Tax return preparation services are typically priced based on the amount of time involved, the skill required, the value added, and the circumstances surrounding the request for the tax services.
Each time an accountant performs tax return preparation service, they perform a complex skill and take on some level of risk. While the risk associated with tax return preparation work varies based on the type of transactions and amount of money involved, pricing necessarily must include a margin sufficient to cover appropriate malpractice insurance and also provide the accountant with compensation sufficient to ensure the highest ethical standards are always maintained.
For sole practitioners and smaller firms, the minimum fee for individual federal tax preparation services averages $479. The average fee for federal tax return preparation services is $743.
Individual Returns and Schedules
Form 1040: $479
Schedule A (Itemized): $131
Schedule B (Investments): $285
Schedule C (Small Business): $275
Schedule D (Capital Gains): $205
Schedule E (Real Estate, K-1s): $350
Schedule F (Farm): $275
Retirement Distributions: $75
Business Returns
Form 1065 (Partnership): $975
From 1120 (Corporation): $2191
From 1120-S (S-Corp): $1073
Other Fees
Expedite Fee: $400
Firm Partner/CPA Bill Rate $105-$335/Hour
Manager Bill Rate $45=$110/Hour
Accounting Clerk Bill Rate $19-$48/Hour
