1040 Per Form Price List

[Crank]

Does anyone know where I could find a tax prep, per form price list. For instance what the big tax prep companies are charging. I always tell prospective clients that my services cost less than the big firms and they get a CPA too with me, but in reality I dont know what the big firms are charging. My wife thinks I dont charge enough.

Any help is appreciated. Thanks

[Lynn EA USTCP in Louisiana]

I figured out how to add a link to a file. Attached is a sample fee schedule @ big firm prices.

Guess I didn't - will try again.

Lynn

Lynn Jacobs, EA, NP

Kenner, La

Edited January 28, 2011 by lynnjacobs

[Lynn EA USTCP in Louisiana]

2nd try - think it worked this time.

Lynn

TAx Minimum_fee_schedule_Sample_template_and_with_samplefees_2011.pdf

[GERALD]

Lynn, you might find this interesting. It was in an article in the February issue of Consumer Reports Magazine and was the result of a survey of average prep fees for 2009 returns. It was conducted by the National Society of Accountants.

Return prepared by:

CPA, EA-itemized deductions $229.00

" " non- itemized $129.00

H & R (net average fee ) $187.00

Gerald

[Crank]

Thanks Lynn. Wow, those are some crazy fees. If i charged anywhere near that Im sure I would have no client base left.

Im even way below H& R Block - for a CPA no less. My average for 1040 Itemized, Sch B, State Return & 2 local returns, all efiled is about $125 - add other schedules or forms about $10-$20 per form. Between $50-$100 for an amended return. Am I too cheap? Although I do have one quite complicated return that Ive been at $300 for the last 8 years, older self employed woman that requires lots of attention. I even pick-up and drop off her return.

[MAMalody]

Why not just google it? I did and found a number of fee schedules.

[Crank]

Hmm, I didnt think of the obvious. Thanks :)

[Lion EA]

Yes, I think your fees are too low.

[Catherine]

Somebody on another forum pointed out that if you double your fees and lose half your clients -- you're getting the same amount of money for half the work.

[Cathy]

Somebody on another forum pointed out that if you double your fees and lose half your clients -- you're getting the same amount of money for half the work.

Been there...done that. The problem I had was that too many of them came back the next year and brought new clients with them. Go figure....it seems the more we charge, the more we are appreciated! :spaz:

[Randall]

Thanks Lynn. Wow, those are some crazy fees. If i charged anywhere near that Im sure I would have no client base left.

Im even way below H& R Block - for a CPA no less. My average for 1040 Itemized, Sch B, State Return & 2 local returns, all efiled is about $125 - add other schedules or forms about $10-$20 per form. Between $50-$100 for an amended return. Am I too cheap? Although I do have one quite complicated return that Ive been at $300 for the last 8 years, older self employed woman that requires lots of attention. I even pick-up and drop off her return.

Yes, your fees are too low. I thought my fees were low and they are. I'm a CPA too. I've been quoting higher fees for new clients and raising my fees a little each year for existing clients. I've never had the guts to double the fees though.

[Catherine]

Yes, your fees are too low. I thought my fees were low and they are. I'm a CPA too. I've been quoting higher fees for new clients and raising my fees a little each year for existing clients. I've never had the guts to double the fees though.

I've never had the guts to double _my_ fees, either. Although this year when I sent out my letters I warned most people to expect about a 5% increase, and a couple whom I'd been undercharging got 10% in their letters. A select number of PITA clients got letters that said a 25% increase (and I put that in BOLD type to get their attention). Since the PITA people by and large also fuss and moan about my fees (grrr!!!) the hope is that sends them running _elsewhere_ for this year.

[Lion EA]

Or at least if you have to listen to them fuss and moan, you've made it worth your while!

[Crank]

If a client is too annoying I bury a small PITA (pain in the ass) fee somewhere in the non-detailed invoice. Not often, but it has happened.

[kcjenkins]

And remember, if that PITA client waits until late March to come in, the PITA fee should AT LEAST DOUBLE, maybe triple.

And, yes, often when you raise your fees they do appreciate you more.