The first question asked is always: "How much does it cost?"  The answer is that this is unknown; until I have a chance to look at your return materials.  We charge based on a minimum of $40 for Federal and State. If all you have is a W-2 and one state, this will be the price.  Beyond that I charge by how many schedules and how many entries on those schedules. Bookkeeping is normally billed at $30 per hour. This applies to actual bookkeeping or just sorting receipts. Returns brought in after April 1 are subject to a $10 rush charge. Electronic Filing is available. A normal return (2 w-2s, mortgage interest, property tax, contributions) will take about 30-40 minutes.    I will also file self prepared returns electronically for a flat fee of $30 for Federal and NC. (Of course, you may also file it yourself using my online filing. This sends your return using the same software that I use.) This gets your work checked for arithmetic errors and sent electronically to the government.  If I find errors, you can either redo your return or pay the standard charges for return preparation. I do not provide tax advice on self prepared returns.  If you take an improper deduction or fail to turn in something, that is your problem.  I act as transmitter only and take no responsibility for the accuracy (other than arithmetic) of your return. If I prepare the return and make a mistake, I will refund any charges and pay any interest or penalty charged. This, of course, does not apply in the event you fail to tell me something or do not report an item of income to me.