Tax preparation costs $150 to $800 per return in 2026
Tax preparation costs $150 to $800 per return in 2026 for most people. NerdWallet cites a survey where preparers expected to charge $251 for a basic Form 1040 and $298 for an itemized one. The Pricer lists enrolled agents at $150 to $500 and CPAs at $200 to $800 or more. Business and investment returns cost more. Forbes says small business returns can pass $900.
What price guides say
We checked 3 price guides and read every number on their pages on October 7, 2026. They do not all measure the same thing, so read each line for what it counts.
| Source | What it found |
|---|---|
| NerdWallet | NerdWallet cites a 2023 Drake Software survey where preparers expected to charge an average of $251 for a basic Form 1040 and $298 for an itemized one. |
| Forbes | Forbes lists hourly tax help at $189 in small areas and $209 in larger ones, and says small business returns can stretch to $900 and above. |
| The Pricer | The Pricer lists enrolled agents at $150 to $500, CPAs at $200 to $800 or more, and says a basic return with state starts near $220. |
Tax preparation prices by type
| Type of help | Price | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Form 1040 | $251 | NerdWallet |
| Itemized Form 1040 | $298 | NerdWallet |
| Enrolled agent | $150 to $500 | The Pricer |
| CPA | $200 to $800 or more | The Pricer |
| Basic return with state return | Starts near $220 | The Pricer |
| Itemized return | $300 to $600 or more | The Pricer |
| Complex business or investment return | $1,500 or more | The Pricer |
| Hourly help in a large area | $209 an hour | Forbes |
Every number in this table was read on one of the source pages listed at the bottom of this page.
What pushes the price up
| What | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Type of preparer | The Pricer lists enrolled agents at $150 to $500 and CPAs at $200 to $800 or more, so the kind of pro you hire changes the price. |
| Return complexity | A basic Form 1040 costs less than an itemized one. NerdWallet cites $251 for basic and $298 for itemized in a preparer survey. |
| Forms and schedules | Many preparers charge per form or add fees for each schedule, so more forms mean a higher bill. |
| Business or investment income | Self-employment, rentals, and stock sales add work. Forbes says small business returns can easily reach $900 and above. |
| Where you live | Forbes lists hourly tax help at $189 in small areas and $209 in larger ones, so big city rates run higher. |
What the price includes
The fee normally covers preparing and e-filing your federal return. A state return is often extra. Some preparers include a review call or basic questions after you file. Audit help, back year returns, and amended returns cost extra. Ask what the quote covers before you hand over your papers. It does not include tax or extras the provider adds on the day.
Who charges this and how it is billed
Tax help comes from CPAs, enrolled agents, chain stores, and small local preparers. NerdWallet says most use one of two plans. Some charge a minimum fee and add more for each hard part of your return. Others charge a set price per form and schedule. Some pros bill by the hour instead. Many ask you to pay when they finish, and some take the fee out of your refund for an added charge. NerdWallet says to avoid anyone who bases the fee on the size of your refund.
When you need this
Hire a preparer when your return has more than a simple W-2. Common reasons are a small business, rental income, stock sales, a new home, or a big life change. You may also want a pro if you got an IRS notice or missed past years. If your return is simple, free filing or software may be enough.
How to judge your quote
- Ask if the fee is flat, per form, or hourly.
- Ask if the state return is in the price.
- Ask what happens if you get a notice from the IRS.
- Walk away if the fee depends on your refund.
- Compare the total with the range above: $150 to $800 per return for most people in 2026.
Ways to pay less
- Use free filing if you qualify. The Pricer notes IRS Free File covers adjusted gross income under $73,000 for single filers.
- Try VITA free help. The Pricer lists VITA and Tax Counseling for the Elderly as free options for people who qualify.
- Bring your papers in order. Organized W-2s, 1099s, and receipts cut prep time, and many preparers charge by the form or by the hour.
- Skip preparers who charge by refund size. NerdWallet lists this as a red flag, so choose a flat fee or per form price.
- Ask for the price up front. NerdWallet warns about preparers who will not share their fees before they start.
How we got these numbers
The range on this page comes from NerdWallet, Forbes and The Pricer. We opened each source page and read every number on it on October 7, 2026. Where the sources disagree, the table above shows each one so you can see the spread. These are planning ranges, not quotes. The written price you are given is the real price.
Common questions
How much does it cost to have someone do your taxes?
NerdWallet cites an average of $251 for a basic Form 1040 and $298 for an itemized one. The Pricer lists CPAs at $200 to $800 or more.
How much does a CPA charge for taxes?
The Pricer lists CPAs at $200 to $800 or more. Forbes lists hourly tax help at $189 to $209.
Is it cheaper to use an enrolled agent?
Often yes. The Pricer lists enrolled agents at $150 to $500, while CPAs run $200 to $800 or more.
Can I file my taxes for free?
Maybe. The Pricer notes IRS Free File is open to filers with adjusted gross income under $73,000 for single filers. VITA also gives free help to people who qualify.
How much does a business tax return cost?
Forbes says small business returns can easily reach $900 and above. The Pricer says complex returns can pass $1,500.