Focus: Day-to-day financial organization

A bookkeeper maintains the foundation of your business finances by keeping records accurate, current, and usable.

• Recording and categorizing transactions
• Bank and credit card reconciliations
• Monthly financial reports (Profit & Loss, Balance Sheet)
• Maintaining clean, tax-ready books

When a bookkeeper is the right fit:

• Small to mid-size businesses
• Straightforward operations
• Owners who want clarity year-round

Typical cost context: Monthly bookkeeping is often hundreds per month and is generally less expensive than advisory-level accounting services.

Focus: Advanced accounting, tax, and compliance

CPAs are state-licensed professionals with extensive education and examination requirements.

• Complex tax planning
• Financial statement preparation
• Advisory and compliance services
• Audits, reviews, and assurance work

When a CPA is the right fit:

• Rapidly growing businesses
• Multi-entity or multi-state operations
• Industries requiring formal financial statements

Typical cost context: Higher than bookkeepers, tax preparers, or EAs and best used when their licensing and authority are truly required.

Not every business needs the highest credential at all times. The most efficient approach is often layered:

• Bookkeeper: Keeps books accurate and current
• Tax Preparer or EA: Files taxes based on clean records
• CPA: Steps in when complexity or compliance increases

Using higher-level credentials only when appropriate can significantly reduce costs without sacrificing quality.

Cornerstone provides reliable bookkeeping and practical tax preparation for straightforward situations. Our focus is on clarity, transparency, and ensuring clients receive accurate results without unnecessary cost.

For taxes, we handle everything you need for straightforward returns, and when complexity increases—such as multiple income streams, prior-year issues, or IRS correspondence—we coordinate with Enrolled Agents (EAs) or CPAs as needed.

Our bookkeeping team includes QuickBooks Certified Bookkeepers and ProAdvisors, ensuring your records are accurate, organized, and integrated with modern accounting tools. For tax preparation, we provide service by a VITA-certified preparer who actively maintains IRS training and volunteer service, helping ensure eligible credits are claimed correctly and avoiding hidden fees.

Unlike some commercial tax preparers or software, which may advertise “free” filing but charge extra for state returns, premium support, or audit protection, Cornerstone provides transparent pricing upfront.

Whether you’re considering DIY software, a big-box office, or a local preparer, our approach emphasizes accuracy, fairness, and your peace of mind.

Focus: Preparing and filing tax returns

A tax preparer specializes in preparing individual or business tax returns. Some are credentialed, while others are experienced seasonal professionals.

• Preparing and filing federal and state tax returns
• Reviewing income documents and deductions
• Answering basic tax-related questions

When a tax preparer is the right fit:

• W-2 income
• Simple self-employment income
• Straightforward small business returns

Typical cost context: Often lower than EAs or CPAs for simple returns, with pricing based on return complexity.

Note: Unenrolled preparers generally do not have IRS representation rights.

Focus: Tax law and IRS matters

Enrolled Agents are federally licensed by the IRS and specialize in taxation.

• Tax preparation and planning
• IRS notices, audits, and representation
• Handling complex tax situations

When an EA is the right fit:

• Multiple income streams
• Prior-year tax issues
• IRS correspondence or audits

Typical cost context: Higher than a basic tax preparer, often less than a CPA for tax-only work.

Focus: Prepare and submit your return manually

Best for very simple tax situations.

• Cost: ~$0–$50
• Time-intensive; easy to make mistakes

Consider: Even a basic return can take several hours—what is your time worth?

Focus: Step-by-step online programs that generate your return

Example pricing (current 2025 averages): Free Edition: $0 federal + $0 state (very simple returns only), Standard/Deluxe: $60–$80 federal + $39–$49 state, Premier/Self-Employed: $89–$119 federal + $44–$49 state

• You are responsible for entering all information correctly
• Costs rise as forms and credits increase
• If you choose to deduct fees from your refund, there can be hidden processing charges not disclosed until you have already done all the work.

Consider: Your time and attention are part of the total cost.

Focus: Walk-in or drop-off services for filing returns

• Typical cost: $250–$500+ (may rise with credits or business forms)
• In-person support, but quality and experience vary
• Limited personalized attention

Consider: Convenience comes with a price, and you may still spend time gathering documents.

• Some firms have faced FTC enforcement actions for misleading marketing and data practices.

• Research shows commercial tax prep locations often cluster in areas with many refundable credit claimants, making free options less visible. (hub.jhu.edu)
• Choosing the right option depends on clarity, transparency, and your individual needs.

• Many commercial tax preparation services focus marketing in lower-income neighborhoods, where refundable credits like EITC are common, sometimes making free filing options less visible.
• Studies and consumer reports indicate that complex fee structures, upsells, and “free” advertising can confuse taxpayers, leading to unexpected charges. (FTC.gov)
• Research suggests that taxpayer awareness of free IRS programs (VITA/TCE) is often low in communities with high EITC usage, which may lead them to pay unnecessarily for preparation.
• Using a local, transparent preparer can help ensure that eligible credits are claimed correctly and fees are clear up front.

The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) programs provide free tax preparation for eligible taxpayers.

• VITA helps taxpayers who generally make $67,000 or less, persons with disabilities, and limited English-speaking taxpayers.
• TCE focuses on taxpayers age 60+ and retirement-related issues.
• You can check your eligibility and locate a VITA site near you using the IRS VITA locator below.

🔗 Check VITA/TCE eligibility and find a site

Tip: Even if you’re unsure, it’s worth checking — VITA/TCE can save you fees and ensure credits are claimed correctly.

In the United States, the majority of paid tax returns are prepared by unenrolled tax preparers. These preparers are not federally licensed like Enrolled Agents (EAs) or CPAs, and requirements to operate vary.

• Unenrolled preparers are permitted to prepare and file tax returns but generally do not have IRS representation rights.
• Training and experience levels can vary widely.
• Consumer advocates and regulators have noted that limited oversight can increase the risk of errors, unclear fees, or missed eligibility for free filing options.

What matters most is not the label, but the standards.

• Clear, upfront pricing
• Ethical preparation practices
• Proper training and continuing education
• Willingness to refer or coordinate when a return exceeds scope

While the majority of paid tax preparers are unenrolled and not required to pass IRS competency exams, roughly under 20% have formal VITA training. Cornerstone’s tax preparation is performed by a VITA-certified preparer who actively maintains IRS training and volunteer service.