Individual Tax Preparation

Find a tax preparer near Clayton, MO

Find a tax preparer near Clayton, MO

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Top 10 Tax Preparers near Clayton, MO

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Q & A

Answers to commonly asked questions from the experts on Thumbtack.

How much does it cost to get taxes done?

Hiring a professional to help with income tax preparation can be priceless. Pro help can mean no mistakes and a maximized tax return. The cost to get your income taxes done depends on the professional you hire. Tax attorneys or in-demand CPAs will often have the highest rates for their services. Next in the pricing tier are enrolled agents, who will usually have higher rates than individuals solely working with a preparer tax identification number (PTIN). Nationally, the average cost of income tax preparation ranges from $150 to $190. Income tax preparation prices can also vary based on where you live and the complexity of your tax returns. Here are some examples of average income tax preparation prices from an enrolled agent:  

  • Taxpayers filing only a W-2 tax form: $50.
  • Taxpayers filing a W-2 along with additional tax forms such 1099-INT and 1098-E: $150.
  • Taxpayers with several tax forms and one or two additional considerations such as a rental property, investment transactions, K-1 income, 1099-MISC or a simple small business: $225.
  • Taxpayers with multiple activities (rentals, K-1 income, small business, etc.), several stock transactions and more: $395.

Nationally, the average hourly rate nationally for a tax prep professional ranges between $150 and $450.  

Is it better to have a CPA do your taxes?

Hiring a certified public accountant (CPA) could be a better option instead of doing your taxes by yourself, but it depends on your tax situation and preferences. Having a CPA do your taxes is usually recommended if you have a business or any type of side job, or if you’ve been contacted by the IRS for a tax-related matter. Others who can benefit are those who own rental properties or have many assets. You can also hire a CPA if you need help understanding what deductions or credit you might qualify for.

Is it worth it to pay someone to do your taxes?

There are several reasons it could be worth it to have an experienced professional do your taxes instead of self-filing. For example, it can help reduce the chance of you making a mistake that could land you in trouble with the IRS. And, it could save you time for other important tasks. If you have a side job, rental property or many assets, having someone do your taxes can pay off in the short- and long-run.

Contact several tax professionals near you to discuss your needs and get free estimates. Then, decide if hiring a pro is right for you.

What is a tax preparer called?

A tax preparer can take the form of several different job titles, but they must have an IRS Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN) to be authorized to prepare federal tax returns, according to the IRS. Some titles may include enrolled agents, who are licensed by the IRS, as well as certified public accountants (CPAs). Some tax attorneys may offer tax preparation and planning services, though not all are qualified to do this.

Do tax preparers offer remote or virtual services?

Contact local CPAs or tax professionals to see if they can offer their services without in-person contact. Many firms can operate remotely or virtually, and others that typically operate face-to-face may be changing their procedures to keep up with social distancing guidelines. 

How much do accountants charge for tax help?

On average, individual tax preparation services cost $242, and prices typically range from $137- $454. However, many factors can impact how much an accountant will charge you for tax assistance. For an accurate price estimate, request quotes from several certified public accountants (CPAs) near you. 

Who can file my taxes?

Any individual with a preparer tax identification number (PTIN) is eligible to file your income taxes on your behalf. However, this doesn’t necessarily mean they will be the best candidate to provide the help you need with your income tax preparation. The IRS explains that CPAs, attorneys and enrolled agents are all allowed to legally represent their clients before the IRS. They have a more thorough understanding of tax code than an individual operating solely with a PTIN or an Annual Filing Season Program participant who provides their services on a volunteer basis. Consider the complexity of your tax return and what level of expertise you’ll require. Before entrusting someone with your private financial and personal information, do some research on their qualifications. The IRS has a searchable database where you can verify the background and credentials of your income tax preparation professional. Once you have selected someone, ask about their service fees and confirm their availability. Then provide them with all the documentation they require, including W-2s, 1099s and more. Always ask to review the paperwork before it is submitted, and never sign a blank tax return.

Reviews for Clayton tax preparers
Brad B.
Erik was exactly what I was looking for to prepare my taxes. We also spent valuable time after discussing plans to manage next years returns now and throughout 2019. I highly recommend Willowbrooke and Erik.
Willowbrooke CPA, LLCWillowbrooke CPA, LLC
Mindy P.
Erik is an excellent tax preparer. I feel very fortunate to have found him to address my complicated taxes. He explains everything in a down to earth manner. His expertise is wide and shows in his work. I would highly recommend his services to everyone. I just found my new accountant. I am very happy to have found him.
Willowbrooke CPA, LLCWillowbrooke CPA, LLC
Thumbtack Customer
Totally satisfied with the work that Patrick performed for me. He is very pleasant to deal with and very, very knowledgeable. He has his clients interest in mind with everything he does. I would absolutely recommend Patrick for tax preparation.
Kavanagh Tax Consulting & PreparationKavanagh Tax Consulting & Preparation
Neal M.
Tammie is very easy to work with and very professional. I usually prepare my own taxes so I have a decent amount of knowledge preparing them. This year we had some special circumstances so I wanted to make sure they got done correctly. I walked in to one of the big name places but had a bad feeling the whole time. I had to explain to the preparer what boxes to check so they basically just hired them right off the street. I demanded my paperwork back and luckily found AP Accounting. Tammie answered the phone right away and made me feel confident in her from the start. We met up and in person and everything was done very quickly without problems. On top of everything I saved over half of what the big name place wanted. I will continue going to AP Accounting even though my situation was a one time thing because the value for the peace of mind is unbeatable.
AP Accounting & Tax, LLCAP Accounting & Tax, LLC
Thumbtack Customer
Alexis was fantastic. She went above and beyond to get what needed to be done with minimal effort on my part. She was patient with me when I did not have what I needed and always pointed me directly to where I needed to go to find her that information. If I had tried to do this with a tax preparer in person, I would have needed to visit for days coming back each time, but doing this via email and secure smartvault portal made this easy and painless. I would recommend her incredibly highly to anyone who asks, and will use her again in the future if I need the services she offers.
Cerebral Tax AdvisorsCerebral Tax Advisors
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