Tax preparation costs $220 to $323 on average per return in 2026, according to the National Association of Tax Professionals' most recent nationwide fee survey — simple returns land at the low end, itemized returns with Schedule A at the high end. That baseline usually excludes state filing fees and add-on charges for extra schedules, which push the total higher for anyone with self-employment income, rental property, or multiple state returns.
- Tax preparation costs $220 for a simple non-itemized return and $323 for an itemized Form 1040 with Schedule A, per NATP survey data.
- State returns and extra schedules (Schedule C, E, or K-1s) are billed on top of the base fee at most firms.
- Online services with a secure portal and e-signature on Form 8879, like ScholarTax, cut the back-and-forth that drives up in-person accountant bills.
- Filing early versus during the March-April rush can affect what a preparer quotes you in 2026.
Why this matters
The $220-$323 range is a national average, not a quote. Preparers price by form count, not by how long a return "feels" like it should take, so two people with the same income can pay very different amounts depending on whether they itemize, freelance, or own rental property.
Knowing the drivers behind ScholarTax's model — a secure portal, document upload, and one-on-one work with a registered tax preparer — helps you compare against a local CPA or a national franchise before you commit to either.
How much does tax preparation cost in 2026?
| Return type | Average cost | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Simple return, no itemizing | $220 | W-2 income, standard deduction |
| Itemized return with Schedule A | $323 | Mortgage interest, charitable giving, high medical expenses |
| Self-employed or multi-state | Above $323 | Schedule C, Schedule E, K-1 income, more than one state return |
The two anchor figures — $220 and $323 — come directly from NATP's fee survey and represent the two most common return types filed nationwide. Anything past those two categories (self-employment income, rental property, multiple states) adds line items rather than resetting the base price.
Simple returns: $220 on average
A simple return with only W-2 income and the standard deduction is the cheapest category a preparer quotes. $220 covers federal preparation and e-filing for someone with no Schedule A, no side income, and one state to file in.
What it typically does not cover: a second state return, an amended return, or IRS correspondence after filing. Ask upfront whether those are bundled or billed separately — this is where quotes diverge even for otherwise identical returns.
Itemized returns: $323 on average
Once Schedule A enters the picture — mortgage interest, property taxes, charitable contributions, or large medical expenses — the average jumps to $323. That's roughly $103 more than a simple return, and it reflects the extra time a preparer spends verifying deduction documentation rather than a flat itemization surcharge.
Homeowners and anyone who gave more than the standard deduction threshold in charitable contributions should expect to land in this tier, not the $220 tier.
Why tax preparation costs vary
- Number of schedules attached — each additional schedule (C, D, E) adds preparer time and typically a line-item fee.
- State filings — a second or third state return is billed separately from the federal base fee in most cases.
- Self-employment income — Schedule C returns require expense categorization that pushes cost above the $323 itemized average.
- K-1s from partnerships or S-corps — these arrive late in the season and often carry their own review fee.
- Timing — quotes tend to run higher closer to the April deadline than they do in January or February 2026.
- Preparer credential — a CPA or enrolled agent generally prices above a seasonal preparer for the same form set.
Get matched with a registered preparer
Upload documents through a secure portal and e-sign Form 8879 online.
Is it cheaper to use tax software instead of a preparer?
Tax software is usually cheaper upfront than the $220-$323 preparer average, but it shifts the review work — spotting a missed deduction or a miscategorized 1099 — onto you. For a simple W-2 return, software can work fine; once Schedule C or Schedule E enters the picture, the time you spend self-checking often outweighs the savings.
Do CPAs charge more than online tax preparation services?
CPAs frequently price at or above the $323 itemized-return average because their fee also covers planning advice beyond the return itself. Online services built around a single-purpose workflow — document upload, e-signature, one-on-one review with a registered preparer — tend to compete on the lower half of that same national range for comparable form complexity.
How much does an amended tax return cost?
An amended return (Form 1040-X) is typically billed as a separate line item on top of the original preparation fee, since it requires reopening and correcting a filed return rather than starting fresh. Confirm whether your preparer includes amendment support before you sign the engagement letter.
FAQ
How much does tax preparation cost in 2026?
Tax preparation costs $220 for a simple non-itemized return and $323 for an itemized return with Schedule A, based on NATP's most recent nationwide fee survey. Self-employment income, rental property, or multiple state filings push the total above those figures.
Is $220 the total cost for a simple tax return?
$220 is the average base fee for a simple federal return with the standard deduction, but it may not include a second state filing or amendment support. Ask your preparer what's bundled before you sign.
Why does an itemized return cost $323 instead of $220?
An itemized return costs $323 on average because Schedule A requires verifying documentation for mortgage interest, charitable gifts, or medical expenses, which adds preparer time. That's roughly $103 more than a simple non-itemized return.
Does self-employment income increase tax preparation cost?
Yes, self-employment income pushes cost above the $323 itemized average because Schedule C requires categorizing business expenses. Multiple 1099s or mixed personal and business expenses add further review time.
Is tax software cheaper than hiring a preparer?
Tax software is generally cheaper than the $220-$323 preparer average for a simple W-2 return, but you take on the review work yourself. Complex returns with Schedule C or E often cost more in time than they save in fees.
Do state tax returns cost extra on top of the federal fee?
Yes, most preparers bill state returns separately from the federal base fee of $220 to $323. A second or third state adds to the total rather than being included by default.
How much more does a CPA charge than a standard tax preparer?
CPAs often price at or above the $323 itemized-return average since their fee typically includes planning advice beyond the return. Seasonal preparers and online services tend to sit closer to the lower end of that range for the same form set.
One last thing
The gap between a simple and itemized return — $220 versus $323 — is smaller than most people assume, roughly $103. The bigger cost swings come from state filings and self-employment schedules stacked on top, not from itemizing itself, so ask about those line items before you compare quotes.