Short answer: To find a CPA in Philadelphia, first decide what you need most, such as tax returns, monthly bookkeeping, audited financial statements or help with an IRS or City notice. Then confirm the license on the Pennsylvania licensing system, ask how the firm handles Philadelphia’s own business taxes, and compare two or three firms on experience with clients like you, fees and communication.
Philadelphia has accountants of every size, and its city tax code adds layers that an out-of-town CPA may not handle every day.
This guide explains what a CPA does, how to check a license, which local taxes to ask about, and how to use the Top Service Providers Philadelphia page to compare firms.
What does a CPA do, and when do you need one?
A certified public accountant is licensed by the state after passing the CPA exam and meeting education and experience rules. CPAs can prepare tax returns, represent you before the IRS, and are the only accountants who can sign audit and review reports on financial statements. Many offer:
- Tax preparation and planning for individuals, partnerships, S corporations, C corporations, trusts and estates.
- Financial statements (compilations, reviews and audits) that lenders, investors and some grant programs require.
- Notice and audit help with the IRS, the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue and the City of Philadelphia.
- Bookkeeping, payroll and advisory work, such as choosing an entity or succession planning.
You do not always need a CPA. A CPA is most useful when you own a business or rental property, have income in several states or countries, need audited statements, or have received a tax notice.
How do you check a Pennsylvania CPA license?
The Pennsylvania State Board of Accountancy licenses CPAs and CPA firms in the state. You can search any individual or firm by name on the Pennsylvania Licensing System (PALS) to confirm the license is active and check for public discipline.
The IRS also explains the differences among CPAs, enrolled agents, attorneys and other preparers in its guide to choosing a tax professional.
Which Philadelphia taxes should your CPA know well?
Philadelphia levies its own business and income taxes on top of federal and Pennsylvania taxes. A local CPA should be comfortable with these:
- Business Income & Receipts Tax (BIRT): almost every individual or entity doing business for profit in the city must file, even with no profit. For tax year 2025 (due April 15, 2026), the city lists rates of 1.410 mills on gross receipts and 5.71% on taxable net income. The city also says the old exemption for the first $100,000 of gross receipts no longer applies as of tax year 2025. See the City of Philadelphia BIRT page.
- Net Profits Tax (NPT): paid by unincorporated businesses, such as sole proprietors and partnerships. You can generally take a credit on the NPT for part of the BIRT paid on net income, so the two returns should be prepared together.
- Wage and Earnings Tax: withheld by employers, or paid directly if not withheld.
- School Income Tax: owed by residents on some unearned income, such as dividends and S corporation distributions.
- Commercial Activity License: the city requires one for anyone doing business in Philadelphia, and you must be current on city taxes to keep it. See how to get a Commercial Activity License.
Rates change most years, so ask your CPA to confirm the current figures for your filing year. First-time BIRT filers should also ask about estimated payments.
What should you ask before hiring a CPA?
- Who will prepare and review my return? Ask whether a CPA, enrolled agent or junior staff member does the work, and who signs.
- Do you work with businesses like mine?
- How do you handle city taxes? Ask how they coordinate the BIRT, NPT and Wage Tax.
- How do you charge? Fixed fee, hourly or monthly retainer, and what counts as extra (notices, amended returns, state filings).
- How fast do you respond? Agree on response times and busy-season availability.
For more ideas, see our list of questions to ask before hiring a CPA for your small business.
Which Philadelphia CPA firms can you compare?
The Accountants & CPAs category lists several firms serving Philadelphia. Each has a different focus.
- Kregel & Company: an independent, B Corp-certified firm on South Broad Street, founded in 2009, offering bookkeeping, payroll, tax planning and fractional controller support. See the Kregel & Company website.
- CPA Philly (McGovern & Associates): a Manayunk firm founded in 1992 that prepares business, estate and trust returns and represents clients in IRS, state and city audits. Visit the CPA Philly website.
- Bilardo & Associates: a Center City practice led by Frank Bilardo, CPA, since 1997, known for trust and estate work. See the Bilardo & Associates website.
- Tax Guy Kev: the solo practice of Kevin Cope, CPA, offering one-on-one tax planning, small business returns and international tax guidance, by appointment. Visit the Tax Guy Kev website.
- Wouch Maloney CPAs & Business Advisors: a firm founded in 1987 with a Market Street office, serving closely held companies with audit, tax, valuation and succession planning. See the Wouch Maloney Philadelphia page.
- MHC Tax Service: a Market Street practice founded in 2001 by Martin H. Chan, CPA, offering fixed-fee business returns, payroll and sales tax compliance. Visit the MHC Tax Service website.
- PWR Accounting & Tax Advisors: a Northeast Philadelphia firm on Castor Avenue, formerly Dale Tax Service, offering tax, bookkeeping and payroll help. See the PWR website.
- J. Cohen CPAs & Advisors: a Walnut Street firm of nearly 30 people offering tax, payroll, and audit and review work. Visit the J. Cohen website.
- Spina McCarthy & Company: a family-owned firm on Fairmount Avenue offering tax planning, bookkeeping and payroll, with rental real estate experience. See the Spina McCarthy website.
- Kim Yeung Ling P.C.: a Race Street firm with more than 35 staff, offering business and individual returns and foreign income reporting in English, Mandarin, Cantonese and Vietnamese. Visit the Kim Yeung Ling 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 quotes fairly?
Give each firm the same information: last year’s returns, your entity type, number of employees, any rental properties and any open notices. Ask for a written engagement letter that lists what is included. A lower quote that leaves out city returns can cost more later.
New to the area? Our Philadelphia, PA guide covers other local professionals, and our guide to finding a CPA in Denver shows how city taxes work elsewhere.
Outcome: a CPA who fits your situation
The right Philadelphia CPA holds an active Pennsylvania license, understands the BIRT and other city taxes, has worked with clients like you, and explains fees and timelines in writing. Check the license, interview two or three firms, and choose the one whose plan you fully understand.
FAQs
How do I verify a CPA license in Pennsylvania?
Search the person’s or firm’s name on the Pennsylvania Licensing System (PALS). It shows whether the license is active and lists any public disciplinary action.
Do small businesses in Philadelphia have to file the BIRT?
Generally yes. Almost anyone doing business for profit in the city must file a BIRT return, even without a profit, and the city says the $100,000 gross receipts exemption no longer applies as of tax year 2025.
Is a CPA better than an enrolled agent for taxes?
Both can prepare returns and represent you before the IRS. A CPA can also prepare audited or reviewed financial statements and often offers broader accounting and advisory help.
