How Much Does a CPA Cost? (2025 Pricing Guide)

One of the first questions people have when considering a CPA is: what will it actually cost? The honest answer is that CPA pricing varies widely based on the complexity of your situation, your geography, the size and reputation of the firm, and the services involved. But the ranges are predictable, and knowing them helps you evaluate whether a quote is fair and plan your budget.

Tax Return Preparation Fees

Individual returns (Form 1040): A straightforward W-2 return with no significant complexity costs $300–$600 at most local firms. Add meaningful complexity — rental property, self-employment income, significant investment activity, RSUs, a small business K-1, multiple state filings, or foreign income — and the range climbs to $800–$3,000+.

S-Corporation returns (Form 1120-S): The federal S-Corp return plus a state return typically costs $800–$2,500, depending on revenue, number of transactions, and whether the firm also prepared the associated individual return. Many CPAs bundle the 1120-S and 1040 at a package price.

Partnership returns (Form 1065): Similar range to the 1120-S: $1,000–$3,000 for most small partnerships. More complex structures — multiple partners, real estate holdings, tiered partnerships — push well above this range.

C-Corporation returns (Form 1120): Generally $1,500–$5,000+ for a small C-Corp. Significantly more for companies with complex multi-state filing obligations.

Trust and estate returns (Form 1041): $500–$2,000 for a straightforward trust return; more for complex estates with significant investment activity or multiple beneficiaries.

Monthly Accounting and Bookkeeping Retainers

If you are looking for an ongoing accounting relationship — monthly or quarterly bookkeeping, financial statement preparation, payroll support, and responsive access to a CPA for questions — the pricing is typically structured as a monthly retainer.

Basic bookkeeping only (outsourced): $300–$800/month for a small business with relatively simple transaction volume and clean existing records.

Full accounting with CPA oversight: $800–$2,500/month for a small business with $500K–$5M in revenue, regular financial statement needs, and periodic CPA review.

Comprehensive accounting + tax + advisory (bundled): $1,500–$5,000+/month for businesses with complex needs, multi-entity structures, or those who want a true outsourced accounting function.

Hourly Rates

When CPAs bill by the hour (for consulting, audit work, or one-time projects), rates typically run: junior staff or bookkeepers: $75–$150/hour. Experienced senior staff: $150–$250/hour. CPA managers and supervisors: $200–$350/hour. Partners at local and regional firms: $250–$400/hour. Partners at national or Big 4 firms: $500–$1,000+/hour.

What Drives the Price Up

Multiple state filings: each additional state return adds $150–$500 to a return, depending on the state's complexity. Late or disorganized records: CPAs often charge extra when client records are incomplete or require significant cleanup — some firms quote higher fees for "disorganized bookkeeping" upfront.

Complexity of investments: significant investment activity, cost basis calculations for large stock positions, cryptocurrency, or private equity K-1s all add preparation time. Audit representation: if you face an IRS audit, hourly billing for representation typically runs $250–$450/hour and a straightforward audit resolution can cost $1,500–$5,000.

How to Get the Best Value

Organize your records before your first meeting. Time spent reconstructing records is billed to you. Keep clean bookkeeping throughout the year — even if you use simple software like QuickBooks or Wave — and you dramatically reduce the time your CPA needs to spend.

Ask for a fixed-fee quote rather than accepting hourly billing for routine work. Most CPAs will provide a fixed quote for tax preparation once they understand the scope. This aligns incentives and prevents surprise bills.

Bundle services with one firm. A CPA who handles both your business return and personal return has context that makes both more efficient and often discounts the combined engagement.

Compare at least two quotes. Rates vary significantly between firms even in the same market. A regional firm often charges 30–50% less than a national firm for identical work on a small business return.