Do You Earn Rewards on Tax Prep and Accountants?

The short answer: Yes, at the base rate. Tax software like TurboTax and fees to an accountant or CPA earn rewards like any purchase, but tax services are not a bonus category, so a flat-rate card usually earns the most. Some preparers add a surcharge for paying by card, which can outweigh the rewards.

How tax services code

Tax software and preparation services ring up under a tax-preparation or accounting category code, outside the usual bonus buckets, so most cards earn their base rate. A business card may reward it as a professional or business service if the return is for a business, which keeps it clean for your records too.

Watch for surcharges and IRS fees

Some accountants and preparers pass along a card processing surcharge, often around 2 to 3 percent, which can exceed what a card earns, so weigh the fee first. Separately, paying your actual tax bill to the IRS by card carries a processor fee of roughly 2 percent, worthwhile mainly to hit a welcome bonus, not for everyday rewards.

The best card for tax prep

Since tax prep has no bonus category, a strong flat-rate card earns the most, or a business card if the work is for a business. Run your spending through the rewards calculator to find the best base-return card, and compare options in best cash back cards.

Frequently asked questions

Does TurboTax or tax prep earn rewards?
Yes, at your card’s base rate. Tax software and preparer fees code as tax or accounting services, which is not a bonus category on mainstream cards.
Do accountants charge extra to pay by card?
Some do, often a 2 to 3 percent surcharge to cover processing. If so, the surcharge can exceed your rewards, so it may be cheaper to pay another way.
Is it worth paying my tax bill by card for rewards?
Usually only to meet a welcome-bonus spending requirement. The IRS card processor fee of about 2 percent typically exceeds the 1 to 2 percent a card earns.

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Bryce Casson

Written by Bryce Casson, Founder of Cardocrat. About the author and how we rank cards.