How much does an accountant or CPA cost for a small business?
What a CPA costs
Across 204 accounting firms on Sam's List, the typical starting monthly fee is $500. The middle half start between $300 and $812 a month, and firms that only take clients above $1M in revenue start around $1,000.
| What you pay for | Typical starting price (median) | Middle half of firms | Firms in sample |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly fee — All firms | $500/mo | $300–$812 | 204 |
| Monthly fee — Firms with no revenue minimum | $500/mo | $250–$599 | 117 |
| Monthly fee — Firms with a $250K–$999K revenue minimum | $672/mo | $500–$1,000 | 52 |
| Monthly fee — Firms with a $1M+ revenue minimum | $1,000/mo | $550–$1,500 | 19 |
| Hourly rate — All firms | $125/hr | $71–$200 | 66 |
| Annual fee — All firms | $1,500/yr | $725–$2,450 | 55 |
| Personal tax return — Packages titled as personal returns | $500 | $400–$800 | 17 |
Based on starting prices that firms publish on their Sam's List profiles, as of November 10, 2026. Each firm counted once. Firms listed under more than one type are counted in each. Actual quotes depend on your situation.
How much does a CPA charge per hour?
The median published starting rate is $125 an hour across 66 firms; the middle half start between $71 and $200.
How much does a CPA charge for a personal tax return?
Among 17 firms with a package titled for personal returns, the median starting price is $500 (middle half $400–$800).
Short answer: What you pay depends on which service you buy. Monthly bookkeeping and accounting are usually a flat monthly fee set by transaction volume and complexity. Business tax returns are usually a per-return or project fee. Advisory and CFO work is hourly, a project fee or a monthly retainer. Get quotes for the same written scope, and compare an in-house hire with the outsourced accounting cost calculator.
Price drivers by service
| Service | Usual pricing | What moves the price |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly bookkeeping | Flat monthly fee | Transactions, accounts, payroll, catch-up |
| Monthly accounting and close | Flat monthly fee | Accrual basis, entities, reporting deadlines |
| Business tax return | Per return or project | Entity type, states, quality of the books |
| Tax planning or advisory | Hourly or project | Complexity and time |
| Fractional CFO | Monthly retainer or hourly | Hours and deliverables |
Related: outsourced bookkeeping services and outsourced accounting services.
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What is the average CPA hourly rate?
CPA firms bill a median of $127 an hour for associates and $275 an hour for partners and owners, according to the AICPA's 2025 National MAP Survey of U.S. accounting firms, which uses fiscal-year 2024 data. The survey's median net hourly billing rate across firms was $170. What you pay depends on who does the work, the task and your market. (AICPA, 2025)
| Who does the work | Median hourly billing rate |
|---|---|
| Partner or owner | $275 |
| Director (11+ years' experience) | $263 |
| Senior manager (8–10 years) | $224 |
| Manager (6–7 years) | $198 |
| Senior associate (4–5 years) | $155 |
| Associate (1–3 years) | $127 |
Figures are fiscal-year 2024 medians from the AICPA PCPS/CPA.com 2025 National MAP Survey (Exhibit 7; 1,073 firms completed the survey).
Wages vs. billing rates. The median wage for accountants and auditors was $40.23 an hour ($83,680 a year) in May 2025 (BLS, 2025). That is what accountants are paid, not what clients are billed. A firm's billing rate also has to cover hours that can't be billed to a client, plus office, software and review costs. In the AICPA survey, associates billed a median 66% of their hours. So billing rates run well above wages.
Hourly or flat fee? Hourly billing is still the most common approach: 63% of firms in the AICPA survey bill hourly, 40% charge per tax form, 30% use value billing and 29% use fixed pricing (AICPA, 2025). Smaller tax practices lean toward flat fees. In NSA's 2024 survey of independent tax and accounting firms, 37% used fixed fees for tax preparation and 24% combined fixed and hourly fees (NSA, 2024).
How to compare hourly quotes
- Ask who will do the work, and at what rate. Partner time costs about twice associate time ($275 vs. $127 median).
- Ask for an hour estimate and a cap, and get both in the engagement letter.
- Ask what's billed extra. In NSA's 2024 survey, 67% of firms charged for disorganized or incomplete files, at an average of $100–$200.
- For a defined job like an annual return, ask for a flat quote too, then compare total cost rather than the hourly rate alone.
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Key Takeaways
- CPAs offer services like tax planning, financial statement preparation, IRS representation, and business consulting, which can save time, reduce stress, and provide strategic financial guidance.
- CPA costs vary based on location, experience, service scope, and business complexity. Higher rates are typical in larger cities or for specialized expertise. Services like tax preparation, bookkeeping, and consulting also impact overall costs.
