Over 85 million Americans hire a tax professional to help them file their tax return. How much this professional service will cost has been climbing in recent years and is a concern for many people.

Here is a list of expected tax preparation fees for the 2025 tax filing season:

1040 without itemizing $240

1040 with itemizing $350

Schedule C add $200

Schedule D add $130

Schedule E add $150

Returns with Schedules A, C, D, and E $850

DIY Online Software, including state return $30

To arrive at these “average” tax preparation fees I used a study from the National Society of Accountants and adjusted for inflation.

The problem with “average” tax preparation fees is that they do not take into account several factors. The experience of the tax professional will affect the fee charged. A CPA with 30 years experience will have higher fees than unlicensed tax practitioners just starting out.

Another issue involves the amount of data requiring entry.…