How Much Should A CPA Charge Per Hour?
A Fort Worth Business Owner's Guide to 2025 Pricing
Running a business in Fort Worth means making smart financial decisions every day.
And one of the biggest questions we hear from business owners is simple: "How much does a CPA cost?"
Here's the truth: CPA (Certified Public Accountant) pricing isn't one-size-fits-all. But understanding how it works can save you thousands of dollars and help you make the right investment for your business.
Let's break down exactly what you should expect to pay in 2025 for a CPA.
Understanding CPA Costs: What Fort Worth Businesses Need to Know
Most business owners think CPA services are expensive. They're not wrong, but they're missing the bigger picture.
The real question isn't whether CPA services cost money. The real question is whether not having professional help costs you more.
We've seen businesses lose tens of thousands in missed deductions, pay unnecessary penalties, and make costly financial mistakes by trying to handle everything themselves. The right CPA doesn't cost you money. They save you money.
How much does a CPA typically charge in the Texas market?
Fort Worth sits in a unique position in the Texas market.
We're not Dallas expensive, but we're not small-town cheap either.
Most CPA firms in our area structure their pricing in one of three ways:
Hourly rates ($150-$400 per hour, depending on complexity)
Project-based fees (fixed price for specific services)
Monthly retainers (ongoing partnership model)
The method that works best for you depends entirely on your business needs and stage of growth.
Experience levels and their impact on what you'll pay
Not every CPA charges the same rate, and there's a good reason why.
A newly licensed CPA might charge $150-200 per hour. They're competent, but they're still building their expertise. A CPA with 15+ years of experience and specialized knowledge? They might charge $300-400 per hour.
Here's what we've learned after more than three decades in this business: the experienced CPA often saves you money in the long run. They spot opportunities and avoid mistakes that less experienced professionals might miss.
Why local expertise matters for your investment
You could hire a CPA from anywhere in the country.
But there's real value when you work with a CPA who understands Fort Worth businesses and Texas tax laws.
Local CPAs know Texas tax laws inside and out. We understand the business climate here. We know which deductions matter most for Fort Worth businesses, and we have relationships with local banks, attorneys, and other professionals you might need.
That local knowledge translates into better service and often, better results for your business.
The Real Cost of Different CPA Services
Here's where most articles give you vague ranges that don't help anyone. We're going to be specific.
Tax preparation: What you should budget
Here's what CPAs tend to charge based on the complexity of your tax preparation:
Individual tax returns: $300-$800 for most situations
Simple business tax returns (S-Corp, LLC): $800-$2,500
Complex business returns: $2,500-$5,000+
What makes a return "complex"? Multiple revenue streams, significant assets, multi-state operations, or specialized deductions. The more moving pieces, the higher the fee.
But here's what matters more than the fee: good CPAs often find enough deductions to pay for themselves. We regularly save clients 2-3 times what they pay us in fees.
Business accounting services: the value beyond compliance
Tax preparation is just table stakes. The real value comes from business advisory services.
Monthly financial review: $500-$2,000 per month
Strategic planning sessions: $200-$400 per hour
Cash flow analysis: $1,500-$3,500 per project
These aren't just nice-to-have services. They're business-changing investments. We've helped clients restructure their operations to save tens of thousands in taxes, plan major purchases to maximize deductions, and avoid cash flow crises that could have shut them down.
Ongoing bookkeeping and financial management costs
Many Fort Worth businesses need more than annual tax prep. They need ongoing financial management.
Basic bookkeeping: $300-$800 per month
Full financial management: $800-$2,500 per month
CFO-level services: $2,500-$5,000+ per month
The investment depends on transaction volume, complexity, and how much strategic input you need. But consider this: hiring a full-time bookkeeper costs $35,000-$50,000 per year, plus benefits. Professional services often deliver better results at a lower total cost.
Small Business Owners: Here's What to Budget for CPA Services
Every business owner asks the same question: "What should I budget?"
Here's our honest answer: the cost of hiring a CPA depends on your stage and goals.
Startup vs. established business: how your stage affects average costs
CPAs typically help you to address what services you'll require based on the stage your business is in.
Startups and new businesses:
Annual budget: $3,000-$8,000
Focus: basic compliance, entity setup, initial tax strategy
You need the fundamentals done right from day one
Established businesses ($500K-$2M revenue):
Annual budget: $8,000-$20,000
Focus: tax optimization, financial analysis, growth planning
You're making real money and need sophisticated strategies
Larger businesses ($2M+ revenue):
Annual budget: $20,000-$50,000+
Focus: comprehensive financial management, advanced tax planning, strategic advisory
You need a true financial partner who offers more complex services
Industry-specific considerations that impact pricing
Some industries require more specialized knowledge, and that affects pricing.
