2026 Tax Preparation Fees: What’s Changing and Why

Each year, I publish Casler Financial’s updated fee sheet so clients know what to expect and can better understand how tax preparation fees are determined. As we head into the 2026 tax season, I want to share our updated pricing—and also provide a little context about why our fees change from year to year.

Why are tax preparation fees increasing?

Like nearly every business, Casler Financial has experienced increased costs over the past several years. Our pricing needs to keep pace not only with general inflation, but also with the rising cost of providing professional, secure, and accurate tax services.

Some of the expenses behind preparing and maintaining your tax return may not be obvious from the outside. They include:

• Professional tax preparation and research software

• Secure client portals, document transfer, and electronic signature services

• Secure electronic document and file storage

• Cybersecurity and data protection

• Professional education and continuing education

• Administrative and professional labor

• E-filing and technology infrastructure

• Professional insurance, licensing, and compliance costs

Tax preparation has also become increasingly complex. Changes in federal, state, and local tax laws mean that even returns that appear relatively straightforward can require additional research, documentation, and review.

Our goal is to continue investing in the people, technology, education, and security necessary to prepare your return accurately and protect the sensitive financial information you entrust to us.

How our pricing works

Casler Financial uses a forms- and complexity-based pricing structure rather than charging every client the same amount.

For 2026, a our minimum return charge for a federal 1040 with state return is $500. From there, fees are added based on the forms, schedules, calculations, and complexity required for your particular tax situation. For example, additional fees may apply for rental properties, itemized deductions, capital gains transactions, K-1s, self-employment income, depreciation, tax credits, additional state or local returns, and other specialized tax reporting.

This approach allows clients with relatively simple returns to pay less than clients whose returns require significantly more preparation and review time.

Entity returns such as S Corporations and Partnerships have a starting rate, but there are so many variables with these type of returns that it can be challenging to give an accurate estimated based on the prior year return, since so much depends on the condition and accuracy of the bookkeeping systems in place. We do require our entities to use a professional bookkeeper and we have a few that we collaborate with closely that are available to help if needed.

Technology and security

Our 2026 technology fee is $75 and helps cover the cost of secure file transfer, electronic document storage, and the professional software systems we use to prepare and maintain client returns.

Protecting taxpayer information is an increasingly important—and increasingly expensive—part of operating a professional tax practice. I believe investing in secure systems is essential when clients are trusting us with Social Security numbers, income information, banking information, and other highly sensitive financial records.

Electronic filing continues to be provided at no additional charge.

What about tax planning?

Tax preparation and tax planning are two different services.

Tax preparation looks backward: we accurately report what has already happened during the year.

Tax planning looks forward: we evaluate opportunities and make strategic decisions before the year is over, when there may still be time to change the outcome.

For clients who want more proactive assistance, Casler Financial offers tax planning packages starting at $1,500. You can read more about these new offerings here.

Our commitment to transparent pricing

I know that no one gets particularly excited about paying tax preparation fees! But I do believe clients deserve to understand what they're paying for.

My goal at Casler Financial is not to be the least expensive tax preparation option. It is to provide knowledgeable, professional tax services while maintaining the systems, education, security, and team necessary to serve our clients well.

I also believe in being transparent about our fees. That is why I publish our fee sheet each year rather than keeping our pricing behind closed doors.

You can review the 2026 Casler Financial Fee Sheet for our current rates. Keep in mind that every tax situation is different, and the fee sheet is intended to provide transparency and guidance rather than a guaranteed quote for every return.

Thank you to our clients for continuing to trust Casler Financial with your tax preparation and planning. We appreciate the opportunity to serve you and your families and businesses each year.