Cross-Border Tax · Fees
How much does a cross-border tax accountant cost?
In Canada, cross-border personal tax work typically starts around $350–$450 for a straightforward US return prepared alongside a Canadian one, roughly $100–$200 per FBAR year, and $1,750–$2,500 for a full streamlined catch-up package. Complex situations — businesses, rental property, departure years — are quoted case by case. AnalytIQ quotes a fixed fee up front after a free discovery call, so you always know the cost before we start.
By the AnalytIQ Accounting team · Last reviewed: August 12, 2026
Typical market ranges in Canada
These are the ranges Canadian cross-border firms publicly advertise or commonly charge. Treat them as orientation, not a quote — the spread depends on how many slips, accounts, and countries are involved.
| Engagement | Typical range |
|---|---|
| US 1040 prepared with a Canadian T1 (simple) | $350–$700 |
| FBAR (FinCEN 114), per year | $100–$200 |
| Streamlined catch-up (3 returns + 6 FBARs + certification) | $1,750–$2,500+ |
| 1040NR for US rental income or sale | $400–$900 |
| Departure-year planning and returns | quoted case by case |
| Cross-border structure advice (US LLC, expansion) | quoted case by case |
What moves the price up or down
- Number of accounts and slips — each foreign account adds FBAR/8938/T1135 lines.
- State filings — a US state return adds to a federal-only engagement.
- Business or rental activity — schedules and depreciation take real preparation time.
- Catch-up years — behind on filings costs more than staying current, which is why the streamlined package usually pays for itself in avoided penalties.
How AnalytIQ quotes
A short discovery call first, then a fixed fee in writing for the exact filings your situation needs — both countries, one engagement, no hourly meter. If your situation turns out simpler than it looked, the quote comes down, not up.
Common questions.
Is the discovery call really free?
Yes — a short call to map your situation and give you a fixed quote. You decide from there.
Why do cross-border returns cost more than regular ones?
Because two returns, two sets of rules, and the forms connecting them (FBAR, 8938, T1135, treaty disclosures) all have to agree. You are paying for coordination, not just data entry.
Do you charge hourly?
No — cross-border compliance work is quoted as a fixed fee up front.
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