Small business tax returns are complicated, and it’s usually worth it to hire a professional to prepare your partnership, corporation, or individual business return. However, you don’t have to spend a fortune on a local certified public accountant (CPA). This guide provides a list of online tax professionals who will prepare your small business tax returns.
Here are our picks for best online business tax preparation services:
- Xendoo: Best overall small business tax preparation service without committing to a bookkeeping plan
- Bench: Best for tax preparation for partnerships and corporations bundled with year-round bookkeeping services
- Bookkeeper.com: Best for preparing complex small business tax returns
- Pilot: Best for startups seeking a scalable tax solution
- Block Advisors: Best for small businesses to choose between a virtual or in-person tax professional
If you’d prefer to prepare your own small business tax return, you can read our guide to the best small business tax software.
- Comparison of Best Online Business Tax Preparation Services
- Xendoo: Best Overall Small Business Tax Preparation Service Without Committing to a Bookkeeping Plan
- Bench: Best for Partnerships & Corporations Bundled With Year-round Bookkeeping Services
- Bookkeeper.com: Best for Preparing Complex Small Business Tax Returns
- Pilot: Best for Startups Seeking a Scalable Tax Solution
- Block Advisors: Best for Small Businesses to Choose Between a Virtual or In-person Tax Professional
- How We Evaluated Online Full-service Tax Preparation Services
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Bottom Line
Comparison of Best Online Business Tax Preparation Services
| Pricing for Tax Preparation | Bookkeeping Plan Required | Price of Bookkeeping Plan | Mobile App | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | $1,200 per year as an add-on to a bookkeeping plan; custom quotes for tax returns with no bookkeeping plan | No | Starting at $395 per month | ✓ |
| Visit Xendoo | ||||
 | Included in Premium plan | Yes | $499 per month for Premium | iOS only |
| Visit Bench | ||||
 | Must request a quote for tax services | Yes | Starting at $399 per month | ✕ |
| Visit Bookkeeper.com | ||||
 | Starts at $2,450 per year for Pilot Tax | No | $5,988 per year | ✕ |
| Visit Pilot | ||||
 | $220 for self-employed returns, $260 for corporate and partnership returns | No | Starting at $150 per month | ✕ |
| Visit Block Advisors | ||||
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| Pricing for Tax Preparation | Bookkeeping Plan Required | Price of Bookkeeping Plan | Mobile App | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $1,200 per year as an add-on to a bookkeeping plan; custom quotes for tax returns with no bookkeeping plan | No | Starting at $395 per month | ✓ |
| Visit Xendoo | ||||
| Included in Premium plan | Yes | $499 per month for Premium | iOS only |
| Visit Bench | ||||
| Must request a quote for tax services | Yes | Starting at $399 per month | ✕ |
| Visit Bookkeeper.com | ||||
| Starts at $2,450 per year for Pilot Tax | No | $5,988 per year | ✕ |
| Visit Pilot | ||||
| $220 for self-employed returns, $260 for corporate and partnership returns | No | Starting at $150 per month | ✕ |
| Visit Block Advisors | ||||
Xendoo: Best Overall Small Business Tax Preparation Service Without Committing to a Bookkeeping Plan
The business tax preparation and filings of Xendoo are available with all plans for an additional fee of $1,200 per year. Whether you’re a sole proprietor, corporation, or partnership, Xendoo will prepare and file your tax return for the same low price.
It has tax experts who are well-versed with the requirements for each and will help you navigate your next tax season accurately. They will also file your personal taxes if needed. Xendoo is especially ideal for franchises with compliance needs because of its reporting tools and support for multiple currencies.
Features
- Sales tax preparation: Xendoo’s sales tax experts will prepare and file your taxes accurately and on time so that you stay compliant.
- Franchise support: Xendoo can address the needs of franchises with accurate reporting based on a customized chart of accounts and support for multiple currencies and group benefits, such as group training sessions and webinars.
- Payroll integration: Xendoo integrates with Gusto, which helps you manage your employee information, benefits, and deductions. You can process payroll, file payroll taxes and forms, and process W-2s for employees.
- Multiple companies: If you have more than one business, you can add multiple companies easily within one account, and Xendoo will manage the books for all of them.
Xendoo Overview
Xendoo offers year-round tax support and filing at a custom quote if you don’t get a bookkeeping plan. But if you do, it’s available as an add-on for $1,200 per year.
