Best CPA for Small Business in 2025: How to Find the Right Fit 

Picking a CPA for your small business depends on your industry, size, and financial complexity. Start with someone who understands your sector, offers proactive advice, and is transparent about pricing.

Choosing a CPA for your small business isn’t just about tax prep. It’s about finding someone who understands your business model, communicates clearly, and doesn’t disappear when things get messy.

We reviewed real advice from small business owners and paired it with insights from accountants onSam’s Listto help you choose the right CPA for your stage of business.

When Should a Small Business Hire a CPA?

Not every small business needs a CPA on day one—but as your business grows, things get more complicated. Here's when to seriously consider hiring a certified public accountant:

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  You’re earning more than $100K in annual revenue

  
  


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  You’re setting up an LLC, S corp, or C corp

  
  


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  You have employees or contractors

  
  


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  You’re preparing to raise money or talk to lenders

  
  


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  You’re filing multi-state taxes or collecting sales tax

  
  

Still unsure if you need to file business taxes this year?Check out the IRS guide here.

What to Look For in a Small Business CPA

The best CPAs offer more than tax prep. Here’s what really matters:

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  Small Business Experience:Do they work with other businesses like yours?

  
  


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  Credentials:Are they a CPA, EA, or just calling themselves an advisor?

  
  


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  Proactive Help:Do they advise you throughout the year—or just at tax time?

  
  


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  Clear Pricing:Is their pricing transparent (flat-fee, hourly, value-based)?

  
  


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  Software Compatibility:Do they use tools like QuickBooks, Xero, Gusto?

  
  


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  Industry Knowledge:Have they worked in your sector (e.g., ecommerce, crypto, real estate)?

  
  

Want help evaluating?Find a CPA who works with businesses like yours on Sam’s List.

CPA vs. Bookkeeper for Small Business

This is one of the most common areas of confusion—especially for early-stage businesses.

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  Abookkeeperhandles day-to-day categorizing, reconciliations, and record-keeping.

  
  


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  ACPAoffers strategic advice, tax planning, and filing. They’re certified and licensed.

  
  

You may need both—or just one depending on your goals.

Looking for bookkeeping help?Browse bookkeepers on Sam’s List.

FAQ

What’s the difference between a CPA and a bookkeeper for small businesses?

Bookkeepers handle the day-to-day finances, while CPAs offer strategic guidance and tax filing. Most growing businesses need both.

How do I find the best CPA for my small business in 2025?

Start by asking other business owners, checking for relevant industry experience, and using trusted directories like Sam’s List to compare options.

When should a small business hire a CPA?

Most small businesses should hire a CPA once they hit $100K+ revenue, have payroll, or deal with multi-state filings.

How do I evaluate a CPA for my startup?

Ask about their experience with startups, their approach to tax planning, how they charge, and whether they’ll support you throughout the year—not just in April.

Final Thoughts: Choose Support That Grows With You

Small business owners often delay hiring a CPA until it's too late—leading to expensive cleanups, missed deductions, and unnecessary stress.

Whether you’re earning your first $50K or scaling past $1M, the right CPA should grow with your business, help you stay compliant, and give you confidence in your numbers.

Explore accountants for small businesses on Sam’s Listand get back to building.

Author:Kimi, Co-founder of Sam’s List
Kimi writes about what she’s learning while building Sam’s List and shares honest takeaways from her conversations with accountants and financial advisors across the country. None of this is financial advice—just the stuff most people wish someone told them sooner.