accountant for help. Professionals may be able to assist you through the complexity of the federal and state returns and schedules relating to business entities.

You have screwed up in the past

If you have made errors in the past, you might be best off leaving it to the tax pro. The fact that you might have had prior errors may indicate a complexity -- or even a problem -- which might be better addressed by an accountant, enrolled agent, or tax attorney.

You were audited in the past (and lightning indeed can strike twice!)

A past audit might be another reason. This is especially true if the condition giving rise to the earlier audit would again appear on your current return. It is quite possible that your return will be "flagged" once again by IRS. A professional could assist you -- especially if you find yourself under scrutiny.

For example, if your large number of charitable deductions in prior years interested the IRS, the fact that you again have numerous deductions this year might generate another audit.

Consider this also: If you have a professional do your return, he she might be in a better position to handle the audit. The professional in that case would be defending their own return -- one which they prepared. As the saying goes: Your accountant or agent will have a "dog in that fight." It's always good to have a committed advocate.

But take heart: even after April 15th, the birds will still chirp, the flowers will still bloom. Whatever you do, though, pick the strategy best for you, and let's all hope that the maximum amount of "green" not only remains in the yards and fields, but also in your bank account.