Because each client’s financial situation is different, the cost to prepare tax returns widely varies. The cost is based on a variety of factors, but mostly on the complexity of the return. Itemized deductions, self-employment income, rental property activity, and stock and investment activity are examples of items that make a return more complex. Other cost factors include the experience level of the preparer, the organization of the tax documents/materials provided to us, last minute changes or amendments to the return, preparing multiple state returns, and the timliness in which tax materials are submitted for preparation.