The three bookkeeping plans are based on the monthly expenses of your business and the number of bank and credit card accounts that are connected:
- Essential: $395 per month for up to $50,000 in monthly expenses and up to four bank and credit card accounts
- Growth: $695 per month for up to $75,000 in monthly expenses and up to six bank and credit card accounts
- Scale: $995 for up to $125,000 in monthly expenses and up to 12 bank and credit card accounts
- Custom: Custom quote for businesses with more than $125,000 in monthly expenses
Add-ons:
- Catch-up bookkeeping: Starts at $295 per month
- Fractional CFO services: Starts at $1,500 per month
Xendoo’s services are charged at the beginning of your subscription term. If you sign up annually, you’ll receive a 10% discount. A 30-day notice is required for cancellation.
| Supported Accounting Software | Xero and QuickBooks |
|---|---|
| Available Communication | Phone, email, or chat |
| Returns Supported | Self-employed, partnership, S corporations (S-corps), and C corporations (C-corps) |
| Mobile App for Communicating with Tax Pro | Yes |
| Year-round Support | Yes |
- Xero users: Xendoo is a Xero Platinum Partner, and it has created its own proprietary software that works with Xero so that its team can give you access to real-time data. You’ll also be given access to a free Xero account when you sign up for Xendoo’s services.
- Franchise businesses: Xendoo offers expert bookkeeping and tax services for franchise businesses, and it has experience working with both new and existing franchises. It has a custom yet scalable process to integrate with yours, which includes roll-up dashboards that provide insight into revenue trends, top expenses, and most profitable franchisees. It also allows you to add multiple currency support if needed.
- Ecommerce businesses: Xendoo provides multichannel ecommerce and seller marketplace accounting and will handle your bookkeeping whether you sell on Shopify, Etsy, Amazon, BigCommerce, WooCommerce, or any combination of these platforms. Xendoo also integrates with the most popular inventory tracking apps.
Bench: Best for Partnerships & Corporations Bundled With Year-round Bookkeeping Services
Bench provides bookkeeping support at a lower cost than many similar platforms while also offering tax assistance and payroll integration. It even has catch-up bookkeeping services if you have fallen behind on your bookkeeping.
The annual business tax return (Form 1120, 1120S, or 1065) is included in Bench’s Premium plan. The Premium plan for self-employed businesses includes the entire personal return along with Schedule C. Partnerships and corporations are included with the Premium plan, and you can add on personal filing for one partner or shareholder for $69 per month.
Features
- Tax assistance: With Bench’s Premium plan, your federal and state business tax returns, as well as individual returns for sole proprietors, are included.
- Payroll integration: Bench integrates with Gusto to help you manage your payroll. It will handle your payroll tax filing, manage employee information and benefits, and generate W-2s.
- Financial statements: You’ll receive financial statements, including a profit and loss, balance sheet, income statement, and top expenses, on a monthly basis.
- Dedicated bookkeeper: Your dedicated bookkeeper will handle all aspects of your account and serve as your main point of contact.
Bench Overview
You must purchase the Premium plan if you want tax preparation services, but there is a less expensive Essentials plan if you’re looking for just bookkeeping. S-corps, C-corps, and partnerships in the Premium plan can add one individual return for a partner or shareholder for $69 per month.
- Essential: $299 per month for monthly bookkeeping ($249 per month if paid annually)
- Premium: $499 per month for monthly bookkeeping, annual tax filing, and tax advisory services ($399 per month if paid annually)
| Supported Accounting Software | Proprietary software |
|---|---|
| Available Communication | Phone or in-app messaging |
| Returns Supported | Self-employed, partnerships, S-corps, and C-corps |
| Mobile App for Communicating with Tax Pro | iOS only |
| Year-round Support | Yes |
- Businesses that don’t want to purchase or learn accounting software: With Bench, you’ll be connected to a team of professional bookkeepers who will maintain your books, eliminating the need to purchase your own accounting software
- Businesses needing unlimited bookkeeping support: Bench provides you with direct, unlimited communication with its in-house research team, making it easier for you to seek bookkeeping support and guidance.
Bookkeeper.com: Best for Preparing Complex Small Business Tax Returns
Bookkeeper.com will help you file your returns while also helping to minimize your tax liability with careful planning. We selected it for this guide because of its ability to prepare complex small business tax returns. In addition to individual and business tax returns, it will also prepare your gift and estate tax returns, partnership and corporate tax returns, and out-of-state returns.
Its tax experts will even teach you tax-saving strategies and maximize after-tax income by deferring income and managing investments. They will also educate you on the basics of taxation and how taxes are calculated.
