As I mentioned, I have been using local CPAs (though the costs are closer to $1k for my return)... a number of them. These are recommended, well-regarded folks. But when I check over the return closely, I'm routinely finding errors ("Why are you adding this income twice?" "Isn't this supposed to be a Long-Term gain?" "This Form 1116 looks quite wrong"). This stuff has added up to thousands if left unfixed. And in my most recent year, the return was so wrong that the IRS contacted me. The CPA ghosted me to resolve the matter, so I had to work directly with the IRS to fix the return the CPA prepared. That's the sort of stuff I'm trying to get away from.

So, while they might have a legal responsibility, it doesn't mean they necessarily fulfill it. And in the end it is my time and money and stake.