learn what other users had to say about

the Cost of Personal Accounting Services

Price 
Location 
Submitted by  
Description
$ 510
Mar 2008
New York, NY
Long standing relationship with accountant  more... close row
$ 450
Mar 2008
Seattle, WA
State and Federal Tax Preparation for a 1099 Contractor  more... close row
$ 500
Mar 2007
Blue Bell, PA
Tax preparation services  more... close row
$ 500
Mar 2007
Forks, Washington
Expensive but adequate tax preparation  more... close row
$ 250
Feb 2008
Tustin, CA
Payment for preparing state and federal returns  more... close row
$ 150
Apr 2007
San Diego, CA
Personal tax filing and amendment  more... close row
$ 180
Mar 2007
Palm Beach Gardens, FL
E-filing taxes through a CPA  more... close row
$ 106
Mar 2006
Columbus, OH
Tax Accountant
Tax preparer made life much easier  more... close row
$ 125
Apr 2008
Myrtle Beach, SC
Preparing tax returns and reviewing old ones  more... close row
$ 175
Mar 2007
Clarksburg, WV
Accounting firm for tax return  more... close row
$ 120
Feb 2008
WIchita, KS
Accounting service for income taxes  more... close row
$ 125
Jan 2007
Northeast Arkansas
Local accounting service for income tax filing  more... close row
$ 115
Feb 2008
Richmond, MN
Possibly overcharged for tax preparation  more... close row

Description of service

We had our 2007 taxes completed by a man who runs his tax business out of him home. The tax business is his part-time job; he farms full-time. He completed and filed our 2007 State and Federal taxes and MN Property tax refund. Our taxes included two W-4s (one without taxes being deducted), one 1099 (included closing of an at-home party business) and deductions for health care, interest on mortgage and education.


Review of Service

Our taxes had been completed for the past 15 years by a close friend of our family who also ran a tax business. In 2007 she sold her business to this man; we had the option of finding someone new for our taxes or going with this new man. We chose the new man; we figured if our family friend felt okay in selling her business to him he must be good.

I felt that he listened to us when he met with us. I liked that he provided us with paperwork prior to the appointment; this helped me gather all of the important documents. The one thing I didn't really like was the cost. In previous years our taxes were much more complicated than our 2007 taxes. He charged us "what you paid in 2006." I think it should have been less since they were not as complicated and this was his first year doing our taxes. I think $90 would have been fair.


Tips

Ask what the price will be upfront.

Ask if there are ways to lower to price (perhaps it is cheaper if you bring in all documents in an organized fashion.)

Seek out referrals from family and friends.