There is a local tax prep firm that is playing on the "call the expert" mindset in their ads. Can't fix the car yourself, call the mechanic. Can't fix the sink, call the plumber. Kid is sick, call the doctor. Ooh, my tax forms are here, now I can do my taxes - kid tells him to call EGTax. That ad drives me crazy.
I started doing my taxes on paper when I was in college. They were pretty simple, and each year I learned a little bit more as new issues came up (married, kids, bought house, SE income, rental income, etc). I started using TurboTax just so I could efile, I did the calculations on paper first, to make sure we agreed. I dislike the Q & A format, since I know what the paper forms expect it is easier to just fill in the sections that apply to me. I've used the free online version, so don't have the import perks of the paid versions, but I refuse to pay just to efile.
Doing taxes on paper is going to be more difficult this year for those who are not internet connected. The paper forms which were available in public libraries in the past are NOT being sent out by the IRS this year due to budget cuts. The only forms available are the 1040, 1040A, 1040EZ. The IRS says that people can order necessary forms by phone or online, for delivery to their home, but those forms are not available - I ordered forms for myself and as a test, and received a postcard that forms are not available. You can download and print yourself, but the booklets are up to 150 pages! So people like my parents who choose to go without a computer and internet, or others who cannot afford them are in a bind.