Highest rated

CPA-Led

Individual Tax Preparation

Expert personal tax preparation services with personalized support to maximize your deductions and ensure full IRS compliance. 100% U.S.-based team, no outsourcing.

Years Experience

0 +

Returns Filed

0 +

U.S. Based

0 %

Find Your Tax Situation & See Transparent Pricing

Identify yourself below, see clear pricing, then explore full service details if you need more convincing. No hidden fees. See complete service breakdown →

Essential

W-2 Families

Fixed Price

$120

Federal Filing

What's Included:

W-2 income (upto 4)
Child Tax Credit
Standard deduction
1099-Int & 1099-Div
CPA support
Free audit protection
eFile and Refund

Add-Ons Available:

💯 Maximum deduction guarantee

Investor Plus

W-2 + Investments

Fixed Price

$230

Federal Filing

Everything in Essential, Plus:

Add-Ons Available:

💯 Maximum deduction guarantee

Tech Professional

Equity Comp + Rental

Fixed Price

$330

Federal Filing

Everything in Investor Plus, Plus:

RSU (Restricted Stock Units) reporting
ESPP (Employee Stock Purchase Plan) discount taxation
ISO/NSO consideration if applicable
1 rental property (Schedule E)
Back Door Roth
Rental depreciation optimization
Passive loss limitation planning
QBI deduction analysis

Add-Ons Available:

💯 Maximum deduction guarantee

📋 Add-On Services

🏆 Annual Tax Support Package

$1,800+

Year-round CPA access including: annual tax return preparation, quarterly estimated tax calculations, unlimited email support, tax planning consultations, priority service, and IRS audit representation.

🎯 Why Choose CPA-Led Preparation?

🏆

vs. DIY Software

CPAs find $2,500 more in deductions on average vs DIY tax software

💰

vs. H&R Block

Same CPA expertise at 40% lower cost than national chains

🛡️

100% US-Based

Your data never leaves the US – no offshore outsourcing

Questions about pricing? See FAQ or contact us

Why Choose CPA-Led Tax Preparation Over DIY Software?

Deep dive into how our licensed CPAs handle each tax situation – plus common objections answered and real client savings examples.

↑ Back to Pricing • 💼 W-2 Employees & Families

Individual & Family Tax Returns (Form 1040)

Professional CPA-prepared returns for individuals and families covering all income sources and maximizing deductions and credits. Whether you’re filing a simple W-2 return or have multiple income streams, our individual tax accountants ensure accuracy and full IRS compliance while finding every eligible deduction.

"Can't I just use tax software and save money?"

DIY software charges $89-$219 for their premium tiers, but you’re on your own if you make a mistake. Our CPAs find an average of $2,500 more in deductions than software users miss – easily covering our fee while providing audit protection and year-round support. Plus, your data stays 100% in the US with no outsourcing.

W-2 and 1099 income reporting with optimization for all tax credits
Child Tax Credit, Earned Income Tax Credit, Dependent Care Credit analysis
Standard vs itemized deduction analysis (mortgage interest, state taxes, charitable giving)
Education credits (American Opportunity Credit, Lifetime Learning Credit)
Multi-state filing for those who moved or work remotely during the year
Federal and state e-filing with refund tracking and direct deposit setup
Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Account (FSA) optimization
IRS audit support and representation included at no extra charge

Learn More:

↑ Back to Pricing • 🏠 Homeowners & Real Estate

Homeowner & Real Estate Tax Services

Tailored personal tax services for homeowners and real estate investors, including those with vacation rental income and multi-property portfolios. We help you maximize depreciation, properly classify expenses, and navigate complex passive loss rules to minimize your tax liability.

"I tried DIY software for my short-term rental but it was confusing. Can you help?"

Absolutely. Rental property tax rules are complex – especially vacation rentals with their special average stay rules, expense allocation between personal and rental use, and depreciation schedules. We see DIY filers make costly mistakes like misclassifying capital improvements as repairs or missing qualified business income deductions. Our CPAs specialize in rental property taxation.

