The big names? Do you want to be charged $50 for a form that is required ? A lot of the preparers at the chains are actually doing data entry, the software is doing the work. Plus the charge/fee is at times ridiculous and not transparent. The software cannot for example 100% determine if tyour eligible to claim the dependent your trying to claim. In some states you have to be certified trained licensed. Other states go to WalMart buy software and magically you're a tax preparer.

LPT learn how to do basic income taxes and file them yourself as OP mentioned. The Big lobbyists killed the IRS efile many many many years ago.