How to Choose a CPA for Your Business

As a high-net-worth (HNW) or ultra-high-net-worth (UHNW) business owner or entrepreneur, your financial landscape is often as complex as it is full of opportunities. The right Certified Public Accountant (CPA) can help clarify that landscape, guiding not just your compliance with tax law but also influencing long-term business strategy — helping you avoid overpayments on corporate taxes and estimated tax payments.

But what happens when your current CPA isn’t quite measuring up? Maybe you’re paying more than you should in taxes. Maybe you’re missing out on strategic tax-saving opportunities. Or maybe you’re expanding your business, and your financial needs have outgrown the capabilities of your current advisor. If any of this resonates with you, it may be time to reassess your CPA relationship.

At Avidian Wealth Solutions, we work with business owners who are not just looking for traditional tax strategies , but who want sophisticated financial guidance tailored to both their business and personal goals. We understand the deeper implications of tax and financial planning for business owners in an ever-evolving economic environment.

If you’re wondering how to choose a CPA or whether it’s time to upgrade your CPA relationship, Avidian may offer the guidance your business needs.

When should a business hire a CPA?

Whether you’re launching your first business venture or scaling a multi-entity operation, timing is everything, especially when it comes to financial oversight. A CPA should be one of the earliest professional hires in a business’s life cycle, but there are also key trigger moments when hiring (or upgrading) your CPA is critical.

These moments include when:

• Launching a new business or entity and need advice on structure (LLC, S-Corp, C-Corp, etc.).
• You’re preparing for a major financial event such as an acquisition, sale, or restructuring.
• Your annual revenue has increased significantly, and you’re dealing with new tax obligations.
• Facing IRS audits or letters that require expert navigation.
• Overpaying in quarterly estimates without clear justification.

For established businesses, a CPA becomes more than a compliance partner — they’re a strategic ally. A good CPA doesn’t just file your taxes; they offer proactive planning throughout the year to help reduce your overall tax burden, maintain proper documentation, and stay ahead of regulatory changes.

If your CPA only shows up at tax time, that’s a red flag. You should expect regular communication, accurate forecasting, and forward-looking advice designed to protect and grow your wealth. Especially for HNW or UHNW business owners, the cost of not having this level of attention can be measured in the six- or seven-figure range in missed savings or inefficiencies.

What credentials should a CPA for business have?

While most CPAs have passed rigorous exams and meet ongoing educational requirements, not all are created equal. Serving the nuanced needs of business owners with significant assets and complex portfolios requires the following qualifications:

• Experience with privately held companies. A CPA should have a track record of working with businesses of your size and structure, particularly those operating across multiple states or jurisdictions.
• Deep understanding of tax strategy. Look for someone who can navigate the latest tax laws and guide strategic decisions such as entity selection, income shifting, retirement plan contributions, and cost segregation.
• Coordination with financial advisors. Ideally, your CPA is not working in a silo; they should be able to communicate and collaborate with your wealth management team to align tax strategies with investment and estate planning.
• Advanced certifications or continuing education. Credentials like a Master’s in Taxation or additional certifications in financial planning can indicate deeper proficiency.
  Familiarity with your industry: While not mandatory, understanding the ins and outs of your industry can help your CPA spot opportunities others might miss.

Business owners often benefit from working with firms that offer integrated planning, i.e., the CPA isn’t just a standalone service provider, but part of a larger team that includes financial advisors, legal consultants, and insurance planners.

What does a CPA do for a business?

The true value of a CPA lies not just in filing your taxes, but in helping you shape the financial future of your business. Growth isn’t just about revenue; it’s about making smart decisions that compound over time. That’s where a strategic CPA can deliver the most impact.

A CPA can support business growth by structuring your business and income in tax-efficient ways, and retain more capital to reinvest. Additionally, they can assist in modeling various growth scenarios and estimating their tax consequences.

If you’re preparing for a sale, merger, or raising capital, your CPA can help with accurate valuations and due diligence. Your CPA can also recommend restructuring your business if there are more advantageous tax treatments available under a different setup.

Whether you plan to pass the business to a family member or sell it entirely, your CPA plays a key role in setting up the right legal and financial framework for smooth succession planning. In short, think of your CPA as part of your executive team — someone who’s actively contributing to growth conversations, not just reacting to what’s already happened.

What questions should I ask a CPA before hiring?

Interviewing a CPA should feel like interviewing a key executive, because that’s effectively what you’re doing. Don’t hesitate to dig into their process, communication style, and vision for working with a client like you. Consider asking:

1. How do you stay up to date with changing tax laws affecting business owners?
2. Can you walk me through how you would approach tax planning over the next three years?
3. How do you work with clients who also have financial advisors or legal counsel?
4. What’s your experience with multi-entity or multi-state businesses?
5. Can you show examples of how you’ve helped clients reduce their tax liabilities?
6. How often will we meet, and what kind of reports should I expect?

How much does a CPA for a business cost?

CPA pricing varies widely depending on complexity, services, and firm structure. For HNW or UHNW business owners, pricing often reflects the level of ongoing engagement and strategic planning provided. You may encounter:

• Hourly rates (e.g., $200–$600 per hour ,depending on seniority and firm size)
• Flat monthly retainers (e.g., often $2,000–$10,000+ per month for full-service planning)
• Project-based fees for specific events like M&A support, IRS audits, or entity restructuring

Instead of focusing solely on cost, assess value. The right CPA may uncover tax-saving strategies that dwarf their fee. In fact, comprehensive tax planning for business owners is often one of the few business services that can pay for itself.

The Avidian difference: comprehensive financial and tax planning for business owners

Avidian Wealth Solutions goes beyond traditional support. We integrate tax planning directly into your wealth management strategy, offering a more complete, coordinated approach to business ownership and personal finance.

Our team works with HNW and UHNW business owners across Texas and beyond, combining forward-thinking tax strategies with investment guidance, estate planning, and financial planning for business owners. This integration helps our clients not only preserve their wealth but also grow it with intention. We offer:

• Year-round tax planning for business owners that keeps your business proactive, not reactive
• Coordination with financial advisors to align all aspects of your wealth strategy
• Succession and exit planning to protect the long-term value of your business
• Access to multi-disciplinary professionals including CPAs, CFPs, and investment advisors working together
  

More importantly, we understand that no two businesses (or business owners) are alike. Your tax strategy should reflect not just where your business is today, but where you’re headed tomorrow.

Reassessing your CPA needs? Let’s talk.

If your CPA only shows up in April, it might be time to rethink your relationship. Today’s business climate demands thoughtful planning, ongoing communication, and a partner who understands how your business success ties into your personal wealth.

Avidian Wealth Solutions aims to help business owners navigate their corporate financials with clarity and confidence. Whether you’re looking to grow, sell, or safeguard your business legacy, we offer  integrated guidance to help you make your financial decisions count.

If you’re reassessing your CPA needs or wondering whether your current advisor is truly maximizing your business’s potential, reach out for a consultation with Avidian. We can provide guidance on  how to choose a CPA to align with your business.  Visit us at one of our locations in Austin, Houston, Sugar Land, or The Woodlands to learn more about how we can collaborate with your CPA  to implement tax strategies as part of a coordinated financial plan.

More Helpful Articles by Avidian: 

• Navigating Financial Shock After a Spouse’s Death
• How Do I Manage a Concentrated Stock Position?
• How Houston Family Offices Can Embrace Market Volatility
• What is the Role of an Outsourced Chief Investment Officer in a Family Office?
• The Benefits of Wealth Management for Entrepreneurs

---

Please read important disclosures here