Martin G. Lawler Jr.

Personal tax returns: $150-$400 depending on complexity. Small business bookkeeping: $300-$800/month. Corporate tax returns: $1,000-$3,000+. Many accountants offer free initial consultations to discuss your needs and pricing.

CPAs (Certified Public Accountants) are state-licensed, can audit, provide tax advice, and represent you before the IRS. Enrolled agents are credentialed by the IRS itself and specialise in tax filing and IRS representation. Bookkeepers handle day-to-day transaction recording and basic financial reports. For audits and complex planning you want a CPA; for tax filing and IRS representation an enrolled agent is often the better value.

Consider an accountant if you're self-employed, own rental property, have investment income, run a business, received an IRS notice, or your tax situation is more complex than a simple W-2. The cost of an accountant often pays for itself in tax savings.

Yes. Accountants regularly help clients catch up on unfiled returns. They can also help with IRS voluntary disclosure, negotiate installment agreements or an offer in compromise, and handle notices, amended returns and audits.

If you have straightforward W-2 income and take the standard deduction, free software works fine. But if you have self-employment income, rental properties, investments, or business expenses, a professional accountant typically finds deductions that more than cover their fee.