Our directory features trusted Chicago accounting firms serving the Loop, River North, West Loop, and Lincoln Park, with expertise across real estate, manufacturing, healthcare, and startups. Compare accounting firms by pricing, size, and reviews to find the right local partner.
Top 5 Accounting Agencies in Chicago, Illinois, United States
Discover the top 5 Accounting agencies in Chicago, Illinois, United States, renowned for their expertise in Financial Services, Accounting, and Tax Preparation. With an average rating of 0.0/5, these agencies offer a wide range of services including app and pr, catering to industries such as Information Technology, Business Services, and Consulting. Although the price range is not specified, these agencies are recognized for their exceptional client satisfaction and proven success in delivering quality results.
Organic rankings are determined by five factors: top services, reviews, portfolio, awards/press, and team expertise. Sponsored listings pay for a placement that appears above organic positions. Sponsorship does not affect star ratings or review content - read more on our methodology page.
United States × Illinois × Chicago × $1,000 - $10,000 ×Clear Filters
Build Accounting is a CPA-led bookkeeping, accounting, tax, and advisory firm supporting startups, small businesses, and growing companies in Chicago, Ohio, and nationwide...
Top Services:
Accounting
Location
Chicago, Illinois
Number of Employees
Under 49
Average Hourly Rate
$200/hr
Minimal Budget
$1,000 - $10,000
Build Accounting Services
Accounting
Data sourced from the agency's DesignRush profile, its website, and other relevant accounts
Bluedot Technologies
Education Walkthrough
Aleria
Data sourced from the agency's DesignRush profile
Build Accounting Reviews & Testimonials
Areeg Sweis Review from Google
5.0★
Areeg Sweis's Review Sourced from Google
Brett at Build Accounting has been incredible to work with for our laundromat. He understands the nuances of the business, from day-to-day bookkeeping to making sure everything is set up properly for taxes. He’s responsive, detail-oriented, and always takes the time to explain things clearly so we can make better decisions as owners. It’s been a huge relief having someone we trust handling our financials. Highly recommend.
Russell Kipnis Review from Google
5.0★
Russell Kipnis's Review Sourced from Google
Brett and the team at Build Accounting have been an incredible partner for my business, Kipnis Creative. From day one, Brett brought a level of clarity and strategic thinking that made a real difference in how I approach the financial side of running the company. His advice goes far beyond basic accounting. He helps me think through decisions, plan ahead, and keep the business financially organized and efficient.What I appreciate most is Brett’s ability to translate complex tax and financial topics into clear, practical guidance I can act on right away. Running a business comes with enough moving parts, and having someone I trust to guide the financial strategy gives me real peace of mind.If you’re a business owner looking for an accountant who truly understands how to support and grow a company, I highly recommend Brett and the Build Accounting team.
Russell Kipnis Review from Google
5.0★
Russell Kipnis's Review Sourced from Google
Brett and the team at Build Accounting have been incredible for my family and me. From the very beginning, Brett has taken the time to understand our situation and provide thoughtful, strategic guidance that goes far beyond simply filing taxes. His depth of knowledge and ability to explain complex financial decisions clearly and practically have given us real confidence in how we manage our finances.What stands out most is how much Brett genuinely cares about the people he works with. He approaches every conversation with patience, integrity, and a clear commitment to helping his clients succeed financially. Because of his guidance, my family feels well-prepared, organized, and positioned to make smart financial decisions year after year.If you're looking for an accountant who combines expertise with personal care, I cannot recommend Brett and the Build Accounting team highly enough.
Reviews verified by DesignRush and sourced from the agency's profile View All Reviews
IT, Business, BPO, Audit, Tax and Advisory are just the beginning.
Grant Thornton LLP (US) is an IT, project management, audit, tax, AgTech, and BPO company headquartered in Chicago, Illinois with over 50 U.S. offices and access to a global network or member firms in over 135 countries. We offer a broad range of services in strategy and consulting, operations, technology and...
Top Services:
Accounting
Business Consulting
Market Research
HR Outsourcing
Software Development
Show more
Location
Chicago, Illinois
Number of Employees
1000 & Up
Average Hourly Rate
$35/hr
Minimal Budget
$1,000 - $10,000
Portfolios Count
2 Projects Listed
Grant Thornton Services
Accounting
Business Consulting
Market Research
HR Outsourcing
Software Development
IT Services
Data sourced from the agency's DesignRush profile, its website, and other relevant accounts
Financial industry
Real estate industry
Media and Entertainment industry
Data sourced from the agency's DesignRush profile
Grant Thornton Reviews & Testimonials
Theodore Mall Review from Google
4.0★
Theodore Mall's Review Sourced from Google
One of the world’s leading organizations of independent audit, tax and advisory firms. Grant Thornton has revenues in excess of $1.9 billion and operates more than 50 offices.
