Older taxpayers can remember a time when filing tax returns on your own meant poring over paperwork with calculator in hand, trying to decipher complex government formulas. However, filing taxes today is much different.

"It's not like the olden days," says Steven Balsam, a certified public accountant and professor of accounting at Temple University. "Nowadays, you have all these software programs that are really very good."

Tax software often walks people through a series of questions about their finances and doesn't require any in-depth knowledge of the tax code or math calculations. With such user-friendly options available, people might wonder why anyone would pay to have someone else prepare their return. However, there are some benefits to using a tax professional.

[Read: Reduce Your 2017 Tax Bill With an IRA Contribution .]

Who can prepare their own tax return? When it comes to making a decision about whether to prepare your own tax return, there are two main considerations: comfort and complexity.

"If you only have a W-2, your return may be simple enough to file yourself," says Dave Janosek, managing director at CBIZ MHM. Taxpayers who don't itemize deductions, have investments or claim self-employment income should find completing their tax forms to be a straightforward process. Major tax software providers such as TurboTax and TaxAct also provide free tax filing services to those who meet certain income requirements and file the simplified 1040EZ or 1040A tax forms.

Another consideration when deciding whether to file your own taxes is your personal comfort with the process. Today's tax software makes it possible for even self-employed individuals and small business owners to prepare their own returns, but not everyone likes that idea. They worry about making mistakes or don't have time to devote to the process. "The majority of people don't need someone to file their taxes, but they want it," says Jeff White, a financial analyst with FitSmallBusiness.com. For those who are comfortable using today's software, White says there is no need to pay a preparer.

[See: 7 New Taxes Retirees Face .]

Benefits of using a tax professional. While many people can file their own taxes, there are times when it makes sense to pay a professional. "A lot of novices may not appreciate how difficult a tax return can be," Balsam says. Those who are filing taxes for the first time or who have had a change in their filing status may benefit from working with a preparer initially.

Small business owners and the self-employed can be subject to complex rules regarding work deductions and filing requirements. Although business tax software is available, the risk is people might overlook tax write-offs because they are unfamiliar with the tax code. "You're going to do much better with a tax preparer in these situations," Janosek says.

Even White, who is a proponent of most people preparing their own returns, says there is a point at which business owners shouldn't try to go it alone. "Where it gets complicated is when you have a lot of employees or retirement plans," he says.

Selecting the right tax preparer. Those who decide to look for help with their tax return have several options. They can use a tax preparer , accountant, enrolled agent or attorney.

Preparers have to meet state and federal guidelines, but generally don't have any formal education requirements. "Pretty much anyone can be a tax preparer," Balsam says. However, accountants typically have a college degree. What's more, those designated as CPAs have passed a series of exams and must meet continuing education requirements. Enrolled agents are licensed by the IRS and must meet continuing education requirements as well. Meanwhile, attorneys are bound by their state's rules and regulations.

All these professionals can prepare taxes, but they don't all offer the same services. Tax preparers, for instance, are usually limited to only completing forms for filing. "You don't have near the level [of service] you're getting through a CPA," Janosek says. A CPA, attorney or enrolled agent may have greater knowledge of tax laws and be able to suggest tax-saving strategies in addition to completing returns.

[See: 10 Tax Breaks for People Over 50 .]

Taxpayers who want help, but can't afford to pay someone, may be able to get free assistance through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance or Tax Counseling for the Elderly programs. Available to seniors or those meeting certain income requirements, the programs offer free tax preparation services from trained volunteers. The IRS has a locator tool on its website to help people find program sites in their area.

Regardless of whether you file your own return or pay someone else to prepare the paperwork, everyone's forms are due on the same day. Have your return or extension request in by April 17 or prepare to pay Uncle Sam a late filing penalty.

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