How Much Will A CPA Cost (And Save) Your Small Business?

In 2026, inflation, technological shifts, and ever-changing tax laws make expert Certified Public Accountant (CPA) support more critical than ever before. From tax preparation services, year-round advisory, and calculating and submitting quarterly estimated taxes, a CPA can take on the complex financial tasks that tie you up and slow your operations down. However, not every CPA and CPA firm is the same, and finding the right one for your business can be a daunting task.

Use this guide to help you determine how much a CPA costs in 2026, along with other considerations that will help you decide what's best for your small business. If you're searching for a tech-powered, flat-fee, never hourly, CPA-based financial solution designed for you, the modern small business owner, look no further than 1-800Accountant, America's leading virtual accounting firm. When you trust our experts with your complex financial work, you can get predictable costs and proactive advice from CPAs with over 17 years of experience on average.  

How Much Does a CPA Cost in 2026?

What your business pays for CPA services depends on numerous factors, and there's no single factor affecting CPA costs as much as those related to your core business needs. Whether you only need a CPA for a couple of hours a month or more regular support, it's important to understand common CPA billing scenarios for 2026.

• Hourly Rate. If you only need a CPA for a few hours each month, using one on an hourly basis can be a sensible option. CPAs typically charge $200 to $450 per hour for their services. 

• Monthly Retainers. Hourly charges can accumulate quickly, especially if you have more substantial accounting needs, making a contract or retainer a more attractive option than hourly charges. Like hourly CPA fees, contracts and retainers have a broad pricing spectrum. However, you should expect to receive more preferential pricing when you retain or enter into an agreement with your accountant. Expect to pay between $250 and $900 per month, depending on the complexity of your business.

• Flat-Rate Virtual Services. Virtual outsourced firms offer different pricing plans, which are particularly helpful if you have complex, time-consuming financial work. Expect to pay between $100 and $400 per month, which often includes tax prep, bookkeeping, and advisory support.

• Project-Based. Some CPAs offer their services on a seasonal basis, with tax season being the most popular. Fees can vary depending on the services rendered and their complexity, and might start at $1,200 to $2,500 per project. 

1-800Accountant offers comprehensive, year-round, flat-rate virtual accounting services starting at under $200 per month.

Common Challenges When Hiring a CPA

Artificial intelligence (AI) and software-driven CPA firms are redefining the market. Your small business should look for firms that blend human insight with automation, while sidestepping these common challenges.  

• High demand for the most skilled professionals. It's possible that you find the right CPA for your needs, but they're typically at capacity or it's their busy season. If you're unable to secure that CPA's service, ask that they refer you to another capable CPA in their network with adequate bandwidth.   

• Lack of a benchmark or background on fair pricing. If this is your first time hiring a CPA to address your business needs, the broad spectrum of pricing can make it difficult to pin down the average cost. Research and consult with other local business owners to establish a benchmark for fair CPA pricing in your industry and region. It's essential to recognize that fair pricing in Kansas may differ from fair pricing in New York City. 

• Determining fit based on a professional’s previous experience. If you've found a CPA you like but still have questions about their experience, verify their credentials via your state's board and look for remote CPA licensing compliance for virtual firms. Reviews on sites like Trustpilot will also help create a picture of the prospect's experience. 

How Much Can a CPA Save Your Small Business?

While refund amounts vary, one of your CPA's goals should be to minimize your business's tax burden. Once you're established, the annual savings can be substantial. For example, 1-800Accountant saves the small business clients we work with more than $12,000 annually on average, allowing them to reinvest that money back into their businesses. Our services scale with our clients, providing the right balance of support at every phase. 

Areas where your prospective CPA can save money for your business include: 

• Preparing your tax return and leading tax planning initiatives

• Tax deductions, credits, and benefits

• Reduction in overall tax liability

• Financial planning

Areas where your CPA can help your business navigate include: 

• The passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. Changes include full bonus depreciation, an increase in the 1099 threshold to $2,000 starting in 2026, and expanded Section 179 limits.

• SALT deduction. The state SALT deduction increases to $40,000 for incomes less than $500,000 annually.

For example, proactive entity selection, R&D deductions, and payroll tax strategy can save a small retail business over $9,000 annually. 

While saving business income is a primary reason for using a CPA, there are also intangible benefits to consider. Many small business owners will initially attempt to address financial tasks on their own, which can be time-consuming, even if you know what you're doing. Great CPAs save you time that you can devote to building your business, while also giving you peace of mind knowing that important tasks are handled properly. 

What Services Can a CPA Provide?

Some CPAs are generalists, while others specialize in certain areas of accounting. When it comes to services for your small business, your prospective CPA should be able to address the following tasks.

• Tax filing

• Quarterly estimated taxes

• Generating your company's financial statements

• Financial forecasts

• Bookkeeping and cash flow forecasting

• Payroll processing

• Tax planning and IRS audit defense

• Entity structure guidance (LLC vs. S corp vs. C corp)

• Compliance with new reporting laws (BOI, data privacy)

CPA vs. Tax Preparer

A tax preparer and CPA can prepare and submit your business taxes on your behalf. But which is right for your situation? A CPA tax professional typically has more expertise and education than a tax preparer, but is also more expensive for the financial services they provide, such as preparing and submitting your business tax return. A tax preparer might be the better choice if your business taxes aren't overly complex.

While tax preparers can help with filings, a CPA can help you strategize year-round savings while adhering to the Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).

CPA vs. Virtual Accounting Firm

While a traditional CPA may offer more than a tax preparer, few rival the value and peace of mind of 1-800Accountant’s innovative virtual accounting model.

How to Hire the Right CPA for Your Small Business

Understanding your costs is an essential step in the process of finding a CPA, but you don’t have to choose between affordability and expertise. With 1-800Accountant, you can get both — real CPAs, personalized advice, and flat-rate pricing that maximizes your tax savings.

Whether you need business tax preparation, bookkeeping, or tax advisory, we offer tax-deductible flat-rate pricing solutions to ensure your business stays compliant. Schedule your free consultation – usually 30 minutes or less – to get started.

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