How Much Does It Cost to Get Your Taxes Done? (2026 Prices)

Straight answer: having a professional prepare a simple federal return cost an average of $236 in the most recent industry study, with most preparers charging between $150 and $328 — and every added form (itemizing, a side business, a rental, another state) adds to that. Many people with incomes under roughly $70,000–$89,000 can file completely free.

Below are the real survey numbers, what drives your price up or down, and how to get an accurate quote before you commit.

How much do tax preparers charge for each type of return?

Most independent preparers price the way a mechanic does: a base fee for the return, then add-ons for each form. Here's what the two largest professional surveys found. Note the data years — these are the most recent published editions as of October 2026, and fees for the 2027 filing season will likely run a bit higher.

Return / add-on	What the survey found	Source and data year
Simple Form 1040 (standard deduction, Schedules 1–3)	Average $236; middle half $150–$328	NATP Fee Study, 2025
Add Schedule A (itemized deductions)	Add-on averages roughly $59	NATP Fee Study, 2025
Itemized Form 1040, all-in	Average $300–$600	NSA Income and Fees Survey, 2024
Add Schedule D (investments, stock sales)	Add-on averages roughly $69	NATP Fee Study, 2025
Add Schedule C (self-employed / 1099 income)	Priced as a separate add-on; often a few hundred dollars, more with messy records	NATP Fee Study, 2025
Add Schedule E (rental property)	Priced as a separate add-on, often per property	NATP Fee Study, 2025
State return(s)	54% of preparers charge separately; each extra state usually adds another fee	NATP Fee Study, 2025
Business return (Form 1120)	Average $750–$1,250	NSA Income and Fees Survey, 2024
Business returns, minimum fee	Average minimum $634; middle half $350–$850	NATP Fee Study, 2025
Hourly billing (7% of preparers)	Average $182/hour; middle half $129–$250	NATP Fee Study, 2025

Sources: NATP 2025 Fee Study highlights, NATP media highlights, NSA 2024 Profit and Practice Report summary, and Accounting Today's coverage of the NATP study.

Putting it together: a W-2 earner who itemizes and sold some stock might pay around $350–$400 at an average independent shop. A freelancer with a Schedule C, a rental, and a state return will usually land well above that base fee, since each schedule and state is priced separately. S-corporation (1120-S) and partnership (1065) returns are priced like other business returns — usually several hundred dollars at minimum and often $1,000+ when the books need work. That business return is separate from the owner's personal 1040, so business owners pay for both.

What do CPAs, enrolled agents, and other preparers charge — and what can each do?

Anyone with a PTIN from the IRS can legally prepare returns for pay. What differs is training, oversight, and whether they can stand up for you if the IRS comes back with questions.

• CPAs — NATP's 2025 base 1040 average: $280. State-licensed, unlimited IRS representation rights. Best fit for complex business, multi-entity, or planning-heavy situations.
• Enrolled agents (EAs) — average $228. Federally licensed by the IRS specifically in tax, with the same unlimited representation rights as CPAs and attorneys. Often the best value for individuals, self-employed filers, and small businesses.
• Annual Filing Season Program (AFSP) participants — average $184. Unlicensed but completed voluntary IRS continuing education. They can represent you only on returns they prepared and signed, and only before revenue agents and customer service staff — not in collections or appeals.
• Preparers with no designation — average $186. PTIN only. They can't represent you before the IRS at all on current-year returns.
• National chains and full-service software tiers — advertised starting prices for simple returns in the 2026 season were in the roughly $89–$150 range, climbing as forms are added (GOBankingRates, January 2026). Your preparer may be a seasonal employee, so ask about credentials.
• Tax attorneys — usually reserved for disputes, criminal exposure, or Tax Court, not routine prep.

The IRS spells out these representation rules on its preparer credentials page. If you think you might face an audit or have back-tax issues, the extra $40–$100 for a credentialed preparer is cheap insurance. For a fuller comparison, see who to hire: relief company vs. EA vs. attorney vs. DIY.

How much does tax software cost — and is "free" really free?

DIY software is cheaper than a preparer, but the advertised "$0" covers only the simplest returns. In the 2026 season, published prices for paid federal tiers ran roughly $35 to $140, with state returns often billed separately (commonly around $40–$60 each), and live-expert add-ons costing more on top (GOBankingRates, January 2026). Prices change every season, so treat these as ballpark.

