Chicago, IL · CPAs Near Me
Find a CPA in Chicago, IL
Search verified, state-licensed Certified Public Accountants in your city. Compare experience, specialties, and fees — then book a free consultation. Every CPA on CPAZenith lists a verifiable state license number. Serving Chicago, IL and the surrounding region — Chicago accountants serve professional services, manufacturing, logistics, and the Midwest's largest corporate base.
Why Chicago clients hire cpas near me
Local context for cpas near me in Chicago, IL
Dominant local industries
- Manufacturing & industrial
- Logistics & transportation
- Professional services
- Financial services & trading
- Restaurants & hospitality
Illinois tax climate
Illinois has a flat 4.95% personal income tax and a 9.5% combined corporate income tax (including the personal property replacement tax). Chicago adds local employer-side payroll considerations. The state's PTET election is commonly used for partnerships and S-corps.
Key local deadline
Mar 15
IL pass-through entity tax (PTET) and partnership / S-corp (IL-1065 / IL-1120-ST) returns due.
When to hire
- You own a business and need year-round tax planning, not just filing
- You earn income in multiple states or countries
- You received an IRS or state tax notice you don't understand
- You sold a home, business, or investments with significant gains
- Your tax situation involves K-1s, rental property, or equity compensation
What they do
- Federal, state, and local tax preparation for individuals and businesses
- Quarterly estimated tax planning and entity strategy
- Audit, review, and compilation engagements
- IRS representation and audit defense
- Advisory: cash flow, KPIs, M&A, and succession planning
Typical fees
What it costs
Low end
$200
per hour
High end
$600+
per hour
Notes
Individual 1040s commonly run $300–$800 flat. Small-business returns run $600–$2,500. Monthly advisory retainers start around $500.
Compare
CPA vs Enrolled Agent (EA)
| Factor | CPA | Enrolled Agent (EA) |
|---|---|---|
| Credential | State-licensed; passed Uniform CPA Exam (4 sections) | IRS-licensed; passed 3-part SEE or former IRS employee |
| Scope | Tax, audit, assurance, advisory, financial reporting | Tax preparation and IRS representation |
| IRS representation | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Audit / assurance work | Can sign audit and review reports | Cannot sign audit reports |
| Typical fee | $200–$600+/hr | $150–$400/hr |
Questions to ask
- Are you a licensed CPA in this state? What's your license number?
- What size businesses and what industries do you typically serve?
- Who actually does my work — you, a junior, or an offshore team?
- How do you bill — hourly, flat fee, or monthly retainer?
- How do you handle IRS notices and audits if they come up later?
- What's your average response time during tax season?
Red flags
- Refuses to share a state license number
- Promises a specific refund amount before reviewing your documents
- Asks you to sign a blank return or routes refunds to their account
- No written engagement letter or scope of work
- Quotes a price that's far below market without explaining what's excluded
Documents to prepare
- Prior 2–3 years of tax returns (federal and state)
- Current year W-2s, 1099s, K-1s, and brokerage statements
- Business P&L and balance sheet (if applicable)
- Any IRS or state notices received
- List of life events: marriage, home sale, new business, equity grants
By city
CPAs Near Me in Chicago in major U.S. cities
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Other specialties you might need
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CPAs Near Me serving Chicago, IL
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FAQ
CPAs Near Me in Chicago — common questions
How much does cpas near me cost in Chicago?+
Chicago cpas near me typically charge $200–$600+ per hour. Individual 1040s commonly run $300–$800 flat. Small-business returns run $600–$2,500. Monthly advisory retainers start around $500.
Do I need a Illinois-licensed CPA to work with a cpas near me in Chicago?+
For Illinois state filings, your preparer should hold a CPA license from the Illinois Board of Accountancy or be an Enrolled Agent. Out-of-state pros can prepare your federal return but should not sign as a CPA on Illinois returns. Illinois has a flat 4.95% personal income tax and a 9.5% combined corporate income tax (including the personal property replacement tax).
How do I verify a CPA's license?+
Every CPAZenith profile lists the CPA's state license number and issuing board. You can verify directly on your state board of accountancy's website in under a minute.
Do I need a local CPA or can I work with one remotely?+
For most engagements, a remote CPA works fine — secure document portals and video calls have made geography irrelevant. Choose local if you have complex local tax issues (property, municipal income tax) or prefer in-person meetings.
When should I switch CPAs?+
Common triggers: unresponsive during tax season, missed deadlines, no proactive tax planning, fees increased without explanation, or your business outgrew their expertise.
How much does a CPA cost?+
Hourly rates run $200–$600+. Flat-fee 1040s typically run $300–$800. Small-business returns run $600–$2,500. Monthly advisory retainers start around $500 and scale with complexity.
What's the difference between a CPA and an accountant?+
All CPAs are accountants, but not all accountants are CPAs. A CPA holds a state license, has passed the Uniform CPA Exam, and meets annual continuing-education requirements.
Can a CPA help with back taxes or IRS problems?+
Yes. CPAs have unlimited rights to represent you before the IRS, including audits, collections, and appeals. For payment plans and offers-in-compromise, look for a CPA experienced in tax resolution.