Yes—paying for a CPA is often worth it for small businesses, especially if you’re earning $200K+ in revenue, facing complex tax issues, or planning to scale. The ROI comes from saving time, avoiding mistakes, and optimizing your tax strategy.
When you're running a small business, you're constantly weighing what’s worth outsourcing versus doing yourself. One of the most common questions we see is:
“Is it worth it to pay for a CPA?”
We pulled insights from real people, added some perspective from conversations with CPAs onSam’s List, and broke it down in plain language.
What Does a CPA Do for Small Businesses?
A Certified Public Accountant (CPA) is more than just a tax preparer. They can help with:
Annual and quarterly tax filing
Entity structure setup (LLC vs S Corp)
Financial forecasting
Tax strategy and planning
Catch-up bookkeeping and financial cleanup
If you’re just getting started and don’t have many expenses, you might be fine with bookkeeping software or a low-cost tax pro. But if you’re generating meaningful income—or want to be—you’ll benefit from a CPA’s advice.
When Is It Worth It to Pay for a CPA?
Here are some signs it’s probably time:
You’re making over $200,000/year in revenue or $100K+ in profit
You’re paying a lot in taxes and not sure if you could lower your bill
You’re dealing with 1099s, W-2s, inventory, or contractors
You’re thinking about selling your business or raising money
You’re behind on your books or taxes and need to catch up
If any of these apply to you, it’s not just aboutsaving time. A good CPA will help you avoid mistakes that could cost you much more than their fee.
How Much Does a CPA Cost for Small Businesses?
CPA pricing varies based on services and business complexity:
Basic tax prep:$400–$1,000
Monthly bookkeeping:$300–$1,200/month
Fractional CFO services:$2,000–$5,000/month
If your CPA helps you:
Save $10K+ on taxes,
Avoid an IRS penalty,
Or get your books investor-ready…
the cost becomes a no-brainer.
Want to browse CPAs who specialize in businesses like yours?Explore accountants on Sam’s List
CPA vs Bookkeeper for Small Business
A common misconception: Bookkeepers and CPAs are interchangeable.
| Role | Handles bookkeeping | Provides tax strategy | Offers CFO-level advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bookkeeper | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | ❌ No |
| CPA | ✅ Sometimes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Often |
If you're just getting started and only need help categorizing expenses, a bookkeeper might be enough. But once you’re making meaningful money or want to grow strategically, a CPA adds serious value.
How to Evaluate a CPA for Startups or Small Businesses
If you’re considering hiring a CPA, ask these questions:
Do they specialize in businesses like mine? (e.g., ecommerce, real estate, creative agencies)
What’s their pricing model? Flat-fee, hourly, monthly retainer?
Can they explain things in plain English?
Will I have a point of contact or be passed around a big firm?
Do they understand the tax benefits of my entity type?
Also, ask if they’ll help with tax planning—not just filing. That’s where the real value comes in.
See the IRS guide on choosing a tax preparer
FAQ
Is a CPA worth it for small business 2025?
Yes, especially as tax laws change and businesses become more complex. A CPA can save time, reduce audit risk, and optimize your financial strategy.
What’s the difference between a CPA and a bookkeeper?
Bookkeepers track income and expenses. CPAs offer higher-level advice, tax strategy, and often financial forecasting.
How do I know if I’ve outgrown my current accountant?
If you’re asking tax questions they can’t answer, facing unexpected tax bills, or your business is scaling quickly—it’s time to level up.
Can a CPA help with business structure?
Yes, many CPAs help set up LLCs, S Corps, and advise on which structure gives you the best tax advantage.
Final Thoughts: When “DIY” Becomes Too Expensive
As your business grows, the DIY approach to taxes and bookkeeping can actually become more expensive—through missed deductions, poor planning, or IRS penalties.
Hiring a CPA isn't just about compliance. It's about insight. A good accountant doesn’t just report your numbers—they help you shape them.
Looking for a vetted CPA who understands your business?Find one on Sam’s List
Learn how to evaluate a CPA on the AICPA site
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.
