New York City, NY · CPAs Near Me
Find a CPA in New York City, NY
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 New York City, NY and the surrounding region — NYC's accountants cover Wall Street, media, real estate, hospitality, and the small businesses of all five boroughs.
Why New York City clients hire cpas near me
Local context for cpas near me in New York City, NY
Dominant local industries
- Financial services & hedge funds
- Real estate & co-op/condo boards
- Media, advertising & creative
- Hospitality & restaurants
- Fashion, retail & e-commerce
New York tax climate
New York combines a top state income tax rate of 10.9% with NYC's local personal income tax adding up to 3.876%. The state's convenience-of-the-employer rule makes remote-work taxation complex for nonresidents. Pass-through entity tax elections (PTET) are widely used to work around federal SALT caps.
Key local deadline
Mar 15
NYC Unincorporated Business Tax (UBT) for partnerships and sole props; NY State pass-through entity tax (PTET) election deadline.
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 New York City in major U.S. cities
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Other specialties you might need
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CPAs Near Me serving New York City, NY
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FAQ
CPAs Near Me in New York City — common questions
How much does cpas near me cost in New York City?+
New York City 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 New York-licensed CPA to work with a cpas near me in New York City?+
For New York state filings, your preparer should hold a CPA license from the New York 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 New York returns. New York combines a top state income tax rate of 10.9% with NYC's local personal income tax adding up to 3.876%.
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.