I have always done my own and others. I have done long form and short. I am going to school for accounting right now so in a couple years I give ya'll some great deals.=)
Ive always had really great returns with no issues when i filled by myself. its really not that hard its what we call in the marine corps barney style.
Being a business owner, I have my taxes prepared for me. Before I was a business owner, I didn't think it necessary to pay someone. Guess it depends on your situation.
I would prefer to not pay taxes at all (like so many of our elected officials apparently) but, since we do, I like the online route. Our accountant was giving himself a hefty raise every year while we were paying more and more out in taxes. We pay less taxes by filing online than we ever did using an accountant.
If you don't have anything special to put on your taxes, why pay someone $50 or more to do it. Now if you have a complicated return, that's another story...
I'll pay someone to do it - not H&R Block though - I had an experience there where a no-qualified peon was "handling" my wife's claim... couldn't answer a single goddamn question (she did get a return however)
I would rather go to an accountant. That is what they went to school for so obviously they should know what they are doing. I trust that more than doing it yourself online.