- CPAs use hourly rates, flat fees, and monthly retainers. Choosing the right structure depends on service needs, budget, and business complexity. Combining fee structures can optimize costs and ensure tailored financial support.
What is a CPA?
A certified public accountant is a highly skilled financial professional who provides accounting services to businesses and individuals. CPAs are licensed by the state and must meet rigorous education, experience, and exam requirements.Why Hire a CPA for Your Small Business?
Here are a few reasons why you should consider hiring a CPA for your small business:- Tax planning and preparation: CPAs have extensive knowledge of tax laws and regulations. They can help you navigate complex tax issues, identify deductions and credits, and ensure your business complies with all tax requirements. This can save you time, money, and stress come tax season.
- Financial statement preparation: CPAs can prepare accurate and timely financial statements, such as balance sheets, income statements, and cash flow statements. These documents provide a clear picture of your business's financial health and can be used to secure funding, attract investors, or make informed business decisions.
- IRS representation: In the event of an audit or other tax-related issue, a CPA can represent your business before the IRS. They can communicate with the IRS on your behalf, provide necessary documentation, and work to resolve any issues as quickly and favorably as possible.
- Business consulting: CPAs can offer valuable insights and advice on various business topics, from financial planning and budgeting to risk management and strategic decision-making. They can help you identify areas for improvement, set financial goals, and develop a plan to achieve them.
Factors That Affect CPA Costs for Small Businesses
The cost of hiring a CPA for your small business can vary widely depending on several factors:Location
CPA fees can vary significantly by geographic location. In general, CPAs in larger cities or metropolitan areas tend to charge higher rates than those in smaller towns or rural areas. This is due to higher overhead costs, greater demand for services, and a more competitive market.Experience and Expertise
CPAs with more years of experience or specialized expertise in a particular area may charge higher fees than those with less experience or a more general focus. However, paying for a CPA with the right expertise can be a worthwhile investment, as they can provide more targeted and effective advice for your specific needs.Scope of Services
The cost of hiring a CPA will depend on the specific services you need. Basic services like tax preparation and bookkeeping are generally less expensive than more complex services like financial statement audits or business valuation. Be sure to discuss your needs and expectations upfront to clearly understand what services are included in the CPA's fees.Business Size and Complexity
Larger businesses with more complex financial situations will generally require more time and resources from a CPA, resulting in higher fees. Factors that can impact the complexity of your business include the number of employees, revenue, industry, and legal structure.Average CPA Costs for Small Businesses
So, what can you expect to pay for CPA services as a small business owner? Here are some average costs based on common services:- Tax preparation: The average cost for small business tax preparation ranges from $500 to $2,500, depending on the complexity of your tax situation. This typically includes preparing and filing federal and state income tax returns and any required quarterly estimated tax payments.
- Bookkeeping: Basic bookkeeping services, such as reconciling bank statements and preparing monthly financial reports, can cost between $500 and $2,000 per month, depending on the volume of transactions and complexity of your business.
- Financial statement preparation: The cost of preparing financial statements, such as a balance sheet or income statement, can range from $1,000 to $5,000 or more, depending on the level of detail and complexity required.
- Business consulting: CPA consulting fees can vary widely depending on the scope and complexity of the project. Hourly rates for business consulting can range from $150 to $500 or more per hour, with project-based fees ranging from a few thousand to tens of thousands of dollars.
CPA Fee Structures
CPAs use various fee structures when billing clients for their services. Common fee arrangements include hourly rates, flat fees, and monthly retainers. Let’s take a look at each of these:Hourly Rates
Many CPAs charge by the hour, meaning you pay for the actual time they spend working on your accounting and tax matters. Hourly rates can vary significantly depending on factors such as:- The CPA's years of experience and level of expertise
- The complexity of the work being performed
- The geographic location of the CPA's practice
Flat Fees
Some CPAs offer flat-fee pricing for specific services, such as preparing a business tax return or providing a set number of hours of consulting per month. Flat fees provide predictability and can be a good option if you have a well-defined project or relatively consistent ongoing needs. Flat fees for common CPA services can range widely depending on the scope of work and the provider. For example, fees for preparing a basic business tax return might start at a few hundred dollars, while more complex returns could cost several thousand dollars. When considering a flat-fee arrangement, make sure you understand exactly what services are included in the price. Get a detailed engagement letter outlining the scope of work, deliverables, and any additional charges that may apply.Monthly Retainers
A monthly retainer may be the most cost-effective option if your small business requires ongoing CPA services, such as bookkeeping, financial reporting, or advisory services. With a retainer, you pay a fixed monthly fee in exchange for a set range of services. Monthly retainer fees can vary significantly based on the scope and complexity of the work. Some CPAs offer basic bookkeeping and tax packages starting at a few hundred dollars per month, while more comprehensive CFO-level services can cost several thousand dollars per month. Retainer agreements often include a certain number of hours of service per month, with additional hours billed at a discounted hourly rate. This can provide a good balance of predictability and flexibility as your needs change. When negotiating a retainer agreement, be sure to clearly define the services included and establish metrics for evaluating the CPA's performance. Regular check-ins and reports can help ensure you're getting value from the arrangement.Choosing the Right Fee Structure
The right fee structure for your small business will depend on factors such as:- The nature and complexity of your accounting and tax needs.
