Tax Prep Pricing Explainer

The number of forms required and the amount of time necessary to complete the return determine your total tax prep pricing.

Why Tax Preparation Costs Have Increased

Tax returns are not as simple as they were years ago. As tax laws continue to evolve, new deductions, credits and reporting requirements often require additional forms and calculations. While these changes can create valuable tax savings for taxpayers, they also increase the time and expertise required to prepare an accurate return. 

Years ago, a basic return with one W-2 may have involved only a handful of forms and cost approximately $160 to prepare. Today, that same taxpayer may qualify for a retirement Saver’s Credit requiring Form 8880, have a Health Savings Account requiring Form 8889 or qualify for other tax benefits that require additional schedules and worksheets. 

A return that appears simple on the surface can quickly become much more complex behind the scenes.

Recent tax legislation has added even more opportunities for taxpayers, including deductions and credits related to items such as tips, overtime income, and additional tax benefits for seniors. While these changes often reduce taxes owed or increase refunds, they also require additional forms, calculations, due diligence requirements, and professional review.

At JRJ Income Tax Service, our pricing is based on the complexity of the return and the forms required to accurately prepare it, not simply the number of W-2s or income statements you bring in. Our goal is to make sure every deduction and credit available to you is claimed correctly while providing the accuracy and professional service our clients have trusted for more than 45 years.

Why “Simple” Returns Can Cost Different Amounts

Example 1

  • 1 W-2
  • Standard Deduction
  • No additional forms

Estimated preparation fee: Starting at $160

Example 2

  • 1 W-2
  • Retirement contributions qualifying for the Saver’s Credit (Form 8880)
  • Health Savings Account (Form 8889)

Estimated preparation fee: Approximately $200

Example 3

  • 1 W-2
  • Retirement contributions
  • Health Savings Account
  • Marketplace Health Insurance (Form 8962)
  • Child Tax Credit
  • Maryland state return

Estimated preparation fee: Varies based on forms required

The number of W-2s does not determine the complexity of a return. The number of forms, schedules, credits, deductions, and compliance requirements determine the amount of work necessary to prepare an accurate return.

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Contact Us

4110 Crain Hwy, Waldorf, MD 20603

301-843-1624 or 301-645-2599

info@jrjtaxes.com

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Hours:

  • Jan 24 – April 15
    Monday–Friday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
    Saturday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • April 16 – Jan 23
    Monday–Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Fax: 301-843-7694