How Much Does a CPA Cost? Average Rates, Fees & Savings (2025 Guide)

If you’ve ever tried hiring a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), you know the pricing question comes up fast: how much does a CPA actually cost? The short answer is: it depends.

For most people, you’ll pay anywhere between $150 and $400 per hour, though in high-cost cities or for highly specialized work, that number can climb above $500. If you’re looking for a flat-fee arrangement, especially for tax returns, expect prices to start around $1,000 and scale upward depending on complexity.

Bookkeeping is another big category, businesses often pay $200 to $400 per hour, or $500+ monthly for fixed packages. These figures shift with your CPA’s expertise, where you’re located, and the scope of the services you need.

Here’s the thing: understanding these pricing structures isn’t just about dollars, it’s about peace of mind. When you know what to expect, you can make smarter financial decisions, whether you’re filing a simple tax return, running a business, or planning for long-term growth.

Key Takeaways

• CPA hourly rates: $150–$400, higher in major cities or for specialized expertise.
• Individual tax returns: $220–$300 for simple filings; $1,000+ for complex or business returns.
• Bookkeeping services: $200–$400/hour or $500–$2,000/month depending on complexity.
• Audit and consulting: $5,000 to $100,000+ annually, depending on business size.
• What drives cost: complexity, geographic location, CPA’s experience, and how organized your financial records are.

Typical Hourly Rates for CPA Services

Most CPAs work within that $150 to $400 per hour window, but not all hours are equal. If you need something straightforward like preparing a W-2-based tax return, you’ll likely see fees on the lower end. But if you walk into a CPA’s office in New York City with a shoebox full of receipts and a multi-entity business return, brace yourself, fees can top $500 per hour.

Specialized services, like forensic accounting or detailed audits, often sit at the high end of the spectrum. These services aren’t just about crunching numbers, they demand advanced skills, legal awareness, and hours of deep analysis. That level of work simply costs more.

For everyday tax prep or bookkeeping, however, expect rates closer to the entry range. The more organized and clear your financial situation is, the less time a CPA spends sorting it out, and the less you’ll have to pay.

Flat-Fee vs. Hourly Billing: What’s the Difference?

One of the first decisions you’ll face is how you want to be billed.

• Flat fees: predictable, simple, no surprises. They work well for routine projects like preparing a business tax return.
• Hourly rates: flexible, great for complex or evolving needs, but costs can add up quickly if a project drags on.
• Hybrid models: sometimes you’ll see a mix, especially if you need both recurring monthly support and occasional deep-dive analysis.

Billing Type	Typical Use Cases	Cost Predictability
Flat Fees	Routine, straightforward	High
Hourly Rates	Complex, customized	Variable
Hybrid Model	Mixed services	Moderate
Example	$1,000 (flat) vs. $150–$400/hr	Depends

When in doubt, ask your CPA for an upfront estimate. A quick conversation can prevent those “surprise” bills that show up at the end of tax season.

Average Costs for Tax Preparation

So, what will you actually pay at tax time?

• Simple individual return (Form 1040): $220–$300.
• Returns with itemized deductions or self-employment: $500–$1,000.
• Corporate tax return (Form 1120): starts around $500, often $2,000+.
• Personal + business filings together: $1,000–$1,500.

In other words, the more moving parts in your financial life, business ownership, rental properties, multi-state income, the higher the bill. But that added cost often comes with significant tax savings and fewer headaches.

Price Ranges for Business Bookkeeping

Business owners often ask: Is it worth hiring a CPA for bookkeeping instead of handling it myself or hiring in-house?

When you go the CPA route, expect:

• Hourly rates: $200–$400 for detailed bookkeeping.
• Monthly packages: $500–$2,000+, depending on transaction volume.
• Annual totals: $1,000 for a very small business, $10,000+ for larger, more complex operations.

For small to midsize businesses, outsourcing often provides better value than hiring a full-time bookkeeper. Not only do you save on overhead, but you also get professional accuracy and compliance built in. That’s where firms like Accountably often step in, providing offshore staffing and back-office support that lowers your costs while maintaining top-tier quality.

