A return's real cost is driven by properties, dispositions, K-1s, and states, not a flat sticker. Build your estimate below and see exactly what moves the number.
Every figure is a starting point. Your exact scope is confirmed in writing before any work begins, and retainer clients receive 15% off.
Federal + California includedFlat annual fee, or 12 monthly paymentsNo surprise invoices
Step 1 · Base return
What are we filing?
Step 2 · The work that scales
What drives the hours?
These are the variables that actually change the effort — property schedules, and the state returns that follow multi-state exposure.
Rental properties (Schedule E)
Income, expenses, depreciation. $275 for the first, $175 each additional.
Additional states
Non-resident or part-year returns beyond your home state. $250 each.
Step 3 · Who we're serving
Household or institution?
Step 4 · Schedules, income & K-1s
Anything extra?
Schedules & deductions
Capital & investment
Pass-through income
K-1 pricing varies by what the K-1 actually carries — a simple pass-through is lighter than a real-estate partnership (depreciation, §179, CA non-conformity), an operating business (QBI, basis, at-risk), a PE / alternative or hedge fund (multi-state, wash sales, PTP screening), or one with a Schedule K-3 (foreign, PFIC). We confirm the exact rate at scope.
Step 5 · Adjustments
Custom lines.
Additional service
+ $
Adjustment / credit
Applied as a reduction — enter the amount your preparer specified.
Nothing here is a binding quote. We confirm scope and a fixed fee in writing before any work begins.
How this is priced. Every engagement starts from a base return and adds only the complexity that genuinely drives the work — property schedules, dispositions, K-1s, multi-state returns — with a 1.5× factor for family-office and syndicator depth. The Adjustment / credit line is where your preparer's specific scope lands. All fees cover federal and California filings unless noted; additional states are billed per state. Retainer clients receive 15% off, applied at proposal. Questions? inquiries@sparkstone.co.