The upsell trap works like this: you start free, then hit a screen for a 1099, a student loan interest form, a health insurance marketplace form, or a stock sale — and you're prompted to upgrade. By the time you file, a "free" return can cost $100–$200 with the state included. That's still often less than a preparer, but go in knowing it.

Who can get their taxes done for free?

Check these before paying anyone — including us:

• IRS Free File — For the 2026 filing season, free guided software from IRS partner companies for filers with AGI of $89,000 or less; each partner sets its own extra rules (IRS Free File). The IRS normally confirms next season's limit around January.
• Free File Fillable Forms — free electronic forms at any income, but no guidance; best if you're comfortable doing your own math.
• VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) — free, IRS-certified volunteer preparation for people who generally make about $70,000 or less, people with disabilities, and limited-English speakers (IRS VITA/TCE page).
• TCE (Tax Counseling for the Elderly) — free help focused on taxpayers 60 and older, especially pension and retirement questions.

One change to know: IRS Direct File was not offered for the 2026 season, so don't count on it. More on free help options in our guide to VITA, LITC, and the Taxpayer Advocate.

Why do tax prep quotes vary so much?

NATP's 2025 study found the top factor preparers weigh when setting a price is the complexity of your tax situation (94% of respondents), followed by time and effort (83%). In practice, that means:

• Number of forms. Each schedule — itemizing, investments, business, rental, education credits, marketplace health insurance — is another line item.
• State returns. Moved mid-year, work in one state and live in another, or own a rental across state lines? Each state is usually its own fee.
• Record quality. NSA's 2024 survey found 67% of firms charge extra for disorganized or incomplete files, averaging $100–$200. A shoebox of receipts costs more than a clean spreadsheet — see how to sort out a messy 1099 year.
• Prior-year problems. Unfiled years, amended returns, or IRS notices add work. Back years are usually quoted per return — see our back taxes help.
• Bookkeeping. If a business preparer has to reconstruct your books before doing the return, that's bookkeeping time, billed separately or folded into a higher fee.
• Location and credentials. NATP found base 1040 fees averaged $233 in communities of 50,000+ versus $185 in places under 10,000.

Also expect gradual increases: in the same study, 83% of preparers raise fees every one to two years, typically by 6–10%.

What are the red flags when choosing a tax preparer?

The IRS's guide to choosing a tax professional lists warning signs. Walk away if a preparer:

• Charges a percentage of your refund. A legitimate fee is based on the work, not the size of your refund.
• Won't sign the return. Paid preparers are required to sign and include their PTIN. "Ghost preparers" who leave it blank can disappear with your money — and leave you holding any errors.
• Has no PTIN. Every paid preparer must have one. Ask for it.
• Wants your refund deposited into their account. Your refund should go to you.
• Promises a bigger refund than anyone else before seeing your documents.
• Asks you to sign a blank or incomplete return.

Are tax preparation fees deductible?

For most people, no. The miscellaneous itemized deduction that covered prep fees was suspended from 2018 through 2025, and the 2025 tax law made that elimination permanent. The exception: if you're self-employed, the portion of the fee for preparing your Schedule C (and generally your rental or farm schedules) is a deductible business expense. Ask your preparer to break the invoice out so the business portion is clear. More write-offs freelancers miss are in self-employed deductions most people miss.

How do I get an accurate tax prep quote?

Most preparers can give you a firm number in a short call if you bring the right information:

1. Last year's return. It shows exactly which forms you filed — the single fastest way to price your return.
2. What changed this year. New job, side business, home sale, marriage, move, new child, stock sales, crypto.
3. Your document list. Use our tax documents checklist so nothing surprises the preparer (or your bill).
4. State situation. Every state where you lived, worked, or own property.
5. Any open IRS issues. Notices, unfiled years, balances owed.

Then ask: Is this a flat fee or hourly? What's included — state returns, e-filing, questions after filing, audit support? What would make the price go up? Get the answer in writing.

Timing matters too. Preparers' calendars fill fast once the season opens — see when tax season starts in 2027 — and this year's law changes are covered in 2026 tax changes: brackets and standard deduction.

The bottom line

If your income qualifies, start with Free File or VITA — they're genuinely free. If not, a simple professionally prepared return averages a little over $200, a typical itemized or investment return runs about $300–$600, and self-employment, rentals, extra states, and business entities each push the price higher. Pay for a credentialed preparer when your return is complex or you might need someone to represent you later.

If you'd like a straight quote before committing, book a free consultation. We'll look at what you actually need — whether that's individual tax preparation, business returns, or just a pointer to a free option you qualify for.