WalletHub compared states on seven key metrics, ranging from the number of accountants and their mean hourly compensation to how much in tax refunds are given in each state.
• 1. Mississippi, the state has the fewest number of accountants for its size and the highest costs for help.
• 2. Texas, relatively high accounting costs and big refunds, meaning taxpayers are not getting good advice to avoid paying so much in taxes during the year
• 3. Tennessee, below average number of accountants for its size, higher costs and the second highest tax refund in the country last year ($1,876.35)
• 4. Indiana, fewer accountants and higher accounting charges, on average
• 5. Arkansas, second fewest number of accountants for its size, and above-average costs for tax services
Source: WallHub, "Best and Worst States for Finding Tax Help." Georgia ranked as the 6th worst and Alabama ranked 18th from the bottom.