CPA Exam Fees: How Much Does the CPA Cost? See CPA Course Fees

The National Society of Accountants reports that the average rate for management advisory services is $158 per hour. Many CPA firms also What is Legal E-Billing package advisory services with traditional tax and accounting services for a set monthly or annual fee. The actual fees can depend on your location, the CPA’s experience level, the complexity of your financial situation, and the level of service you need. Of course, you have to pass all four sections of the CPA exam first.

Typical Costs

Examination fees vary by state but generally range between $200 and $250 per section. If you plan to take all four sections, you’re looking at a total cost of $800 to $1,000. A CPA costs an average fee of between $75 and $400 for a small business, depending on your location, what type of service they provide, and your financial situation.

Is the CPA exam that hard?

While costs vary, these figures represent general ranges that small businesses can expect when using CPA services based on needs. Of the jurisdictions that follow NASBA’s fee schedule example, the application fee ranges from a mere $10 (thank you, West Virginia) to a monstrous $245 (no thank you, Montana). And though their application fees may be high, some of these rogue state boards actually charge lower examination fees than their NASBA-influenced counterparts. This includes a study book and all fees required to take the exam. If you sign up for all four sections, you will have to schedule all four exams in the next 6 months or your NTS will expire.

Average CPA costs for different services

As you can see from the above examples, the CPA rates per hour vary depending on seniority within the company as well as the size of the firm itself. Smaller firms with lower gross earnings each year may charge an average CPA hourly rate between $30 and $50 per hour, depending on the tasks for which you hired them. For corporate tax returns, the average costs are much higher, starting at around $500 for simple returns and reaching several thousands of dollars for more complex ones.

Check with your employer to see if you qualify for reimbursement or sponsorship programs. Apart from auditing, CPAs also engage in consulting services, such as management advisory and financial planning. These services address various business needs, including cost control, risk management, and strategic planning. Consulting fees also vary depending on the complexity and scope of the services provided. A tax accountant is a professional who specializes in preparing and filing tax returns for individuals, businesses, and organizations.

Use this guide to understand how CPAs charge, what influences their rates, and alternative services that might fit your needs. Some states require passing an ethics exam and most state boards accept the AICPA’s comprehensive ethics course and exam. This exam can generally be taken before, during or after the CPA Exam and test results are valid for a 2 years period. CPA Ethics Exam Fee can be anywhere from $150 – $250, depending on the state. Accountants keep your financial records organized year-round, so you’re always prepared for tax filings.

Ethics exam

• The cost of professional tax preparation services for an LLC can vary based on factors such as location, complexity, and the CPA’s fee structure.
• Some may also charge extra for additional services or consultations.
• Our team is ready to learn about your business and guide you to the right solution.
• As a result, CPAs are increasingly taking on a more general consulting role.

As a reputable financial consultant, I’ve spent countless hours researching this topic to provide you with accurate and reliable information. CPAs who specialize in a particular industry, such as healthcare or technology, may also charge a higher rate due to their specialized knowledge and expertise. Please note that the above cost breakdown is provided for general guidance and the actual costs may vary for each candidate. Your accountant can help you create the financial projections necessary for your business plan, but they can also use real data to help you track your progress and plan for the future. An accountant can use the insights gained from monitoring your financial records to help you set goals and determine your key performance indicators (KPIs). Your CPA knows your income sources as well as your Certified Bookkeeper financial outgoings.