Comment by bluGill

In the US you don't need software or an accountant either. People have been convinced it is hard, but the reality is taxes are basic math for most people. It isn't hard to copy the few figures from a couple forms and add them up, the look things up in a chart. It is tedious, but not hard. That said, I use the software anyway because once in a while I make a human mistake and those are annoying when the IRS catches latter.

There are a few people who have a complex situation who need an accountant. Most do not, but since they have never looked at what is really involved they don't realize what is going on.