Schedule E preparation for rental properties with full expense optimization
Short-term rental income reporting (Airbnb/VRBO) with proper expense allocation
Depreciation strategies including cost segregation for larger properties
Repairs vs capital improvements classification (critical for tax timing)
Passive loss rules and $25,000 rental real estate exception
Qualified Business Income (QBI) deduction for rental activities
Capital gains tax planning and 1031 exchange strategies when selling
Multi-property portfolio management and entity structure advice

Learn More:

↑ Back to Pricing • 💻 Self-Employed & Freelancers

Self-Employment & Business Tax Preparation (Schedule C)

Comprehensive tax services for freelancers, consultants, independent contractors, and small business owners operating as sole proprietors. We optimize your Schedule C to maximize business deductions while ensuring you’re not missing quarterly estimated tax payments that could trigger IRS penalties.

"I got hit with a big tax bill and underpayment penalty last year. How do I avoid that?"

This is extremely common for self-employed individuals. Unlike W-2 employees who have taxes withheld automatically, you’re responsible for making quarterly payments to the IRS. We calculate your required payments based on your income throughout the year, help you set aside the right amount, and ensure you meet safe harbor rules to avoid penalties. We also optimize your business expense deductions to reduce your overall tax liability.

Schedule C preparation with full expense optimization and audit-proof documentation
Home office deduction using simplified or regular method (whichever saves more)
Vehicle expense tracking using actual expense or standard mileage method
Business travel, meals, and entertainment deduction compliance
Qualified Business Income (QBI) 20% deduction maximization for pass-through income
Self-employment tax calculation and optimization strategies
Quarterly payment planning with personalized reminders to avoid penalties
Multi-state business income allocation for those selling nationwide
Crypto transaction tracking for freelance income or business payments

Learn More:

↑ Back to Pricing • 📈 Investors & Retirees

Investment & Retirement Tax Planning

Strategic tax planning for investment portfolios, retirement distributions, and tax-smart wealth management. We help you navigate capital gains taxation, optimize retirement account withdrawals, and implement tax-loss harvesting strategies to minimize your investment tax burden – including Medicare surtax (NIIT) planning for high-income investors.

"What's the Medicare surtax and do I need to worry about it?"

The Net Investment Income Tax (NIIT) is an additional 3.8% tax on investment income for single filers earning over $200,000 or married couples over $250,000. This includes dividends, capital gains, rental income, and interest. We implement strategies like Roth conversions, tax-loss harvesting, and income timing to help you stay below thresholds or minimize the impact. Many investors don’t know about this until it’s too late.

Capital gains and loss reporting with tax-loss harvesting optimization
Wash sale rule compliance to avoid disallowed losses
Dividend income classification (qualified vs ordinary rates)
Roth conversion analysis and multi-year planning
Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) calculation and strategy
Traditional IRA vs Roth IRA contribution and distribution planning
401(k) and pension distribution taxation and withholding optimization
Net Investment Income Tax (NIIT) - 3.8% Medicare surtax minimization
Cryptocurrency capital gains reporting (short-term vs long-term rates)
Cost basis tracking and FIFO/LIFO/specific identification methods

Learn More:

↑ Back to Pricing • 💎 High-Net-Worth Individuals

High Net-Worth Individual Tax Preparation Services

Advanced tax strategies for executives, tech employees with equity compensation, and high-income individuals managing complex assets across multiple states. We specialize in RSU/ISO/NSO taxation, Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT) planning, and coordinating with your wealth advisory and estate planning teams for comprehensive tax optimization.

"I exercised ISOs and got hit with massive AMT. How could I have avoided this?"

ISO (Incentive Stock Option) exercises create an AMT preference item that can trigger huge Alternative Minimum Tax bills even though you haven’t sold the stock yet. The key is strategic exercise timing – we model AMT impact before exercise, calculate your AMT crossover point, and coordinate exercises across multiple years to minimize total tax. For RSUs and NSOs, we plan withholding strategies and same-day sales when appropriate. This requires year-round planning, not just April filing.

