Christopher Ozdarski, CPA

Are you afraid to call me for help with preparing your personal income tax returns because you are afraid of sticker shock?    Or maybe you think I don’t want to deal with non-business tax returns?  Well, let’s clear some of that up.

I prepare many individual tax returns each year and I’m happy to do more.  Like most CPAs, I charge an hourly rate for my services as opposed to a flat rate or “per form” fees.  This can make it difficult to quote a price because I don’t know how much work you need done.  But I can tell you this – for the average Individual Tax Return I rarely charge more that what you’d pay at a non-CPA tax preparation service (HR Blockheads and the like).  Consider the following:

• For W-2 wage earners with minimal investment activity and a Schedule A (itemized deductions) – I prepare a lot of returns in the $150-$250 range.
• Similar price range for retired individuals with pension/IRA/social security income and possibly eligible for several credits or extra deductions.
• Add a rental property or a self-employed side business and you can be in the $250-$350 range if you are organized and the activity is minimal.  And some of that you’ll likely get back when you take a tax deduction for my fees.
• Full-time self-employed… now it can get complicated.  More the reason to hire a CPA for assistance.

Every situation is different, but with a ballooning tax code that is more complicated than at any time in history it is a good time to consider professional tax help if you haven’t already.  Contact me to discuss your specific needs.

Christopher