Reviews verified by DesignRush and sourced from the agency's profile View All Reviews
Translating a company's vision into numbers is our sweet spot and we strive to establish strong accounting processes and financial analysis in order to enable growth in our clients' business...
Top Services:
Accounting
Location
Chicago, Illinois
Number of Employees
Under 49
Average Hourly Rate
$125/hr
Minimal Budget
$1,000 - $10,000
The Accountrepreneur Services
Accounting
Data sourced from the agency's DesignRush profile, its website, and other relevant accounts
Building The Future Proof Accounting Firm Of Tomorrow.
Founders CPA is a boutique accounting firm located in Chicago that focuses on outsourced accounting services for startups and small businesses. We pride ourselves on being trusted advisers for startup founders and small business owners across the country. Our breadth of service offerings leverages technology...
Top Services:
Accounting
Location
Chicago, Illinois
Number of Employees
Under 49
Minimal Budget
$1,000 - $10,000
Founder's CPA Services
Accounting
Data sourced from the agency's DesignRush profile, its website, and other relevant accounts
OGAds
Push Monetization
AdGem
Data sourced from the agency's DesignRush profile
Founder's CPA Reviews & Testimonials
Matthew Stack Review from Google
5.0★
Matthew Stack's Review Sourced from Google
So I've used a ton of different accountants over the years to do my crypto bookkeeping. None of them did a good job. In fact, the accounting firm I used on the previous return made a mistake that costed me a ton in penalties. That firm was also charging me $300/hr for what was clearly outsourced help that barely understood crypto. I never realized how much more costly hiring the wrong accountant was. So most of these places will pick 1 crypto accounting software and stick to that. The issue is that if you use any new blockchains, it might take the software company a while to write the code to parse the new blockchain. So the nice part about working with Justin is he would build scripts to handle those cases. Other accountant places would do it manually and just rack up billable hours. Justin was very thorough and diligent. My dataset is pretty complex and he navigated it very well.
Nicholas Joly Review from Google
5.0★
Nicholas Joly's Review Sourced from Google
Let me start by saying that I have spoken to many accountants and many of them did not have the knowledge to assist me. I did some extensive research and came across Founder's CPA . Honestly, they are the gold standard when it comes to crypto taxes and preparation. I was so worried because I had a lot of transactions from different exchange platforms to the point it gave me a headache. I first had a consultation with Curt and Justin. I immediately knew they were the ones to help because they were able to answer every question and concern I had. Justin was incredible every step of the way. He was responsive to emails and questions and made me feel like an individual and not just another random client of theirs. They provide great service and their turnaround time is fast yet efficient. I can't say enough about this company. They were really accommodating and made sure that I understood everything which was a huge plus for a new crypto investor.
Matt Kielczewski Review from Google
5.0★
Matt Kielczewski's Review Sourced from Google
As someone that needed a deep dive on his crypto taxes, Curt and Justin helped me out immensely.Helping me build out systems and processes for my taxes, Founder's CPA professionalism and excellent communication allowed me to feel at ease during a very stressful and uncertain time of filing for me.Huge thanks to these guys and the company for the work they do, will definitely be coming back in the future for more filings with these folks!
Reviews verified by DesignRush and sourced from the agency's profile View All Reviews
Small Business Accounting, Technology, & Growth Consulting.
Fred Lundin CPA LLC is a Chicago-based CPA accounting and technology consulting firm specializing in serving e-commerce, solopreneurs, and small business owners. With a dedicated focus on these sectors, we provide tailored financial and technological solutions to help our clients thrive in their respective...
Top Services:
Business Consulting
Market Research
Accounting
BPO
CRM Consulting
Show more
Location
Chicago, Illinois
Number of Employees
Under 49
Average Hourly Rate
$150/hr
Minimal Budget
$1,000 - $10,000
Portfolios Count
3 Projects Listed
Fred Lundin CPA LLC Services
Business Consulting
Market Research
Accounting
BPO
CRM Consulting
ERP Consulting
Cybersecurity
IT Services
IT Compliance Solution
Cloud Consulting
Data sourced from the agency's DesignRush profile, its website, and other relevant accounts
ORBA is a full-service accounting, tax and business consulting firm located in downtown Chicago serving privately-held companies, individuals and not-for-profit organizations...
