What types of tax returns does Arc & Ledger prepare?

We prepare individual returns (Form 1040), business returns for LLCs, S-Corps, C-Corps, and partnerships, as well as non-resident alien returns (Form 1040-NR). Each return is reviewed for accuracy, optimized for legitimate deductions and credits, and filed electronically.

How much does tax preparation cost?

Individual tax returns start at $525 for a basic Form 1040 with standard deductions. Business returns start at $850 for a sole proprietor or single-member LLC. Final pricing depends on the complexity of your situation, including the number of schedules, states, and any international reporting requirements. We provide a clear fee estimate after reviewing your documents.

How do I get started with tax preparation?

Submit your information through our contact form for an initial review. We will assess your situation, determine the scope of work, and provide a fee estimate within 1-2 business days. Once you accept the engagement agreement and pay the engagement fee, you will receive access to our secure Client Portal for document exchange.

What if I have a tight deadline or file late?

If your documents arrive after March 15 (individuals) or February 15 (entities), a rush surcharge on the return fee reserves priority capacity for on-time filing: 15% for the first two weeks past that date, and 25% after that. Otherwise, for a signed engagement, we file an extension at no charge so the return is completed accurately. An extension extends the time to file, not the time to pay.

Do you handle FBAR and FATCA filings?

Yes. If you have foreign financial accounts or assets that meet the reporting thresholds, we integrate FBAR (FinCEN 114) and FATCA (Form 8938) filings directly into your individual tax engagement. This ensures nothing is missed and all international reporting obligations are met.

Can you prepare returns for prior years?

Yes. Prior year individual returns are $600 per year, and prior year business returns are priced based on complexity. If you have multiple years of unfiled returns, we can put together a comprehensive plan to bring you back into compliance.

What is the difference between individual and business tax preparation?

Individual tax preparation covers your personal income, deductions, and credits on Form 1040. Business tax preparation covers the tax obligations of your business entity, including income, expenses, payroll, depreciation, and entity-level elections on forms like 1120-S, 1065, or 1120. Many business owners need both, and we offer bundled pricing when both are prepared together.

Tax Preparation Services

Tax Preparation

Your return prepared and reviewed by an Enrolled Agent firm, with a clear scope and a fixed fee agreed before any work starts. You know exactly what you are paying and exactly what you are getting, for both individual and business filings.

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Free. No commitment. We assess your situation in 15 minutes.

Need a deep-dive? Book a Discovery Session from $297 (credited toward your engagement)

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In short: We prepare federal and state tax returns for individuals and businesses alike, from W-2 filings to multi-state returns, foreign account reporting, and LLC, S-Corp, and C-Corp returns. Every engagement starts with an initial document review and a written scope and fee before preparation begins, and returns are prepared by an Enrolled Agent firm.

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What's Included

Preparation and e-file of the federal and state returns your situation requires
A two-pass review before filing
A single point of contact who is an Enrolled Agent

Timeline: Timing depends on the return type and the season; you will know the turnaround before we start.

Not included:

Bookkeeping or records cleanup (separate)
Prior-year or amended returns (separate)
Representation for a return prepared by another firm

Tax Preparation Built on Accuracy and Process

Tax preparation is the core of what we do at Arc & Ledger. Whether you are filing a straightforward individual return or managing the tax obligations of a multi-entity business, the process requires precision, attention to detail, and a thorough understanding of the rules that apply to your specific situation.

We do not take a one-size-fits-all approach. Every engagement starts with an initial review of your documents and financial situation. From there, we provide a clear scope of work and fee estimate before any preparation begins. This structured process ensures there are no surprises and that every return is prepared with the same level of rigor, regardless of complexity.

Our tax preparation services are divided into two primary categories: individual tax returns and business tax returns. Each has its own dedicated page with detailed information about what is included, who the service is designed for, and how pricing works.

