Service 01

Your tax return, filed right and explained.

Federal, Pennsylvania and Philadelphia returns prepared by a CPA or an enrolled agent, at a fixed price you see before we start.

  • Fixed price in writing, from $375
  • Every return reviewed by a second preparer
A couple at a kitchen table with a laptop and a few neat folders, smiling at each other

In plain words

Who is this for?

Most of our individual clients are Philadelphia households with one or two paychecks, a mortgage or rent, and one thing that makes the return less than simple: a side business, a rental unit, stock sales, a move in or out of the city, or a year of working from home.

A Philadelphia return has more layers than most. Besides the federal and Pennsylvania returns, residents with investment income file a School Income Tax return, and anyone with freelance income files city business returns. We check which ones apply to you before we quote.

What is included

  • Federal Form 1040 and Pennsylvania PA-40
  • Philadelphia School Income Tax return when you have unearned income
  • A Wage Tax check: was the right rate withheld for where you live and work
  • A second preparer's review before anything is filed
  • A one page summary of what changed from last year and why
  • Answers to IRS, state and city letters about a return we prepared

How it works

Four steps, no surprises.

  1. Twenty minute call

    We ask what changed this year and tell you which returns you need.

  2. Fixed quote

    You get a price in writing the same day. It does not change unless the facts do.

  3. Upload and prepare

    You send documents through the secure page. We prepare the returns, usually within ten business days.

  4. Review and file

    We walk you through the summary by phone or video, you sign electronically, and we file.

Fixed prices

What does it cost?

You get a quote in writing before we start, and the invoice matches it.

Individual tax returns: sample prices
ServiceWhat it coversPrice
Household with W-2 incomeFederal, Pennsylvania and city filings$375
With a rental property or K-1Per property or K-1 addedFrom $525
Self-employed, Schedule CIncludes BIRT and Net Profits Tax returnsFrom $850
Prior year or amended returnPer yearFrom $300
Letter from the IRS or the cityFree if we prepared the return$175

Sample prices written for this demo.

Questions people ask

Individual tax returns, answered.

What clients ask before they start.

What do I need to bring?

Last year's return, your W-2s and 1099s, mortgage interest and property tax statements, and records for anything new this year: a home sale, a new child, a side business. We send a checklist that fits your situation after the first call.

How long does it take?

Usually ten business days from the day we have all your documents. In the first two weeks of April it can take longer, so earlier is better.

I work from home outside the city for a Philadelphia employer. Do I owe Wage Tax?

It depends on why you work from home. If your employer requires you to work outside Philadelphia, a non-resident does not owe Wage Tax for those days and can request a refund. If working from home is your choice, the tax still applies. We review your situation and file the refund request when you qualify.

What is the School Income Tax?

A Philadelphia tax on residents' unearned income, such as dividends, some interest, short term capital gains and S corporation income. The rate for tax year 2025 was 3.74%, and the return is due April 15.

Can you file an extension for me?

Yes, at no charge for clients. An extension moves the filing date to October 15. It does not move the payment date, so we estimate what you owe and you pay it by April 15.

Start here

Tell us what you need.

A few details and a real accountant calls you back within one business day. The first call is free and takes about twenty minutes.

(215) 555-0137

Old City, Philadelphia. Monday to Friday, 9 AM to 5:30 PM. Saturday mornings from February through April 15.

1. What can we help with

2. How to reach you

Please leave Social Security numbers and tax documents out of this form. Those go through the secure upload page. See our privacy page.

This is a demo site, so nothing was sent. On a live Tallybrook site, this request goes to the accountant on intake, who calls within one business day.
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