Fees:
My personal fees:
For several years I provided services at a flat fee. However, my experience was that some clients needed considerable assistance on their tax matter over a period of several months. Some took up a considerable amount of time asking lots of questions. Some had issues that were quite complex and required a lot of time and research. Others were not organized and did not provide records that were legible or that were incomplete. I learned that the best way to charge was using a fee based on time spent.
Tax preparation fees starting as low as $80 Simple Form 1040EZ
Streamlined Installment Agreement $325
Tax Representation Minimum Retainer $1,200
Negotiated Installment Agreement starting at $1,200
Offer In Compromise IRS Debt $2,500 to $4,000
Penalty Abatements starting at $1,200
Placement into Currently Not Collectible Status starting at $1,200
Stopping wage garnishments, levies and liens starting at $1,200
Return of Property Seized by IRS starting at $1,200
Innocent Spouse Protection starting at $1,200
(Note: Representation fees are calculated as follows: Minimum Retainer which includes 5 hours on your case $1,200 plus out-of-pocket- expenses plus preparation of tax returns as needed plus an hourly fee thereafter of $125 per hour.)
If your case must be referred to one of our attorneys, the fees will change accordingly.
Tax Preparation
Typically, accountants that prepare tax returns are professionals with credentials that demonstrate their experience and expertise. They are often:
Enrolled Agents (E.A. - federally authorized tax practitioners)
Accredited Tax Advisors
Accredited Tax Preparers
Certified Public Accountants
Accredited Business Advisor/Accountant
Registered/Licensed Public
Accountants or Accounting Practitioners
The IRS currently requires tax preparers to have what is known as a PTIN. The PTIN is the preparers tax identification number that can be used in place of the preparer's social security number. This insures that the preparer of your tax return is qualified by the IRS to prepare tax returns. If you are paying to have your tax return prepared by a tax professional, they are required to sign and date the return and provide their PTIN. Additionally, they are required to provide you with a copy of the tax return they have prepared on your behalf.
Payment for my tax preparation services requires a deposit. After completion of your tax return the remaining balance is due and payable prior to providing you with a signed copy of it. Fees for tax preparation are dependent upon its complexity, the Form to be filed (whether individual or business) as well as the number and type of individual or business forms, worksheets and schedules required. Accurate pricing is hard to do until the return is completed. After your return is prepared, if you are not comfortable with the price, the process will be stopped and any documents you brought in will be returned to you. Please note, however, that the documents prepared for you will not be provided until payment is made.
Nationwide Fees - Tax Year 2010
The average tax preparation fee for an itemized Form 1040 with Schedule A and a state tax return is $205. The average cost to prepare a Form 1040 and state tax return without itemized deductions is $115. The average fees for preparing other Internal Revenue Service (IRS) tax forms are as follows:
$518 for a Form 1065 (partnership)
$685 for a Form 1120 (corporation)
$656 for a Form 1120S (S corporation)
$430 for preparing a Form 1041 (fiduciary)
$1,729 for Form 706 (estates)
$521 for a Form 990 (tax exempt)
Note: Fees vary according to the expertise and licensing of the tax preparer, the region of the country wherein it is prepared, as well as the complexity of the return. Fees have increased very little from year to year. Fees also vary depending upon how much necessary information has been gathered by the taxpayer. If the preparer has to reconstruct most of the data and prepare worksheets and complex calculations, the fees vary accordingly. If the taxpayer brings unorganized documents and receipts that must be analyzed, sorted and totalled, the fee for doing so will vary. Some tax preparation firms charge an hourly fee for such services.
Please be aware that if you take up a lot of the tax professional's time asking lots of questions, have complex tax matters/issues, or just need a lot of tax help, it is only fair that you should expect to pay more than other clients.
Representation - "Power of Attorney"
Minimum Retainer
+ out-of-pocket expenses + hourly fees apply
My services for representing you on audits, collection and appeals matters require a minimum retainer of $1,200 before any work on your case is started. You will need to provide me with a completed Form 2848 which authorizes me to act on your behalf on your tax matter. I will review your case, order your tax transcripts and provide you with an estimate of the total fee during our initial consultation. Should additional services be required to process your case that were not anticipated, the additional expenses will be discussed with you. Preparation of tax returns and/or amended returns are additional. My fees are very competitive and affordable. I keep my overhead costs low in order to provide my services to you at an affordable price. As an Enrolled Agent, I am a tax expert and can offer you the same quality tax expertise and knowledge as that of attorneys and CPAs at a more affordable price.
In many cases, attorneys and CPAs do not specialize in taxation. I specialize in taxation and am an expert in IRS procedure and protocol. I know what IRS can and cannot do. Fees for representing you during the examination, collection or appeals process will vary depending upon the facts and circumstances of your case and the services required.
Typically, the average price for processing an Offer In Compromise is between $3,500 and $4,000. The Offer In Compromise usually takes approximately 40 hours of work and can span over a period of several months and even up to one year. A retainer of half of this fee is generally required prior to beginning work on your case. This service is provided only if there is a good possibility that the offer will be accepted by IRS. Not everyone qualifies for the Offer In Compromise. However, there are many other alternatives available to you to resolve your tax matter.
Representation often requires research, analysis, and preparation of non-filed returns, amending returns, corresponding with the Internal Revenue Service and rendering written advice. I will represent you at conferences, hearings and meetings. Consequently, the fees can range significantly. Many other companies charge fees ranging anywhere from $2,500 to over $8,000. My fees are significantly more affordable and, if you qualify and qualified representation is available, may be offered pro bono or at a minimal fee to cover expenses. Please email me at colleeneharrison@harrisontaxnonprofit.com.
IRS Income and Account Transcripts
can be requested and analyzed for errors and ommissions. The IRS can and does make mistakes. These errors can be corrected. IRS transcripts are often available within 24 hours.
REVIEW OF YOUR TAX RETURN
Often I am asked to review an indvidual, business, trust or employment tax return. While I have not actually prepared the tax return, I will review it for a FEE to ensure that any tax deductions, credits and exemptions allowed have been reported. This is to ensure that you are paying only what you actually owe in taxes and receiving all allowable tax deductions and credits. My fee for this review varies depending upon the type of form, the number of schedules and workpapers involved and the complexity of the return.
Minimum fee is $125
Payment Method
Acceptable forms of payment are cash, check, money order, credit card (Visa, Mastercard, Discover Card), Paypal and in some special cases of hardship an installment agreement.