Restaurant and retail businesses deal with inventory, payroll taxes, and complex cash flows. Expect to pay 20-30% more than average.
Construction companies face unique job costing, equipment depreciation, and contract accounting challenges. Budget accordingly.
Professional services (doctors, lawyers, consultants) often have simpler accounting but need sophisticated tax planning. The complexity shifts, but the investment remains significant.
Why working with a local Fort Worth CPA makes financial sense
We compete with national firms and online services every day. Here's why local still wins:
Relationships matter. When you have a question, you call us directly. No phone trees, no ticket systems.
Local knowledge pays dividends. We know Fort Worth business incentives, local tax implications, and regional opportunities.
Long-term thinking. We're not looking for quick transactions. We're building partnerships that last decades.
What Drives CPA Pricing? Understanding the Factors
CPA pricing isn't arbitrary. Here are the real factors that determine what you'll pay.
How service complexity affects your investment
Simple accounting firm services get simple pricing. Complex situations require more time, expertise, and attention to detail.
Low complexity: Services like basic bookkeeping services; simple tax returns; straightforward financial statements
Medium complexity: Multi-entity structures; moderate tax preparation services and planning; financial analysis
High complexity: Advanced tax strategies; merger and acquisition support; forensic accounting
Each level of service requires different expertise and time investment, depending on the services. That's reflected in the pricing.
Timing matters: navigating busy seasons and deadlines
Tax season is real, and it affects pricing and availability.
January through April: Higher demand, limited availability, rush fees for last-minute work
May through December: Better availability, more flexible scheduling, time for strategic planning
Smart business owners plan ahead. The clients who engage us in the summer for year-end planning get better service and often better pricing than those who call us in March with urgent needs.
The value of CPA credentials and specialized expertise
Anyone can call themselves a bookkeeper or tax preparer. Only licensed CPAs can use that title.
CPA credentials require:
150 credit hours of education
Passing a rigorous four-part exam
Meeting experience requirements
Ongoing continuing education (look for National Society of Accountants credentials)
You pay more for CPA services because you're getting verified expertise and professional accountability.
How Can You Save Money While Working with a CPA?
The best CPA relationship isn't about finding the cheapest option. It's about maximizing value.
Smart strategies to maximize your CPA relationship
Come prepared. Organized records and clear questions help us work more efficiently.
Think year-round, not just tax season. The best tax strategies happen throughout the year, not in March.
Ask questions. We're not just doing your taxes, we're helping you understand your business finances.
When professional help pays for itself
Here are the situations where CPA services almost always pay for themselves:
Major business decisions (buying equipment, expanding, changing entity structure)
Complex tax situations (multiple income sources, significant assets, multi-state issues)
Growth phases (rapid expansion, new locations, bringing on partners)
Financial stress (cash flow problems, profit concerns, tax debt)
Questions to ask when choosing your CPA
Price matters, but these questions matter more:
"What's your experience with businesses like mine?"
"How do you stay current on tax law changes?"
"What's your typical response time for questions?"
"Can you provide references from current clients?"
"What's your process for year-round tax planning?"
What's the Typical Pricing Structure for CPA Firms?
Understanding fee structures helps you make better decisions about the overall cost and avoid surprises.
Hourly rates vs. project fees: what works best for you
Hourly rates work best when:
Scope is uncertain
You need to use a CPA for ongoing consultation
Projects vary significantly in complexity
Project fees work best when:
Scope is clearly defined
You want predictable costs
Work is routine and repeatable
Most established CPAs offer both options and will recommend the best approach for your situation.
Understanding how professional firms price their services
Behind what every CPA firm offers is a calculation:
Time required × Hourly rate + Complexity factor + Risk assessment = Your fee
Experienced CPAs can estimate time requirements accurately. They know how long different services take and factor in the complexity of your specific situation.
Building a long-term partnership: what to expect
The best CPAs provide great relationships that last for decades.
Here's what that looks like:
Year 1: Getting to know your business, establishing systems, handling immediate needs
Years 2-3: Optimizing processes, implementing tax strategies, providing strategic input
Years 4+: Serving as a trusted advisor, helping plan major decisions, supporting business growth
The investment in a good CPA pays dividends for years. We've helped clients build million-dollar businesses, navigate economic downturns, and plan comfortable retirements.
Do you need a CPA to help your business?
At Hecht & Associates, we believe in transparent pricing and honest advice that will benefit your business. We'll give you a clear picture of what services you need and what they'll cost—no surprises, no hidden fees.
Call us at (817) 332-7237 or contact us online to schedule your consultation. Let's talk about how we can help your Fort Worth business succeed.