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Our website clearly says that annual business tax returns are included in our monthly accounting service, but what about the personal tax returns of our business clients?
Long story short: your individual tax returns are not included in our monthly accounting service. This article is going to cover why this is an opt-in service, as well as why you should opt in.
At CSI Accounting & Payroll, we’ve provided monthly accounting and tax services to businesses (and their owners) for nearly 60 years. That means we’ve answered thousands of questions like these:
- Why does CSI charge separately to file individual tax returns?
- How many other clients opt in for individual tax returns? Why do some opt out?
- What are the benefits of having CSI handle my individual tax return?
Why We Charge Separately for Individual Taxes
“So, you don’t charge any tax-time fees for my business’s annual taxes – but you charge for my personal taxes? Why not just include them too?”
There's nothing due at tax time for business tax returns because we can estimate the cost to prepare and file them, then spread that cost throughout the year as part of your monthly fee.
Individual taxes, on the other hand, are impossible to estimate. So, although highly encouraged, you must opt in to have your individual tax returns handled by us, and we charge for them separately at tax time. A typical fee range for individual returns is about $750 to over $2,000.
If we can give a typical range, why can't we estimate the cost per client? Because we charge on a per-form basis, and the forms vary a ton from person to person. Some clients will only have a few forms, while others will have dozens. Plus, forms that are more complicated or more uncommon will cost more because they require significantly more effort to prepare.
But don't forget that individual tax returns are where the tax savings are. Filing your business and individual tax returns together with CSI can really be worth it.
How Many Clients Opt In for Individual Taxes
Nearly all of our clients opt to have us handle their individual tax returns. Glancing at our data from April 2025, it was about 95 percent of them.
What about those who don’t opt in? Why wouldn't they want to? Most have a long, dedicated relationship with their individual tax accountant, and they want to continue working with them. That’s perfectly fine, but it can result in huge missed savings!
If you're on the fence, you should definitely read the next section.
Benefits of Having Us Handle Your Individual Taxes
Aside from the convenience of just working with one accountant, there’s also a huge potential for tax savings.
I’ve always said that personal tax returns are where the tax savings are. Recently, someone asked me what that meant. I explained that most of our clients at CSI are S-Corps or other entities that don’t pay tax. Instead, the shareholders pay those taxes on their personal tax returns. So, tax planning – and therefore, tax saving – is done based on knowing which tax bracket the owner is in.
Learn more about how only a monthly accountant can provide year-round tax strategy by clicking the image below:
Still unsure about having us handle your personal tax returns? We can still offer a little bit of tax advice if you show us your tax return! We’re here to help.
Bundle Individual & Business Taxes for Savings!
Now that you know why we charge separately for individual tax returns, that most of our clients opt in, and the tax-saving potential of bundling your personal and business tax services with a monthly accountant, are you ready to check out CSI Accounting & Payroll’s monthly accounting services?
To see if we can be a good fit for your business, click the button below for a free consultation:
Not ready to talk? That’s okay! First, learn more about which type of accounting is best for you by clicking the image below:
