Quick answer: Professional tax preparation for a basic individual return averaged $236 in the 2025 fee study by the National Association of Tax Professionals (NATP). Itemized deductions, investments, a business or rentals and each state return add to that, and business returns are priced separately, with an average minimum fee of $634.
“How much will my taxes cost?” is usually the first question new clients ask. The honest answer depends on what is in your return, so this guide shows the averages, what pushes the price up and how to keep it down.
Average tax preparation fees in 2026
NATP surveys tax professionals every two years. Its 2025 fee study is the most recent national data going into the 2026 filing season.
- Basic individual return: $236 on average, with the middle half of preparers charging $150 to $328
- Itemized deductions (Schedule A): about $59 more
- Investment sales (Schedule D): about $69 more
- Self employment income (Schedule C): about $123 to $135 more
- Business returns: an average minimum fee of $634, plus charges for complexity
Prices are rising. NATP found 83% of preparers raise fees every one to two years, usually by 6% to 10%, and fees in larger communities run higher than in small towns.
Cost by type of return
| Your return | What drives the price |
|---|---|
| W-2 income, standard deduction | Usually the base fee only, plus a state return |
| Homeowner who itemizes | Schedule A for mortgage interest, property tax and gifts |
| Investor | Schedule D, with more time for many trades or crypto |
| Freelancer or single member LLC | Schedule C, home office, vehicle and estimated taxes |
| Landlord | Schedule E per property, plus depreciation |
| S corp, partnership or C corp | A separate business return (Form 1120-S, 1065 or 1120), K-1s and a state return |
Our own returns start at $295 for individual federal and state returns and $795 for business returns. We confirm your price before any work begins. See our pricing page.
What affects the price
- The forms involved. Each schedule, state and extra form adds time
- Business and rental activity. Each property and business needs its own income, expenses and depreciation
- More than one state. Living in Virginia and working or owning property in DC or Maryland can mean more than one return. See our DMV multi state tax guide
- How organized your records are. Clean books and complete documents save time
- Past problems. Unfiled years or IRS notices take extra work
- Timing. Documents that arrive the week of the deadline may mean an extension
How tax preparers charge
Who prepares returns, and what each costs
NATP also breaks down the average basic return fee by the preparer's credential:
| Preparer type | Average basic return fee (2025) |
|---|---|
| Preparer with no IRS designation | $186 |
| IRS Annual Filing Season Program participant | $184 |
| Enrolled agent (licensed by the IRS) | $228 |
| Certified public accountant (licensed by a state) | $280 |
Every paid preparer must have a preparer tax identification number (PTIN) and sign your return. Credentials matter most if you may need someone to represent you before the IRS later.
Free and low cost options
- IRS Free File: free guided software for taxpayers under an income limit the IRS sets each year
- VITA: free IRS sponsored volunteer help, generally for taxpayers with moderate incomes, people with disabilities and limited English speakers
- Paid software: often under $100 for a simple return, more for business or rental schedules
- IRS Direct File: no longer available. It was discontinued before the 2026 filing season
Software works well for simple returns. Paying a professional tends to make sense once you have a business, rentals, several states or a notice from the IRS.
What business tax preparation includes
A business return is more than a form. A good preparer will:
- Review the year's books and make year end adjustments
- Prepare the federal return and owner K-1s
- Prepare the Virginia return, plus any other states
- Check owner salary, distributions and estimated payments
- Flag ideas to lower next year's tax
The biggest swing in business fees is the condition of the books. A return built from reconciled monthly books takes far less time than one built from bank statements.
→Related guideBookkeeper vs Accountant: What Each Does and How Much It CostsWhy clean monthly books are the cheapest way to lower your tax prep bill.Extra charges to ask about
- Each state or local return
- Filing an extension
- Amended returns for past years
- Bookkeeping cleanup before a business return
- Responding to an IRS or state notice after filing
- Refund transfer or “pay from your refund” fees at some storefront chains
Tip: Ask for the quote in writing, with what is included and what costs extra. A clear quote up front avoids surprises in April.
Are tax preparation fees deductible?
- Business owners: the part of the fee for Schedule C, Schedule E, Schedule F or a business return is a deductible business expense
- Individuals: fees for the personal part of a return are no longer deductible, a change made permanent by the 2025 tax law
Ask your preparer to split the invoice between business and personal work so the business share is easy to claim.
How to lower your tax prep bill
- Keep your bookkeeping current all year so your numbers are ready
- Gather every W-2, 1099, 1098 and K-1 before your appointment
- List what changed this year, such as a move, new job, home purchase or new business
- Answer questions quickly so your return is not delayed
- Book early, before the March and April rush
Our tax deadline calendar shows every due date.
Is the cheapest preparer the best?
A low price makes sense for a simple return. For business owners, landlords and anyone with changing income, a missed deduction or filing error can cost more than the fee.
Look for someone who asks good questions, reviews last year's return and is available if a notice arrives. Walk away from anyone who bases the fee on the size of your refund or will not sign the return.
→Related guideBehind on filing? Unfiled returns and penalties explainedWhat it costs to catch up and how penalties add up.Tax preparation cost FAQs
How much does it cost to have your taxes done in 2026?
For a basic individual return, the 2025 NATP fee study found an average of $236, with the middle half of preparers charging $150 to $328. Itemized deductions, investments, a side business, rentals and state returns each add to that.
How much does it cost to file an S corp tax return?
An S corp return (Form 1120-S) is priced separately from your personal return and usually costs several times more, because it includes owner K-1s, a Virginia return and a review of the books. NATP found business returns carry an average minimum fee of $634. Our business returns start at $795.
How much does a tax preparer charge per hour?
Only about 7% of preparers bill by the hour, according to NATP. Their average was $182 an hour in 2025, and half charged between $129 and $250.
How much does it cost to file a state tax return?
Many preparers charge for each state return on top of the federal return. If you live in Virginia and also have income in DC or Maryland, you may need more than one state return.
Why did my tax preparation fee go up?
Either your return changed, for example a new rental, business or move, or the preparer raised prices. NATP reports that most preparers raise fees every one to two years, usually by 6% to 10%.
Can I deduct tax preparation fees?
The share of the fee for business schedules or a business return is a deductible business expense. Fees for the personal part of your return are no longer deductible for individuals.
Is it worth paying someone to do my taxes?
If you only have W-2 income and take the standard deduction, software or a free program is often enough. Paying a professional tends to be worth it once you have a business, rentals, more than one state or an IRS notice.
How much does it cost to file back taxes or an amended return?
Each unfiled year is usually priced like a regular return, plus time to rebuild missing records. Amended returns are typically quoted separately. Ask for a quote per year before work starts.
Get a clear quote
We prepare individual and business returns for clients in Ashburn and across Northern Virginia, DC and Maryland, and offer year round tax planning. Tell us about your situation and we will confirm your price before we start.
This article is general information and not tax advice for your situation. Tax rules change, so talk with a qualified professional before making decisions.