RSU (Restricted Stock Unit) taxation and withholding optimization
ISO (Incentive Stock Option) and NSO (Non-Qualified Stock Option) exercise planning
ESPP (Employee Stock Purchase Plan) discount and holding period strategies
Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT) calculation and multi-year planning
AMT credit carryforward tracking and optimization
Multi-state tax allocation for remote workers and relocations
State residency planning to minimize high-tax state exposure
K-1 reporting from real estate syndications, private equity, and hedge funds
Cryptocurrency trading taxation for large portfolios
Coordination with estate planning attorneys and wealth advisors
Bunching strategies for charitable deductions and state taxes

Entity Selection Guides:

↑ Back to Pricing • 🌍 Expats & International

International Tax & Compliance Services

Cross-border and expat individual tax preparation for US taxpayers living abroad, foreign nationals with US income, and anyone with foreign financial accounts or business interests. We handle Foreign Earned Income Exclusion (FEIE), Foreign Tax Credit (FTC), FBAR, FATCA, and all international reporting requirements to keep you compliant while minimizing your tax burden.

"I live abroad and haven't filed US taxes in years. What should I do?"

Many expats don’t realize US citizens must file tax returns regardless of where they live. The good news: Foreign Earned Income Exclusion (up to $126,500 for 2025) and Foreign Tax Credit often reduce or eliminate US tax owed. For unfiled years, we use IRS Streamlined Filing Compliance Procedures to get you current with minimal penalties. The longer you wait, the harder it gets – but we’ve helped hundreds of expats become compliant.

Form 1040 for US citizens and residents living abroad
Form 1040-NR for non-resident aliens with US-source income
Foreign Earned Income Exclusion (Form 2555) - excludes up to $126,500 (2025)
Foreign Tax Credit (Form 1116) for taxes paid to foreign governments
FBAR (FinCEN Form 114) for foreign bank accounts exceeding $10,000
FATCA (Form 8938) for specified foreign financial assets
Form 5471 for ownership in foreign corporations
Form 5472 for foreign-owned US LLC reporting
Cryptocurrency holdings in international wallets and exchanges
Streamlined Filing Compliance Procedures for late filers
Tax treaty analysis and optimization (US treaties with 60+ countries)
State tax residency termination for those permanently abroad

Learn More:

Individual Tax Preparation Questions Answered

Common questions about CPA-led personal tax filing, deductions, credits, and IRS compliance. Updated for 2025 tax year.

💡 What Makes OptimizeTax Different from TurboTax or H&R Block?

Unlike DIY software: You work directly with licensed CPAs (not seasonal preparers) who find an average of $2,500 more in deductions that software users miss. Unlike national chains: We charge 40% less than H&R Block/Liberty Tax for the same CPA expertise. Unlike both: We’re 100% US-based with NO outsourcing – your sensitive financial data never leaves the United States. Plus, audit support is included free (not an extra $90 add-on like software upsells). Read detailed comparison →

How much does CPA-led tax preparation cost?

Starting at $299 for simple W-2 returns. Self-employed, real estate investors, and multi-state situations start at $599. High net worth with RSUs/ISOs/AMT start at $1,200. All pricing is transparent upfront with no hidden fees. We’ll provide an exact quote based on your situation before starting work.

What documents will I need to provide?

W-2s from employers, all 1099 forms (1099-NEC, 1099-MISC, 1099-INT, 1099-DIV, 1099-B for investments), prior year return, receipts for deductible expenses, Form 1098 (mortgage interest), property tax statements, charitable donation receipts, business expense records, and cryptocurrency transaction history if applicable. We provide a personalized checklist.

Can you handle state tax returns too?

Yes, we prepare federal and state returns for all 50 states. Our CPAs are familiar with state-specific deductions, credits, and multi-state allocation rules. If you moved during the year or worked remotely in multiple states, we handle part-year resident and non-resident returns. First state included in base pricing, additional states $75-$200 depending on complexity.

What's the typical turnaround time?

Simple W-2 returns: 3-5 business days after we receive all documents. Self-employed/rental property returns: 5-7 days. Complex returns with RSUs, K-1s, international income, or multiple states: 7-10 days. We provide timeline estimates upfront and expedited service is available for urgent situations.

What happens if the IRS audits my return?

Free audit support and representation included with every return – no extra charge (unlike TurboTax’s $90 “Audit Defense” upsell). If the IRS selects your return for examination, we handle all correspondence, prepare response documentation, and represent you throughout the process. Your assigned CPA who prepared your return handles your audit.

