How Much Does it Cost to File Taxes? Don't You Dare Forget the Deadline

Who likes doing taxes?

Honestly, no one. 

I've worked with 900+ small business owners, and I can tell you that tax season is a real headache for them. 

Paying taxes is something you have to do, but dealing with all those forms—1040, 1099, Schedule C—makes it feel even worse.

And doing it yourself?

That's enough to make anyone want to give up!

But what if I told you there's an easier, less stressful way to get through tax season?

You can hand it off to a tax expert who can handle your tax planning and filing. Now, I know what you're thinking—how much does it cost to file taxes?

Real Talk: It won't be free unless you have a friend or family member who's a tax expert. 

So, how much does it cost to hire a professional for tax help? Let's take a closer look.

And spoiler alert—if you're looking for the best option, Wishup starts at just $150 for filing tax. 

How Much Does it Cost to File Taxes? Understanding the Basics of Tax Preparation Costs

The IRS expects more than 140 million individual tax returns for tax year 2024 to be filed ahead of the Tuesday, April 15 federal deadline. 

More than half of taxpayers turn to a tax professional for help filing a tax return.

So, if you need one, Wishup tax professionals are armed with expertise, wit, and a whole lot of coffee – ready to tackle your financial challenges head-on.

Now, let’s talk numbers because when tax season rolls around, that’s all that seems to matter.

Some people get away with spending just a couple hundred bucks, while others shell out thousands. So, where do you fit in? Let’s break it down.

Personal Tax Filing Costs

How much does it cost to file taxes for an Individual?

For a typical taxpayer, the cost to do taxes starts at around $220 for a basic Form 1040 with a state return and no itemized deductions. That number is a starting point.

If you’re thinking, How much does filing taxes cost?

Remember that the average cost of filing taxes can range from $300 to $600 or more, depending on your situation.

But if you’re self-employed, have multiple income sources, or itemized deductions, you’ll pay $300 to $600+ or more, depending on:

• How complex your tax return is (multiple deductions, credits, or income sources)
• Where you live (some areas have higher rates)
• How your tax preparer charges (flat fee vs. hourly rates)

What Are Most Firms Charging?

According to the 2024 US Accounting and Tax Pricing Benchmark Report by Ignition.

• Almost half (49%) of tax firms charge $400 to $799 for personal tax returns.
• Around 17% of firms charge less than $400 (a rare find).
• Large firms (making $1.4M+ per year) typically charge $1,200 to $1,500 for basic returns.
• High-revenue firms (earning $3.5M+ annually) can charge anywhere from $600 to over $1,500.

And heads up, 90% of tax firms plan to increase their prices in 2025, with many bumping them up by 5% to 10%.

Here’s the game-changer: Wishup offers tax filing starting at just $150. There are no hidden fees, no surprise charges—just straightforward pricing.

Business Tax Filing Costs

Running a business? Be prepared to spend more cost to file taxes.

• 31% of firms charge $1,000 to $1,499 for business tax returns.
• 26% charge $1,500 to $1,999 per year.
• Larger firms with annual revenues of $3.5M+ often charge $2,500 or more, with some hitting the $3,000+ range.

And just like personal tax preparation, business tax filing costs are on the rise—87% of firms plan to hike their fees in 2025.

End Your Tax Filing Nightmares for Just $150 with Wishup Tax Professionals.

How Tax Preparers Charge: The Four Approaches for Tax Preparation Costs

How much does it cost to get taxes done?

Tax professionals use a few different methods to bill their clients:

• Hourly Billing: You pay for each hour of work. Rates vary, but you get charged based on the time spent.
• Fixed Fees: The fee is set before the work begins, often based on an estimate of how long or how complex the task will be.
• Value Pricing: You’re charged based on the maximum you’re willing to pay for a particular service.
• Value Billing: The invoice might be adjusted up or down after the work is completed, reflecting the actual value provided.

Knowing which method your tax preparer uses can help you better plan and compare the cost of filing taxes with different service providers.

