Tax Preparation Cost · Verified Directory
Don't overpay for tax prep — or underhire for complexity
Understand tax preparation pricing for individuals, self-employed filers, and small businesses. Compare CPAs, EAs, and chain preparers by scope and complexity.
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Tax prep pricing
What tax preparation typically costs
Pricing varies by filer type, entity, and the number of states. Use these benchmarks before you shop quotes.
Individual
$200–$600
per return
W-2 filers with itemized deductions or basic investment income.
- Federal 1040 + one state
- Itemized deductions (Schedule A)
- Investment income (Schedule B/D)
- E-file and audit-letter support
Self-employed
$400–$1,200
per return
Freelancers, gig workers, and single-member LLCs filing Schedule C.
- Federal 1040 + Schedule C
- Home office, mileage, SE tax
- Quarterly estimate setup
- One state included
Small business
$1,000–$3,500
per return
S-Corps, partnerships, and C-Corps.
- Form 1120-S / 1065 / 1120
- K-1 issuance to owners
- Owner personal return coordination
- Multi-state add-ons available
By business size
What you'll likely pay
Ranges reflect typical U.S. market pricing. Your CPA or provider will scope a specific number.
| Business size | Monthly range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| W-2 employee, standard deduction | $150–$300 | One-time fee; simplest engagement |
| W-2 + investments / itemized | $300–$600 | Schedule A, B, D; brokerage 1099s |
| Self-employed / Schedule C | $400–$1,200 | SE tax, home office, mileage, QBI |
| LLC / partnership (1065) | $900–$2,200 | K-1s, capital account tracking |
| S-Corp (1120-S) | $1,000–$2,500 | Reasonable comp, owner W-2, distributions |
| C-Corp (1120) | $1,500–$3,500+ | Federal + state; M-1/M-3 reconciliation |
What drives the price
Software comparison
DIY tools vs. hiring a pro
Software is cheaper up front, but the right pro typically pays for themselves through error prevention and tax savings.
| Software | Price | Best for | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| TurboTax | $0–$129 | Simple W-2 returns | Best DIY UX. Live CPA add-on $100–$400 more. |
| H&R Block | $0–$115 | Simple returns + in-person option | Hybrid software + retail locations. Audit support included. |
| TaxSlayer | $0–$70 | Self-employed on a budget | Schedule C support at lower price points than competitors. |
| FreeTaxUSA | $0–$8 | Confident DIY filers | Federal free; state $14.99. No hand-holding, but accurate. |
| CPA or EA | $200–$3,500 | Anyone with complexity or six-figure income | Real planning, audit representation, license-backed accuracy. |
By city
Find Tax Prep Cost by city
Houston, TX
Houston CPAs serve energy, healthcare, and the city's vast small-business community.
Dallas, TX
Dallas accounting firms anchor finance, real estate, and corporate headquarters across DFW.
Los Angeles, CA
LA's accountants specialize in entertainment, real estate, and creative-industry tax planning.
San Francisco, CA
San Francisco CPAs serve startups, venture-backed companies, and complex equity-comp clients.
New York City, NY
NYC's accountants cover Wall Street, media, real estate, hospitality, and the small businesses of all five boroughs.
Miami, FL
Miami's CPAs specialize in international tax, real estate, hospitality, and Latin American business.
Chicago, IL
Chicago accountants serve professional services, manufacturing, logistics, and the Midwest's largest corporate base.
Atlanta, GA
Atlanta's CPAs support film, fintech, logistics, and one of the country's most dynamic small-business scenes.
Boston, PA
Boston-area accountants serve life sciences, higher education, financial services, and innovation-economy startups.
Seattle, WA
Seattle CPAs serve tech, aerospace, and the Pacific Northwest's deep entrepreneurial bench.
Common questions
About tax preparation cost
How much should tax preparation cost for a W-2 employee?+
A straightforward W-2 return with itemized deductions typically runs $200–$400 with a CPA or EA. Chain preparers may charge $100–$250.
Why is self-employed tax prep more expensive?+
Schedule C requires profit/loss reconstruction, mileage and home-office calculations, and self-employment tax. More forms, more time, more expertise required.
What does a small business tax return cost?+
LLC/Schedule C: $400–$1,200. S-Corp (1120-S): $1,000–$2,500. C-Corp (1120): $1,500–$3,500+. Multi-state and franchise taxes add $100–$500 per state.
This information is general and does not constitute professional advice. Consult a licensed professional for guidance specific to your situation.