Top Services:
Accounting
Business Consulting
Location
Chicago, Illinois
Number of Employees
100 - 249
Average Hourly Rate
$75/hr
Minimal Budget
$1,000 - $10,000
ORBA Services
Accounting
Business Consulting
Data sourced from the agency's DesignRush profile, its website, and other relevant accounts
Healthcare Industry
Dental Industry
Real Estate Industry
Law Industry
Data sourced from the agency's DesignRush profile
ORBA Reviews & Testimonials
Petros Papatheofanis Review from Google
1.0★
Petros Papatheofanis's Review Sourced from Google
It is June and we still don’t have our 2022 taxes done for the business. Multiple follow ups, most emails have gone ignored by Brian Israel who I believe is a partner there. I was told we would get them by September. Cannot get responses from multiple members of the team. Pretty terrible experience.
Eldar Bogdanov Review from Google
2.0★
Eldar Bogdanov's Review Sourced from Google
ORBA did my taxes last year, charged an absolutely ludicrous amount for a tax return and basic "financial planning", and still somehow got the state tax return wrong (the state sent me an unexpected refund a year later). Their financial planning included advice like "sell the stock that vests in September 2021 to generate income for this purchase in March 2021". They probably charge so much because they've mastered time travel. I had a CPA before them who did a better job for 15% of the cost.
Jordan Berkowitz Review from Google
1.0★
Jordan Berkowitz's Review Sourced from Google
Used many accountants. Don’t use these guys, they’re horrible. They’ll quit on you right in the middle of your job. Use literally anyone else. Mom and pop accounting down the street, big 4, doesn’t matter just use anyone else but ORBA. They’ll give you bad service and an attitude with it along the while, then they’ll call you and quit right in the middle of it!! Cowards
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We simplify your finances and help you accelerate your business
Pasquesi Partners provide full-service accounting and tax solutions to tech and agency businesses. Our mission is to help growth-stage businesses manage the comprehensive financials required to turn visions into reality. Like traditional accounting firms, we handle the basics: bookkeeping, payroll, tax...
Top Services:
BPO
Accounting
Location
Chicago, Illinois
Number of Employees
Under 49
Average Hourly Rate
$125/hr
Minimal Budget
$1,000 - $10,000
Pasquesi Partners Services
BPO
Accounting
Data sourced from the agency's DesignRush profile, its website, and other relevant accounts
SafeCharge
HerbFront
Enhanced Compliance Solutions Inc.
Data sourced from the agency's DesignRush profile
Pasquesi Partners Reviews & Testimonials
Hannah Blackburn Review from Google
5.0★
Hannah Blackburn's Review Sourced from Google
We have been working with Rob and his team for several years now and it has been great. The team is very knowledgeable and quick to respond.
Matt Windsor Review from Google
5.0★
Matt Windsor's Review Sourced from Google
I've been working with Rob for our business accounting since 2018, and he's been a game-changer. As someone who dreads dealing with anything financial, I truly appreciate his proactive approach. Rob always ensures we're on the right track and handling things properly, making the whole process so much easier.
Kevin Kaspar Review from Google
5.0★
Kevin Kaspar's Review Sourced from Google
Rob is unbelievably knowledgeable, making the annual accounting process seamless. He communicates information in a tangible, digestible manner and looks out for his clients! Choosing to work with Pasquesi Partners was one of the best decisions I've made for my business.
Reviews verified by DesignRush and sourced from the agency's profile View All Reviews
iCareBilling is a private American Healthcare IT Company that provides Insurance Credentialing, Medical Billing and other services to the healthcare industry across the United States, integrating services with any EHR, Practice Management, or Medical Billing Software...
Top Services:
BPO
Web Design
WordPress Website Design
Managed Services
IT Services
Show more
Location
Chicago, Illinois
Number of Employees
500 - 999
Average Hourly Rate
$25/hr
Minimal Budget
$1,000 - $10,000
iCareBilling Services
BPO
Web Design
WordPress Website Design
Managed Services
IT Services
Staff Augmentation
Business Consulting
Call Centers
Accounting
Customer Support
Digital Marketing
Data sourced from the agency's DesignRush profile, its website, and other relevant accounts
Arthritis Care Medical Group
Midwest Care Center
Northeast Wisconsin Behavioral Health
Reliable Health Services
Sleepologie Health and Wellness Center
Data sourced from the agency's DesignRush profile
iCareBilling Reviews & Testimonials
Jose Vega Review from Google
5.0★
Jose Vega's Review Sourced from Google
I have been using iCare for years. The owner is involved in the day-to-day operations and is extremely responsive to our requests and has never failed to meet a deadline. I can't say that about many other companies. VERY RELIABLE and the customer service is fast. Very professional. I truly recommend them.
