Why We Quote Ranges (And What That Means for You)
You asked for a fixed fee. Here’s how our estimate approach gives you more transparency.
“Can you give me a fixed fee?”
We hear this question regularly, and it’s a fair one. Knowing exactly what something costs before you commit feels good. We get that.
But here’s the problem: a fixed fee quoted before we’ve seen your documents may not reflect what your return actually involves. The fee might be higher than necessary for simpler situations, or it might not account for complexity that only shows up in the documents.
We use upfront estimate ranges instead. Here’s why that works better.
We Haven’t Seen Your Documents Yet
Every return looks simple in the initial email. “Just a 1040-NR with a W-2 and some 1099s.” Sounds straightforward.
Then we open the box. That W-2 needs wage allocation between U.S.-source and foreign-source income based on actual workdays. There’s an effectively connected income determination. The IRS wants a supporting explanatory statement documenting the sourcing methodology. And sometimes there are unreported prior-year forms nobody mentioned.
A fixed fee quoted before document review is a guess. We don’t guess with your taxes.
Real example: A nonresident client described their situation as a “simple W-2 filing.” After reviewing documents, it required wage sourcing analysis across two countries, effectively connected income determination, and a formal explanatory statement. The actual work was three times what a typical flat fee would have covered.
Fixed Fees Have a Hidden Cost
Flat-price models typically account for a range of possible complexity in a single number. If your return turns out simpler than that estimate assumed, the fee doesn’t adjust down.
With a range, the fee reflects the work your return actually requires. Simpler return, lower end. More complex, higher end. You pay for what you get.
Think of it this way: a firm quoting $2,500 fixed is probably covering for a $1,800-$3,200 range of possible outcomes. You pay the midpoint regardless of where your return falls. Our range of $1,800-$2,400 means that if your return is on the simpler side, your fee reflects that.
What Happens When Scope Changes
During preparation, we sometimes find things you didn’t know about. Unfiled information returns from a prior year. Incorrect partner basis carried forward from a previous CPA. A missed S-Corp election that could save thousands going forward.
A fixed fee creates pressure to ignore these findings. “That’s out of scope” becomes the default answer. The CPA files what was agreed upon and moves on. You never find out what they didn’t tell you.
Our approach: if we find something that changes the scope, we tell you first. We explain what it is, what it costs to address, and you decide whether to proceed. Our goal is to keep you informed so the final fee reflects work you’ve agreed to.
How Our Estimates Work
You Describe Your Situation
Entity type, number of forms, states involved, and any complexity factors you’re aware of. This takes 5 minutes via our intake form.
We Give You a Range
Based on what we typically see for similar situations, we provide an estimate range. No hourly billing. No vague “it depends.” A real number you can plan around.
We Review Your Documents
Once we see your actual source documents, we confirm where in the range your return falls. Most clients land right in the middle.
If Scope Changes, We Talk First
If anything comes up during preparation that wasn’t in the original estimate, we discuss it before doing the work. No surprises on either side.
What You Should Ask Any CPA About Pricing
Whether you work with us or someone else, these four questions will tell you a lot about how a firm handles pricing:
If they say fixed, ask how they determined it without seeing your documents. Understanding the basis for any fee helps you compare options.
You want to hear “we discuss it with you first.” That’s how we handle it, and it’s worth asking any firm you’re considering.
Some firms charge for every phone call. We don’t charge for reasonable questions related to your return. Here’s how our fees work.
This one separates firms that respect your budget from firms that bill first and explain later.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why doesn’t SDO CPA offer fixed-fee pricing?
We provide upfront estimates instead of fixed fees because tax work varies in complexity. A fixed fee quoted before reviewing your documents may not reflect the actual complexity of your return. Our estimate ranges are designed to give you a more accurate picture of what the work involves.
What’s the difference between a fixed fee and an estimate range?
A fixed fee is a single locked price set before the CPA sees your documents. An estimate range (e.g., $1,800-$2,400) gives you a realistic window based on your situation type, with the final fee reflecting the actual complexity of your return. You’re not locked into a worst-case price.
What happens if my return is more complex than expected?
If we find something during preparation that changes the scope, we tell you before doing the additional work. We explain what we found, what it costs to address, and let you decide. We aim to keep the final fee aligned with what you’ve approved.
How does SDO CPA determine my estimate?
We base estimates on your entity type, number of forms, states involved, and complexity factors. After you describe your situation, we provide a range. Once we review your documents, we confirm where in that range your return falls. For a detailed breakdown, see our CPA cost guide.
Does SDO CPA bill by the hour?
No. We don’t bill hourly. We provide scope-based estimates upfront so you know what to expect before work begins. The estimate is based on the type and complexity of your return, not how many hours it takes. See our full pricing page for typical ranges by return type.
Can I get an estimate before committing?
Yes. Tell us about your situation and we’ll give you an estimate range with no obligation. Most people hear back within one business day. Get started here.
Every Situation Is Different. Tell Us About Yours.
Describe your return and we’ll give you an honest estimate. No commitment. No hourly billing. Just a clear range so you know what to expect.
Licensed Texas CPA Firm • 18+ Years Experience • Big Four Background (EY, KPMG) • Upfront Estimates, Not Hourly Billing
SDO CPA LLC is a licensed CPA firm in the state of Texas, regulated by the Texas State Board of Public Accountancy (22 TAC §501.82). Estimates are based on information provided and may be adjusted based on actual document review. This page describes our pricing approach and does not constitute an engagement or guarantee of fees for any specific situation. Member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA).