Short answer: To find a CPA in Houston, first decide what you need most: business tax planning, bookkeeping, IRS problem help or an audit. Then short-list two or three firms that already serve clients like you, confirm each CPA’s license with the Texas State Board of Public Accountancy, and get the scope, fees and deadlines in a written engagement letter before you hand over any records.
Houston has accounting firms of every size, from solo practices in The Heights to regional firms near the Galleria, which makes it hard to know where to start.
This guide explains what a Houston CPA can do for you, how Texas taxes change the work, which questions to ask, and how to compare firms listed on the Top Service Providers Houston page.
What does a CPA do for a Houston business or household?
A certified public accountant (CPA) is licensed by the state after passing the Uniform CPA Examination and meeting education and experience rules. Most Houston CPA firms offer some mix of:
- Tax preparation: individual returns, plus business returns on Forms 1120, 1120-S and 1065.
- Tax planning: year-round advice on entity choice, S corporation elections, estimated payments and retirement contributions.
- Bookkeeping and payroll: monthly books, financial statements, W-2s and 1099s.
- Assurance: audits, reviews and compilations for lenders, investors or bonding companies.
- IRS problem resolution: responding to notices, audits, unfiled returns, installment agreements and offers in compromise.
How do Texas taxes change what you need from a CPA?
Texas does not tax personal income, so many Houston individuals file only a federal return. Businesses have more to track:
- Texas franchise tax: most LLCs, corporations and partnerships owe an annual report due May 15. For 2026 and 2027 reports, the Texas Comptroller lists a no-tax-due threshold of $2.65 million in total revenue; entities at or below it still file a Public Information Report or Ownership Information Report. See the Comptroller’s franchise tax page.
- Sales and use tax: retailers, restaurants and many service businesses collect sales tax, and the combined rate in the City of Houston is generally 8.25%.
- Property renditions: businesses report business personal property, such as equipment and inventory, to the appraisal district each year.
Do you need a CPA, an enrolled agent or a bookkeeper?
- CPA: licensed by the Texas State Board of Public Accountancy. Only a CPA firm can issue an audit or review report, and CPAs can represent you before the IRS.
- Enrolled agent (EA): licensed by the IRS and focused on tax. An EA can prepare returns and represent you in audits, collections and appeals.
- Bookkeeper: records transactions and keeps your books current, but is not licensed to represent you before the IRS.
The IRS guide to choosing a tax professional explains these credentials.
How do you check a Houston CPA’s license?
Use the Texas State Board of Public Accountancy license lookup to confirm that the individual CPA and the firm hold active Texas licenses and to see any public disciplinary history. Membership in TXCPA or the AICPA is a plus, not a license.
What questions should you ask before hiring a CPA in Houston?
- Who will do my work? Ask whether a CPA, an EA or staff will prepare your returns, and who reviews them.
- Do you work with businesses like mine? Construction, oil and gas services, real estate, medical practices and restaurants each have their own tax issues.
- Is planning included, or only filing? Proactive planning usually happens before year-end, not in April.
- How do you charge? Ask for a flat monthly fee or a written estimate, and what counts as extra.
- What happens if the IRS writes to me? Confirm whether notice responses and audit support are included.
For a longer checklist, see our questions to ask before hiring a CPA for a small business.
Which Houston CPA firms can you compare?
The Top Accountants & CPAs category includes several Houston firms. Each has a different focus, so read the profiles, visit their websites and ask each one the same questions.
- JAG CPA & Co.: a family-owned firm on Travis Street led by Joe Gallegos, CPA/CVA. It handles business tax returns, bookkeeping, payroll, valuations and fractional CFO support. See the JAG CPA & Co. website.
- Chery Finn CPAs: a Northwest Freeway firm serving individuals and small businesses since the 1980s, led by managing shareholder Vlad Chery, CPA, with founder Jay Finn, CPA, a former IRS revenue agent. Services include tax planning, IRS resolution and FBAR/FATCA reporting. Visit the Chery Finn CPAs website.
- Heights Financial Services: a tax and bookkeeping practice on North Loop West led by Jeff Kasowski, an IRS enrolled agent. It specializes in estate tax and also handles business returns and Texas franchise tax. See the Heights Financial Services website.
- AP CPA PLLC: a southwest Houston firm on Savoy Drive, serving individuals, small businesses and non-profits since 2004 under managing partner Aftab Pirmohammad, CPA. Work includes business returns, payroll, entity formation and IRS representation. Visit the AP CPA PLLC website.
- Jones CPA Group: founded in 2011 by Tracy Jones, CPA, on State Highway 249 in northwest Houston. It serves construction, oil and gas services, medical, restaurant and engineering clients with bookkeeping, Texas franchise and sales tax, and quarterly advisory meetings. See the Jones CPA Group website.
- Polk CPA Firm, PLLC: an Uptown Galleria practice led by Bryan Polk, CPA, a former senior tax director at RSM US. It offers cloud accounting, tax reduction planning, IRS problem resolution and trust and estate support. Visit the Polk CPA Firm website.
- JC CPAs and Advisors: a North Loop West firm led by CEO Jon Czerwinski, with separate teams for tax, audit and review, and accounting. See the JC CPAs and Advisors website.
- Baldridge Ledbetter: a west Houston firm on Brittmoore Road founded by Mitchell Baldridge, CPA, CFP, with managing partner Roger Ledbetter, CPA. It focuses on tax strategy for business owners and real estate investors, including partnership and multi-state returns. Visit the Baldridge Ledbetter 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 each firm the same information: last year’s returns, entity type, number of employees and the services you want. Then compare the fee, inclusions, who does the work and how you can leave.
If you also have operations in North Texas, see our guide to finding a CPA in Dallas.
Outcome: a CPA you can rely on all year
The right Houston CPA is licensed, knows your industry and Texas filings, explains your options in plain language and puts the engagement in writing. Interview two or three, check licenses, and choose the plan you fully understand.
FAQs
How do I find a good CPA in Houston?
Decide what you need, short-list two or three firms that serve clients like you, verify their licenses with the Texas State Board of Public Accountancy, compare written proposals, and ask for references.
Do I need a CPA if Texas has no state income tax?
Often, yes. You still file federal returns, and most Texas businesses have franchise tax, sales tax and payroll filings. A CPA can also help with planning and IRS issues.
What is the difference between a CPA and an enrolled agent?
A CPA is licensed by the state and can perform audits and reviews as well as tax work. An enrolled agent is licensed by the IRS and focuses on tax preparation and representation.
When is the Texas franchise tax report due?
The annual report is due May 15, or the next business day if May 15 falls on a weekend or holiday. Entities at or below the no-tax-due threshold still file an information report.
