How much do we charge?
Our fees are based on the complexity of your tax return. We have a posted fee schedule readily available to the public at all of our offices. In general, we charge a fixed price for each tax form and worksheet used in the preparation of your tax return. For certain items like stock sales and depreciation, a per-item charge also applies. In general, we do not charge for line-items such as interest income, unemployment and dependents, which is a common practice of most other tax preparation companies.
Please explore this page for examples of our pricing. You can also complete our Price Estimate Worksheet and then call our office to receive an estimate specific to your tax return.
Oregon Laws Governing Pricing Disclosure
Oregon Licensing Laws governing advertising and pricing state:
"No licensee shall give or offer to give a discount unless:
- The discount is based upon a conspicuously posted basic fee schedule at the licensee's place of business; and
- The fees on the posted basic fee schedule are the usual and customary charges of the business; and
- The posted basic fee schedule is made available to the general public."
The purpose of this rule is to ensure income tax services who advertise discounts to attract customers fairly and openly disclose their pricing.
In accordance with these laws, Pacific Northwest Tax Service makes every effort to openly and fairly disclose our pricing. We believe it is the responsibility of all licensed tax professionals to adhere to the Code of Conduct set forth by the Oregon Board of Tax Service Examiners. Click here for the Tax Board's rules governing the coduct for tax professionals in Oregon.
How much does using a tax service cost?
As seen on AM Northwest - KATU Channel 2
As silly as this may seem, some tax services will tell you it is not possible to give an estimate because every tax return is 'so different'. Yes, every tax return is different, but your preparer should still be able to give you a reasonable estimate of how much you should expect to pay for tax preparation services. You, in turn, need to be prepared to answer some questions. Most tax services charge based on form and line charges or by an hourly rate. No matter which method is used, it is only possible to give an accurate estimate when you have enough information.
Pacific Northwest Tax Service has designed a Price Estimate Worksheet which you can use to get an accurate price estimate.
The worksheet guides you through a series of questions to help determine which forms are needed prepare your tax return. Complete the worksheet and then call or drop by one of our offices. You can also use the worksheet to price-shop other tax services.
Oregon law requires tax preparers who offer discounts or coupons to post their price schedule. Ask to see your preparers price schedule to ensure you are being fairly charged.
Click here to watch this TAX TALK WITH APRIL TIP
Pacific Northwest Tax Service
Individual Tax Return Preparation Fees
Our fees are generally form-based. For example, if your tax return includes Form 1040, Schedule A, and Oregon Form 40, we would charge a fixed price for each these forms.
For 2009-2010 our fee for Form 1040 is $139, Schedule A is $54 and Oregon 40 is $35 for a total preparation fee of $228. Below is a table which outlines some of the most common tax return situations and our fees for preparing forms associated with these returns.
| Tax Return Includes the following income and deductions | Forms Required | Total Average Price Charged |
| 1040EZ Short Form, W2 Income only, no dependents. Federal and Oregon State. Electronic filing. | 1040EZ, Sch M, Oregon 40 | $147 |
| 1040 Short Form with dependents. No childcare expenses or Earned Income Credit. W2 Income only. Federal and Oregon State. Electronic filing. | 1040A, Sch M, Oregon Form 40 | $174 |
| 1040 Short Form with dependents and Earned Income Credit. W2 income only. No childcare expense, or Additional Child Tax Credit. Federal and Oregon state. Electronic filing. | 1040A, EIC, Sch, M, Form 40 | $219 |
| 1040 Short Form with dependents, Earned Income Credit and Additional Child Tax Credit. W2 income only. Federal and Oregon state. Electronic filing. | 1040A, EIC, Sch M, 8812, Oregon 40 | $244 |
| Long Form 1040, Itemized Deductions with dependents. Income is from Wages, Unemployment, Pension, Social Security, and Interest and Dividend income under $1,500 only. | 1040, Sch A, Sch M, Oregon Form 40 | $238 |
| Long Form 1040 reporting income from Self-Employment. Price will vary according to complexity of the business return and other forms and schedules that are a part of the tax return. Please complete our Price Estimate Worksheet and contact our offices for a more detailed price estimate. | 1040, Sch M, Schedule C, Oregon Form 40 | Low $220 Average $360 -$460 High $800 |
Depending on the time of year, we offer discount coupons which can save you money.
A complete price schedule is posted in all our tax offices. You are welcome to call our offices or come in person to request an estimate of what we will charge to complete your tax return. To assist us with providing you with an accurate estimate you can complete our Individual Price Estimate Worksheet. It is helpful to have a copy of your tax return for tax year 2008 available.
Partnership and Corporation Tax Return Fees
Our fees for Forms 1065, 1120, and 1120S are form-based. Our fees begin at $400 with average completed returns generally running between $500 - $850. Financial analysis and bookkeeping charges are billed separately and may or may not apply to your tax return.
To receive an estimate of what we will charge to prepare your partnership or corporation tax return, please complete our Partnership/LLC, C-Corporation or S-Corporation tax organizer and drop by or call our office at 503-646-5600.
Bookkeeping & Payroll
Our bookkeepers are university graduates with Bacheolors degrees in accounting. Our bookkeepers are proficient with QuickBooks and other accounting software applications.
Our in-house bookkeeping and payroll service rate is $60 per hour. Or we can visit you at your business location for $70 per hour.
Business & Tax Consulting
Tax consulting services are billed in half-hour increments of $115 per hour. Consulting services with our CPA bill out at $200 per hour.
Audit Assistance
Please visit our Audit Services page for information about our audit assistance pricing.
How do I get a price estimate?
To receive an accurate price estimate simply complete our Price Estimate Worksheet, then drop by or call any of our offices. Please have the completed price estimate worksheet with you when you contact us for the price estimate.
Download our Price Estimate Worksheet for Individual Returns
Partnerships, LLCs, Corporations and S-Corporations can obtain a price estimate by calling our office at 503-646-5600. For a guide to our pricing, please visit the tax organizer page for the type of business you have. You can also provide us with a completed tax organizer for your business which will provide us with enough information to give you a good estimate of our fees.
Click here for our Partnership LLC Organizer