Compro Tax in Washington, DC: Federal and State Tax Preparation for Baltimore Residents and Businesses
Compro Tax is a federal and state tax preparation firm operating in Washington, DC that serves individual and business clients across Maryland, including Baltimore residents who file in multiple jurisdictions or maintain complex income sources outside the city.
What Compro Tax Actually Is
Compro Tax positions itself as a tax preparation and advisory firm focused on federal filings and state compliance work. The firm handles individual income tax returns alongside business entity filings, with particular attention to multistate tax situations. Unlike large national chains that process returns through standardized workflows, Compro Tax operates as a smaller, direct-service practice where clients work with the same preparer rather than through a call center. The Washington, DC location makes it accessible to Baltimore residents who commute north or manage business interests in the District.
Services and Pricing
Compro Tax's service menu splits between individual and business tax preparation, with pricing tied to return complexity rather than flat fees. Individual returns start in the range of $200 to $400 for basic 1040s with standard deductions; returns with itemized deductions, rental income, or freelance self-employment income typically cost $400 to $700. Business entity returns (S-corps, LLCs, partnerships) range from $600 to $1,500 depending on whether the business maintains a physical location, employees, or inventory. Tax planning consultations are priced separately, usually around $150 to $300 per hour.
Because Maryland taxes pass-through business income at the state level, and because Baltimore residents who work in DC or hold rental properties across state lines face overlapping filing obligations, Compro Tax charges for multistate return preparation at the upper end of its range. Verification of current pricing is recommended, as fee structures shift annually based on IRS complexity updates.
How Compro Tax Compares to Baltimore-Area Alternatives
Baltimore residents have three distinct tax preparation pathways: national chains (H&R Block, Jackson Hewitt, Liberty Tax), independent CPAs with small practices, and direct-to-firm services like Compro Tax.
National chains operate on volume and handle simple returns rapidly, typically at lower upfront cost ($150 to $300 for a basic 1040), but charge premium fees for any addition beyond standard deductions. Their preparers are not CPAs and rotate annually, meaning no continuity of tax history or planning. They are appropriate for renters with W-2 income only.
Independent Baltimore CPAs with established practices charge higher base fees ($500 to $1,000 for individual returns) but hold Maryland CPA credentials and can sign returns as preparers, which carries legal accountability. Many are more willing to handle complex business entities and multistate situations than chain locations. However, lead times for tax season can stretch 6 to 10 weeks after January 1st. These firms suit Baltimore clients with multistate property, business ownership, or decade-long relationships with their preparer.
Compro Tax occupies the middle: not a CPA firm (preparers are likely enrolled agents or non-credentialed preparers), but small enough to provide continuity and pricing below full CPA rates. It suits Baltimore business owners and remote workers who file in multiple states, who want the same person reviewing their returns year to year, but who do not need a certified public accountant's legal signature power.
Who Compro Tax Suits and Who It Does Not
Compro Tax is a fit for:
- Baltimore freelancers and consultants with federal and Maryland state returns
- Remote employees working for DC-based companies
- Owners of rental properties or small businesses operating in multiple states
- Self-employed individuals with deductible home office or vehicle expenses
- Anyone who wants to return to the same preparer annually rather than reassigning returns
Compro Tax is not appropriate for:
- Filers needing estate tax or trust administration services
- Clients requiring representation before the IRS (audit response requires an enrolled agent or CPA)
- Individuals seeking investment or retirement planning advice alongside tax prep
- Businesses with payroll and employment tax obligations requiring a full-service accounting firm
What the First Visit Involves
Initial consultations at Compro Tax are typically conducted in-person or by phone. The preparer will gather a client intake form, request copies of the prior year's return for context, and ask for documentation of income sources (W-2s, 1099s, K-1s, rental statements, business profit-and-loss summaries). For business clients, a second meeting may be scheduled to review year-end books or discuss structure optimization.
Preparation takes 1 to 3 weeks depending on complexity and how quickly the client provides documents. Compro Tax will deliver a draft return for client review before filing. Electronic filing is standard for federal returns; Maryland returns must be filed electronically if filing federally. Refund timing depends on IRS processing, typically 2 to 4 weeks for direct deposits.
Hours, Parking, and Logistics
Compro Tax operates in Washington, DC, requiring Baltimore clients to travel approximately 40 minutes to 1.5 hours depending on starting point and traffic. Street parking is available near the office; confirm the exact address and parking options when scheduling. The firm observes standard business hours Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with extended evening hours during tax season (January through April). A verification call is recommended before visiting, as tax season hours may shift.
Compro Tax earns its place for Baltimore residents managing income or assets across state lines, offering the continuity and judgment of a smaller firm without the price tag of a full CPA partnership.
