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Tax Preparation Fee Estimator
Turn hours and hourly rates into a low and high range for your tax preparation bill.
Use this estimator to convert a professional's hourly rate into a realistic range for your whole tax return. Enter the number of hours you expect the preparer to spend, a low and a high hourly rate, and any extras such as additional state returns or software and e-file charges. Many preparers quote a flat fee instead, but asking how many hours the flat fee assumes is a good way to test whether it is reasonable.
The formula is simple: low estimate = hours x low rate + extras, and high estimate = hours x high rate + extras. For example, with 4 hours, rates of $150 to $300 and $100 of extras, the range is 4 x 150 + 100 = $700 up to 4 x 300 + 100 = $1,300. These inputs are illustrative only. They are not a quote and not a statistic about any market or provider.
To make the output useful, ask two or three professionals for their hourly rate or flat fee, what is included, and whether an extension, an amended return or responding to a notice would be billed separately. More schedules, more states, rental properties, stock sales and a business all add hours.
The tool does not include audit representation, bookkeeping catch-up, payroll or anything outside return preparation. Confirm every figure in a written engagement letter.
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