Richmond, VA · Tax Preparation Services
Find Tax Preparation Services in Richmond, VA
Compare tax preparation services for individuals and small businesses — transparent pricing, verified credentials, and e-filing built in. Get matched with the right level of service for your return's complexity. Serving Richmond, VA and the surrounding region — Richmond CPAs serve Fortune 500 headquarters, banking and insurance, tobacco-to-tech manufacturers, and Virginia's state-capital legal and government economy.
Why Richmond clients hire tax prep
Local context for tax preparation services in Richmond, VA
Dominant local industries
- Banking, insurance & financial services
- Manufacturing & advanced materials
- Healthcare & life sciences
- Government & legal services
- Real estate & development
Virginia tax climate
Virginia has a graduated personal income tax topping at 5.75% and a flat 6% corporate income tax. The state offers an elective pass-through entity tax (PTET) for SALT-cap planning. Sales tax is 5.3% state (with 0.7%–1.7% local add-ons), and the BPOL gross-receipts license tax applies in most localities and is a recurring compliance item.
Key local deadline
May 1
Virginia individual income tax return (Form 760) due — Virginia's filing deadline is later than the federal April 15 date.
When to hire
- Tax season is approaching and you don't want to DIY it again this year
- Your return now includes self-employment income, rental property, or investments
- You had a major life change: marriage, home purchase, new business, relocation
- You want a second look at last year's return for missed deductions
- You're behind on filing and need to catch up on prior years
What they do
- Gather and organize your tax documents into a complete return
- Prepare and e-file federal, state, and local returns
- Calculate estimated payments for the coming year, if needed
- Review prior-year returns for amendment opportunities
- Provide a filed copy and documentation in case of audit
Typical fees
What it costs
Low end
$150
per return
High end
$800
per return
Notes
Simple W-2 return: $150–$300. Return with Schedule C, rental, or investment income: $400–$800. Small-business returns (1120-S, 1065): $800–$2,500 depending on complexity.
Compare
Professional Tax Preparation vs DIY Tax Software
| Factor | Professional Tax Preparation | DIY Tax Software |
|---|---|---|
| Time required | 1–2 hours total | 5–15+ hours depending on complexity |
| Deduction discovery | Proactive, based on your specifics | Only what you know to search for |
| Audit support | Preparer can represent or assist | You handle it yourself |
| Complex situations | Handled directly | Often requires upgrading tiers or guessing |
| Typical cost | $150–$800 | $0–$150 |
Questions to ask
- What's included in your flat fee, and what triggers an additional charge?
- What credential do you hold and can I verify it?
- How do you handle documents — in-person drop-off, mail, or digital upload?
- What's your typical turnaround time during peak season?
- Will you review my prior two years of returns for missed items?
- What's your process if I get audited on a return you prepared?
Red flags
- Fee is based on the size of your expected refund
- Promises a specific refund before seeing your documents
- No PTIN or unwilling to share it
- Pressures you to sign a return you haven't fully reviewed
- Vague about what's included versus billed separately
Documents to prepare
- Prior-year federal and state tax returns
- W-2s, 1099s, K-1s, and other income documents
- Records of deductible expenses and charitable contributions
- Mortgage interest and property tax statements, if applicable
- Social Security numbers for you, your spouse, and dependents
By city
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Tax Preparation Services serving Richmond, VA
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FAQ
Tax Preparation Services in Richmond — common questions
How much does tax preparation services cost in Richmond?+
Richmond tax preparation services typically charge $150–$800 per return. Simple W-2 return: $150–$300. Return with Schedule C, rental, or investment income: $400–$800. Small-business returns (1120-S, 1065): $800–$2,500 depending on complexity.
Do I need a Virginia-licensed CPA to work with a tax preparation services in Richmond?+
For Virginia state filings, your preparer should hold a CPA license from the Virginia Board of Accountancy or be an Enrolled Agent. Out-of-state pros can prepare your federal return but should not sign as a CPA on Virginia returns. Virginia has a graduated personal income tax topping at 5.75% and a flat 6% corporate income tax.
How much does professional tax preparation cost?+
A simple W-2 return typically runs $150–$300. Add self-employment income, rental property, or investments and expect $400–$800. Business returns run higher based on entity type and complexity.
What documents do I need to bring to tax preparation?+
At minimum: prior-year return, all income documents (W-2s, 1099s, K-1s), records of deductible expenses, and Social Security numbers for everyone on the return. Your preparer should give you a specific checklist based on your situation.
Can tax preparation services file prior-year returns I missed?+
Yes — most tax preparers can prepare and file returns for previous tax years. The sooner you catch up, the more you limit penalties and interest on any amount owed.
What's the difference between tax preparation and tax planning?+
Preparation is filing an accurate return for a year that's already happened. Planning is proactive — adjusting withholding, timing income and expenses, and making decisions during the year to reduce what you'll eventually owe.
Is it worth paying for tax preparation if my return is simple?+
For a truly simple W-2 return, free or low-cost software is often sufficient. Once you add complexity — freelance income, a home sale, stock transactions — professional preparation usually finds savings that offset the fee.
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2026 CPA Pricing Guide
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