Estimate what you will spend to file taxes. Compare add-ons, complexity, and timing choices quickly. Plan your budget, avoid surprises, and choose smarter help.
| Scenario | Inputs (summary) | Typical estimate |
|---|---|---|
| Simple return | 1 W-2, no states, organized records, no add-ons | $75–$135 |
| Side-hustle | 1 W-2, Schedule C, some 1099s, mixed records | $180–$320 |
| Investor | Multiple 1099s, brokerage trades, itemized deductions | $200–$420 |
| Multi-state | 2 state returns, dependents, consult time, organized records | $220–$480 |
These ranges are illustrative. Use the calculator for a personalized estimate.
The estimate is built from a base service fee plus add-ons for forms and complexity. Then a record-quality multiplier is applied.
Tax filing costs rise with the number of forms and schedules you must report. A basic return with one W‑2 and standard deduction typically needs fewer review steps than a return with multiple 1099s, K‑1s, rentals, or foreign reporting. Each additional document increases data entry, reconciliation, and error checking time. Your estimate combines a base service fee with per‑item additions so you can see which inputs materially move the total.
Certain factors signal higher complexity even before calculations begin. Self‑employment often introduces business income, expenses, and potential quarterly issues. Itemized deductions can require receipt validation and limits. Brokerage and crypto activity can add transaction matching and gain calculations, especially when cost basis is missing. Multiple state returns may add allocation work and different rules. The calculator separates these drivers so you can adjust them independently.
Timing can affect pricing because capacity is limited near deadlines. Rush service is modeled as a fixed add‑on so you can compare a normal timeline with a 3‑day or 24‑hour turnaround. If you expect questions, planning, or scenario comparisons, consult hours and an hourly rate translate advice into a measurable budget line. Using this structure helps you decide whether earlier preparation reduces paid time later.
Record quality is one of the most reliable predictors of total effort. Organized records reduce follow‑ups, speed categorization, and lower the chance of rework. Mixed records often require clarification calls and small cleanups, while messy records can require deeper bookkeeping, duplicate removal, and missing document requests. The calculator applies a multiplier to reflect that time expands nonlinearly as documentation gets worse.
Use the estimate as a planning tool, not a quote. Start by entering only your known forms, then add optional services like audit support or cleanup to see tradeoffs. If totals feel high, reduce complexity first: consolidate brokerage statements, export crypto summaries, and separate business expenses monthly. Finally, verify state filing needs and document storage, then rerun the calculator to track improvements. Keep copies of forms, confirmations, and workpapers in one folder, and review entries against source documents before filing to significantly reduce notices and minimize future support costs.
It adds a base service fee, form and schedule add‑ons, optional time-based services, and selected extras. Then it applies a record-quality multiplier to reflect additional effort.
Higher brokerage or crypto transaction counts often require reconciliation, missing basis checks, and import validation. More transactions usually mean more review time, which increases the estimate.
Choose organized if you have labeled statements and totals ready. Pick mixed if some items need clarification. Pick messy if records are incomplete or require significant categorization and cleanup.
Yes. Set service level to DIY and enter your software cost. You can still add complexity items to estimate time-based help, consult hours, or cleanup work if you expect assistance.
Audit support is priced as a separate option to reflect post-filing coverage and communication. It may not change preparation steps, but it can reduce surprise costs if questions arise later.
Reduce complexity: combine tax documents, export summaries, track business expenses monthly, and resolve missing cost basis. File earlier to avoid rush fees, and improve record quality to reduce the multiplier.
Important Note: All the Calculators listed in this site are for educational purpose only and we do not guarentee the accuracy of results. Please do consult with other sources as well.