Features
- Tax planning: Bookkeeper.com’s tax experts will help you maximize after-tax income by deferring income and managing investments, as well as teaching you tax-saving strategies
- Free advice: Your monthly plan includes general business consulting, software training, tax planning, and strategic planning
- Tax and consulting services: Bookkeeper.com’s tax services include: individual and business tax returns, gift and estate tax returns, partnership and corporate tax returns, estate and succession planning, out-of-state returns, and business startups
- Dedicated bookkeeper and account manager: Your dedicated bookkeeper is a certified QuickBooks ProAdvisor, and you’ll also be assigned an account manager who’ll assist with onboarding activities and serve as your point of contact
Bookkeeper.com Overview
To receive tax assistance, you must purchase a bookkeeping plan. However, pricing for income tax preparation and filing is unavailable on Bookkkeeper.com’s website—you must contact the provider for a quote.
Bookkeeper.com’s bookkeeping service has four subscription levels, which are determined by the number of transactions per month and the frequency of service. If your business needs additional services—such as tax filing, payroll management, or budget preparation—Bookkeeper.com will create a customized quote based on the size and needs of your business.
- Small Business (monthly): $399 per month for up to 100 transactions per month
- Small Business Plus (semi-monthly): $599 per month for up to 200 transactions per month plus 20 bill payments
- Small Business Advanced (weekly): $799 per month for up to 300 transactions per month plus 40 bill payments
- Custom (weekly): Custom pricing for more than 300 transactions per month
| Supported Accounting Software | QuickBooks Online |
|---|---|
| Available Communication | Phone or online form |
| Returns Supported | Self-employed, partnership, S-corps, C-corps, gift and estate tax, and out-of-state |
| Mobile App for Communicating with Tax Pro | No |
| Year-round Support | Yes |
- QuickBooks Online users: Bookkeeper.com offers more services to QuickBooks Online users than the QuickBooks Live bookkeeping service, including payroll, business advice, bill pay, and tax preparation.
- Businesses looking to outsource bookkeeping: Bookkeeper.com fills the traditional role of a certified public accountant (CPA) by extending services beyond number crunching and data entry to offer general business advice.
- Businesses seeking access to payroll services: Bookkeeper.com offers a comprehensive payroll solution that releases you from the burden of monthly payroll processing. These services include payroll accounting, federal and state tax compliance, quarterly and year-end tax forms, payroll reporting, and W-2 and 1099 processing.
Pilot: Best for Startups Seeking a Scalable Tax Solution
Pilot is the best solution for startups because it offers two levels of service: Essentials, which is ideal for businesses just getting started; and Standard, which is for United States businesses that are growing quickly with net income or foreign subsidiaries. For companies that incurred research and development (R&D) expenses in the US, Pilot can handle the full claim process and provide the necessary documentation to back up your claim with the IRS.
Features
- Tax management: Pilot Tax is available as a separate package and federal-, state-, and city-level income tax prep and 1099 filing
- Dedicated tax preparer: You’ll be assigned your own dedicated tax preparer who will answer all of your questions and provide you with access to live status updates of all of your filings.
- Accrual-based accounting: Accrual-based accounting is available with all plans.
- Monthly financial reports: Basic financial reports are sent on a monthly basis. The Core plan offers more customized reports as well.
Pilot Overview
Pilot offers two different plans for tax services:
- Essentials: $2,450 per year, which includes federal corporate income tax and 1099 filing
- Standard: Custom pricing, starting at $4,950 per year
It also provides tax consulting at an hourly rate that varies depending on which tax plan you subscribe to:
- Essentials: Starting at $350 per hour
- Standard: Starting at $300 per hour
It has two bookkeeping plans (not required for tax services) that scale with your monthly expenses and your business needs:
- Core: Starts at $499 per month for less than $30,000 in monthly expenses; includes features like dedicated finance expert, financial statements, and support
- Plus: Custom pricing; best for large businesses with complex needs
Add-ons:
- Pilot CFO: Starts at $1,350 per month, billed annually for monthly engagement and $8,100 per year for annual budgeting and forecasting
- A/R and A/P: Starts at $125 per hour for support with paying bills and creating and sending invoices
- Controller services: Starts at $200 per hour for assistance with cost of goods sold (COGS) categorization, revenue recognition best practices, and other services as needed
| Supported Accounting Software | QuickBooks Online |
|---|---|
| Available Communication | QuickBooks portal or email |
| Returns Supported | Self-employed, partnership, S-corp, and C-corp |
| Mobile App for Communicating with Tax Pro | No |
| Year-round Support | Yes |
- Rapidly-growing businesses, such as high-growth tech startups: As your business grows and potentially takes on funding, it can take advantage of the accrual-basis and advanced bookkeeping features that Pilot offers.
