Yes, but a CPA understands the tax laws. Most ppl who use tax preparation software do NOT know the tax laws and depend on the software to guide them step-by-step. These same ppl also go on internet forums to ask tax questions while they are trying to figure out their taxes.

So, there's a huge difference there. One (the CPA) uses specific software to make it easier to prepare the tax documents, but has knowledge of tax laws and requirements. The other (average Joe with no tax knowledge) uses tax preparation software with no background or understanding of the tax laws and depends on the software for all the information. And, many times, the software may not get into specific details on certain deductions.