Find an accountant near Columbus, GA

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. 

Accountants are financial professionals who have received an accounting degree from a four-year university or college. By trade, accountants prepare, maintain and examine the financial statements of an individual, business or institution. An accountant prepares reports for tax purposes and can also perform audits of public companies. Common tasks include creating budgets, analyzing profits and losses of a company, processing payroll, preparing financial statements for company leadership, and creating and maintaining financial database systems for a company.    

Accountants do not automatically have a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation unless they have passed the Uniform CPA Examination and received the proper license. Regardless of whether they are CPA certified or not, accountants can assist businesses and individuals with bookkeeping and financial reporting, while CPAs are more knowledgeable in tax codes as a result of the CPA licensing examination and continuing education requirements. CPAs are also eligible to represent clients before the IRS if audit support is required, while a non-CPA accountant is not. Academic background, years in the field and professional reputation all can affect an accountant’s rates.

Check out the average hourly rate for accounting services in your area.

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.  

Accountants’ rates vary based on their education, licenses, experience, and the work for which they are being hired. An accountant may charge an hourly rate when a company or individual needs their services on a short-term basis, such as when performing an audit or requesting assistance setting up a financial database or process. Hourly rates can range as widely as $40 per hour to $300 or more per hour, depending on your geographic location and the accountant. Check out the average hourly rate for accounting services in your region.

Accountants may offer a package rate for weekly, monthly or annual services to reward ongoing customers. Many accountants offer online services where small businesses can access online accounting software and payroll assistance, and the accountant — for a monthly or other recurring fee — provides financial analysis and reporting of their numbers. For basic monthly accounting services, an accountant might charge anywhere from $75 to $500 or more, depending on what was included in a given package, the size of the client’s business, and the complexity of work requested. Nationally, full-time staff accountants earn between $40,000 and $80,000, depending on experience and other factors.

On average, financial planners charge $100-$150 per hour for their services. However, hourly rates can range from $45-$200 per hour. 

It’s important to note that financial planners and advisors may set their prices differently. For example, they may charge: 

• Hourly rates
• Flat fees 
• Retainer fees
• Commissions
• A percentage of assets under management

Before you hire a financial planner or advisor, get cost estimates from several professionals near you. And ask them to explain how their pricing works and how they get paid.

A financial planner is a professional who can help create a plan to achieve your financial goals. Some examples of financial planners include investment advisors, accountants or insurance agents, according to the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority.

CPAs have different rates and prices depending on the service you require. To find out much CPAs near you charge, request cost estimates from local accountants. You can also read our cost guides on the following:

• Accountant rates
• Bookkeeper prices
• Financial advisor cost
• Tax preparation cost

A financial planner who has been designated as a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) by the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc., has met various requirements laid out by the CFP Board. These requirements and prerequisites include completing financial planning coursework, passing an exam, getting professional experience and more. 

A fee-only financial planner is paid directly by their clients. This is different from financial planners who charge a commission through the products they sell. Typically, fee-only financial planners charge flat rates, hourly rates or a percentage of the assets that they manage for the client.

In the personal finance industry, the fee-only model is considered to be the most transparent because it puts the client’s interest first. Fee-only financial planners are also considered fiduciaries because they’re required to consider what’s in the best interest of their client, according to the National Association of Personal Financial Advisors.

Financial planners have various specialties and backgrounds. Ultimately, they can help you analyze your finances and help you make a plan to reach your financial goals.

If you need help with your retirement savings, taxes, debt, investments and other aspects of your finances, consider hiring a financial planner near you.