I prefer using a tax preparer because I don't want to deal with the stress. A couple of years ago our preparer died just before tax season, it was weird another reminder of my own aging. I had used him for probably at least 20 years. Through some networking we found another one who has been wonderful and even costs less, they are an attorney as well. She is younger so I hope we can use her through the rest of our days. 

So we have a big refund due the liquidating of my sick time to cash with my layoff, they did take a lump sum of taxes out but it's a nice refund. Which is great because we'll use it for the double property taxes, HELOC interest and moving expenses. We plan to be moving the big stuff a little more than a week from today so this week will be more packing and loads up to the new house. It still feels a bit surreal. 

Hopefully, we can get the old place ready to put on the market and maybe sold in the next couple of months.