The cost depends mostly on your business entity type, how complex your finances are, and whether your books are in order when you hand them over.

For a sole proprietor filing a Schedule C, most CPAs charge somewhere between $300 and $800. That’s the simplest business return since it gets filed as part of your personal tax return. If you’re an LLC taxed as a partnership filing Form 1065, expect $800 to $1,500 or more. S-corps filing Form 1120-S typically run $1,000 to $2,000 and up. C-corps usually start around $1,200 and go higher depending on complexity.

These ranges shift based on where you are. CPAs in Los Angeles and the South Bay tend to charge more than someone in a smaller market, partly because of overhead and partly because of demand. A CPA who specializes in your industry may charge a bit more up front but typically saves you money through deductions a generalist would miss.

What drives the price up is complexity. Multiple revenue streams, rental properties, vehicle deductions, equipment purchases, subcontractor payments, and multi-state filing requirements all add time. A plumber with one truck and a handful of subs is a simpler return than a general contractor running five crews across three types of projects. For construction and trade businesses, things like job costing, equipment depreciation, and 1099 reporting for subcontractors add layers that a basic return doesn’t have.

The biggest factor most business owners overlook is the condition of their books. If you show up in March with a shoebox of receipts and no financial statements, your CPA has to do bookkeeping work before they can even start the return. That cleanup gets billed on top of the tax prep fee, and it’s often more expensive than the return itself. Clean, reconciled books with proper categorization mean less CPA time and a lower bill.

At TradeBuilt Accounting, business tax returns start at $1,200. That reflects the trade and service businesses we work with around Long Beach and Greater LA, where the returns tend to involve more moving parts than a typical small business.

The cheapest option isn’t always the best deal. A CPA who charges $400 but misses $5,000 in legitimate deductions cost you more than one who charges $1,500 and catches everything. Section 179 deductions on equipment, home office write-offs, vehicle expenses, and proper handling of subcontractor costs can add up to real savings. Having a Long Beach bookkeeper who keeps your books accurate throughout the year means your CPA spends less time sorting through transactions and more time finding ways to reduce what you owe.

If you’re comparing prices, ask what’s included. Some CPAs bundle a bookkeeping review into their tax fee. Others charge separately for it. Find out whether the quote covers state returns, estimated tax calculations, and questions throughout the year or just the finished return itself. The sticker price only tells part of the story.