James Maertin, C.P.A.

  U.S. Tax Preparation Worldwide

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Tax Returns

Foreign Nationals

U.S. Expatriates

Regular Individual

Self-Employed

Models

Business Returns

Other Services

Tax Planning

Audit Assistance

Corporation Formation

 

Fee Policy  

Tax Returns

I generally charge flat rates for tax returns based on complexity.  The rates are set to fairly compensate me for time spent, so they will increase if it is necessary to spend extra time.  See below for factors that will increase the fee.

The tax preparation fee includes:

  • Complete preparation, review and filing of your tax return.

  • Quick questions on tax topics by email year-round.  Generally, “quick” means something I can answer in 5 minutes or less.

  • Fifteen minute office visit to review the completed return, if desired.

  • Filing a tax extension, if needed.

  • Correction of any error that my office makes that is not discovered during the thorough review process.

The tax preparation fee does not include:

  • Corrections needed to be made later that are the result of inaccurate or incomplete information provided by the client.

  • Assistance with inquiries, examinations or audits of any kind by any tax authority.  This service is available but is billable at $200 per hour.  However, you may ask me quick questions at no charge.  For example, if you email or fax me a letter that you received, I will give it a quick look over for free.

  • An education on the tax law.  I will explain anything relevant to your return, of course, and I have provided a lot of information under Tax Guide, Useful Tax Links, and List of Deductions.

Starting Fees:

Regular 1040 Tax Returns (including one state):  starting at $250

Foreigners (including one state):    

  • Form 1040, NY Resident or other state:  starting at $250

  • Form 1040, NY Nonresident: starting at $300

  • Form 1040NR:  starting at $325

  • Dual Status Return (first year in U.S.): starting at $325

  • Dual Status Return (last year in U.S.): starting at $425

Americans Abroad:   Federal with Form 2555:   starting at $275

Self-Employed (including Schedules C & SE and one state):  starting at $300

Models (including Schedules C & SE and one state):  starting at $425

Corporations (including state and city returns, if needed):  

  • Starting at $400 for basic return with clean information. The fee could be significantly higher depending on complexity.

Note: The rates will be more than the minimum if,

  • you need extra state returns (starting at $50),

  • you are married and both of you have income,  

  • you have a large amount of information to enter into your tax return, or

  • you have complex state income allocations (this could raise the fee substantially),

  • you need additional forms (e.g. Schedules C, D, E, Forms 2106, 6251, 1116, TDF 90-22.56, etc.),

  • you want to claim temporary living expenses, home office, vehicle expenses, 

  • your return is complex.

The fee could increase from the initial flat rate (generally by the amount of time spent at $200 per hour) based on the following factors:

  • You supply additional information after the return has been finalized.

  • Disproportionately high communication time spent (phone calls, emails, etc.).

  • Having to ask many relevant questions that were left blank on the questionnaire.

  • The return turns out to be more complex than originally anticipated.

  • Various other factors.

 

 

Other Services

 

The following are billable at $200 per hour (minimum billing $50 for 15 minutes):

•   Federal, state or local tax audit, examination or inquiry help.

•   Writing letters.

•   Consulting.

•   Tax planning or projections.

•   Accounting services such as write-ups, help setting up books, consulting regarding accounting issues.

 

The following is billable at $100 per hour:  

•   Bookkeeping.

 

Fee Quotes: 

I always try to be fair and I won’t deliberately overcharge you.  Hopefully the preceding information is sufficient that you won't need an upfront fee quote, but if you really need to a more concrete idea of my fee before I start work on your return, please gather all of your tax information together, fill out the questionnaire that best describes your situation (Regular, Foreigner, American Abroad, etc.), and email or fax me your tax documents.  In the Other Info section at the end of the questionnaire, please write in bold letters "NEED FEE QUOTE" and I will get back to you with an estimate before working on your return.   Thank you.