Compare
Meridian vs DIY software vs a typical CPA.
An honest, line-by-line look at how we stack up. No marketing fluff — just the stuff you'll actually feel as a client.
Capability
Recommended
Meridian.Tax
Strategy-led practice
DIY Software
TurboTax, H&R, etc.
Typical CPA
Local generalist firm
Strategy & Planning
Year-round tax strategy (not just filing)
Quarterly reviews
Often upsell
Entity selection & S-Corp election analysis
Multi-year projection modeling
Retirement & exit-planning integration
Filing & Preparation
Personal returns (1040 + state)
Business returns (1120-S, 1065, 1120)
Add-on fee
Multi-state nexus handling
Senior strategist reviews every return
Junior staff
Support & Communication
Same-day response to client questions
Direct phone access to your strategist
Secure client portal & document vault
Bilingual EN / ES support
IRS & Compliance
Audit defense included
Paid add-on
IRS notice resolution
Back-tax negotiation, liens & levies
Enrolled-Agent representation
Pricing & Value
Pricing model
Flat-fee, scoped
Per-form
Hourly, variable
Typical first-year savings vs prior preparer
5x fee or more
Marginal
1–2x fee
Surprise bills
Never
Upsells
Common
Comparisons reflect general industry observations from 22 years of practice. Individual providers vary.
Which one fits you?
Simple returns
DIY software
W-2 only, single state, no investments, no side income. You enjoy doing it yourself.
Routine compliance
Typical CPA
Returns are moderately complex. You want a human, but mostly need filing — not strategy.
Strategy-led clients
Meridian
Business owner, real-estate investor, high-W-2 professional, multi-state. You want strategy that compounds.
Not sure which fits you?
Book a 30-minute discovery call. We'll tell you honestly — even if it's not us.
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