Short answer: To find a CPA in Seattle, start with the work you need most, such as stock compensation planning, business bookkeeping, Washington B&O tax filings, a nonprofit audit or IRS help, and pick a firm that does that work every week. Then confirm the license with the Washington State Board of Accountancy, ask who will prepare your return, and get the fee and scope in a written engagement letter.
Seattle accountants range from one-person practices in Ballard and West Seattle to multi-partner firms downtown.
This guide covers local taxes, license checks, questions to ask and the Top Service Providers Seattle page for comparing firms.
What does a CPA do for Seattle businesses and families?
A certified public accountant (CPA) is licensed by a state board of accountancy. Seattle CPA firms typically help with:
- Tax returns and planning for individuals, businesses, trusts and estates.
- Stock compensation such as RSUs, ISOs, ESPPs and options, which are common among Seattle tech employees.
- Excise tax filings, including Washington B&O, sales and use tax, and Seattle city returns.
- Audits and reviews for nonprofits, benefit plans and companies with lenders.
- Representation before the IRS and the Department of Revenue.
Which Washington and Seattle taxes should your CPA know?
Washington’s tax system is unusual, so local experience matters.
- State B&O tax: Washington taxes businesses on gross receipts rather than profit. The Department of Revenue’s B&O classifications page lists a 1.5% rate for service businesses with under $1 million in the prior year, 1.75% from $1 million to under $5 million, and 2.1% at $5 million or more. Retailing is 0.471%, and wholesaling and manufacturing are 0.484%.
- Seattle B&O tax: According to Seattle City Finance, from January 1, 2026, the threshold rose from $100,000 to $2 million of taxable revenue, and businesses above it get a $2 million standard deduction. Businesses under the threshold owe no city B&O tax but must still file a return. The 2026 rate for service businesses is 0.658%, and 0.342% for retail and wholesale.
- Seattle payroll expense tax: applies only to large employers, with about $9.07 million or more of Seattle payroll in 2025.
- Capital gains tax: the Department of Revenue explains that Washington taxes long-term capital gains from assets such as stocks, with a $278,000 standard deduction for 2025. The rate is 7%, and 9.9% on taxable gains over $1 million from tax year 2025.
- New income tax on high earners: a 9.9% tax on income over $1 million passed in 2026 and is set to start January 1, 2028. It faces a court challenge and a repeal initiative on the November 2026 ballot, so ask your CPA for its current status.
Rates change often, so confirm current figures with your CPA.
How do you check a CPA’s license in Washington?
Use the Washington State Board of Accountancy licensee search. It covers individual CPAs and CPA firms and shows any public discipline. Only a CPA with an active license may use the CPA title, and audits and reviews must go through a licensed CPA 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 a Seattle 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 stock compensation, rental property, B&O filings or nonprofit audits, 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 Washington Department of Revenue.
Our list of questions to ask before hiring a CPA covers more.
Which Seattle CPA firms can you compare?
The Accountants & CPAs category lists firms in Seattle. Here are 11 to compare.
- Greenwood Ohlund, PS: an independent firm founded in 1971 in Ballard, now led by six partners, offering tax, audit and assurance and outsourced CFO services. See the Greenwood Ohlund website.
- Jacobson Jarvis & Co PLLC: a firm founded in 1991 that works only with nonprofits, covering audits, tax and board training. Visit the Jacobson Jarvis website.
- Haas CPA, PLLC: founded by Kelly Haas, CPA, with a focus on tech employees with stock compensation, real estate investors and small businesses, plus IRS tax resolution. See the Haas CPA website.
- Pacific Tax West Seattle: an individual tax practice on Fauntleroy Way SW that specializes in RSUs, ISOs, ESPPs and options. Visit the Pacific Tax West Seattle website.
- Akhmerova Advisory: a principal-led downtown practice where Diana Akhmerova, CPA, handles every file, from bookkeeping and B&O filings to Form 990s. See the Akhmerova Advisory website.
- Teddy Accounting Services PLLC: a CPA-led firm in Northgate founded in 2012, serving restaurants, retailers and self-employed clients with tax, bookkeeping, payroll and state excise filings at fixed fees. Visit the Teddy Accounting website.
- Jay H Kaiser CPA LLC: a downtown practice offering bookkeeping, controller services and federal, state and local tax work for small and mid-sized businesses, led by a Certified QuickBooks ProAdvisor. See the Jay H Kaiser CPA website.
- Nolan Nelson Accounting PLLC: a boutique on East Olive Street focused on real estate brokerages and small law firms, including commission splits and IOLTA trust accounting. Visit the Nolan Nelson Accounting website.
- Sound Northwest Tax Services, LLP: a family-owned Ballard firm founded in 2017, offering tax planning and preparation for individuals and businesses. See the Sound Northwest Tax website.
- RAC CPA Group, PLLC: a family-owned firm in Pioneer Square serving the community for more than 35 years, with personal, business, trust and estate returns. Visit the RAC CPA Group website.
- Alan K. Williamson CPA: a Ballard firm on Holman Road since 1983, covering business and personal tax, payroll, IRS representation and estate administration. See the Alan K. Williamson CPA 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 and any open notices. Compare who does the work, what is included and what extras cost.
New to the city? Our Seattle, WA guide lists other local services, and our guide to managed IT services in Seattle helps with the tech side. For another city’s approach, see finding a CPA in Denver.
Outcome: a CPA who fits your situation
The right Seattle CPA holds an active Washington license, works with clients like you every season, explains state and city taxes clearly and puts the fee and scope in writing.
FAQs
How do I find a good CPA in Seattle?
Short-list firms that specialize in your needs, verify each license with the Washington State Board of Accountancy and compare written quotes.
Does Washington have a state income tax?
Not today. A 9.9% tax on income over $1 million is set to start in 2028 but faces legal and ballot challenges. Washington does tax some long-term capital gains.
Do small Seattle businesses pay city B&O tax?
From 2026, businesses with less than $2 million of taxable revenue in Seattle owe no city B&O tax, but they must still file a return. State B&O tax is separate.
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.
