How Much Does an Accountant Cost in the U.S. and Which Option Is Best for You

Hiring an accountant can be one of the most important financial decisions for any business owner. A good accounting professional helps you stay compliant with tax laws, keep your finances organized, and avoid costly IRS penalties. Still, many wonder how much an accountant costs in the U.S. and whether it’s worth paying such high fees when more complete and transparent alternatives exist.

In this article, you’ll learn how much accountants charge, which factors influence their fees, and how Openbiz plans can offer a clearer and more affordable way to manage your taxes and accounting in the United States.

How Much Does an Accountant Charge on Average in the U.S.

The cost of an accountant depends on several factors, such as the type of service, your company’s size, and the professional’s experience.
According to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average annual salary for accountants in the country is around $81,680, and their hourly fees typically range from $150 to $400, reaching up to $500 or more in major cities like New York or Los Angeles.

For small and medium-sized businesses, accountants usually charge by service.
Basic bookkeeping may cost between $300 and $2,500 per month, payroll processing between $20 and $100 per employee, and tax return preparation between $500 and $2,000 per filing.
A full audit can easily exceed $10,000.

The cost can also vary depending on whether you hire an independent accountant or a full accounting firm. In either case, it represents a significant yearly expense for most businesses.

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What Determines an Accountant’s Fees

There isn’t a fixed rate that applies to everyone. Each business has a unique financial structure, and several elements influence how much an accountant charges.

1. Business complexity
The more revenue streams, subsidiaries, or employees your company has, the more time the accountant will need to manage reconciliations, reports, and compliance tasks.

2. Experience and credentials
Certified Public Accountants (CPAs) have advanced licenses that allow them to handle complex financial matters and represent clients before the IRS, which explains their higher fees compared to general accountants.

3. Business location
Accounting services in cities like New York, California, and Florida are generally more expensive than in states with lower costs of living.

4. Frequency of service
A one-time service, such as filing a tax return, will cost less than ongoing monthly bookkeeping or tax reporting. The more frequent the service, the higher the total cost.

5. Type of contract
Some accountants charge by the hour, others by project, and some offer monthly retainers. If your company requires continuous accounting management, a fixed and comprehensive plan is usually the most efficient solution.

Is Hiring an Independent Accountant Worth It?

Independent accountants can be useful for specific or short-term tasks, such as filing a single tax return. However, if your business needs regular financial oversight, sales tax reporting, and ongoing compliance, hourly accounting services can quickly become unsustainable.

Additionally, many professionals charge extra for consultations, meetings, or document handling — hidden costs that can double your yearly accounting budget.
That’s why more and more business owners are choosing integrated accounting and tax management plans, such as those offered by Openbiz.

Openbiz Plans: Clear, Complete, and Cost-Effective Solutions

At Openbiz, we understand that business owners need transparency, structure, and efficiency. That’s why we’ve designed three accounting and tax plans that adapt to each stage of your business — from basic filings to full-scale financial management — all at fixed annual rates.

Tax Plan — $1,200 per year

Perfect for businesses that already operate in the U.S. and need help with essential tax filings.
Includes:

• Corporate Tax Return filing with the IRS.
• Annual State Report.
• Dedicated account executive.
• One annual consulting meeting.

This plan covers the basics required to stay compliant with the IRS without paying hourly fees or hiring multiple professionals.

Full Compliance Plan — $3,997 per year

Designed for growing companies that need full accounting management.
Includes everything in the Tax Plan, plus:

• Specialized accounting support.
• Monthly financial reporting.
• Xero accounting software license.
• Sales Tax registration.

With this plan, Openbiz handles your ongoing accounting operations so you can focus entirely on running your business. It’s like having a dedicated accountant — without the hourly rates or hidden fees.

Enterprise Plan — $6,000 per year

Ideal for established businesses seeking complete administrative and accounting coverage.
Includes everything in the Full Compliance Plan, plus:

• ITIN application for each partner.
• Personal income tax return.
• Monthly meetings with accountants.
• Access to an exclusive partner network.
• Virtual office with mail management.

The Enterprise Plan provides an all-in-one solution for tax, accounting, and operational compliance, ensuring full control over your company’s financial health.

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Why Openbiz Plans Are Better Than Traditional Accounting Services

Unlike traditional accountants, Openbiz offers a fixed-price, all-inclusive model.
You don’t have to pay extra for calls, advice, or reports. Every service you need throughout the year is included in a single plan — giving you predictability and peace of mind.

Each client also has a dedicated account executive who understands the structure of your business and ensures that all your filings are completed accurately and on time.

While independent accountants often charge between $4,000 and $8,000 per year for limited services, Openbiz provides broader coverage at lower costs, including continuous support and accounting software already built into the plan.

Advantages of Managing Your Accounting and Taxes with Openbiz

• Fixed annual pricing — no hidden fees or hourly surprises.
• Professional support — a team of experts handles your tax filings and monthly accounting.
• Full compliance — from state reports to IRS and Sales Tax filings.
• Software included — both the Full Compliance and Enterprise plans include Xero.
• Tailored for international business owners — Openbiz helps you maintain compliance even if you operate from abroad.

FAQs About How Much an Accountant Costs

How much does an accountant cost in the U.S.?
Most accountants charge between $150 and $400 per hour. Annual service packages often range from $2,000 to $5,000, depending on your business’s complexity.

What’s the best option for small businesses?
The Openbiz Tax Plan covers the essentials — corporate tax filing, state reports, and yearly consultation — at a fixed price, making it ideal for small and stable companies.

When should I switch to a full accounting plan?
If your business handles frequent transactions, hires staff, or processes monthly payroll, the Full Compliance Plan offers full financial control and ongoing reporting.

What does the Enterprise Plan include?
It includes all accounting and tax services, partner ITINs, personal income tax filing, monthly meetings, and a virtual office — everything your established company needs.

Simplify Your Business Finances with Openbiz

Knowing how much an accountant costs is only the beginning. The key is to find a service that gives you transparency, accuracy, and complete compliance.
With Openbiz, you can manage your taxes and accounting with professional support, clear pricing, and reliable results throughout the year.

Contact us today to streamline your accounting and keep your U.S. company fully compliant — without the unpredictable fees of traditional accountants.

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