The short answer
A professionally prepared return typically costs $300–$700, with a typical filing around $500. A simple W-2 return sits at the bottom; a business return with multiple schedules sits at the top. The market spread:
| Tier | Range | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| DIY software | $0–$120 | You enter everything; software checks the math. |
| Simple return | $200–$350 | W-2 income, standard deduction, one state. |
| Itemized / self-employed | $350–$800 | Schedule C, itemizing, investment income, some complexity. |
| Business / multi-entity | $800–$1,800+ | S-corp, partnership, multi-state, or messy records. |
What actually moves the price
Forms and schedules. Preparers price by complexity, and complexity means forms. A single W-2 is quick; add a Schedule C for self-employment, a Schedule E for rental income, investment sales, or multiple states and the hours climb. Ask what forms your situation requires so the quote isn’t a surprise.
Preparer credentials. A seasonal storefront preparer costs less than a CPA or Enrolled Agent. The credentialed pro costs more but can represent you if the IRS asks questions and is more likely to catch planning opportunities. For a plain return, the cheaper option is often fine; for anything with audit risk, pay up.
Organization. A shoebox of receipts costs more to sort than clean books. If you keep tidy records year-round — or use a bookkeeper — your prep fee drops. The IRS Self-Employed Tax Center lists what to keep.
How this guide is priced
Figures are compiled from public rate listings and market data — see the sources below and our data methodology. As Mindhyv grows, these ranges will reflect real, anonymized engagement data from the marketplace.
Before you hire
Read the tax preparer hiring guide to match a preparer’s credentials to your situation. For year-round planning rather than a once-a-year filing, compare it against what a tax advisor costs. List every form your return needs in the project brief builder so quotes cover the same paperwork.