2026 Tax Year Update (returns filed in 2027): Standard deduction rises to $16,100 single, $32,200 married filing jointly and $24,150 head of household. The OBBBA provisions continue: the $6,000 senior deduction, deductions for qualified tips and overtime (subject to income limits), and a SALT cap of $40,400 for most filers. See what changed →

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Still not sure? Call (540) 412-7255 and I'll tell you which price applies before we start.

Individuals and Families

Every price includes your federal return, one state return and e-filing.

Basic Return

$195

For you if: you have W-2 income from a job and nothing more complicated. Bank interest, student loan interest and education credits are fine.

We prepare your return with the standard deduction and check every credit you qualify for, including the Child Tax Credit, the Earned Income Credit and education credits. We also apply the new deductions for tips, overtime and taxpayers 65 and older where they fit.

Itemized Return

$275

For you if: you own a home, gave a lot to charity, had large medical bills or pay high state and local taxes.

We compare itemizing against the standard deduction and use whichever saves you more. That includes mortgage interest, property taxes, charitable gifts and medical costs, with the higher SALT cap ($40,400 for 2026 returns for most filers).

Rental Property

$550

For you if: you own one or more rental properties.

We report your rental income and expenses, set up depreciation correctly and track any losses you carry forward. Depreciation mistakes cost you every year, so we get it right from the first return. Covers up to two properties; each additional property is $95.

Extra State Return

+$95 per state

For you if: you moved during the year, work remotely for a company in another state, or earned income in more than one state.

We split your income between the states and claim credit for taxes paid to another state, so you don't pay twice on the same income. Added to any return above, for each state beyond the first.

Self-Employed and Small Business

Freelancers, contractors, gig workers, side businesses and small companies.

Self-Employed

$395

For you if: you work for yourself full time as a freelancer, contractor, gig worker or sole owner, and you don't have a W-2 job.

We report your business income and find every deduction you're allowed: home office, mileage, equipment, software, professional fees, phone and internet. We figure your self-employment tax and apply the 20% small business (QBI) deduction. Federal and one state return included.

Job + Side Business

$475

For you if: you have a W-2 job and earn money on the side, such as freelance work, consulting or a small online shop.

Both incomes go on one return and affect each other: your tax bracket, your self-employment tax and the 20% small business deduction. We put them together correctly so you don't overpay or get a surprise bill. Common for federal employees with consulting work. Federal and one state return included.

Larger Self-Employed Business

$595

For you if: your business has significant income, equipment or vehicles to depreciate, more than one income stream, or losses and credits carried over from past years.

Everything in Self-Employed, plus depreciation planning (including Section 179 and bonus depreciation), a plan for next year's quarterly payments and ways to lower your self-employment tax. If your books need cleanup first, that is billed separately as bookkeeping catch-up ($85/hr). Federal and one state return included.

S-Corp or Partnership Return

from $950

For you if: your business is an S corporation or a partnership with more than one owner, so it files its own return separate from your personal one.

We prepare the business return (Form 1120-S or 1065) and the K-1 for each owner. For S-Corps we include a review of your salary, which the IRS looks at closely, plus basis tracking and distribution planning. The price depends on the number of owners, states and transactions, and you get a fixed quote before we start.

LLC Formation

$450

For you if: you are starting a business and want your LLC set up correctly from day one.

We file your Articles of Organization with the state, get your EIN from the IRS and advise you on how the LLC should be taxed. An LLC can help keep your personal and business finances separate.

The Virginia state filing fee ($100) and any registered agent fees are paid directly to the state and are not included.

Nonprofits

Annual filings to keep your tax-exempt status.

Form 990-N (e-Postcard)

$95

For you if: your tax-exempt organization normally has gross receipts of $50,000 or less.

We confirm you qualify, prepare the filing and e-file it with the IRS. Missing three years in a row means automatic loss of tax-exempt status, so don't skip it.

Form 990-EZ

$325

For you if: your organization has gross receipts under $200,000 and total assets under $500,000.

We prepare the full 990-EZ with the required schedules, review it for compliance and e-file it with the IRS.

