Cost Guide
How Much Does an Accountant or CPA Cost?
Accounting fees run $75–$300 per hour for most small business and individual needs, with monthly bookkeeping packages from $200–$800 and CPA advisory retainers of $1,000–$5,000 per year. Complexity — entity type, transaction volume, multi-state filing, and audit requirements — is the primary cost driver beyond the accountant's credentials and experience.
Written by James Chae — Co-Founder, Expert Sapiens
Platform expertise: Accounting & CPA selection · Reviewed June 2026
Typical rates
Hourly rate
$75–$300/hr
CPA and EA rates are higher than bookkeeper rates; specialization and credentials matter
Per session
$150–$500
Typical for a 60–90 minute tax strategy, financial review, or advisory consultation
Monthly retainer
$500–$3,000/month
For ongoing bookkeeping, monthly close, or fractional Controller-level support
What Factors Affect the Cost?
- Credentials — a CPA or EA commands higher rates than a general bookkeeper or accounting associate
- Business complexity — multiple entities, payroll, international transactions, and inventory all increase cost
- Transaction volume — higher volume means more bookkeeping time and higher monthly fees
- Industry specialization — accountants with niche expertise (SaaS, real estate, nonprofits) charge more for that domain knowledge
- Deliverable type — a one-off consultation is cheaper than compiled financials or a reviewed/audited statement
What you get at each price level
Budget
$50–$100/hr
Typical for: Bookkeepers, accounting associates, or generalists without advanced credentials
Best for: Bank reconciliation, basic expense categorization, simple personal tax prep
Mid-range
$100–$200/hr
Typical for: Credentialed CPAs or EAs with 3–8 years of experience and industry focus
Best for: Business tax planning, financial statement preparation, payroll compliance, multi-state filings
Premium
$200–$300+/hr
Typical for: Senior CPAs, Big 4 alumni, or niche specialists (forensic accountants, tax attorneys)
Best for: IRS audit defense, M&A due diligence, GAAP financial audits, complex partnership tax structures
When it's worth paying more
Official Resources
The official AICPA directory to verify whether an accountant holds a valid CPA designation.
Verify that a tax professional is a licensed Enrolled Agent authorized to represent clients before the IRS.
Professional body for CMAs (Certified Management Accountants) — useful for verifying management accounting credentials.
Related Comparisons
Key Terms
GAAP (Generally Accepted Accounting Principles)
GAAP (Generally Accepted Accounting Principles) is the standard framework of accounting rules used for financial reporting in the United States. Publicly traded companies are required to report under GAAP; many private companies must as well when seeking investment, bank financing, or preparing for acquisition.
Accrual Accounting
Accrual accounting is a method of recording revenues and expenses when they are earned or incurred — regardless of when cash actually changes hands. It provides a more accurate picture of a business's financial position than cash-basis accounting.
Cash Basis Accounting
Cash basis accounting records revenues when cash is received and expenses when cash is paid — regardless of when the underlying transaction occurred. It is the simpler of the two main accounting methods and is commonly used by small businesses and sole proprietors.
Balance Sheet
A balance sheet is a financial statement showing a company's assets, liabilities, and equity at a specific point in time. It follows the accounting equation: Assets = Liabilities + Equity. It is one of the three core financial statements, alongside the income statement and cash flow statement.
Depreciation
Depreciation is the accounting process of allocating the cost of a tangible asset (equipment, vehicles, buildings) over its useful life. Rather than expensing the full cost in the year of purchase, depreciation spreads the expense across multiple years, matching costs with the revenue the asset helps generate.
Accounts Receivable (AR)
Accounts receivable (AR) is money owed to a business by its customers for products delivered or services rendered but not yet paid for. It appears as a current asset on the balance sheet and represents the business's legal right to collect payment.
Accounts Payable (AP)
Accounts payable (AP) is money a business owes to its vendors and suppliers for goods or services received but not yet paid for. It appears as a current liability on the balance sheet and represents the business's short-term payment obligations.
Amortization
Amortization is the gradual reduction of a debt over time through regular payments, or the accounting process of expensing intangible assets (patents, trademarks, goodwill) over their useful life. The term applies to both loan repayment and asset accounting.