How to find a CPA or accountant in Virginia
Start by deciding what you need. Some Virginia business owners want help with taxes once a year. Others want monthly bookkeeping, payroll, and advice on how to structure the business. Knowing which camp you’re in makes every conversation with an accountant shorter and more useful.
Then pick a route:
- Ask around. Other owners in your industry, your banker, or your attorney often know who is good with businesses like yours.
- Check credentials yourself. CPAs are licensed by each state’s board of accountancy, and you can look up a license on the Virginia board’s website. Enrolled Agents are licensed by the IRS and can represent taxpayers before the IRS.
- Let us do the legwork. Want an accountant in Virginia? Tell us about your business through our free quote form and we’ll match you with up to 3 accountants. It’s free and there’s no obligation to hire anyone.
If you’re still working out what kind of professional fits, our accounting guides explain the differences in plain English.
Local firm or remote accountant
You don’t have to hire someone down the road. Plenty of accountants work entirely online, with documents shared securely and meetings held by video or phone. For many Virginia sole proprietors, freelancers, and e-commerce sellers, that’s simpler and often more flexible than a standing office appointment.
A local firm still makes sense in some situations:
- You want to hand over boxes of paperwork and sit down face to face.
- Your business has several employees, a physical location, or inventory to count.
- You’d like an accountant who already knows the kinds of businesses around you, such as trades, retail shops, and professional practices.
Whichever you choose, ask directly whether the accountant regularly handles Virginia filings, not just federal ones. Businesses file federal returns with the IRS, and depending on the state they may also have state income, franchise, or sales-tax obligations. A good accountant will tell you which ones apply to you. Don’t assume it; confirm it.
You can also browse how things work in other places on our accountants by state page, which is handy if your business operates in more than one state.
What an accountant can do for your business
Filing a return is only part of the job. A good accountant can:
- Prepare and file your federal and state business returns.
- Keep your books clean, or review the books you or a bookkeeper maintain.
- Advise on whether to operate as a sole proprietor, LLC, or corporation.
- Set up payroll and make sure you’re handling contractors and employees correctly.
- Plan ahead so tax bills don’t catch you off guard.
- Represent you if the IRS or a state agency sends a notice (CPAs and Enrolled Agents can do this).
- Prepare financial statements for a lender, investor, or buyer.
Not sure what you’d even ask? Our free calculators and tools can give you a rough sense of where your numbers stand before you talk to anyone.
What accountants charge and why fees vary
We won’t quote you an average price for Virginia, because any single figure would be a guess. Fees vary too much from one business to the next. What drives them is fairly predictable:
- Complexity. One owner with simple income costs less to serve than a multi-owner company with inventory and payroll.
- Condition of your records. Messy or incomplete books take longer to sort out, and you’ll pay for that time.
- Volume. More transactions, accounts, and employees mean more work.
- Scope. Tax preparation alone costs differently from year-round bookkeeping, payroll, and advisory support.
- Credentials and experience. A specialist in your industry may charge more, but may also save you time and mistakes.
- Pricing model. Some accountants charge a fixed fee, some bill hourly, and others offer a monthly plan.
The most reliable way to learn what you’ll pay is to compare real quotes for your situation. Ask each accountant exactly what’s included and what would cost extra.
What to check before you hire
- Verify the license. If someone calls themselves a CPA, look them up on the Virginia board’s website. For an Enrolled Agent, ask for their credentials and confirm them.
- Ask about your type of business. A contractor, a restaurant, and an online seller all have different bookkeeping and tax issues.
- Confirm who does the work. Will you deal with the person you’re meeting, or with a junior staffer?
- Get an engagement letter. A good firm sends one. It should spell out services, fees, and responsibilities so nobody is guessing later.
- Ask about availability. Find out how quickly they reply and whether they’re reachable outside of busy season.
- Check the tools. Make sure they work with your accounting software, or can recommend one that suits you.
If an accountant promises an outsized refund or won’t put anything in writing, keep looking.
Frequently asked questions
How do I check that a CPA is licensed in Virginia?
Use the license lookup on the Virginia board of accountancy’s website. Search by name and confirm the license is active. It takes a few minutes and is worth doing before you share financial records.
Does my accountant have to be based in Virginia?
No. Many accountants serve clients remotely. What matters is that they’re properly credentialed, experienced with businesses like yours, and comfortable handling the federal and Virginia filings you need. Ask about that up front.
Should I hire a CPA or an Enrolled Agent for my Virginia business?
Either can be a good choice. CPAs are licensed through the state board of accountancy and often offer broader accounting and advisory work. Enrolled Agents are licensed by the IRS, focus on tax, and can represent you before the IRS. Choose based on whether you mainly need tax help or a wider range of services.