What is the Average Cost of Filing Taxes by Form and Service

For a detailed look at what you might be paying as tax preparation cost, here’s a snapshot of average costs of filing taxes per tax form and hourly fees as reported by an industry survey:

These figures give you a baseline for what various forms typically cost to file taxes. Whether you’re filing as a business or dealing with personal returns, these numbers help you anticipate expenses.

Watch Out for Extra Charges When Filing Taxes

Tax preparers might throw in additional fees beyond the standard form or hourly rates.

Here are some typical extra cost to file taxes charged by tax professionals.

• Disorganized or Incomplete Files: An extra $166 could be added as the cost to file taxes if your records aren’t in order.
• File Extensions: Expect about $56 for filing extensions.
• Non-Current Year Preparations: A retainer of around $377 may be charged if you’re dealing with previous years’ returns.
• IRS Audits: A hefty retainer of $902 might be required if an audit is anticipated.
• Expedited Returns: Speeding up the process could cost you an additional $136.

By understanding these potential costs to file taxes upfront, you can better prepare your budget and avoid surprise fees during tax season.

End Your Tax Filing Nightmares for Just $150 with Wishup Tax Professionals.

Tips to Consider When Choosing a Tax Return Professional

Hiring the right tax preparer isn't something you want to rush into.

Before you hand over your paperwork, it's important to know who you're trusting with your information and ask the right questions to make sure they're a good fit.

However, it's also important to note that you are responsible for everything, regardless of who completes your tax return.

That's right.

If something goes wrong, you're the one who'll be responsible. So, take the time to choose carefully. It could save you a lot of headaches down the road.

Here are a few tips to take note of when choosing a tax return preparer:

1. When hiring a tax preparer, contact a person who is available year-round. In case you need to contact the preparer after the tax filing season ends.
2. Review the tax preparer's history, including disciplinary actions and license status.

• For CPAs, visit the State Board of Accountancy's website.
• For attorneys, check the State Bar Association's website.
• For enrolled agents, go to IRS.gov and search for "verify enrolled agent status" or check the IRS Directory of Federal Tax Return Preparers.

3. Avoid preparers who base fees on a percentage of your refund.
4. Do not hire preparers who offer to deposit your refund into their accounts, and be cautious of preparers who claim they can get larger refunds than competitors.
5. Never sign an incomplete or blank return. Review it before signing.
6. Do not hire a tax preparer who e-files a tax return using a pay stub instead of a Form W-2. It is against IRS e-file rules.

Why Paying for a Tax Professional is Worth It

Sure, you could file your taxes by yourself, but mistakes in tax filing are costly—missed deductions, IRS penalties, and the risk of audits. Plus, the time spent figuring it all out? You could use that time to focus on growing your business.

That’s why so many business owners choose to outsource tax filing.

Instead of dealing with the stress, they hire experts who file their taxes and help them stay organized year-round.

How Can Wishup 's Tax Professional Help You File Taxes?

Oh, Let Us Count the Ways

Straight From the Pros

Our experts have worked with the big guns (think Google, Deloitte, American Express). Now ready to work for you.

No Surprises

What you see is what you pay. No hidden fees, no gimmicks.

Custom Fit

Your business isn’t cookie-cutter, and neither are our solutions. Tailored for you, whether you're a startup or an enterprise giant.

Curious? We're Just a Call Away

Not sure how to start?

We love curious minds.

We're here to clear the fog around how we can save you time, money, and headaches. 

Call us at +1929-356-7029 or schedule a free consultation and get $100 off on your first hire.

Decisions are hard, but this one’s easy. Let's get started!

Final Thoughts: Make an Informed Decision on the Cost of Filing Taxes

Ultimately, knowing how much it costs to file taxes helps you plan better and choose the right professional for your needs.

To plan your tax season effectively, ask the right questions, understand the fee structures, and be aware of additional charges.

Make the Smart Call.

Don’t let taxes and messy books spook you anymore.