Tax Preparation Prices and Fees

Tax professionals use a variety of methods for setting prices for tax preparation services. As a result, finding out what's a fair price to pay often proves difficult. The only general conclusion I've come to is that the price for tax preparation services increases depending upon the complexity of the tax return.

Pricing Methods Used by Tax Preparers

Tax professional use a variety of different methods to set prices. In a study conducted by the National Association of Tax Professionals, pricing methods include:

• A set fee for each tax form or schedule,
• A fee based on last year's fee plus an additional fee for any changes in a client's tax situation,
• A minimum tax return fee, plus an additional fee based on the complexity of the client's situation,
• A value-based fee based on the subjective value of the tax preparation service,
• An hourly rate for time spent preparing the tax return, and
• A set fee for each item of data entry.

Fee structures are decided by each firm. So if you are comparing different tax professionals, you'll want to ask how they determine their prices, and what they estimate your tax preparation service might cost. But because of per-item, per-form, or per-hourly rates, it might be impractical for an accountant to provide you with an accurate price quote. Accordingly, you'll want to ask accountants for a likely price range for your tax return.

Average Prices for Tax Preparation Fees

The National Society of Accountants in their 2012 fee study reports the following average prices charged by their members:

• Average for 1040 with Schedule A and state return: $246
• Average for 1040 with state return with no itemized deductions: $143

Average Prices at Franchised Tax Offices

• H&R Block: $192 per return (average, 2012 data)
• Liberty Tax Service: $173 per return (average, 2012 data)

Jackson Hewitt, also a nation-wide chain, did not disclose their average fees.

The fees charged by the chains and as reported by the National Society of Accountants are fairly similar. So these average prices may represent a sort of range for average prices charged.

Find Out What's Included in the Tax Preparation Fee

To help you determine if your tax preparation fee is appropriate, be sure to ask the accountant exactly what's included in the fee. Do they charge extra for electronic filing? Do they charge extra if you need a copy of your tax return later in the year? Does the fee include a tax consultation or planning meeting where you can ask questions and received advice on how to minimize your taxes?

Some firms, especially the franchise chains, charge an extra fee for audit protection. This is basically a way to prepay for any costs associated with an audit of your tax return. So you should ask the accountant how they charge in case your return is audited, or if they will correct any mistakes they make free of charge.

Additionally, find out how the accountant will charge if you call up later in the year to ask a tax question, or need copies of your documents, or need to respond to a letter from the IRS.

How to Negotiate a Fair Price

You are entitled to ask your accountant for a price quote or an estimate in writing, before the tax preparation begins. You can also ask your accountant to let you know, in advance, before the fee exceeds your budgeted amount.

If you are searching for the lowest price, the best thing to do is call various tax preparation firms and get a feel for their price ranges. The business might not be able to give you an exact price quote, but they should be able to quote you either an average price or a price range for your tax situation.

Some firms will charge higher prices during their busiest days. The weeks just after W-2 forms are mailed out, and the weeks just before the April 15th deadline are busiest. You may be able to obtain a lower price quote during a less busy part of the season.

Additionally, it's easier to negotiate prices up front before work has begun on the tax return than after all the work as been completed. If you're on a budget, you may want to negotiate a flat fee for your tax preparation. Be sure to discuss your budget upfront with your accountant to see what they are able to do.

Inappropriate Pricing Methods

While tax accountants employ a variety of pricing mechanisms, there are some pricing models that are illegal and prohibited by regulations issued by the US Treasury Department. As a general rule, tax professionals are prohibited from charging "an unconscionable fee" for providing tax services. Further, tax professionals are prohibited from charging a fee that's based on any information contained in the tax return. The most common example is a fee that's based on a percentage of your tax refund. Tax preparers are also prohibited from charging contingent fees except in certain limited circumstances.

Additionally, you should be wary of a tax preparation fee that is much higher than normal. Exorbitant fees can be an early indicator that your tax preparer is engaging in fraudulent activities. Several cases of fraud have involved tax preparers taking inappropriate deductions and tax credits and charging large fees to their clients. If your invoice is much higher than you anticipated, be sure to ask your accountant how the fees were determined.

What to Do in the Case of a Price Dispute?

Inevitably, clients and tax accountants might disagree over the appropriate price of tax preparation service. You should be aware that regulations issued by the Treasury Department protect the client in fee disputes. Client are always entitled to receive their original tax documents back from their accountant, even if the fee hasn't been paid. By the same token, accountants can keep any forms, schedules and documents they have prepared themselves.

Sources

• National Association of Tax Professionals, 2010 Fee Study, publicly available sample in pdf format.
• National Society of Accountants, 2012 Fee Study, publicly available summary of the report, Word document format.
• H&R Block, average fees from 2012 Annual Report to Shareholders.
• Liberty Tax Service, average fees for 2012, from 2012 Annual Report to Shareholders, pdf format.
• Treasury Department, Circular 230, sections 10.27 and 10.28, pdf format.