Tax Returns Cost - Buyer Experiences and Price Information

People seem to forget that different states require different fees, and different stock accounts require different amounts of time. Oregon, for example, has one of the most complicated state income tax regulations, and requires special state licensing, as well as testing and continuing education, for anyone who assists in the preparation of taxes (even the receptionist if they scan papers), while Texas has no individual income tax liability at all. Clearly the state which requires significantly more expenses for tax prepares is going to cost more.rnrnAlso, some stock accounts allow direct import, which drastically reduces the time and effort on the tax prep side, but others do not, and each individual stock sale must be reported individually. If you buy 100 shares of a stock and sell them off one at a time, there are 100 separate entries! rnrnAnd finally a CPA and a Tax Preparer, are not the same thing. That's like comparing a meter maid to a public notary, totally different worlds.

for most simple 1040 (w-2, interest, dividends, and itemized deductions I would charge about 150. I am just starting my own practice and working out of my home (the contractor getting the office ready has had some problems), I have been a CPA working in tax departments of national firms for 25 years. I think the most I billed for a 1040 while working in large firms was $20,000. I just quoted $1000 to someone with many rental properties and some self employed businesses. I also pointed out $800 in missed tax savings that his prior preparer (who charged 1,200. with the $800 missed that means his return cost him 2,000) had overlooked on the 2010 return. CPA, Never underestimate the value

I had to get Liberty Tx to do 3 yrs of Income Tax Returns which included Schedules for early w/draw from IRA's - Schedules A/B - Profit Loss - etc... plus State Returns due to having been hospitalized when all returns were due. The Tax Preparer was very knowledgeable - had to make sure all documents validated and backed up the figures because we were filing Admended Returns (the IRS & State had prepared my returns for me).

I think this was too much for a simple return. Next year, I will do it myself.

If you paid $340 for a standard return, you likely are including the fees for a loan or 'instant money'. (I noticed that was posted last year when 'instant money' was available) H&R Block requires all Tax Pros to go through 69 hours of classroom before ever sitting down with a client. They also require 24 hours of continuing education per year.
At our local H&R Block, you can get a 1040EZ for FREE and the state of IL for $49. Fees are based on the complexity, average is probably $129 to 250.
This year they are doing FREE 2nd looks and have found errors in 4 out of 5 returns prepared elsewhere.

Thsi firm prepared my complex return including a rental property and home mortgage for $275.00. Very Professional. Redondo Beach, Ca. Beach Cities Income Tax 310.540.3850

My small accounting firm has always charged reasonable rates. When my business was home-based, I charged from $75-$100 for an e-filed individual tax return. Now that I have been in an office outside of my home for the past three years, I charge slightly more, 890-$180, plus $20 e-file, corps (C & S) $540 + $45/hr if more than 3 hours to prepare and if forensic accounting is involved.

I am a business major and I prepare all level of returns. My fees are based on the complexity of each return and whether or not the client has understanding of what their role is as a taxpayer. Whether or not I have to act as a third-party (unlicensed) with regard to their return and the current state of their taxes. The base fee is for low income & a basic 1040A. The prices increase based on necessary Schedules, the clients organization of information and input. FYI most state do not require a license to prepare, and if the person or company you choose is unlicensed they cannot represent you in the event of an audit.

I would like to know if I can take my accountant to court because they sent the wrong address to the IRS? for my tax return

Not sure if I am paying too much, I did receive a sizeable return.

I paid $340.00 for a standard tax return, (earned income credit, Head of Household) and that is with a $100.00 discount!!!

I am a Tax Preparer who prepares retuns in addition to having a full time job. I charge a flat rate for basic returns. $125 for most clients and $65 for low income filers. This includes Sch A, B, D, EIC, Childcare and one state is included. I charge $50 extra (per rental or business) for Sch E & C. Generally the cost is $105 for most because I give out $20 coupons in the beginning of the year.