Are your tax preparers actually licensed CPAs?

Yes. All our tax preparers are licensed CPAs or IRS Enrolled Agents with extensive individual tax experience. Unlike H&R Block or Liberty Tax which use seasonal workers with minimal training, our team works year-round and maintains current certifications with continuing education. We’re AICPA member firm in good standing.

When's the best time to start my tax prep?

Start as soon as you receive all tax documents (typically by early February). Early filing ensures accuracy, maximizes planning opportunities, faster refunds, and avoids the April 15 rush. We accept tax clients year-round, but January-March availability fills quickly. Extension deadline is October 15 if you file Form 4868.

Can I file my vacation rental income myself?

Technically yes, but we strongly advise against it. Short-term rental taxation is complex: 14-day rule, average stay calculations, passive vs non-passive classification, expense allocation between personal and rental use, depreciation schedules, and QBI deduction eligibility. We routinely see $5,000-$15,000 in tax savings vs DIY filings that miss key deductions or misclassify income. Read vacation rental tax guide →

How secure is my financial information?

Absolutely. Bank-level 256-bit encryption, secure document portal, two-factor authentication, and strict confidentiality protocols. Most importantly: 100% US-based team with NO outsourcing to India, Philippines, or other countries (unlike many firms). Your sensitive tax data never leaves the United States. We’re SOC 2 compliant with annual security audits.

Will you still help me after tax season ends?

Yes, year-round support for all clients. Contact your assigned CPA anytime with tax questions, IRS notices, life changes affecting taxes, or planning opportunities. Many clients use quarterly check-ins for estimated payments, Roth conversion planning, or stock option exercise timing. We don’t disappear on April 16 like seasonal preparers.

Can you help with prior year returns or amendments?

Yes. We prepare prior year returns for any year back to 2018, amended returns (Form 1040-X) when you discover errors or missed deductions, and help with IRS payment plans for back taxes owed. Streamlined Filing Compliance for expats who haven’t filed in years. Prior year pricing: $400+ per year depending on complexity. Learn about back tax services

Do you handle cryptocurrency taxation?

Yes. Our CPAs are experienced with crypto capital gains, trading across exchanges, staking income, mining, DeFi activities, NFT sales, and international crypto holdings. We import transactions from Coinbase, Binance, Kraken, etc., calculate cost basis using appropriate methods (FIFO/LIFO/specific ID), and ensure full IRS compliance including Form 8949 and Schedule D. Pricing: $200-$500 depending on transaction volume.

Do you prepare taxes for expats and international income?

Yes. We specialize in Form 1040 for US citizens abroad, FEIE (Foreign Earned Income Exclusion up to $126,500 for 2025), Foreign Tax Credit, FBAR for foreign accounts over $10,000, FATCA Form 8938, and Form 1040-NR for non-residents. We’ve helped hundreds of expats in 40+ countries. See expat services →

What's the Alternative Minimum Tax and should I worry about it?

AMT is a parallel tax system that primarily affects high earners ($85,650+ single, $133,300+ married) and anyone exercising ISOs (Incentive Stock Options). It recalculates your tax using different rules, disallowing certain deductions like state taxes and miscellaneous deductions. We calculate both regular tax and AMT, then you pay the higher amount. If you have ISOs, AMT planning is critical. Read AMT guide →

Should I take the standard deduction or itemize?

Depends on your situation. 2024 standard deduction: $14,600 single, $29,200 married. Itemize if your deductions (mortgage interest, property taxes, state taxes, charitable giving, medical expenses) exceed the standard amount. We calculate both ways and use whichever saves more. Many homeowners still benefit from itemizing. Read guide →

I'm self-employed and got a huge tax bill. How do I prevent this?

Quarterly payments to the IRS are required for self-employment income. We calculate your required payments based on income throughout the year (April 15, June 15, Sept 15, Jan 15 deadlines) to avoid underpayment penalties. We also optimize Schedule C deductions – home office, vehicle, health insurance, retirement contributions – to reduce your overall tax burden. See quarterly tax planning →

How does the 3.8% Medicare surtax work?

