Pricing
Consumer Reports has a good article about choosing a preparer and the difficulty in trying to get a firm price quote. I've found the best approach is for me to look at last year's return and let you know what I would have charged. This year might be more or less, but at least you have a reasonable approximation of what to expect. In reality, almost no one has the same situation, so comparing how much you pay compared to someone else is pointless. My goal is to be fair to both you and to my business.
I pride myself on providing quality and service. To do that, I charge fees that are inline with the California average for independent preparers as published in annual fee studies performed by the National Association of Tax Professionals (NATP) and the National Society of Accountants (NSA). I'm more expensive than some preparers, less expensive than others, but I'm good, I'm experienced, and I'll do the best I can for you. I'm also available all year long. I generally respond to followup emails and questions without additional charges, unless they become excessive or require research.
For information only and to give you a ballpark idea of what you might be looking at, here are the average prices charged for various returns a few years ago by California-based preparers. (Source: NSA 2018-2019 Income & Fees Study)
California-based preparers, according to the study, charge higher rates than the rest of the nation. Looking at my typical charges, my fees are closer to the national average instead of the California average. As a general rule, you should assume I won't charge less than the lower of either average.
The IRS has very strict due diligence standards which need to be followed to ensure returns are complete and accurate. Again, if you're concerned about price, the best thing to do is have me review last year's return.
I pride myself on providing quality and service. To do that, I charge fees that are inline with the California average for independent preparers as published in annual fee studies performed by the National Association of Tax Professionals (NATP) and the National Society of Accountants (NSA). I'm more expensive than some preparers, less expensive than others, but I'm good, I'm experienced, and I'll do the best I can for you. I'm also available all year long. I generally respond to followup emails and questions without additional charges, unless they become excessive or require research.
For information only and to give you a ballpark idea of what you might be looking at, here are the average prices charged for various returns a few years ago by California-based preparers. (Source: NSA 2018-2019 Income & Fees Study)
- Form 1040 (Not Itemized & State return) - $216 for CA; national average is $188
- Form 1040 (Itemized (Schedule A) & State Return) - $343 for CA; national average is $294
- Form 1040 (Business Income (Schedule C), Not Itemized, & State Return) - national average is $xxx
- Form 8962 - $62 for CA; national average is $57
- Form 8965 (Health Coverage Exemptions) - $56 for CA; national average is $49
- Form 1095-A (Health Insurance Marketplace Statement) - $44 for CA; national average is $52
- Shared Responsibility Payment Calculation - $57 for CA; national average is $56
- Schedule C - $190 for CA; national average is $187
- Schedule D/Form 8949 (Gains & Losses) - $118 for CA; national average is $109
- Schedule E - $150 for CA; national average is $136
- Form 1041 (trusts) - $705 for CA; national average is $508
- Form 1065 (partnerships) - $769 for CA; national average is $670
- Form 1120S (S-Corporations) - $915 for CA; national average is $807
- For 1120 (C-Corporatons) - $942 for CA; national average is $851
California-based preparers, according to the study, charge higher rates than the rest of the nation. Looking at my typical charges, my fees are closer to the national average instead of the California average. As a general rule, you should assume I won't charge less than the lower of either average.
The IRS has very strict due diligence standards which need to be followed to ensure returns are complete and accurate. Again, if you're concerned about price, the best thing to do is have me review last year's return.