A lot of small businesses and business owners wonder whether it makes more sense to hire an enrolled agent and professional tax preparer, or purchase a software system that can guide them through their company’s various form filing requirements. A key component of this calculation is knowing how much each solution is going to cost your business. We’ll get to our own software solution costs in a moment, but let’s talk about the cost of enrolled agents for a moment.
According to CostHelper, the average hourly rate for enrolled agents (or tax accountants) is between $100-$400. But an even better guide is their total tax filing fees which can range from $250-$2,500 for businesses with few or no employees. This includes sole proprietorships, partnerships, and corporations, but it’s also worth pointing out that “some firms have a minimum charge for corporate income tax preparation of $500 or more.”
AMS Products and Prices
In comparison, you can get our basic software filing system for as little as. This software platform will enable you to import, organize, input, and print your information on pre-printed forms. Secure data reporting and email communications are also part of this platform. Moreover, it creates a sophisticated module interaction that allows you to build a more powerful and comprehensives software solution. In fact, many accounting professionals and tax preparers use AMS for their own small business solutions.
With this catalogue of product modules, you can do your payroll, generate blank filing forms, and e-file directly with federal and state agencies. For a few hundred dollars, you can build a customized software solution that’s perfect for your business and its accounting budget.
- W-2/1099 Forms Filer (required platform)
- Payroll Software
- Software-Generated Forms
- E-File Direct
- Affordable Care Act Filer
- 1042-S Filer
- Forms Filer Plus
What’s the Practical Difference?
Enrolled agents are experienced tax professionals who can represent taxpayers in front of the IRS. That’s the biggest practical difference. As powerful as our software is, it can’t represent you in tax court.
On the other hand, many business owners use software programs to comply with their own company’s form filing requirements. We’re not going to say whether or not hiring an accounting professional and enrolled agent is right for your company. Often, it’s not a choice between software and tax preparer, but rather your time as a business owner vs. the hourly expense of the professional. Again, many tax preparers and enrolled agents use AMS to help with their own business and form filing services.
Getting Started with AMS
To get a general sense of what our software does and how it can benefit your business during filing season, there’s no better way than downloading our free software demo. You can buy and download our software online at any time. Still have lingering questions? Talk to our Sales and Information team at (800) 536-1099.