How We Compare

Compare our rates to CPAs and chain preparers. You'll find we're about half the cost of a CPA, and about the same as the chains (maybe less), but with a higher level of service.

Example: Married couple with three children (one young, one in college), itemized deductions, and some investment gains. Forms needed: 1040, 2441, 8863, Schedules A and D, and a state return.

At a typical CPA, the cost would run about $560. At one well known chain, the cost would be about $260, but would not incude a personal meeting with an experienced advisor or an audit assistance guarantee like Hamilton's.

Our fee: $285.

We'll even honor competitors' coupons. We don't issue coupons ourselves (our prices are already fair), but we want your business, so we'll honor a coupon you received from another tax preparer (up to $25 for 1040/1040A, $10 for 1040EZ).

Think you know what a chain preparer will actually charge you? Maybe not. (Read more.)

Found an ad for 30% off a firm's "regular" rates? Are you sure it's a bona fide discount? (Hint: Have you ever seen an oriental rug store that isn't having a half-off sale?)

When you compare prices, make sure it's after all discounts, and includes all the services you actually need.

 

 

1. Our Services
2. Tax Info
3. About Us

Tax Preparation Fees

Prices are rising everywhere. Except here. For the third year in a row, our rates are essentially unchanged.

You can be confident you're getting an excellent value in professional tax preparation at Hamilton Tax Services.

Common Forms (tax year 2010)	Fee
Form 1040	$120
Schedule A (itemized deductions)	$40
Schedule B (interest and dividends)	$25
Schedule C (profit or loss from business)	$60
Schedule D (capital gains and losses)	varies1
Form 2441 (child and dependent care expenses)	$30
Form 8863 (education credits)	$25
Form 8917 (tuition and fees deduction)	$25
Form 1040A	$100
Form 1040EZ (incl. 1 state resident return)	$60
State form (resident)	$30
State form (part-year resident)	$65

For a complete fee schedule click here.

We ask that you pay the fee when we prepare your return. Tax firms who advertise "no out-of-pocket cost" or "no cost until you receive your refund" are selling you an RAL.

Tax preparation fees for partnerships, corporations, LLCs, trusts, and estates are based on the complexity of the return. Please contact us for an estimate.

What's Included

Individual returns include the following services at no additional charge:

• Electronic filing (federal and state): With direct deposit, refunds are usually received in 8-15 days.²
• Satisfaction guarantee: If you're not completely satisfied with our services, you pay nothing.
• Accuracy guarantee: If we make an error on your tax return that results in a penalty or interest, we'll pay it.³
• Audit assistance: If the IRS audits a return we prepared, we'll accompany you to the audit at no charge to explain how the return was prepared.⁴
• Personalized financial advice: Based on the information shown on your return, we'll offer suggestions on how to minimize your tax liability in future years.⁵
• Year-round assistance: Call or email us anytime for answers to your tax questions.

¹Sch D is $100/hr, minimum 1/4 hr. Most can be done in 1/2 hr or less.
²The IRS does not guarantee refund processing times. State times may vary. In some instances, e-filing is not possible.
³This guarantee covers penalties and interest assessed by the IRS or a state tax authority. Any additional tax liability remains the client's responsibility.
⁴Limited to audits conducted in the Washington DC metropolitan area. Outside this area, we'll answer IRS questions by mail or phone, but will not physically accompany you to the audit. This audit assistance is not legal representation.
⁵We are not licensed financial planners and cannot recommend specific investments.