Short answer: To find a CPA in Phoenix, start with the work you need most—Arizona income tax planning, transaction privilege tax filings, bookkeeping or payroll—and short-list firms that already do that work. Then confirm each CPA’s Arizona license with the State Board of Accountancy, ask who will prepare your return, and put the fee and scope in a written engagement letter.
Last updated: November 8, 2026
This guide covers Arizona taxes that matter in Phoenix, how to check a license, questions to ask and the Top Service Providers Phoenix page for comparing firms.
What does a CPA do for Phoenix businesses and families?
Phoenix CPA firms typically help with:
- Tax returns and planning for individuals, partnerships, S corporations, C corporations, trusts and estates, including Arizona filings with the federal return.
- Transaction privilege tax licensing, classification questions and filings through the Arizona Department of Revenue.
- Bookkeeping, payroll and cash-flow reporting for companies that have outgrown do-it-yourself software.
- Entity, succession and sale planning when a business is forming, adding owners or preparing an exit.
- Representation before the IRS and the Arizona Department of Revenue after a notice or audit.
Which Arizona taxes should a Phoenix CPA know well?
- Flat individual income tax: The Arizona Department of Revenue’s individual income tax highlights describe a 2.5% rate for all income levels and filing statuses. Standard deductions, credits and other adjustments change by tax year, so confirm the current-year figures with your CPA before you file.
- Transaction privilege tax: Arizona’s TPT is a tax on the vendor for the privilege of doing business, even though many businesses pass it through to customers. The Department of Revenue’s Phoenix city tax profile lists a 2.80% city rate on most retail and restaurant classifications (effective July 1, 2025). Combined with the state’s 5.6% rate and Maricopa County’s 0.7% excise tax, a typical Phoenix retail sale often reaches about 9.1%. Phoenix also uses a lower city rate on the portion of a single high-value item above an inflation-adjusted threshold. Confirm the classification that applies to your business.
- Property tax: County assessors tax real estate and business personal property. A CPA can coordinate with a property-tax consultant but usually does not replace one.
Thresholds and rates change, so confirm current figures with your CPA before you file or collect TPT.
How do you check a CPA’s license in Arizona?
Use the Arizona State Board of Accountancy CPA Search to look up individual CPAs and CPA firms by name, city or certificate number. The directory shows current status and public disciplinary orders. Only someone with an active certificate may use the CPA title in Arizona, and assurance work such as audits and reviews must go through a registered firm.
The IRS guide to choosing a tax professional adds that anyone paid to prepare returns needs a Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN) and must sign the return. Never sign a blank return.
What should you ask before hiring a Phoenix 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 TPT filings, rental property, restaurant books, nonprofit reporting or multi-state returns, 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 Arizona Department of Revenue.
See more in our list of questions to ask before hiring a CPA and our CPA vs. accountant guide for Phoenix.
Which Phoenix CPA firms can you compare?
The Accountants & CPAs category lists Phoenix firms. Here are 12 to compare.
- REB CPA, PLLC: a boutique firm at 1630 E. Bethany Home Road, with a second office in Scottsdale. Founder Richard E. Bingaman, a licensed CPA, leads accounting, tax, business advisory and wealth management work. See the REB CPA website.
- A-Team Accounting: a Phoenix accounting and bookkeeping practice at 7304 N. 23rd Lane that also handles payroll and sales-tax reporting. Visit the A-Team Accounting website.
- Barry & Moore, CPAs: a long-established Phoenix CPA firm at 2198 E. Camelback Road, Suite 370, offering accounting, tax and business consulting. See the Barry & Moore website.
- Heidenreich & Heidenreich, CPAs, PLLC: an Ahwatukee firm at 10201 S. 51st Street, Suite 170, offering individual and business tax work plus audit, review and compilation services. Visit the Heidenreich & Heidenreich website.
- Thomas S Holly CPA PLLC: a Phoenix CPA firm at 3033 N. 44th Street, Suite 130, focused on small-business accounting, tax planning and payroll. See the Thomas S Holly CPA website.
- Brian Marino, CPA: a North Phoenix practice at 21620 N. 19th Avenue, Suite A100, offering personal tax preparation, new-business planning and QuickBooks setup. Visit the Brian Marino CPA website.
- Monday Tax: a family-owned Phoenix accounting firm at 4545 N. 36th Street, Suite 118, offering tax preparation, bookkeeping and real estate investment planning. See the Monday Tax website.
- Singer Tax & Accounting, PC: a Phoenix tax and accounting firm at 21035 N. Cave Creek Road, Suite C-1, serving the Valley since 1974 with individual and small-business tax work. Visit the Singer Tax & Accounting website.
- Cohen, Stephens & Associates: a CPA firm at 4531 N. 16th Street providing tax, accounting, business strategy and financial planning services. See the Cohen, Stephens & Associates website.
- Larry B. Betts CPA: a Phoenix CPA firm at 7330 N. 16th Street, Suite B102, providing tax preparation, bookkeeping and business advisory services. Visit the Larry B. Betts CPA website.
- Aniles & Co: a Phoenix CPA and advisory firm at 1437 N. 1st Street, Suite 201, serving for-profit and nonprofit clients with accounting, tax, advisory and audit work. See the Aniles & Co website.
- K. A. Lindow, CPA, PC: a Phoenix practice at 14855 S. 46th Street offering tax, accounting and financial guidance for business owners and individuals. Visit the K. A. Lindow CPA website.
A listing is a starting point, not an endorsement. Confirm services, licenses and fees with each firm.
How do you compare CPA proposals fairly?
Give two or three firms the same list: your returns, entities, payroll, states, TPT filings and any open notices. Compare who does the work and which Arizona filings are included.
Related reading includes our older Phoenix accountants overview and guides to finding a CPA in Austin, Dallas and Denver.
Outcome: a CPA who fits your Phoenix situation
The right Phoenix CPA holds an active Arizona license, already serves clients like you, explains income tax and TPT clearly and puts the fee and scope in writing.
FAQs
How do I find a good CPA in Phoenix?
Short-list firms that specialize in your needs, verify each license with the Arizona State Board of Accountancy and compare written engagement letters.
What is Arizona’s individual income tax rate?
Arizona uses a flat 2.5% individual income tax rate for all income levels and filing statuses. Deductions and credits still change the amount you owe, so confirm current-year figures before you file.
What is transaction privilege tax in Phoenix?
TPT is Arizona’s vendor tax on many business activities. A typical Phoenix retail sale often combines to about 9.1% once you add the state, Maricopa County and Phoenix city rates, but the exact total depends on the business classification.
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.