How CPA Costs Vary by Geographic Location

Location matters, a lot. A CPA working out of Manhattan or Los Angeles has higher overhead costs than one in a rural town, and that difference shows up in your bill.

• Major metro areas: $200–$500 per hour, often closer to the top of the scale.
• Rural regions: $150–$300 per hour, with fewer overhead costs.
• Regional hotspots: Some high-cost areas (like San Francisco) can even push past $450 for routine work.

These differences aren’t about quality, CPAs everywhere follow the same licensure and professional standards. Instead, it’s about market demand, cost of living, and firm size.

Location Type	Typical Hourly Fee Range
Major Metro	$400–$500
Small City	$200–$350
Rural Region	$150–$250
High-Cost Region	$450+
Low-Cost Region	$150–$200

If you’re open to remote work, you may find cost savings by hiring outside your immediate area. Many businesses today mix local CPAs for advisory roles with remote teams handling bookkeeping and back-office tasks, a strategy that cuts costs while keeping compliance secure.

Impact of Experience and Specialization on Pricing

It’s no surprise that experience comes at a premium. A CPA with 20 years under their belt and a specialty in international tax law is going to charge more than a recent graduate handling general bookkeeping.

Experience Level Drives Rates

• Entry-level or generalist CPAs: $150–$250 per hour.
• Mid-career CPAs: $250–$350 per hour.
• Highly experienced specialists: $300–$500+, especially for complex cases.

When you pay more, you’re not just covering hours, you’re paying for judgment, foresight, and the kind of guidance that prevents costly mistakes.

Specialized Services Command Premiums

Some areas of accounting require rare expertise:

• Forensic accounting: $300–$500/hour.
• International tax planning: $400–$800/hour.
• Business valuations: $500+ flat fees or higher hourly rates.

These higher costs reflect the advanced skills needed to handle sensitive financial, legal, or cross-border issues.

Niche Industry Expertise Costs

If your business is in a regulated field like healthcare, real estate, or finance, expect to pay more. Specialized CPAs not only prepare returns but also help you navigate industry-specific rules. For many firms, the extra fee pays for itself through reduced risk and smarter financial strategies.

Comparing CPA Fees by Firm Size

Firm size plays a big role in pricing:

• Small firms / solo CPAs: $150–$300/hour, often with more personalized service.
• Mid-size firms: $250–$400/hour, offering a balance of cost and resources.
• Top-tier firms: $400+ per hour, especially for audits, advisory work, or when a recognizable brand name adds weight to financial statements.

If you’re a small business, you might prefer the attention and affordability of a local CPA or boutique firm. Larger firms, while pricier, can bring broad expertise and specialized teams for complex projects.

Cost Differences Across Industries

Industry complexity is another factor that quietly pushes fees up or down.

• Highly regulated industries (healthcare, finance, nonprofits): often pay a premium because of added compliance work.
• Public companies: usually face the steepest fees, given the intense scrutiny required for financial reporting.
• Small service-based businesses (like freelancers or local retailers): generally pay on the lower end, limited to tax prep and basic bookkeeping.

Your CPA isn’t just charging for time, they’re charging for risk management and compliance expertise. The more rules your industry carries, the more work they need to do, and the more you’ll pay.

Service Packages and Retainer Arrangements

Instead of paying piecemeal, many businesses prefer structured agreements:

• Flat-fee packages: $500–$5,000/year depending on scope.
• Monthly retainers: $500–$2,000 for bundled bookkeeping, payroll, and advisory services.

These setups make budgeting easier, and many firms will customize packages to match your business needs.

For small to midsize firms that want reliable support without unpredictable costs, outsourcing to specialists like Accountably can often make more sense than hiring locally. With offshore back-office support, you can lock in predictable monthly fees while freeing up your CPA’s time for high-value advisory work.

