How do CPAs charge for their services?

Fees are generally based upon the amount of time a CPA spends on your work. Hourly rates can vary from $75 to $300 per hour. However, most small to medium-sized firms provide services on a fixed-fee arrangement, which is discussed and agreed to by the client prior to inception of the work. Preparation of your tax returns is an example of a service provided that would be billed out at a fixed fee. Business services such as bookkeeping, payroll, sales tax and corporate tax return preparation services are often negotiated on a fixed annual retainer, which is billed monthly to the client. This arrangement allows the client to budget for the exact cost of such services in his monthly overhead.