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Find a Tax Accountant in Chicago

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Whether you’re looking for quotes or you’re ready to hire, or if you’d like to speak with some Chicago-based Tax Accountants, we can help.

First time looking for a Tax Accountant and not sure where to start? Let us do the legwork for you. Tell us about your project and we’ll send you a list of Tax Accountants in Chicago to review.  

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We’ll help you find qualified Tax Accountants in Chicago. Whether you're in finance, run a small business, or are navigating multi-state taxes, tell us your requirements and we’ll contact top-rated professionals in your area.

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You’ll receive free, no-obligation quotes from licensed CPAs, Enrolled Agents, and other qualified tax preparers serving the Chicago area. Get quick notifications via our website or app. We make sure we do the legwork for you!

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Pick from some of the best tax experts in your Chicago community. With easy access to reviews from fellow Chicagoans and direct contact with tax accountants, you can be confident with your choice.

Discover tax accountants near you in Chicago

Hiring a professional for tax preparation can help you navigate Illinois' complex tax laws, avoid costly mistakes, and maximize your return. The price depends on the complexity of your tax situation and the type of professional you hire.

What is a financial planner?

A financial planner helps you create a comprehensive strategy to achieve your long-term financial goals, such as retirement, investments, and debt management.

While an accountant is looking backwards and at a snapshot of the present, a financial planner is looking forward to the future.

A financial planner uses the data provided by your accountant, along with your personal goals, to build a long-term strategy. Their focus is forward-looking: growing your wealth and ensuring you are financially secure in the future.
In summary, you need an accountant for tax, compliance, and historical reporting. You need a financial planner for future wealth growth, investment strategy, and long-term goal planning. Using both ensures that your financial present is managed efficiently and your financial future is strategically planned.

What is the difference between a bookkeeper, an accountant and a CPA?

While the terms are often used interchangeably, there are distinct differences between a bookkeeper, an accountant, and a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in terms of their roles, qualifications, and scope of work.

A bookkeeper is responsible for the day-to-day recording of a company's financial transactions, such as sales, purchases, and payments. They maintain the general ledger, ensuring records are accurate and up-to-date. An accountant then uses this data to analyze the bigger financial picture, preparing financial statements, performing audits, and offering insights into the company's financial health. Essentially, bookkeeping is about recording data, while accounting is about interpreting and reporting it.

A Certified Public Accountant (CPA) is an accountant licensed by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR). To earn this designation, they must meet rigorous state requirements, including advanced education (150 semester hours), extensive experience, and passing both the demanding Uniform CPA Examination and a professional ethics exam. This license grants them legal authority that other accountants and bookkeepers do not have, such as the ability to perform certain audits and represent clients before tax authorities. The CPA designation signifies the highest standard of competence and ethical practice in the accounting profession, positioning them as trusted financial advisors capable of handling complex financial and tax matters.

Understanding the cost of tax professionals in Chicago

The cost of hiring an accountant or tax preparer in Chicago can vary based on the professional's credentials, your location within Chicago, and the complexity of your financial situation. While Chicago is a major metropolitan center, the costs for professional services are often more moderate compared to coastal cities. To get an accurate price, it is always best to request quotes from several qualified professionals.

How much does a tax accountant cost in Chicago?

Based on recent data, the typical cost for individual tax preparation in the Chicago area ranges from $150 to $350, with an average of around $200.

Some tax accountants work on an hourly rate, and the latest Bark data shows on average they typically charge $150.
Like any professional service, the cost of an accountant is based on a variety of factors. The complexity of your tax return is one of the biggest contributing factors. Here are some sample price points you might find in Chicago:

  • Simple Return: A basic W-2 and state filing may cost around $100 - $175.
  • Standard Return: A W-2 with additional common forms (e.g., 1099-INT for interest, 1098-E for student loan interest) might cost approximately $200 - $300.
  • Complex Return: For taxpayers with investment transactions, rental properties, K-1 income, or a simple small business, the cost could be around $350 - $550.
  • Highly Complex Return: Taxpayers with multiple rental properties, small businesses, and significant investment transactions can expect to pay $600 or more.

It’s also worth remembering that the overall cost will be influenced by the preparer's qualifications. Generally, tax attorneys and Certified Public Accountants (CPAs) charge the most, followed by Enrolled Agents (EAs). Other preparers must have a Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN) from the IRS, but unlike some states, Illinois does not have a separate state-level licensing requirement for non-credentialed tax preparers.

For more information read our cost of tax preparation guide.

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Prestige Tax Solutions profile image
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Prestige Tax Solutions

****REMOTE SERVICES ONLY**** Located in Illinois with clients throughout the US. Offering Remote Nationwide Services and/or Local to the Chicago and Northwest Indiana areas Tax Professional with extensive knowledge of current tax laws. Specializing in Tax Preparation for Individuals, Small Business, S/C Corporations and Non-Profit. Professional services offered in all 50 States. Quickbooks Online ProAdvisor offering Bookkeeping Services for one time clean-up, monthly, quarterly and annually.

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Hear from
a professional

What do you love most about your job?

Taxes and Accounting are the Heart of a Company. It’s also the most stressful for business owners. I like to show the clients how easy it is with the right professional manage this area of business for them and

What inspired you to start your own business?

I was a Small Business owner as a young adult and understood how important accounting is for every company.

I didn’t just want to hire someone to do these services for me. I wanted to learn everything on how my business operated financially.

Lots of business owners are so busy focusing on the products and services they offer. Accounting functions, other than payroll and payables are often neglected.

By offering services that every company needs help the Business Owner to free up more time to focus on the business services, the products and customers.

Why should our clients choose you?

I have over 25 years of Accounting and Tax experience. Getting started is very easy process with my secured sites to communicate and upload documentation needed for accounting and tax services.

Can you provide your services online or remotely? If so, please add details.

Yes, Online and Remotely. I can onboard clients quickly with secure client management portal.

What changes have you made to keep your customers safe from Covid-19?

Virtual meetings, automated systems to get clients onboarded right away.
Secure portals to protect clients data.

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Reviews

4.85/5.00

based on 1,218 reviews

The average rating for Bark Tax Accountants in Chicago is 4.85, based on 1,218 reviews.

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