re: What is a reasonable price to pay for tax filing preparation?

We use an individual. Can sit down with her or just drop the taxes off. Usually we just write a short description of what went on, or spend about five minutes on the phone, and she handles the rest.

Have done this through stocks, mortgages, marriages and everything else. Also gives a good person to ask questions to throughout the year on potential moves that we may make as far as investments. Short term consequence questions (I don't practice blind faith in my financial advisor).

Only problem is, with 6 days to go good luck trying to get a quality CPA to take you on this year. I guess you could file for an extension though.