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How Much Do Accountants Charge For Tax Returns?

How much do accountants charge for tax returns?

From depending on the complexity of your taxes to being contingent on the turnover rate, here are seven answers to the question, “What do you pay your accountant for tax returns?”

Expect to Pay Anywhere from $200 to Several Thousand
You Can Pay Around $300 on Average
It May Be a Flat Rate or Complexity Based
Prepare to Dish Out $450 per Year in Accounting Fees
Pay Near to Nothing by Using Tax Accounting Software
The Price Is Determined by Your Tax Needs
The Cost Is Turnover Dependent

Expect to Pay Anywhere from $200 to Several Thousand

I think the cost for an accountant to prepare and file your taxes really depends on your financial situation and the services required—some may need more support than others.

You should expect to pay anywhere from $200 for basic returns or up to several thousand dollars for complex business filings. For example, when I was just getting started in my business, I opted to prepare my taxes myself to save on costs.

However, as my business grew, I quickly realized the value of hiring a qualified accountant to handle my tax returns. Thus, I’ve paid anywhere from a few hundred to several thousand dollars for this service.

Not only did it save me time and stress, but it also helped me to ensure compliance with tax laws and identify opportunities for tax savings. So, investing in reliable year-round accounting guidance is a smart protection against mistakes that could cost you much more money in fines or lost opportunities if not addressed appropriately upfront.

Maria Harutyunyan, Co-Founder, Loopex Digital

You Can Pay Around $300 on Average

On average, the cost of hiring a certified public accountant (CPA) to prepare and submit a Form 1040 and state return with no itemized deductions is around $220.

However, if you need to file an itemized Form 1040 and a state tax return, the average fee is around $323. You know that the fees for tax return preparation can vary depending on the complexity of your tax situation and the level of service you require.

An entrepreneur can expect to pay an accountant between $300 to $1,000 or more for tax return preparation. However, it’s important to note that the fees can vary based on the location and the experience of the accountant.

Sometimes, the fees may be higher if you have a more complex tax situation or require additional services, such as tax planning, bookkeeping, or audit support. It’s always a good idea to discuss your specific needs and expectations with your accountant before engaging in their services to get a clear idea of what fees you can expect to pay.

Luciano Colos, Founder and CEO, Pitchgrade

It May Be a Flat Rate or Complexity Based

The cost of an accountant for tax returns depends on several factors and can vary significantly between businesses. Entrepreneurs should expect to pay a fee that covers the preparation and filing of their federal and state income tax returns.

This fee may be a flat rate or based on the intricacy of the return and the services provided. Other fees may include charges for specific services, such as consulting, tax planning, and audit representation.

Most accountants offer a free initial consultation to discuss ‌the project and provide an estimate for their services. This can be helpful in deciding whether to hire an accountant for your taxes and in setting a budget for their services.

It is important to consider the experience and qualifications of your potential accountant to make sure you are getting the best value for your money.

Steve Rose, CEO, Money Transfers

Prepare to Dish Out $450 per Year in Accounting Fees

I pay my accountant in Auckland approximately $450 per year. The fee varies depending on the complexity of the accounting work, the size and type of the business, and the accountant’s experience.

An entrepreneur should expect to pay anywhere from $100 to $1,000 or more for a year’s worth of tax return preparation and other accounting services.

Harry Virk, Founder and Director, CleaningPro

Pay Near to Nothing by Using Free Tax Accounting Software

Investing in tax accounting software can be less expensive; it can be free (for straightforward returns), and it often costs less than $120 (for more complicated filing options).

Both H&R Block and TurboTax provide affordable tax accounting software solutions. It can be like having a virtual accountant there to help you through the process when you use tax accounting software.

Working with a CPA offers several advantages, even while filing your taxes on your own using tax software can save you money compared to hiring a professional.

Compared to software offered to customers, accountants use significantly more advanced software to produce tax returns.

Janie Doyle, Marketing Director, SC Vehicle Hire

The Price Is Determined by Your Tax Needs

An entrepreneur can expect to pay anywhere from $150-$500 or more for a basic individual tax return preparation service. If there are special circumstances or legal issues involved, the cost could be significantly higher.

You may need to pay for other services, such as tax planning and filing back taxes. It’s best to discuss your specific situation with an accountant before beginning any tax preparation.

They can provide you with a more accurate estimate of what services will cost and how long it will take to complete them.

Michael Dadashi, CEO, Infinite Recovery

The Cost Is Turnover Dependent

I have several businesses operating in very different sectors, and each accountant charges a set percentage of our turnover for the year, usually between 0.5% and 2%. The size and complexity of the operation come into it.

For example, one business may have hundreds of employees that need varying payroll services to help it run.

And another company may have just two employees; it entirely depends on the circumstances.

Bobby Turner, Content Manager, Matt Haycox Group