Seattle, WA · Small Business CPAs
Find a Small Business CPA in Seattle, WA
Verified CPAs who specialize in small businesses — sole proprietors, LLCs, S-corps, and partnerships. From quarterly estimates to entity strategy and exit planning, find a CPA who actually knows your industry. Serving Seattle, WA and the surrounding region — Seattle CPAs serve tech, aerospace, and the Pacific Northwest's deep entrepreneurial bench.
Why Seattle clients hire smb cpas
Local context for small business cpas in Seattle, WA
Dominant local industries
- Tech & cloud / SaaS
- Aerospace & advanced manufacturing
- E-commerce & Amazon sellers
- Real estate & construction
- Maritime & fishing
Washington tax climate
Washington has no state personal or corporate income tax. Instead, the Business & Occupation (B&O) tax applies to gross receipts at rates that vary by activity. A 7% capital gains tax on long-term gains above $262K (2024) applies to high earners. Sales tax averages around 9.4% combined.
Key local deadline
Monthly / Quarterly / Annually
WA Business & Occupation (B&O) tax filings to the Department of Revenue (frequency depends on revenue).
When to hire
- Annual revenue is approaching or above $250K
- You're considering an S-corp election or entity restructure
- You've started taking owner draws or paying yourself a salary
- You hired your first employee or contractor
- You're preparing to raise capital, take a loan, or sell the business
What they do
- Business and personal tax returns (1120-S, 1065, 1040, Schedule C)
- Quarterly estimated taxes and reasonable-compensation analysis
- Entity selection, S-corp election (Form 2553), and restructures
- Bookkeeping oversight, monthly close, and management reporting
- R&D credits, QBI optimization, retirement plan strategy
Typical fees
What it costs
Low end
$500
per month
High end
$3,500
per month
Notes
Tax-only engagements: $1,200–$4,000 per year. Full bookkeeping + tax: $500–$2,500/mo. CFO-level advisory: $2,500–$10,000/mo.
Compare
Small Business CPA vs General Tax Preparer
| Factor | Small Business CPA | General Tax Preparer |
|---|---|---|
| Year-round planning | Quarterly check-ins, proactive strategy | Filing season only |
| Entity strategy | S-corp, LLC, partnership, restructures | Limited |
| Reasonable comp analysis | Standard offering | Not typically offered |
| IRS representation | Unlimited | Limited unless EA or CPA |
| Typical engagement | Monthly retainer | Per-return flat fee |
Questions to ask
- How many businesses my size and in my industry do you serve?
- Do you handle bookkeeping in-house or refer it out?
- What's included in your monthly retainer vs. billed separately?
- Will you run reasonable-compensation analysis annually for my S-corp?
- What's your process when I get an IRS notice?
- Do you offer year-end tax planning meetings, and when?
Red flags
- Only contacts you once a year at tax time
- No clear scope or written engagement letter
- Doesn't ask about your goals, just your shoebox of receipts
- Can't explain entity election trade-offs in plain English
- Outsources everything offshore without disclosing it
Documents to prepare
- Last 2 years of business and personal returns
- Current YTD P&L and balance sheet
- Payroll reports and W-2/1099 summaries
- Bank, credit card, and merchant statements
- Operating agreement, EIN letter, S-corp election confirmation if applicable
By city
Small Business CPAs in Seattle in major U.S. cities
Related
Other specialties you might need
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Small Business CPAs serving Seattle, WA
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FAQ
Small Business CPAs in Seattle — common questions
How much does small business cpas cost in Seattle?+
Seattle small business cpas typically charge $500–$3,500 per month. Tax-only engagements: $1,200–$4,000 per year. Full bookkeeping + tax: $500–$2,500/mo. CFO-level advisory: $2,500–$10,000/mo.
Do I need a Washington-licensed CPA to work with a small business cpas in Seattle?+
For Washington state filings, your preparer should hold a CPA license from the Washington 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 Washington returns. Washington has no state personal or corporate income tax.
When should a small business hire a CPA?+
Most owners benefit from a CPA once revenue crosses $100K, when you incorporate, or when you hire employees. Below that, a tax preparer or bookkeeper may be sufficient.
How much should a small business spend on accounting?+
A common benchmark is 1–2% of revenue. A $500K business typically spends $5K–$10K annually across bookkeeping, payroll, and tax.
Should I form an LLC or an S-corp?+
An LLC is a legal structure; an S-corp is a tax election. Many small businesses form an LLC and elect S-corp tax treatment once profits exceed ~$60K to save on self-employment tax. A CPA can model the savings vs. added compliance cost.
Can a CPA do my bookkeeping too?+
Many CPAs offer bookkeeping in-house or partner with a bookkeeping team. Having one firm own both gives you clean books and tax-ready financials without the handoffs.
What if I'm behind on bookkeeping?+
Look for a CPA or bookkeeper who advertises catch-up or cleanup engagements. Expect a one-time fee based on months behind and transaction volume, then a normal monthly cadence.