A startup CPA does more than file the 1120. They coordinate with your 409A valuation provider, document R&D activities for the federal credit (now usable against payroll tax up to a cap), advise on Section 174 capitalization of software development costs, set up books that survive due diligence, and produce the monthly package your board expects. The right firm has experience with priced rounds, SAFE conversions, and the founder-level questions like QSBS qualification that matter five years before they pay off.
What's typically involved
We're expanding this page with the full playbook for startups: elections to make, common mistakes generalists miss, fee expectations, and the specific credentials to look for. In the meantime, the matching form below routes your situation to a CPA whose practice fits.
What CPA work looks like at the fee level
| Service | Typical 2026 range |
|---|---|
| CPA hourly rate | $150 to $450 / hour |
| Schedule C (sole proprietor) | $190 to $800 |
| Single-member LLC return | $300 to $1,500 |
| S-corporation return (1120-S) | $1,200 to $3,500 |
| Partnership return (1065) | $1,000 to $5,000+ |
| C-corporation return (1120) | $1,500 to $4,000+ |
- Disorganized records ("shoebox" engagements) typically increase fees by 1.5x to 2.0x.
- Each additional K-1 partner usually adds roughly $300 to $500.
- Ranges reflect entity type, bookkeeping state, and complexity. Quotes vary by region and CPA experience.
Full table with methodology lives in the 2026 CPA Compass Fee Benchmark.
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Frequently asked questions
Related: how to find the right CPA · 2026 fee benchmark · CPA cost guide