the Cost of Personal Accounting Services

I had my taxes both state and federal prepared by a local tax service. As I was new to the area, I picked someone considered reliable which they turned out to be. My state taxes were very easy and I was charged a hundred dollars for that and an additional $400 for my federal. I provided all my information in an excel spreadsheet and the preparer did the paperwork. Probably took them less than an hour to prepare.

The quality of the service was adequate, I'm not sure it couldn't have been done better. I don't feel they really looked into some of my expenses properly but they didn't hurt me with the IRS. They were not the most friendly of people and acted a bit condescending. As I had done most of the work required other than filing the paperwork, I feel I was overcharged and asked them to review their charges. I was told that was the normal charge for first time clients. I find this unfair and did not go to them for this year's taxes. I did my own state taxes which took me 15 minutes and had my account in another state do my federal.

One thing I have learned about choosing an account for taxes is to understand completely what the costs are and what is required from you. I feel you should be given some discount when you bring your paperwork all in order and not just throw a box of receipts at them. Talk with the firm first before any commitments are made.