Other fees, so there are no surprises

  • Tax document organizing: $75/hr. Extra time spent sorting incomplete or disorganized tax documents (missing forms, mixed receipts) so your return can be prepared. I tell you before I start.
  • Bookkeeping catch-up: $85/hr. Rebuilding months of business books before your return can be done. See Bookkeeping.
  • Paper documents instead of uploads: $20
  • Amending a prior year return (Form 1040-X): $150 per year
  • ITIN application (Form W-7 with a paper return): $95
  • Documents received after April 1: +$100
  • Documents received after April 10: +$250 total ($100 plus a $150 rush fee), and your return may need an extension

How It Works

Your tax information is handled securely from start to finish through our encrypted client portal.

📧
Step 1

Contact Us

Call (540) 412-7255 or email us to get started. We'll discuss your tax situation and answer any questions.

🔐
Step 2

Secure Portal Setup

We create your personal, encrypted client portal. You'll receive a login via email to access your secure account.

📤
Step 3

Upload Documents

Use our Tax Document Checklist to gather your documents, then upload them securely through your portal.

📋
Step 4

We Prepare Your Return

I personally prepare your return, the same auditor who reviewed federal agency financials is reviewing yours. Returns are typically completed within 2 weeks.

💡
Step 5

Review & Tax Planning

We review your completed return with you and give you tax planning guidance for next year.

🔒 Your Security Is Our Priority

All documents are transmitted through our encrypted portal, never via unsecured email. Your personal and financial information is protected at every step.

📥 Download Tax Document Checklist

Includes the OBBBA tax changes and where to find your tax forms

Before you upload

  • ✓ Go through the Tax Document Checklist first. Missing documents are the most common reason a return gets delayed.
  • ✓ Refunds and balances due are handled by direct deposit or direct debit. If you want a paper check instead, tell me at the start. Changing it after your return is prepared can delay filing.
  • ✓ If your documents arrive after April 10 and your return can't be finished by April 15, I'll file an extension (Form 4868). An extension gives you more time to file, not more time to pay. Any tax you owe is still due April 15.

Talk directly with the owner

No call centers, no middlemen. Call (540) 412-7255 or email vfa@valleyfinancialadvisorsllc.com

Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM Eastern. Saturday by appointment.

How We Compare

Free and low-cost options are the right choice for some people. Here is what changes when a professional prepares your return.

Do-it-yourself software Tax chain storefront Valley Financial Advisors
Who prepares your return You do A preparer assigned by the office A former GS-14 federal auditor, every time
Price Free only for simple returns. Paid tiers for most others Set by each office, quoted in person Flat fees starting at $195
No hidden fees Upgrades and add-ons may apply as you go Ask for a written quote before work starts ✓ Every fee is posted on this page, including rush fees
Same preparer every year No preparer Not guaranteed ✓ Yes, the same person
Who checks for mistakes You do Depends on the office ✓ Reviewed with an auditor's eye
Help after April 15 Varies by plan Varies by office ✓ Year-round, with a direct phone line
Bookkeeping and tax planning Not included Varies by office ✓ Monthly bookkeeping plans and planning guidance

Is "free" really free?

Sometimes. But read the fine print first:

  • TurboTax says about 37% of filers qualify for its Free Edition, which covers simple Form 1040 returns only.
  • In 2024 the Federal Trade Commission ruled that Intuit's "free" TurboTax ads were deceptive. It ordered the company to stop calling products free unless they are free for everyone or it clearly discloses who qualifies.
  • If you have self-employment income, rental property, or you itemize, expect to need a paid version.

If your return is simple, free software or IRS Free File may be all you need, and we will tell you so. If it isn't, you deserve a clear price before anyone starts.

Sources: TurboTax Free Edition (checked October 2026); FTC opinion and final order, Intuit Inc., January 2024. Other companies' offers change often, so check their current terms.

📚 Need Bookkeeping Services?

We offer monthly bookkeeping plans for small businesses and restaurants, from basic reconciliation to full-service high-volume transaction review.

View Bookkeeping Plans →

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