Donna Anderson Review from Google
5.0★
Donna Anderson's Review Sourced from Google
ICAREBILLING is a wonderful service! They truly live up to their name. They have helped me so much with my practice. I highly recommend them!!
Oleta Schranz Review from Google
5.0★
Oleta Schranz's Review Sourced from Google
Excellent and prompt service. They have great attention to detail and work hard to provide the best for their customers.
Reviews verified by DesignRush and sourced from the agency's profile View All Reviews
KRD provides comprehensive accounting services, including tax, audit, assurance, consulting, and wealth planning for high-net-worth individuals and businesses in Chicago, Illinois. With four decades of experience, KRD delivers personalized, strategic financial solutions tailored to clients' diverse business...
Top Services:
Accounting
Location
Chicago, Illinois
Number of Employees
100 - 249
Average Hourly Rate
$149/hr
Minimal Budget
$1,000 - $10,000
KRD Services
Accounting
Data sourced from the agency's DesignRush profile, its website, and other relevant accounts
Accounting Expertise That Drives Meaningful Growth
FGMK is a dedicated accounting and advisory firm based in Chicago that offers assurance, tax, and business consulting services. Known for hands-on partner involvement, FGMK delivers tailored solutions for businesses, entrepreneurs, and high-net-worth individuals. The firm combines in-depth industry knowledge...
Top Services:
Accounting
Location
Chicago, Illinois
Number of Employees
500 - 999
Average Hourly Rate
$149/hr
Minimal Budget
$1,000 - $10,000
FGMK Services
Accounting
Data sourced from the agency's DesignRush profile, its website, and other relevant accounts
Roth&Co combines reliable industry experience with personalized accounting and advisory services to help clients streamline financial management operations. The firm prides itself on its commitment to client success and community impact, offering the expertise of a large organization while maintaining the...
Top Services:
Accounting
Location
Chicago, Illinois
Number of Employees
100 - 249
Average Hourly Rate
$199/hr
Minimal Budget
$1,000 - $10,000
Roth&Co Services
Accounting
Data sourced from the agency's DesignRush profile, its website, and other relevant accounts
The A.C.T. Group provides expert accounting, tax planning, and consulting services tailored to small businesses in Chicago. From bookkeeping to tax preparation, the firm offers a comprehensive range of financial services to free business owners from administrative burdens. Its personalized approach helps...
Top Services:
Accounting
Location
Chicago, Illinois
Number of Employees
Under 49
Average Hourly Rate
$99/hr
Minimal Budget
$1,000 - $10,000
The A.C.T. Group Services
Accounting
Data sourced from the agency's DesignRush profile, its website, and other relevant accounts
Small Business Industry
Banking Industry
Insurance Industry
Data sourced from the agency's DesignRush profile
The A.C.T. Group Reviews & Testimonials
Elli Hs Review from Google
1.0★
Elli Hs's Review Sourced from Google
We had a very bad experience with A.C.T . Here werewhat happen to us/ Condo -1- Our tax was submit with an extract 0 in the end . Yes, an unbelievable mistake with an accounting firm. We found out as our bank charged us penalty. We contact the firm, they DIDN'T return us the penalty cost due to their mistake and they didn't apologize but only told us that we will get refund form the government. Just image if your company will short cash flow for no reason.2- They had sent email to someone who is not one of our condo contacts more than once. It is clearly violate NDA and CFA codes.3- They charged us additional monthly fee by saying we requested additional service WITHOUT communicating with us and automatically deducted from our bank. Just image you have to work with an accounting firm behaves not fairly and transparently.4- They will not deposit your earning/income in a time manner. We had HOA and rent due on the 5th monthly but they always deposit till end of the month.Overall, it is horrible experience.
patti swanson Review from Google
2.0★
patti swanson's Review Sourced from Google
I do not recommend the tax preparation services of the A.C.T. Group. The initial quote they provided me was quite high ($350 personal, $450 nonprofit) but at first I was impressed with their consultation and bit the bullet. Unfortunately, when my taxes were complete, I was billed for an amount substantially higher than I was originally quoted (for both my personal and nonprofit's taxes). I found their communication with me to be spotty and often quite delayed. My nonprofit paperwork wasn't completed until less than two weeks before the deadline to the Attorney General (June 18). They failed to provide updates and frequently misunderstood the differences between my personal taxes and nonprofit taxes, despite multiple emails and calls where I explained it as clearly as possible. Multiple mistakes were present on my documents that I was fortunate to catch before signing.All in all, there are many tax providers in the city with much more reasonable rates and much better service. I am highly disappointed with my A.C.T. Group experience and am upset with the anxiety I feel about how my taxes were prepared.
