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Advances in computer technology have enabled accounting firms to automate many of the aspects of preparing tax returns. Some firms, encouraged by innovations, are no longer using service bureaus to process taxes and are using in-house computer systems instead because the systems enable practitioners to have more control and reduce the turnaround time needed to process returns. While automation has provided benefits, some firms are worried about the increasing number of clients who are electing to process their own returns at home on computers. However, other firms believe that since they no longer have to devote time to number-crunching, they can advise clients on issues such as tax planning. Another issue receiving attention is the expansion of electronic filing services offered by the IRS. Statistics indicate that electronic filing has reduced the time it takes to receive refunds on average from eight to three weeks. Accounting firms offering this service have discovered they have a definite marketing advantage with potential clients., The New Wave Computers & Taxes The romp-romp-romping of adding machines and the scritchety-scratching of pencil on paper were the music of tax preparation in Jerry Seiberlich's first accounting office. [...]