Posted: 12/29/2014 1:22:02 PM EDT
| How much should it cost to have tax returns prepared by a CPA? I usually do it myself with software, but this year will be especially bad for me tax-wise and I am therefore going to have it done by a professional. I need to find a CPA in the Fairfax-to-Sterling area and would to know what to expect. |
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Quoted:
How much should it cost to have tax returns prepared by a CPA? I usually do it myself with software, but this year will be especially bad for me tax-wise and I am therefore going to have it done by a professional. I need to find a CPA in the Fairfax-to-Sterling area and would to know what to expect. I used a CPA firm in Bethesda for years when I owned a small business that charged $300 I believe. Started with one guy and he added several more plus a few tax attorneys and his practice was pretty large when I left. They were all former IRS and got me many thousands in refunds yearly. My taxes are now much simpler so I don't bother, but the refund you get for the money is worth it. |
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I've been using Frank Stitely of Stitely & Karsetetter in Chantilly 703-802-2309
Frank has been doing my personal taxes since something like 1995 - I can't remember exactly He helped me set up a small business back then also - he does my personal taxes quickly and he is great to work with - can't say enough Mine has gotten fairly simple compared to what they were back then - they cost me $325 and I think well worth it just from the lack of stress and hassle - the cost varies with what forms are needed, etc. Just call him and he will be able to give you a better idea |
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I can't imagine how much more complicated your taxes are this year that you want to pay someone to do what you've been doing yourself.
For personal taxes, the only time I attempted to use a CPA, I had tax returns to complete for 2 states, federal, and 3 foreign countries I was entitled to refunds from (if everything was accounted for on the US Federal return properly), and the CPA firm I was recommended wanted $2k just to get started. Wife and I ended up doing it ourselves with help from, don't scoff: the IRS. My grandmother retired from the IRS after 30+ years in the auditing arena. Believe it or not, the IRS 800 number is very helpful, and there's no personal information that you provide to them. If you ask a question that requires the helpline people to research something, the representative gives you their PIN, and you can get back in touch with the same person you were dealing with when you call back. That year I called probably 8 times when I ran into a road block, and I dealt with the same person on the end of the line every time, and never once gave them my name, but they were familiar with the situation I was in, and helpful in what I needed to do to satisfy all the legalities. I understand paying for convenience, but the last time we paid anyone to do our taxes was when the called the same IRS 800 number we ended up using a couple years later, figuring if the "tax people" call them up to get it right, we can do the same with less out of pocket. At any rate, good luck, sorry I don't have a cost estimate or recommendation for you. |