Mary Beth Laperuto Review from Google
5.0★
Mary Beth Laperuto's Review Sourced from Google
The ACT Group has provided timely, courteous and professional service to me for several years. Their flexiblity has been a huge help and their fees are extremely fair and competitive. I will continue to recommend their services to my various business contacts.
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Moshe Klein & Associates (MK&A) delivers reliable, affordable accounting services tailored to individuals and businesses. With over 40 years of experience, MK&A provides comprehensive solutions in tax preparation, bookkeeping, and financial consulting. The firm's client-focused approach ensures top-notch...
Top Services:
Accounting
Location
Chicago, Illinois
Number of Employees
Under 49
Average Hourly Rate
$149/hr
Minimal Budget
$1,000 - $10,000
Moshe Klein & Associates Services
Accounting
Data sourced from the agency's DesignRush profile, its website, and other relevant accounts
A. A. Raymond, PLLC
Shovelfox Low Voltage Wiring
Skin Deep Beauty
Data sourced from the agency's DesignRush profile
Moshe Klein & Associates Reviews & Testimonials
Cecilia Espinoza Review from Google
5.0★
Cecilia Espinoza's Review Sourced from Google
It is a pleasure to work with Moshe Klein & Associates. They are professional, knowledgeable, and caring. Finally, they do what they say they will, and you can count on it!
Kalani Fo Review from Google
5.0★
Kalani Fo's Review Sourced from Google
I met Moshe during a networking event and have since built a solid professional relationship with him and his partners. My credence in the professionalism and knowledge of Moshe and his associates allows me to confidently attach my name and reputation to his business when referring business owners and friends.
Kerrie Davis Howell Review from Google
5.0★
Kerrie Davis Howell's Review Sourced from Google
After moving to Mesa, AZ from Oregon, I realized that I needed to begin to transfer everything for my business and financial needs. The first two businesses I needed was a financial institution and a tax/accountant that I could trust. As an entrepreneur and virtual franchise owner it was also important that I found someone familiar with my business needs. I met Moshe and took a look at his accounting firm and decided to use them for my tax returns.I found his firm easy to work with and everything that I needed to do and submit was available electronically. Forms and signatures were uploaded and for the first time in many years, the return was completed quickly! All of my questions and concerns were answered and I enjoyed the experience. He has competent staff, is affordable and there were no surprises. I will definately use his firm again. I highly recommend his firm for anyone that has bookkeeping and tax needs! Thank you Moshe!
Reviews verified by DesignRush and sourced from the agency's profile View All Reviews
ORBA Cloud CFO empowers entrepreneurs with tailored financial solutions, offering outsourced bookkeeping, controller, and CFO services. Its expertise in NetSuite and QuickBooks ensures streamlined financial management and strategic insight. As a trusted partner, ORBA Cloud CFO is committed to delivering...
Top Services:
Accounting
Location
Chicago, Illinois
Number of Employees
Under 49
Average Hourly Rate
$149/hr
Minimal Budget
$1,000 - $10,000
ORBA Cloud CFO Services
Accounting
Data sourced from the agency's DesignRush profile, its website, and other relevant accounts
Financial Industry
IT Industry
Real Estate Industry
Data sourced from the agency's DesignRush profile
ORBA Cloud CFO Reviews & Testimonials
Petros Papatheofanis Review from Google
1.0★
Petros Papatheofanis's Review Sourced from Google
It is June and we still don’t have our 2022 taxes done for the business. Multiple follow ups, most emails have gone ignored by Brian Israel who I believe is a partner there. I was told we would get them by September. Cannot get responses from multiple members of the team. Pretty terrible experience.
Eldar Bogdanov Review from Google
2.0★
Eldar Bogdanov's Review Sourced from Google
ORBA did my taxes last year, charged an absolutely ludicrous amount for a tax return and basic "financial planning", and still somehow got the state tax return wrong (the state sent me an unexpected refund a year later). Their financial planning included advice like "sell the stock that vests in September 2021 to generate income for this purchase in March 2021". They probably charge so much because they've mastered time travel. I had a CPA before them who did a better job for 15% of the cost.
