Small business tax preparation typically costs $300 to $1,500 for most business structures. A simple Schedule C for a sole proprietor runs on the lower end, while an S-Corporation or partnership return with multiple K-1s costs more. The range depends on your business structure, industry complexity, and how organized your records are when you hand them over.

Sole proprietor and single-member LLC returns are the simplest. If your books are clean and you have straightforward income and expenses, expect to pay $300 to $600. Add rental properties, home office deductions, or vehicle depreciation and the price increases because more forms and calculations are required.

S-Corporations and partnerships cost more because they require separate business returns in addition to your personal return. The business return (Form 1120-S or 1065) typically runs $800 to $1,500 by itself. Your personal return is separate and additional. If you have multiple shareholders or partners, each K-1 adds complexity and time.

C-Corporations are the most complex and expensive. Expect $1,000 to $2,500 or more for the corporate return depending on your revenue and number of shareholders.

Industry affects pricing because some businesses have specialized tax situations. Contractors deal with job costing and equipment depreciation. Retail businesses handle inventory and sales tax. A tax preparer who understands your industry catches deductions that a generalist might miss.

The condition of your books has a major impact on cost. If your Phoenix area bookkeeper hands over clean, reconciled financials with clear categorization, tax prep is straightforward. If your accountant has to sort through a year of messy records before they can start the return, you’re paying for that cleanup time. Some preparers quote a flat fee assuming clean books, then charge extra when they discover issues.

Multi-state filing adds cost. If you did work in Arizona and another state, you might owe returns in both. Each additional state return adds $200 to $400 to your total.

What’s included varies by provider. Most small business tax preparation includes the business return, basic consultation, and electronic filing. Some include a mid-year check-in or tax planning. Audit support, amended returns, and quarterly estimated tax calculations are usually extra.

The cheapest preparation isn’t always the best value. A preparer who charges $400 but misses $3,000 in legitimate deductions cost you money. Someone who doesn’t understand your industry or the deductions specific to your business type can create problems that are expensive to fix later. The goal isn’t just a completed return. It’s one that’s accurate, captures everything you’re entitled to, and doesn’t invite unnecessary scrutiny.