Preparation crowds out review
When the people who should be reviewing are also preparing, every return waits for the same few hours.
Tax preparation outsourcing · for CPA and EA firms
Tax preparation outsourcing for CPA and EA firms
Outsource tax preparation for 1040s, partnerships and corporations. We prepare each return in your tax software with workpapers attached; you review, sign and e-file under your own EFIN. Every price is published.
The problem
Returns pile up faster than your reviewers can clear them
Seasonal hiring is slow
A seasonal hire needs recruiting, software access and training before the first return comes back. Graduate and exam-candidate figures are in our CPA shortage answer.
Complex returns wait longest
The returns with the most schedules sit in the queue until a senior has a clear block of time.
What we prepare
Outsourced tax preparation services, return by return
Every preparer holds their own PTIN. Each return is prepared in your software, tied to the books, and handed back for your review.
Individual returns
Form 1040
From a W-2 return to schedules, rentals, several states and income earned abroad.
- W-2 and standard-deduction returns
- Schedule A itemized deductions, Schedule B interest and ordinary dividends
- Schedule C profit or loss from business (sole proprietorship)
- Schedule D capital gains and losses
- Schedule E supplemental income and loss, including rentals
- Multi-state returns
- Expat returns — Forms 2555 and 1116, and the FBAR
Partnerships
Form 1065
Partnership returns prepared from the books, with the workpapers that tie them together.
- Partnership return prepared in your tax software
- A Schedule K-1 for each partner
- Workpapers tied to the trial balance
S corporations
Form 1120-S
S corporation returns in two published tiers, agreed before work starts.
- S corporation return prepared in your tax software
- A Schedule K-1 for each shareholder
- Workpapers tied to the trial balance
C corporations
Form 1120
C corporation returns prepared from the books, at one published price.
- C corporation return prepared in your tax software
- Workpapers tied to the trial balance
- Open questions listed for your reviewer
What you receive
With every return
- The return, prepared in your tax software
- Workpapers tied to the trial balance
- A list of open questions for you
- A note of any judgement calls made
- Back to you within [turnaround] of a complete file
How it works
Start with one file. Decide on the output.
1
Scoping call
Twenty minutes: your software, your client mix, your deadlines.
2
One paid test return
Send a real file — ideally a messy one — at the published price for its tier.
3
Secure intake
Engagement letter, client consent, SSNs masked, access in your systems.
4
Prepare and check
Prepared in your tax software, workpapers attached, open questions listed.
5
You review and sign
You review, sign and e-file under your own EFIN.
Price DRAFT — D2, not confirmed
Tax preparation outsourcing prices, per return
| Service | Price |
|---|---|
| 1040 — W-2, standard deduction | $95 |
| 1040 with Schedules A, B or D | $140 |
| 1040 with Schedule C | $195 |
| 1040 — rentals or multi-state | $260 |
| 1040 — expat (2555, 1116, FBAR) | $310 |
| 1065 or 1120-S — simple | $350 |
| 1120-S — moderate | $500 |
| 1120 | $650 |
The same price all year
Per return, agreed before work starts. Your first return is a paid test at its published price.
Questions firms ask
Before the first file
Can a preparer outside the US prepare returns for my firm?
Yes, with a PTIN — every person who prepares or helps prepare a return for pay needs one. You remain the reviewer and signer and file under your own EFIN. Your client's consent is required before their information is shared with us. The rules in full →
What if a return is more complex than its tier?
We tell you before we start, with the tier we think it belongs in. The price is agreed before work starts.
Which tax software do you work in?
The packages we use every day: [D3 — Saad to list]
Related answers
PTIN
Can an offshore preparer prepare US returns?
PTINs, Form 8946 and its 2023 caution, and the client's consent.
§7216§7216 consent for offshore preparers
The mandatory wording, the Form 1040 SSN rule, and the penalties.
SECURITYDoes an accounting firm need a WISP?
What the FTC Safeguards Rule requires, and what changes when you outsource.