Short answer: To find a CPA in Austin, TX, identify the tax, bookkeeping or business advice you need, then compare firms experienced in that work. Verify each CPA’s Texas license with the State Board of Public Accountancy, ask who will handle your account, and obtain a written engagement letter covering services and fees.
Last updated: November 7, 2026
Austin accountants range from solo practices in South Austin and Bee Cave to multi-partner firms downtown and along William Cannon.
This guide covers Texas taxes that matter locally, how to check a license, questions to ask and the Top Service Providers Austin page for comparing firms.
What does a CPA do for Austin businesses and families?
A certified public accountant (CPA) is licensed by a state board of accountancy. Austin CPA firms typically help with:
- Tax returns and planning for individuals, partnerships, S corporations, C corporations, trusts and estates.
- Equity compensation such as RSUs, ISOs, ESPPs and early-exercise planning, which are common among Austin tech employees and founders.
- Texas franchise tax and sales tax filings through the Comptroller, plus sales-tax nexus questions for ecommerce and SaaS.
- Bookkeeping, payroll and fractional CFO support for growing companies.
- Representation before the IRS and the Texas Comptroller.
Which Texas taxes should an Austin CPA know well?
Texas tax rules differ from high-income-tax states, so local experience still matters.
- No personal income tax: Texas does not tax individual wages or pass-through profit at the state level, so most individual work centers on the federal return.
- Franchise (margin) tax: The Texas Comptroller’s franchise tax page explains that taxable entities doing business in Texas must file. For report years 2026 and 2027, the no-tax-due threshold is $2,650,000 of total revenue. Entities at or under that line generally owe no tax but must still file a Public Information Report or Ownership Information Report. Reports are due May 15. Rates above the threshold include 0.375% for retail or wholesale and 0.75% for most other businesses, with an EZ computation option at 0.331% for entities with $20 million or less in revenue.
- Sales and use tax: The state rate is 6.25%, and local jurisdictions can add up to 2%, so Austin combined rates often reach about 8.25%. Sellers of taxable goods or certain services need a permit and a remittance schedule.
- Property tax: Local appraisal districts tax business personal property and real estate; a CPA can coordinate with your property-tax consultant but usually does not replace one.
Thresholds and rates change by report year, so confirm current figures with your CPA before you file.
How do you check a CPA’s license in Texas?
Use the Texas State Board of Public Accountancy license lookup to verify individual CPAs and CPA firms, including status and public discipline. Only a CPA with an active license may use the CPA title in Texas, and assurance work such as audits and reviews must go through a registered firm.
The IRS guide to choosing a tax professional adds two checks: anyone paid to prepare returns needs a Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN) and must sign the return, and you should never sign a blank return.
What should you ask before hiring an Austin CPA?
- Who will prepare and review my return? Find out whether a CPA or a staff preparer does the work.
- Do you work with clients like me? Ask about equity compensation, franchise tax, sales tax, rental property or restaurant books, whichever fits.
- How do you charge? Fixed fees, hourly rates and monthly packages are all common. Get it in writing.
- What happens if I get a notice? Ask whether the firm represents clients before the IRS and the Texas Comptroller.
Our list of questions to ask before hiring a CPA covers more.
Which Austin CPA firms can you compare?
The Accountants & CPAs category lists firms in Austin. Here are 12 to compare.
- Cmerek Dickerson PLLC: a South Austin firm on West William Cannon Drive that emphasizes year-round tax planning, business accounting and entity guidance for small business owners. See the Cmerek Dickerson website.
- Sweeten CPA: an advisory firm on Menchaca Road focused on small businesses, with tax planning and filing, bookkeeping and regular advisory meetings. Visit the Sweeten CPA website.
- Walker Glantz: an Austin CPA firm offering accounting, bookkeeping, tax advisory, controller and fractional CFO services for growing companies. See the Walker Glantz website.
- Kirkpatrick CPA PLLC: a tax and accounting practice serving Austin and Round Rock clients. Visit the Kirkpatrick CPA website.
- Wheeler, Fairman & Kelley: a long-established Austin CPA firm providing tax, valuation and advisory services. See the Wheeler, Fairman & Kelley website.
- Tony Ramos, CPA: an Austin practice focused on tax and accounting for individuals and businesses. Visit the Tony Ramos CPA website.
- Grant W McMichael CPA PLLC: an Austin tax CPA firm serving individuals and businesses. See the Grant W McMichael CPA website.
- Page Assurance & Advisory, PLLC: an Austin CPA firm covering tax, accounting and advisory services. Visit the Page Assurance website.
- Corrin Gani, CPA, PLLC: a principal-led Austin practice offering tax and accounting services. See the Corrin Gani CPA website.
- Hemingway & Buchanan, CPA, PC: an Austin accounting firm providing tax and accounting services for local businesses and individuals. Visit the Hemingway & Buchanan website.
- Victoria Bogdanovich CPA: an Austin CPA practice on Bee Cave Road that works with business owners and investors. See the Victoria Bogdanovich CPA website.
- Benedict McCabe: an Austin CPA practice offering tax and accounting services. Visit the Benedict McCabe website.
A listing is a starting point, not an endorsement. Confirm current services, licenses and fees directly with each firm.
How do you compare CPA proposals fairly?
Give two or three firms the same list: your returns, entities, payroll, states, equity events and any open notices. Compare who does the work, what franchise and sales-tax filings are included and what extras cost.
Also useful: our older CPAs in Austin directory overview, plus guides to finding a CPA in Dallas, Houston and Seattle.
Outcome: a CPA who fits your Austin situation
The right Austin CPA holds an active Texas license, already serves clients like you, explains franchise tax and sales tax clearly and puts the fee and scope in writing before tax season starts.
FAQs
How do I find a good CPA in Austin?
Short-list firms that specialize in your needs, verify each license with the Texas State Board of Public Accountancy and compare written engagement letters.
Does Texas have a state income tax?
No. Texas does not tax personal income. Many entities still file a franchise tax report, and sellers may owe sales tax.
Do small Austin businesses owe franchise tax?
For 2026 and 2027 reports, entities with $2.65 million or less in total revenue generally owe no franchise tax, but they still must file the required information report by the May 15 deadline.
What is the difference between a CPA and a tax preparer?
A CPA holds a state license with education, exam and experience rules. Many tax preparers have only a PTIN and more limited rights to represent you before the IRS.
