How Much Does a CPA Cost for a Small Business in Fort Worth?

One of the first questions Fort Worth business owners ask me is, 'What does a CPA cost?' The honest answer is that it depends on your situation, but the factors behind the price are very predictable. Here's how I think about it.

What drives the cost

Several things determine what you'll pay a CPA: the complexity of your taxes, your entity type (a sole proprietor's Schedule C is simpler than an S-corp or partnership return), how many states you operate in, the volume of transactions in your books, and whether your records are clean or need catch-up work. The broader the scope (say, ongoing bookkeeping plus quarterly planning plus your annual return), the more it costs than a one-time filing.

Common pricing models

Most CPAs price one of three ways: a flat fee per tax return, a monthly retainer for ongoing bookkeeping and advisory work, or an hourly rate for special projects. Flat and monthly pricing are popular with small businesses because they're predictable.

Why the cheapest option isn't always the cheapest

A skilled CPA often saves you more than they cost through proactive tax planning, missed deductions caught, clean books that prevent errors, and penalties avoided. Price is only half the equation; the value of getting it right is the other half.

How I price

After a free consultation, I give you clear pricing agreed up front based on your actual needs. You'll know what you're paying for before any work begins.