Jordan Berkowitz Review from Google
1.0★
Jordan Berkowitz's Review Sourced from Google
Used many accountants. Don’t use these guys, they’re horrible. They’ll quit on you right in the middle of your job. Use literally anyone else. Mom and pop accounting down the street, big 4, doesn’t matter just use anyone else but ORBA. They’ll give you bad service and an attitude with it along the while, then they’ll call you and quit right in the middle of it!! Cowards
Reviews verified by DesignRush and sourced from the agency's profile View All Reviews
Founded in 1939, WPM is one of Chicago's most established accounting and consulting firms, offering audit, accounting, and advisory services to businesses, non-profits, and government entities...
Top Services:
Accounting
Location
Chicago, Illinois
Number of Employees
Under 49
Average Hourly Rate
$149/hr
Minimal Budget
$1,000 - $10,000
Washington, Pittman & McKeever Services
Accounting
Data sourced from the agency's DesignRush profile, its website, and other relevant accounts
A trusted CPA and business consulting firm serving Chicago and suburban businesses and individuals with expert tax compliance, advisory, and accounting services...
Top Services:
Accounting
Location
Chicago, Illinois
Number of Employees
Under 49
Average Hourly Rate
$149/hr
Minimal Budget
$1,000 - $10,000
Eilts & Associates Services
Accounting
Data sourced from the agency's DesignRush profile, its website, and other relevant accounts
They offer services that help businesses keep books accurate, ensure tax compliance, and plan financially for growth, including:
Accounting and Bookkeeping: Monthly/quarterly financial records, ledger maintenance, reconciliations, and accurate reporting for decision-making.
Tax preparation and tax planning: Filing federal, state & local business and individual taxes, multi-state tax returns, credits, and deductions to minimize liabilities.
Financial audit and assurance services: Internal and external financial audits, compliance reporting, and risk assessment.
Business consulting services: Strategic business advice, cash-flow forecasting, budgeting, and growth planning.
CFO and financial management services: Fractional CFO support, financial modeling, performance analysis (offered by many mid-sized Chicago firms).
What are the standard fee structures for an accounting firm in Chicago?
When you hire an accountant in Chicago, you can either pay them by the hour, a monthly retainer, or a project fee, depending on the type of project you need them for.
Fee Structure
Cost
Hourly rate
$150 and 500$
Fixed project
$1,500–$4,000 per project
Monthly/Retainer fees
Ongoing accounting and bookkeeping
Part-time outsourced bookkeeping
$400-$800
$800-$1,500+
Do these agencies provide proactive tax planning?
Yes, an accounting firm will help clients reduce overall tax liabilities year-round, not just prepare returns. For example, some Chicago firms explicitly offer ongoing tax strategy and financial planning tailored to your business goals and current laws. Services often include tax minimization strategies, entity structure advice, credits and deductions optimization, multi-state planning, and future-year forecasting.
Firms and consultants may also integrate year-round tax strategy discussions into CFO services, advisory engagements, and planning conversations (e.g., income tax strategy at small business firms). Proactive planning helps businesses and individuals anticipate changes, such as new federal/state tax rules, and plan decisions like investments, hires, and entity changes with tax impact in mind rather than reacting after filings.
Can a local firm help with multi-state tax issues?
Yes. Chicago accounting firms help with multi-state tax issues, including nexus analysis, filings, and ongoing compliance. Businesses often trigger tax obligations once they exceed $100,000-$500,000 in sales or establish physical presence in another state, and CPAs determine where registration and filing are required.
Multi-state business tax support is critical, as United States businesses face numerous state and local tax rule changes annually, and companies with 20-499 employees spend an average of $17,000+ per month managing tax compliance internally, according to the Avalara survey.
What is the difference between a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and an Enrolled Agent (EA)?
A Certified Public Accountant (CPA) is a state-licensed professional with broad accounting training, which includes taking 150 college credit hours, passing a four-part CPA exam, meeting experience requirements, and completing ongoing continuing education. They handle far more than tax services, including financial statements, audits, bookkeeping oversight, business consulting, forecasting, and tax planning.
An Enrolled Agent (EA) is a federally licensed tax specialist authorized directly by the IRS. EAs pass a three-part IRS exam focused entirely on tax law and complete 72 hours of tax-specific continuing education every three years. While they have unlimited representation rights before the IRS, their work is focused almost exclusively on tax preparation, tax planning, audit services, and collections, unlike the CPA firm's.