Question 1

How much does a CPA charge for a tax return in St. Augustine?

Accepted Answer

In 2026, local firms charge about 350 to 700 dollars for an individual return with itemized deductions and some investment income, and 250 to 400 for a simple return. Add roughly 150 to 300 per rental property or Schedule C business. Partnership and S corporation returns usually start around 1,200 to 2,500. Enrolled agents and independent preparers run 20 to 40 percent less.

Question 2

Do I need a CPA or is an enrolled agent enough?

Accepted Answer

For tax preparation and representation before the IRS, an enrolled agent is fully qualified and often cheaper. A CPA makes more sense when you need reviewed or audited financial statements for a lender, complex business accounting, or advice that mixes tax with broader finance. Many excellent small business accountants in St. Johns County are EAs.

Question 3

I moved to Florida. Do I still owe my old state income tax?

Accepted Answer

Possibly for the part of the year you lived there, and sometimes longer if the old state disputes your move. Florida has no personal income tax, but states like New York, California and Illinois audit residency changes. An accountant will tell you to file a declaration of domicile with the St. Johns County Clerk, claim homestead, move your driver's license and voter registration, and keep records of days spent in each state.

Question 4

Do I have to collect sales tax on a short-term rental in St. Johns County?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Short-term rentals of six months or less owe Florida sales tax plus the St. Johns County tourist development tax, and the county collects its portion separately from the state. Platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo collect some of these taxes but not always all of them. Ask a local accountant to confirm what the platform remits and register for whatever remains.

Question 5

How much does small business bookkeeping cost in St. Johns County?

Accepted Answer

Monthly bookkeeping from a local firm runs about 300 to 800 dollars for a small service business with modest transaction volume, and 800 to 2,000 or more for restaurants, contractors and businesses with payroll and inventory. Cleanup of a year of neglected books is usually quoted as a one-time project of 1,000 to 5,000. Payroll processing is often an add-on of 75 to 200 a month.

Question 6

When should I hire an accountant for a new business in St. Augustine?

Accepted Answer

Before you form the entity, ideally. An hour with a CPA costs 200 to 400 dollars and settles whether to be an LLC taxed as a sole proprietor, an S corporation or a partnership, which bank accounts and software to set up, and what Florida registrations apply, such as sales tax and reemployment tax. Fixing the structure later costs far more than getting it right first.

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