How much does an accountant cost in Chicago?

An accountant discussing business finances with two clients

The cost of hiring an accountant in Chicago depends on the size of your business and the complexity of your finances. For example, SnapBooks offers Chicago-based businesses an hourly flat fee of $40, while our fixed-rate packages start at $150 per month.

1) How much does an accountant cost in Chicago?

Accountants’ fees vary according to the nature of the services they provide as well as their pricing structure. Some charge an hourly fee or fixed monthly rate, while others charge a percentage based on a given client's revenue.

As a business owner, it’s worth doing your research on accounting firms’ pricing structures. A good accountant wants your business to be successful and profitable. Beware of firms that appear to overcharge!

At SnapBooks, our highly competitive rates for Chicago clients start at just $40 an hour. We also offer these affordable accounting packages if you prefer the predictability of fixed-rate pricing:

  • Small Business Package ($150/month): designed for sole proprietors and small businesses with a single bank account, one credit card, and fewer than 100 transactions per month

  • Growing Business Package ($250–$500/month): ideal for businesses with two–four bank accounts, 100–500 transactions per month, payroll for up to seven employees, and invoicing for up to 10 clients per month

  • Established Business Package ($500–$1,000/month): suitable for businesses with four–six bank accounts, 500+ transactions per month, payroll services, and accounts payable management

  • Enterprise Business Package ($1,500+/month): designed for larger, complex businesses requiring customized bookkeeping solutions, high transaction volumes, inventory tracking, and detailed financial reporting

2) How much is an accountant for taxes in Chicago?

In Chicago, the fee for basic personal tax preparation typically starts at $150. Complex personal tax returns—involving self-employment income or rental properties, for instance—can cost between $500 and $800.

You can expect to pay from $700 on up for an accountant’s help with preparing your business tax returns. Meeting with a specialist like a certified public accountant can run over $300 an hour.

These figures may sound high, but hiring an accountant for tax preparation often pays for itself. A skilled accountant makes sure your taxes are accurate, reduces the risk of Internal Revenue Service audits, and helps maximize deductions.

SnapBooks offers transparent and competitive pricing for tax preparation:

  • Personal Returns (Form 1040): starting at $350

  • Personal Returns with Schedule C or Schedule E: starting at $550

  • Partnership Returns (Form 1065): starting at $700

  • S-Corporation Returns (Form 1120S): starting at $800

If you’re seeking cost-effective, tech-driven accounting solutions, SnapBooks provides remote bookkeeping and accounting services tailored to businesses in Chicago. We take care of the numbers so you can focus on what really matters: confidently taking your business to the next level of success.


Welcome to SnapBooks! We’re a virtual accountant firm specializing in outsourced bookkeeping services, payroll for small businesses, and small business tax prep. Whether you’re a small business owner or running a growing company, we’ll help you stay on top of your finances with expert support and accurate, real-time numbers. 

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