Factors That Influence CPA Charges

When you’re staring at a CPA’s bill, it helps to understand why the number is what it is. Pricing isn’t random, it’s shaped by the complexity of your finances, where you live, the size of the firm, and even how organized your records are.

Financial Complexity and Scope

The more moving parts in your financial picture, the higher the bill climbs.

• Multiple business entities
• Multi-state filings
• International tax issues
• Self-employment with itemized deductions

Each adds layers of analysis and paperwork. If your records are messy, expect your CPA to spend extra hours cleaning them up, which means higher fees.

On the flip side, if your books are tidy and up to date, your bill will almost always be lower. Think of it as paying yourself back for good organization.

Geographic and Firm Variations

CPAs are licensed nationally, but their rates feel local.

• In New York or Los Angeles, hourly rates can easily top $400.
• In smaller towns, you may find equally competent CPAs for $150–$250 per hour.
• Large firms charge more than small practices, but they also offer deeper benches of specialists.

In other words, the same tax return could cost very different amounts depending on who does it and where.

Complexity of Tax Returns and Its Effect on Cost

Not all tax returns are created equal.

• Basic returns: $220–$300 for a simple Form 1040.
• Moderate complexity: $500–$1,000 for itemized deductions or self-employment income.
• Business returns: $1,000–$3,000+ for multi-entity filings, multiple states, or significant deductions.

The complexity factor isn’t just about the time it takes to fill out forms, it’s about specialized expertise. A CPA isn’t simply entering numbers; they’re planning, reviewing, and ensuring compliance with ever-changing tax laws.

Rule of thumb: as complexity rises, so does cost, because you’re paying for both precision and peace of mind.

Fees for Audit and Assurance Services

Audit and assurance work is where fees really start climbing. Unlike tax prep, audits require a deep dive into financial statements, testing internal controls, and ensuring compliance with regulations.

Typical Audit Fee Ranges

• Small business audits: $5,000–$20,000.
• Medium business audits: $10,000–$100,000+.
• Large corporations: can run into the millions annually.

Hourly rates for audit work usually sit between $200 and $400, depending on the CPA’s experience.

Factors Affecting Audit Pricing

Several elements influence where your fee falls in that wide range:

• Company size and subsidiaries: More branches mean more records to test.
• Industry: Healthcare, finance, and manufacturing often demand specialized procedures.
• Internal record quality: Clean, well-kept books lower audit costs; disorganized records push them higher.
• Service type: Forensic audits or risk assessments cost significantly more than standard audits.

Ultimately, an audit fee reflects not just hours worked, but also the risk and responsibility your CPA assumes when certifying financial statements.

Consulting and Advisory Service Pricing

Advisory work is where CPAs shift from number-crunchers to strategic partners. Pricing here looks different from basic tax prep.

• Hourly rates: $250–$500, with top-tier specialists charging $800+.
• Fixed annual packages: $10,000–$50,000 depending on scope.
• Project-based fees: customized for mergers, acquisitions, or financial restructuring.

Payroll and Financial Statement Preparation Costs

Payroll and financial statements may sound routine, but they’re the backbone of your business’s financial health.

• Financial statements: Expect $1,000–$5,000, depending on company size and reporting complexity.
• Payroll services: Small businesses with under 10 employees might pay $100–$250 per month, while larger firms can see $2,500+ monthly bills.

Some CPAs charge hourly ($200–$400) for payroll processing, while others use flat fees. Accurate payroll and financials protect you from compliance penalties and give you clear visibility into your business’s performance.

For smaller firms that don’t need a full in-house accounting team, outsourcing these functions, often through offshore back-office specialists like Accountably, is a cost-efficient way to maintain professional accuracy without ballooning overhead.

IRS Representation and Associated Fees

Few things cause more anxiety than a notice from the IRS. If you need a CPA to represent you:

• Hourly rates: $200–$500.
• Small/medium business audits: Fees can exceed $10,000.
• Complex, multi-year disputes: Costs may climb into the millions for large corporations.

Rates vary by geography and the CPA’s expertise. While expensive, IRS representation can save you far more by reducing penalties and keeping communication clear.

Forensic Accounting and Investigation Charges

Forensic accounting is the financial detective work of the CPA world, think fraud investigations, litigation support, or uncovering hidden assets. Because of the skill and scrutiny involved, costs run high.

Service Type	Typical Fee
Hourly forensic work	$300–$500/hour
Fraud investigation	$3,000+ per project
Complex retainers	Negotiated

A simple fraud review might cost a few thousand, while larger cases with litigation can escalate quickly. Before engaging a forensic accountant, always clarify scope and fee structure.

Bundling Services to Save on CPA Costs

Here’s a little-known way to trim CPA bills: bundle your services.

When you combine tax prep, bookkeeping, payroll, and advisory under one agreement, firms often extend 10–15% discounts compared to purchasing each service separately.

Advantages include:

• Flat-rate predictability for annual planning.
• Consistency across all financial services.
• Better coordination between bookkeeping and tax strategy.

If you’re managing multiple moving pieces, bundled service packages are often the smartest route.

Negotiating Rates With Your CPA

Think CPA fees are set in stone? Not quite. A little strategy goes a long way.

• Be upfront about budget: Many CPAs will suggest package adjustments to fit your price range.
• Ask about off-season discounts: After April, demand drops and rates often soften.
• Bundle services: Combining bookkeeping, payroll, and tax prep gives you more leverage to request discounts.
• Comparison shop: Get multiple quotes, then use them as a negotiation tool.

Timing also matters, CPAs are less likely to negotiate during peak tax season when their calendars are packed.

The key is open communication. Most CPAs appreciate proactive clients who respect their time and come prepared with organized records.

Do-It-Yourself vs. Professional CPA Services

With all the software available today, it’s tempting to ask: Why not just handle taxes or bookkeeping myself?

DIY accounting software like QuickBooks or Xero typically costs $20–$70 per month. That’s a fraction of CPA fees. For freelancers or very small businesses with simple needs, this can work. But here’s the risk:

• One missed deduction or reporting error could trigger an IRS audit.
• Misclassified expenses can inflate taxes or penalties.
• Software can’t provide strategic tax planning, it just records what you enter.

Hiring a professional CPA, while pricier at $150–$400 per hour, comes with peace of mind. You’re paying for accuracy, compliance, and strategy. For many business owners, the savings a CPA uncovers in deductions alone outweighs their fee.

Seasonal Trends in CPA Pricing

Like airline tickets, CPA fees fluctuate depending on demand.

Tax Season Price Surges

From January through April, expect higher rates.

• Tax filing costs: Often $1,000–$2,000+ during peak season.
• Rush jobs: Additional fees for expedited filings.
• Deposits required: Many CPAs secure clients early with upfront retainers.

Demand drives these spikes, CPAs juggle dozens of clients at once, so availability becomes a premium.

Off-Season Discounts

After April, things slow down. This is when you’ll see:

• 10%+ discounts on hourly or project fees.
• Special packages offered to fill schedules.
• More flexibility in negotiating rates.

If you’re a business owner, shifting big projects like audits or advisory work into the off-season can save thousands.

How Disorganized Records Can Increase Your Bill

Think of your financial records as homework. If you hand your CPA a neat, complete assignment, they’ll breeze through it. But if you drop off a shoebox of receipts? You’re paying for cleanup.

• Extra hours: Sorting, verifying, and correcting adds significant billable time.
• Higher hourly rates: Complex cleanup may involve senior staff.
• IRS risks: Sloppy records increase the chance of mistakes or penalties.

The best cost-saving tip? Stay organized year-round. Keep digital records, reconcile accounts monthly, and avoid the “April scramble.” A little discipline goes a long way in cutting your CPA bill.

Value-Based Pricing Models Explained

Not every CPA bills by the hour or a flat fee. Some use value-based pricing, where their fee ties to the results they deliver.

For example:

• If your CPA saves you $50,000 in taxes through strategic planning, their fee might be a percentage of that benefit.
• If they restructure your finances to unlock business growth, the cost reflects the measurable impact.

