How much does a CPA charge per hour?

CPA hourly rates typically range from $200 to $500 per hour depending on location, specialization, and experience. However, hourly billing is unpredictable — many modern CPAs offer flat monthly pricing so you always know what you'll pay.

Is a CPA worth it for a small business?

Yes — a CPA typically saves small business owners more in taxes than they cost. Beyond tax savings, a CPA keeps your books accurate, helps you avoid IRS penalties, and gives you financial clarity to make better business decisions.

What is the difference between a CPA and a bookkeeper?

A bookkeeper records and categorizes your transactions. A CPA is a licensed professional who can prepare tax returns, represent you before the IRS, provide tax planning advice, and review financial statements for accuracy. Many CPAs also offer bookkeeping services.

Can I do my own bookkeeping instead of hiring a CPA?

You can — especially if your business is simple and you have fewer than 50 transactions per month. Tools like QuickBooks Online make DIY bookkeeping accessible. But as your business grows, the time cost and risk of errors usually make hiring a CPA worthwhile.

How Much Does a CPA Cost? Pricing Guide for Small Businesses

How Much Does a CPA Cost?By Timothy LeGendre, CPA · Florida License #AC62625 · Last reviewed 2026-05-25Complete guide to CPA costs — monthly bookkeeping ($500-$800/mo), tax preparation ($400-$3,000), and advisory pricing with real ranges for small businesses.CPA cost breakdown by service: Monthly bookkeeping ranges from $500 to $800 per month depending on transaction volume, number of accounts, and whether payroll is included. Individual tax preparation (Form 1040) costs $400 to $1,200, varying with schedules filed (Schedule C, Schedule E, capital gains, rental properties). Business tax preparation runs $1,500 to $3,000 for S-Corp (Form 1120-S), partnership (Form 1065), and nonprofit (Form 990) returns. Tax planning and advisory services range from $1,000 to $5,000 per year for quarterly strategy sessions, estimated payment planning, and year-end optimization. Catch-up bookkeeping is a one-time project fee of $500 to $3,000 depending on how many months need to be reconciled and organized. Factors that affect CPA pricing include business entity type, number of bank and credit card accounts, revenue volume, industry complexity, state filing requirements, and whether books are maintained throughout the year. Businesses with clean, current books typically pay less for tax preparation because less cleanup is required. Bundling bookkeeping and tax preparation with one CPA often reduces total cost compared to hiring separate providers.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a CPA charge per hour?: CPA hourly rates typically range from $200 to $500 per hour depending on location, specialization, and experience. However, hourly billing is unpredictable — many modern CPAs offer flat monthly pricing so you always know what you'll pay.
Is a CPA worth it for a small business?: Yes — a CPA typically saves small business owners more in taxes than they cost. Beyond tax savings, a CPA keeps your books accurate, helps you avoid IRS penalties, and gives you financial clarity to make better business decisions.
What is the difference between a CPA and a bookkeeper?: A bookkeeper records and categorizes your transactions. A CPA is a licensed professional who can prepare tax returns, represent you before the IRS, provide tax planning advice, and review financial statements for accuracy. Many CPAs also offer bookkeeping services.
Can I do my own bookkeeping instead of hiring a CPA?: You can — especially if your business is simple and you have fewer than 50 transactions per month. Tools like QuickBooks Online make DIY bookkeeping accessible. But as your business grows, the time cost and risk of errors usually make hiring a CPA worthwhile.