- The frequency and consistency of your service requirements.
- Your budget and cash flow preferences.
- Your comfort level with variable vs. fixed costs.
Maximizing the Value of Your CPA Relationship
Choosing the right CPA is about more than just cost—it's about finding a trusted advisor who understands your business and can help you achieve your financial goals. Here are a few tips to help you get the most value from your CPA relationship:Your CPA is more than just a number cruncher—they're a valuable partner in your business's success. By communicating openly, proactively seeking their advice, and viewing them as a long-term investment, you can maximize the value of your CPA relationship and position your small business for financial success.
- Communicate regularly: Keep your CPA informed of any changes or challenges in your business throughout the year. Regular check-ins can help you stay on track and avoid surprises come tax time.
- Be proactive: Don't wait until tax season to talk to your CPA. Schedule periodic reviews to discuss your financial statements, tax planning opportunities, and any other issues affecting your business.
- Leverage their expertise: Your CPA has a wealth of knowledge and experience that extends beyond just tax and accounting. Ask for their advice on financial planning, risk management, business strategy, and other areas where they can provide valuable insights.
- Invest in the relationship: While cost is always a factor, don't let it be the only consideration when choosing a CPA. Investing in a high-quality CPA who takes the time to understand your business can pay significant dividends over the long term.
How to Save Money on CPA Services
While a CPA is a good investment for any small business, it can get expensive. Here are a few ways to help you save some money on CPAs as a small business owner:Keep Good Records
Maintaining organized financial records and using accounting software can help streamline the process and potentially lower your CPA fees.Consider Hiring a CPA for Tax Season Only
If you can't afford ongoing CPA services, consider hiring one for tax planning and preparation only. You can handle your own bookkeeping and then provide your CPA with organized records at tax time.Bundle Services
Combining multiple services with the same CPA can often lead to discounted rates. For example, you might save money by having the same CPA handle both your tax preparation and bookkeeping.Negotiate Fees
Don't hesitate to discuss pricing with your CPA. Many CPAs are open to negotiation, especially if you are a long-term client or if you are offering a significant amount of work.Use a Monthly Retainer
If you require ongoing services, a monthly retainer can be more cost-effective than paying for individual services. This provides a predictable monthly expense and may include a range of services at a reduced rate.Final Thoughts
The cost of hiring a CPA for your small business varies based on many factors, including the size and complexity of your business, your specific accounting and tax needs, the CPA's experience, and billing structure. While professional accounting services are an investment, the right CPA can provide significant value by helping you save on taxes, make informed financial decisions, and achieve your business goals. Finding the right CPA doesn't have to be difficult. Sam’s List connects you with experienced CPAs who can meet your unique business needs. Find your proactive CPA at samslist.com.Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a CPA charge per hour?
In the AICPA's 2025 MAP Survey, median hourly billing rates at U.S. CPA firms ranged from $127 for associates to $275 for partners and owners, and the median net hourly billing rate was $170 (fiscal-year 2024 data). Your rate depends on who does the work, the task and your location.
Is $40 an hour what a CPA charges?
No. $40.23 an hour is the May 2025 median wage for accountants and auditors (BLS). It's what accountants are paid, not what clients are billed. Firm billing rates are higher because they also cover non-billable time and overhead.
Do CPAs charge hourly or flat fees?
Both. In the AICPA's 2025 survey, 63% of firms bill hourly, 40% charge per tax form, 30% use value billing and 29% use fixed pricing. For a defined job such as an annual return, ask for a flat quote.
Do I need a CPA for my small business?
While not required, hiring a CPA can save you time, help you stay compliant with tax laws, and provide valuable financial insights to help grow your business.Frequently asked questions
How much does a bookkeeper cost for a small business?
Most bookkeepers charge a flat monthly fee based on transaction volume, number of accounts and extras like payroll or bill pay. Catch-up work is billed separately.
Is a CPA more expensive than a bookkeeper?
CPAs usually bill at higher rates because they prepare tax returns, review financial statements and give tax advice. Many businesses use a bookkeeper monthly and a CPA for tax and review.
Do CPAs charge monthly or per project?
Both are common: monthly fees for ongoing accounting, per-return fees for tax returns, and hourly or project fees for advisory work.
How do I compare accountant quotes?
Send each firm the same written scope and ask what is included, what is billed separately, and when reports or returns will be delivered.
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