This model rewards CPAs for driving meaningful outcomes rather than just logging hours. It can be more expensive up front but often leads to greater returns.

Value-based pricing works best when there’s clear alignment on goals and expectations between you and your CPA.

Choosing the Right CPA for Your Business

Cost matters, but choosing a CPA isn’t just about the lowest rate. The right fit can save you far more than they charge.

Evaluating CPA Qualifications

Start with the basics:

• Verify licensure: Only work with CPAs who hold active credentials.
• Check experience: Have they worked with businesses similar to yours?
• Look for specialization: If you’re in healthcare, real estate, or another regulated industry, you’ll want a CPA who knows the rules inside out.
• Read client reviews: Testimonials often reveal how reliable and responsive they are.

A CPA who understands your industry can provide more relevant guidance, even if their rate is slightly higher.

Matching Services to Needs

Smaller businesses may only need basic bookkeeping and tax prep, while larger ones require advisory, audits, or multi-entity tax strategies. Don’t overpay for services you don’t need, but don’t cut corners if your business is complex.

Business Size	Service Needs	Typical Pricing
Small	Basic tax prep	$150–$300/hour
Medium	Tax & advisory	$200–$350/hour
Large	Consulting & audits	$300–$400+/hour
Any	Custom packages	Flat/negotiable

The smartest move is to match the CPA’s skill set to your business’s complexity, ensuring you’re getting real value for the money spent.

Cost-Saving Tips When Working With a CPA

Even with all these ranges, you can control costs with a few smart strategies:

• Negotiate upfront: Agree on fees before work begins.
• Ask for bundled services: Packages often cost less than piecemeal billing.
• Shop around: Compare quotes to find fair market rates.
• Do simple tasks yourself: Use software for basic bookkeeping, leaving CPAs for high-value work.
• Work off-season: Schedule projects after April for better rates.
• Stay organized: Clean records save hours of billable time.

These steps not only lower your bill but also improve your working relationship with your CPA.

Long-Term Financial Benefits of Hiring a CPA

It’s easy to focus on the bill in front of you, but a CPA’s true value often shows up years later.

• IRS audit defense: Reduces stress and costly penalties.
• Tax savings: Averages $12,000+ annually for small businesses.
• Cash flow management: Supports stability and growth.
• Compliance: Avoids legal headaches.
• Accurate records: Builds trust with lenders, investors, and partners.

Risk Avoided	Benefit Gained	Emotional Impact
IRS audit	Increased savings	Peace of mind
Missed deductions	Improved profitability	Confidence
Cash flow issues	Growth opportunities	Security
Compliance failures	Legal protection	Relief
Inaccurate records	Sustainable expansion	Stability

Hiring a CPA is less about paying for hours, it’s about investing in your business’s long-term financial health.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Much Do Most CPAs Charge?

Most CPAs charge $150–$400 per hour, with higher rates for specialized services or major metro areas.

Is a CPA Worth the Cost?

Yes. A CPA helps you avoid costly mistakes, uncover savings, and strengthen your financial strategy, benefits that often outweigh their fees.

How Much Does a CPA Charge for Tax Planning or Consulting?

Expect $150–$400/hour, or flat packages for complex needs. Urban locations and larger firms usually increase costs.

What’s the Difference Between an Accountant and a CPA?

Accountants handle general bookkeeping and taxes, while CPAs are licensed professionals with advanced expertise in audits, financial strategy, and compliance.

Conclusion

Navigating CPA fees can feel overwhelming, but when you break it down, hourly rates, flat fees, retainers, and value-based pricing, the picture becomes clearer. The right CPA doesn’t just file your taxes. They provide strategic guidance that safeguards your business, saves you money, and positions you for growth.

If you want professional back-office support without ballooning CPA bills, Accountably provides expert offshore staffing that keeps your operations running smoothly while freeing up your CPA to focus on high-value strategy. It’s about getting the right expertise at the right price, so your financial ship stays steady and your business keeps moving forward with confidence.