I am a CPA who prepares returns in addition to having a full time job. I charge based on complexity of return. Generally a straight forward return with Sch A, B and D and one state I will charge $125. If the return is less complec that that with no Sch A/D I will charge $75. If return has more complexity with a Sch C/E and pass through k-1s I will charge anywhere from $150-$300 depending on the amount of time necessary to complete the return and if research is necessary. I generally don't charge for a child's return.

Im am a self employed tax accountant in Illinois NW of Chicago, I find HnR block customers actually pay higher than a lot of smaller firms, and the error rate is very high, seems like hnr block has become a loan company My Accountant Inc, Woodstock, IL 815,219,0551 Kurtis

From an accountant and a self-employed tax preparer - First, do not, I repeat, do not let someone charge you more just because you got a larger refund. Getting a refund is the same as giving a cashier $20 for an item that costs $5. You get back $15 change. A refund on your tax return is simply the IRS giving you change for your overpayments.
Second - Do not let anyone prepare your return who cannot give you a quote or at least a ballpark price, and will stand behind that price. If you have any questions you can e-mail me at [email protected] and I will be happy to answer any questions I am able to.

H&R Block Charges Differ Between the amount of the return, for instance if your AGI is less than the Federal taxable income of 2008, which is currently $5,450 than the charges will be less usually between $80-$100. These charges are less because the amount of the return will be less, usually between $200-$300. For an average return of the AGI over the Federal taxable income, will cost slightly more between $120-$160. The boost in price is relative to the boost in the return usually ranging from $600-$1,100. The larger the return the larger the fees.

Tax preparer E-filed and prepared my 1040 return. This included itemizing, Sch. E, and installment sale reporting. Preparer is Joe Navarro (661)340-4873.

H&R BLOCK IS THE WORST PLACE TO HAVE YOUR TAXES DONE UNLESS YOU ARE JUST FILING A EZ1040 FORM. WHICH MOST PEOPLE CAN DO THEMSELVES. IF YOU FILE MORE FORMS THAN THAT--EVEN THOUGH YOU THINK ITS STRAIGHTFORWARD--LOOK IN THE IRS CODE BOOK THAT THE GOVERMENT CHANGES EVERY YR. H&R BLOCK EMPLOYEES ARE BASIC EDUCATED. PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS AND CPA'S ARE NOT YOUR BASIC EMPLOYEE. I SUGGEST YOU TAKE YOUR RETURN TO A REAL ACCOUNTANT TO REVIEW OVER YOUR RETURN FOR MISTAKES SINCE YOU HAVE RENTAL PROPERTY. H&R BLOCK COULD BE COSTING YOU MONEY AND YOU WOULD NOT EVEN KNOW IT. YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR. YOU WILL GET THE BEST SERVICE AT A SMALL FIRM. MAY COST ALITTLE MORE, BUT YOU WON'T BE JUST ANOTHER TAX RETURN FOR A EMPLOYEE TO DO THAT DOESN'T CARE. 300.00 ISNT BAD AT ALL--COST OF LIVING IS HIGHER IN CA--PLUS THEIR STATE RETURN IS MORE COMPLEX THAN ANY OTHER STATE RETURN EXCEPT MAYBE NEW YORK. IF I HAD RENTAL PROPERTY, STOCK SALES, BUSINESS EXPENSES, MY PRICE WOULD BE MORE IN THE 300 plus range- a good accountant will make time to study all options for you--which are many and believe me the government makes it hard for the normal person to know what they all are.

$300. sounds way too much for a simple tax return. The additional reporting for stocks and dividends is minimal. We spent less than $250 for filing 2 sets of returns for NJ and PA; we have stocks and rental property. This was with H&R Block. CPAs tend to be more pricey.

My CPA charges me $300 a year for my returns. I own some stock, have a fair number of work-related deductions, and have mortgage deductions. My accountant is a referral from a friend who works in a 2 person small office. I used to use a CPA in a fancy 10 person office in an expensive part of town, and they charged $475, and the results didn't seem any better (in fact, they complained a lot more and their admin kept losing my address).