- Multiple entities: Pilot offers support for multiple entities with its Plus plan, which has custom pricing.
- Businesses looking for tax and/or CFO services: Pilot Tax and Pilot CFO allow you to access CFO consulting services and file business corporate taxes as well as 1099-MISC forms.
Block Advisors: Best for Small Businesses to Choose Between a Virtual or In-person Tax Professional
Once you sign up with Block Advisors, you’ll be given the option to meet with your tax pro either in person or via phone, video conference, or live chat. Your tax advisor will complete the necessary forms and allow you to review the return before filing. They’re also available year-round for any questions that may come up.
Features
- Small business expertise: Your Block Advisor is equipped to handle anything from your Schedule C return to reviewing your financial statements.
- Accessible support: Support is available via phone, video, and live chat. You can also file with a tax pro in person at a location near you.
- 100% Accuracy Guarantee: You can rest assured that your books will be accurate as Block Advisors guarantees that if it makes an error on your return, you’ll be reimbursed for any resulting penalties and interest.
- Payroll services: In addition to providing payroll services, Block Advisors can assist with generating payroll, creating and filing quarterly and year-end payroll tax forms, and providing support.
Block Advisors Overview
Block Advisors offers full-service tax preparation for all types of small business returns:
- Self-employed: Starts at $220
- Partnership: Starts at $260
- S-corps and C-corps: Starts at $260
A bookkeeping plan isn’t required to receive tax services but is available starting at $150 per month.
| Supported Accounting Software | Xero |
|---|---|
| Available Communication | In-person, phone, video, or live chat |
| Returns Supported | Self-employed, partnership, S-corp, C-corp |
| Mobile App for Communicating with Tax Pro | No |
| Year-round Support | Yes |
- Businesses that want the ability to meet with a tax professional either virtually or in-person: Known for its flexibility, Block Advisors will accommodate your meeting preference, whether that’s in person or via phone, video, or live chat.
- Businesses that prefer Xero accounting software: Block Advisors partnered with Xero to provide full access to Xero for free if you sign up for a Block Advisor bookkeeping plan. Xero made our list of the best small business accounting software.
- Businesses looking to also outsource their bookkeeping and payroll: With a full menu of financial services, Block Advisors lets you customize a package that works for your business. Bookkeeping services include the option of do-it-yourself (DIY) with on-demand support or full-service with a dedicated account manager.
How We Evaluated Online Full-service Tax Preparation Services
We evaluated the best online full-service tax preparation services based on the following criteria:
- Cost: Because each plan depends on many factors, we looked at the value provided in terms of the time and potential money you’re saving by using the service.
- Available tax solutions: We looked at the types of returns that are available, as well as whether tax consulting is available.
- Support: You should be able to access a dedicated bookkeeper for any questions or advice and one-on-one assistance. We evaluated whether unlimited support was available, as well as the ways that you could communicate with your tax advisor.
- Additional services offered: The best accounting service should offer a wide range of solutions, including catch-up bookkeeping, payroll, invoicing, and bill pay.
- Mobile app: Many of these tax preparation services have their own mobile app that can assist businesses on the go with staying connected 24/7.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How much does Block Advisors charge to file your taxes?
Block Advisors lets you choose between DIY and full-service options for tax filing. The Tax Filing DIY plan starts at $195 plus $44.99 per state filed and the Tax Filing Full-Service plan starts at $220. Although it’s not required, you can also opt for bookkeeping services, which range from $50 to $150 per month.
Does Bench offer a mobile app?
Bench offers a mobile app for iOS users, but there’s currently no app for Android users.
Does Pilot assist with the claim process for R&D expenses?
Yes, Pilot will help you with the full claim process and it will provide the necessary documentation to back up your claim with the IRS.
Bottom Line
The best online business tax preparation services depend on the exact needs of your business. If you’re seeking a tax solution but don’t want to commit to a bookkeeping service, Xendoo might be the best option for you. If you want a bookkeeping service that bundles its tax prep for partnerships and corporations, you should consider Bench. If your startup is seeking a scalable tax solution, Pilot could be a good fit for you.
