Tax season doesn’t have to feel like a maze of confusing forms and unexpected fees. If you’re a small business owner, freelancer, or landlord, hiring a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) can bring peace of mind—and accuracy—to your tax filing process. But how much does it really cost to hire a CPA in 2025? The answer depends on a few factors including your business structure, income sources, location, and how organized your records are.
In this guide, we break down everything you need to know about CPA pricing, what affects it, how to keep costs low, and why hiring a trusted firm like eSmart Accountants is often the smartest investment.
What’s the Average Cost to Hire a CPA for Tax Prep?
Here’s a breakdown of national averages in 2025 for CPA-prepared tax filings in the U.S. based on data from the National Society of Accountants:
- Form 1040 + State Return: $220 – $450
- Form 1040 + Schedule C: $400 – $650
- Form 1065 (Partnership): $700 – $1,200
- Form 1120 (C Corporation): $900 – $2,500
- Form 1120S (S Corporation): $800 – $2,000
- Additional Schedules (E, F, K-1, etc.): +$150–$500 each
At eSmart Accountants, our tax filing services are bundled into monthly packages, making pricing predictable and affordable.
Explore our Tax Management Services for more.
What Affects the Cost of Hiring a CPA?
1. Complexity of Your Return
If you have multiple income sources, dependents, or deductible expenses, your CPA will need more time to organize and report everything properly. More complexity = higher costs.
2. Business Entity Type
A freelancer filing Schedule C will pay less than an S Corp filing a full Form 1120S with K-1s for shareholders.
3. Geographic Location
Tax prep costs are often higher in major cities (New York, San Francisco) than in smaller towns. But with online firms like eSmart Accountants, you get nationwide coverage at flat rates.
4. Time of Year
Filing late or requesting last-minute work can raise your bill, especially during peak filing season (Feb–April).
5. Quality of Your Records
Messy records lead to more hours billed. Organizing receipts, income logs, and expenses ahead of time reduces billable CPA hours significantly.
👉 Don’t forget: Our Bookkeeping Services keep your finances clean year-round, so your tax prep is smooth and affordable.
How to Lower Your Tax Prep Bill
- Keep good records – Use tools like QuickBooks or Xero, or let us handle it for you.
- Start early – Don’t wait until the April rush.
- Stay organized – Separate personal and business expenses.
- Bundle services – Hiring a firm that handles both bookkeeping and taxes can reduce duplicate effort.
- Ask for upfront quotes – Transparent firms like eSmart Accountants offer fixed pricing and zero surprises.
CPA vs EA vs Tax Preparer: What’s the Difference?
| Title | Certification | Can Represent You Before the IRS? | Best For… |
| CPA | Certified Public Accountant (State-licensed) | âś… Yes | Complex business returns |
| EA | Enrolled Agent (IRS-certified) | âś… Yes | Personal/business returns |
| Tax Preparer (PTIN) | Basic registered preparer | ❌ No | Simple personal returns only |
CPA vs DIY: Are Tax Software Tools Worth It?
Platforms like TurboTax Self-Employed and TaxAct can be tempting with their sleek interfaces and low base prices. But hidden costs, upsells, and lack of expert oversight often lead to errors or missed deductions.
Real Example: What John Paid for His S-Corp Taxes
John owns a small consulting S-Corp with two contractors and multiple income streams. He filed:
- 1120S return
- K-1 for himself
- Schedule E for rental income
A local CPA quoted him $1,650. With eSmart Accountants, his monthly plan ($299/mo) covered bookkeeping + tax filing—saving him over $1,000 annually.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is the CPA fee tax deductible?
Yes. For freelancers, landlords, and small business owners, tax prep fees are a business expense and generally deductible per IRS guidelines on deductible expenses.
2. Should I file myself or hire a CPA?
If your finances are simple, DIY may work. But for businesses, CPAs reduce risk, maximize deductions, and ensure compliance.
3. Can I hire a CPA remotely?
Absolutely. Firms like eSmart Accountants offer 100% online services for convenience and speed.
4. How early should I hire a CPA before tax season?
Start 2–3 months before deadlines, especially if you’re a new client or need catch-up bookkeeping.
5. What if I already use accounting software?
Great! We can integrate directly with QuickBooks, Xero, and others—no need to switch.
How Much Does a CPA Charge Per Hour in 2025?
In 2025, the average hourly rate for a Certified Public Accountant ranges from $150 to $450/hour, depending on their specialization and region.
- Basic tax prep & review: $150–$200/hour
- Small business consulting: $200–$350/hour
- Audit/forensic services: $300–$450/hour
At eSmart Accountants, we offer fixed monthly pricing—so you avoid hourly surprises.
What Forms Increase the Cost of CPA Tax Prep?
Certain forms can add hundreds to your bill:
| Form | Purpose | Added Cost |
| Schedule C | Self-employment income | +$150–$300 |
| Schedule E | Rental income | +$200–$400 |
| Schedule K-1 | S-Corp or Partnership returns | +$250–$500 |
| Form 4562 | Depreciation details | +$100–$200 |
| Form 8829 | Home office deductions | +$75–$150 |
Are CPA Services Worth It for Simple Returns?
Even W-2 earners can benefit from a CPA if:
- You had life changes (marriage, dependents, inheritance)
- You received pandemic relief or unemployment
- You want to start a business next year
- You simply want peace of mind
One missed deduction can cost more than a year of CPA service.
Why Our Clients Prefer Fixed Pricing Over Hourly Billing
Hourly rates can add stress and unpredictability. With eSmart Accountants, you get:
- No surprise invoices
- Year-round support
- Bookkeeping + tax prep bundled
- Flat monthly pricing you can plan for
You wouldn’t hire a plumber who charges just to answer a question—so why settle for that with your CPA?
Final Thoughts: Why It Pays to Invest in a CPA
Hiring a CPA isn’t just about filing forms—it’s about strategy, compliance, and long-term financial clarity. At Smart Accountants, we bring all that to the table with clear pricing, year-round support, and zero surprises.