Net Investment Income Tax (NIIT) is 3.8% additional tax on investment income (dividends, capital gains, rental income, interest) for single filers earning over $200,000 or married couples over $250,000. This is ON TOP OF regular income tax. We implement strategies like Roth conversions, tax-loss harvesting, and income timing to minimize NIIT exposure. Read NIIT guide →

What's the QBI deduction for self-employed people?

Qualified Business Income (QBI) deduction allows up to 20% deduction on pass-through business income from Schedule C (self-employment), Schedule E (rental real estate), or S-corp/partnership K-1s. Phase-outs and limitations apply based on income level and business type. We maximize this deduction saving $5,000-$20,000+ annually for eligible clients. Read QBI guide →

I moved states - how does that affect my taxes?

You’ll file part-year resident returns in both states, allocating income based on where you lived when you earned it. Some states have reciprocity agreements eliminating double taxation. State residency rules vary – California is particularly aggressive claiming residency even after you leave. We handle all multi-state complexities and ensure proper allocation. Read multi-state guide →

Should I do a Roth conversion this year?

Depends on current vs future tax brackets, age, retirement timeline, and other income. Roth conversions work best in low-income years before RMDs start or during early retirement. We model the tax impact, coordinate with Medicare IRMAA thresholds, and develop multi-year strategies. Conversions are permanent – planning is critical. Read strategy guide →

Still Have Questions?

Check our Complete Tax FAQ Library with 100+ detailed questions, or schedule a free consultation with a licensed CPA to discuss your specific tax situation.

Ready to Maximize Your Tax Refund with Expert CPA Preparation?

Join 5,000+ individuals and families who trust our licensed CPAs with their personal tax returns. From simple W-2s to complex multi-state, investment, and international situations – we find every deduction you deserve while ensuring full IRS compliance.

Individual Tax Preparation

Find Your Tax Situation & See Transparent Pricing

Essential

$120

What's Included:

Add-Ons Available:

Investor Plus

$230

Everything in Essential, Plus:

Add-Ons Available:

Tech Professional

$330

Everything in Investor Plus, Plus:

Add-Ons Available:

📋 Add-On Services

🏆 Annual Tax Support Package

🎯 Why Choose CPA-Led Preparation?

🏆

vs. DIY Software

💰

vs. H&R Block

🛡️

100% US-Based

Why Choose CPA-Led Tax Preparation Over DIY Software?

↑ Back to Pricing • 💼 W-2 Employees & Families

Individual & Family Tax Returns (Form 1040)

↑ Back to Pricing • 🏠 Homeowners & Real Estate

Homeowner & Real Estate Tax Services

↑ Back to Pricing • 💻 Self-Employed & Freelancers

Self-Employment & Business Tax Preparation (Schedule C)

↑ Back to Pricing • 📈 Investors & Retirees

Investment & Retirement Tax Planning

↑ Back to Pricing • 💎 High-Net-Worth Individuals

High Net-Worth Individual Tax Preparation Services

↑ Back to Pricing • 🌍 Expats & International

International Tax & Compliance Services

Individual Tax Preparation Questions Answered

💡 What Makes OptimizeTax Different from TurboTax or H&R Block?

How much does CPA-led tax preparation cost?

What documents will I need to provide?

Can you handle state tax returns too?

What's the typical turnaround time?

What happens if the IRS audits my return?

Are your tax preparers actually licensed CPAs?

When's the best time to start my tax prep?

Can I file my vacation rental income myself?

How secure is my financial information?

Will you still help me after tax season ends?

Can you help with prior year returns or amendments?

Do you handle cryptocurrency taxation?

Do you prepare taxes for expats and international income?

What's the Alternative Minimum Tax and should I worry about it?

Should I take the standard deduction or itemize?

I'm self-employed and got a huge tax bill. How do I prevent this?

How does the 3.8% Medicare surtax work?

What's the QBI deduction for self-employed people?

I moved states - how does that affect my taxes?

Should I do a Roth conversion this year?

Still Have Questions?

Ready to Maximize Your Tax Refund with Expert CPA Preparation?

Washington

Texas & California