Fresno CPA Services

The cost of hiring a CPA in Fresno can vary widely based on several factors. According to a survey by the National Society of Accountants, the average hourly rate for CPAs handling federal and state tax returns is approximately $180, and $174 for other tax-related services.

Many CPAs prefer to bill per form rather than hourly, with common tax form costs averaging around $220 for a non-itemized Form 1040, $323 for an itemized Form 1040, $192 for a Schedule C (Business), $733 for a Form 1065 (Partnership), $903 for a Form 1120-S (S Corporation), and $913 for a Form 1120 (Corporation). 

Additional fees may apply for disorganized or incomplete files, typically around $166, filing extensions at $56 (noting that 58% of firms don’t charge for this), expediting returns at $136 (with 68% of firms not charging for this), and IRS audit retainers averaging $902. 

The national average cost for individual tax preparation services is about $242, with a typical range between $137 and $454. These figures are averages, and actual costs in Fresno may vary. It is advisable to discuss pricing structures upfront with a CPA, as some may charge flat fees for specific services while others bill hourly or per form. The complexity of your tax situation will also significantly impact the final cost.

CPAs are often considered expensive due to the wide range of services they provide and the complexity of the tasks they handle. The demand for skilled CPAs, even in areas with a lower cost of living like Fresno, also contributes to higher fees. Here are the key factors driving the cost of hiring a CPA:

• Comprehensive services: CPAs offer a wide range of services beyond tax preparation, including bookkeeping, payroll, tax planning, and business consulting. Some individuals report paying around $5,000 annually for a suite of services including bookkeeping, payroll, and both S-corp and personal tax filings.
• Complexity and expertise: Handling intricate tax situations requires significant knowledge and skills to navigate complicated tax laws and ensure compliance, justifying higher fees.
• Demand and market influence: Despite Fresno not having the same high cost of living as major metropolitan areas, there is significant demand for skilled CPAs, which can drive up prices. Clients from higher-cost areas also influence local rates by choosing Fresno-based CPAs.
• Value of services: The peace of mind and personalized, year-round support provided by CPAs contribute to their cost. Clients often value the trusted relationship and assurance that come with having a CPA manage their financial matters.

CPAs in Fresno, CA offer services comparable to those in other California cities, with some distinctions influenced by cost of living, market demand, and salary differences.

•  Cost of living: Fresno generally has a lower cost of living than cities like Los Angeles, San Francisco, or San Diego, often resulting in slightly lower CPA fees. However, high demand for skilled CPAs across California keeps prices competitive.
• Services offered: Fresno CPAs provide extensive services including individual tax returns, small business tax returns, corporate tax returns, partnership and LLC filings, fiduciary accounts, and tax-exempt/non-profit organization tax returns, on par with those in larger cities.
• CPA availability: With over 115,286 licensed CPAs and about 65,202 actively practicing in California, clients in Fresno and other cities have access to a wide range of CPA services.

CPA hourly rates can range from $150 to $400 or more, depending on the complexity of the services, the CPA’s experience, and the geographic location

The best sites to find the best CPA in Fresno, CA will vary based on your preferences and specific CPA requirements, but here are some websites that feature lists of the top CPAs in Fresno, California:

• Yelp
• UpCity
• Clutch
• CalCPA
• Google Maps

You can also ask local businesses and friends about their recommended Fresno CPA. Of course, many companies recommend MBS Accountancy because of our trusted relationship with local lenders and enduring reputation for accurate and timely work in tax preparation and filing and bookkeeping services.

Here are the top red flags to notice when hiring a CPA so you don’t lose money to bad advice or lost opportunities:

• Lack of discretion about other clients: If a CPA shares confidential information about their other clients, it indicates they may not respect your privacy and could potentially disclose your financial details to others.

• Suggestions of dishonest practices: If they propose unethical or illegal methods to save money or qualify for loans, it’s a major red flag. Engaging in dishonest practices can lead to serious legal and financial consequences.

• Dodging questions or giving incomplete answers: A reliable CPA should be transparent and willing to answer all your questions thoroughly. Evasive behavior or incomplete responses suggest they might be hiding something or lack sufficient knowledge.

• Making big promises without reviewing your financials: Promising significant financial savings or benefits before thoroughly examining your financial statements is a sign of unreliability. Accurate advice can only be given after a detailed review of your financial situation.

• Lack of understanding of your business or industry: A good CPA should have a solid grasp of your specific business needs and industry standards. If they don’t, they may not be able to provide the best advice or services tailored to your situation.

• Poor communication: Effective communication is crucial for a successful CPA-client relationship. If they are hard to reach, unresponsive, or don’t keep you updated, it can lead to misunderstandings and missed opportunities.

• Failure to explain things clearly: A competent CPA should be able to break down complex financial concepts and procedures so you can understand them. If they can’t explain things in a way that makes sense to you, it may hinder your ability to make informed financial decisions.

We cover these signs of a bad CPA in our blog.

CPAs in Fresno, CA, compare favorably to those in other California cities in several key aspects, offering a blend of comprehensive services, competitive pricing, and high client satisfaction. Here are some specific comparisons:

• Comprehensive services: Fresno CPAs, including firms like MBS Accountancy Corporation, offer services such as bookkeeping, tax preparation, financial advice, and specialized services for industries like agriculture, real estate, and nonprofits.
• Local knowledge: Many Fresno firms emphasize leveraging local knowledge and years of expertise, benefiting clients navigating local regulations and economic conditions.
• Competitive pricing: Lower cost of living in Fresno leads to more competitive pricing for CPA services, making them a cost-effective option without compromising quality.
• Personalized service: Fresno CPAs are known for their personalized approach and accessibility, which can be particularly valuable for small businesses and individuals seeking direct and responsive service.
• High ratings and reviews: Fresno CPA firms receive high ratings and positive reviews on various platforms, indicating strong client satisfaction and trust.
• Professionalism and integrity: Many firms are recognized for their professionalism, ethical standards, and commitment to client success.
• Industry specialization: Fresno CPAs often have specialized expertise in industries significant to the region, such as agriculture, providing added value to clients in these sectors.

At MBS Accountancy, we are considered among the top CPA firms in Fresno, CA because of our professional reputation among business lenders, businesses, and nonprofits throughout California. 

At MBS Accountancy, we only provide personal tax services for individuals who have hired us to handle accounting or taxes for their business or nonprofit. We do not provide personal tax services for individuals without a business or nonprofit.