Our Approach

Initial document review and scope assessment before work begins
Clear, upfront fee estimates with no hidden charges
Electronic filing for faster processing and confirmation
Optimization for all legitimate deductions and credits
Integrated FBAR and FATCA filings when applicable
Post-filing support for IRS or state correspondence
Secure document exchange through our Client Portal

Tax Preparation Services

Select the category that matches your filing needs. Each service page includes detailed pricing, scope information, and frequently asked questions.

Individual Tax Returns

Starting at $525

Tax return preparation for W-2 employees, freelancers, investors, and expats. Includes federal and state filings, FBAR and FATCA reporting when applicable, and optimization for all eligible deductions and credits.

Form 1040 preparation and e-filing
Multi-state return support
Foreign account reporting (FBAR/FATCA)
Investment and rental income reporting
Prior year and amended returns

View Individual Tax Services

Business Tax Returns

$850 - $1,895

Tax preparation and compliance for sole proprietors, LLCs, S-Corps, C-Corps, and partnerships. Includes entity-level filings, K-1 preparation, and coordination with your individual return when both are prepared together.

Forms 1120-S, 1065, 1120 preparation
K-1 preparation for partners and shareholders
Quarterly estimated tax guidance
State and local tax compliance
Multi-entity coordination

View Business Tax Services

Tax Preparation Pricing Overview

All pricing is based on the complexity of your return. Final fees are confirmed after an initial review of your documents.

Service	Starting At	Details
Basic Individual Return (Form 1040)	$525	W-2 employees with standard deductions
Expat Annual (Americans abroad)	$1,095	Form 1040 with foreign income, FBAR, FATCA, and foreign tax credit, bundled
Freelancer / Self-Employed	$850	Schedule C with business expenses
Business Return (Sole Prop / Single-Member LLC)	$850	Schedule C or single-entity filing
Partnership / S-Corp Return	$1,595	Form 1065 or 1120-S + K-1s ($125/K-1)
C-Corp Return	$1,895	Form 1120 with full compliance
Additional State Return	$125	Per state, in addition to federal return fee
Prior Year Returns	$600/year	Individual; business priced by complexity
Notice Shield (optional add-on)	$149/year	Add to any return: 12 months of IRS and state notice responses on returns we filed (excludes full audit representation)

For detailed pricing on individual returns, visit our Individual Tax Services page. For business return pricing, visit our Business Tax Services page.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about this service area.

Any person with a PTIN (Preparer Tax Identification Number) can prepare tax returns as a paid tax preparer. An Enrolled Agent (EA) is a higher credential: EAs must pass a rigorous three-part IRS exam covering individual tax, business tax, and representation. EAs have unlimited practice rights to represent taxpayers before the IRS, whereas basic tax preparers cannot represent clients in audits or collections.

The cost of professional tax preparation varies based on the complexity of your return. Nationally, the average cost for an individual return is $200-$500. At Arc & Ledger, individual returns start at $525 and include electronic filing, deduction optimization, and a thorough review. Sole proprietor and single-member LLC returns start at $850, S-Corp and partnership returns at $1,595, and C-Corp returns at $1,895. We always provide a fee estimate before beginning any work.

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Related Services

Explore other ways we support our clients.

Bookkeeping & Monthly Accounting

Clean financial records are the foundation of accurate tax preparation. Our bookkeeping services ensure your books are ready when tax season arrives.

Learn More

Cross-Border & International Tax

Specialized compliance for foreign accounts, treaty positions, and international reporting obligations.

Learn More

Tax Resolution & Planning

Proactive tax planning and resolution services to address IRS issues and reduce your future tax liability.

Learn More

Ready to File with Confidence?

Submit your information for an initial review. We will assess your situation and provide a clear scope and fee estimate within 1-2 business days.

“Arc & Ledger provided exceptional service, making my tax preparation seamless and stress-free.”– Christian S., Google Review

We are scheduling new engagements from September 15.

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Both reach the same Enrolled Agent review. After either one, you'll receive a secure Client Portal invitation to upload your documents.

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