If there’s anything the internet has provided us with, it’s seemingly infinite options. Type “local CPA near me” into any search platform and you are likely to discover hundreds of CPAs to choose from. Of course, within this there are a mixture of international firms with multiple offices, remote firms advertising in major metropolitan areas, and local CPAs who live, work, and play in your city.
Let’s talk about some of the benefits of choosing the local CPA.
Years of Experience with Local Regulations and Business Requirements
What do years of experience working as a CPA in the same location as your clients lead to? An in-depth understanding of local regulations and tax laws, sure, but also business registration and filing requirements, local, regional, and state-level incentives, and understanding of the quirks of your industry in your specific area.
For example, in some locations the buy and sell cycle of real estate is seasonal, while in more consistent climates this is less the case. If you are on a border and often work across state or country-lines, a local CPA will have a great deal more experience than one in another state that doesn’t deal with such things.
The Benefit of a Local Network and Referrals
Sure, Yelp, Google Reviews, and plenty of other local network sites can return you a list of services in your area, but if you require a service outside of CPA services (say asset transfers or legal help), your CPA will often have a contact to whom they can refer you. This means you get a recommendation to someone you know you can trust, because it came from someone who a) knows you well, and b) has a greater understanding of your needs.
Many CPAs also form partnership with other local business providers.
A More Personable Working Relationship
There’s nothing that can replace having someone who can meet locally, even if the bulk of your communication is on Zoom or over the phone. Community connection extends into the client-CPA relationship, even when it’s not specifically related to your business relationship. Having things to connect over—like a favorite neighborhood, sports team, or a restaurant recommendation—can enrich the relationship, and it helps, too, that members of your local community tend to have similar expectations with regard to working style, hours, and communication.
Additionally, the longer you work with a CPA the more familiarity they have with your business goals and financial situation, which makes it easier for them to offer advice and make suggestions about potential opportunities.
Incentives, Grant, and Loan Guidance
Many CPAs are well-versed on incentives, business grants, and disaster loans. Many states have programs where new businesses can apply for startup grants or qualify for tax breaks if they follow certain guidance. This is the sort of local guidance that makes working with a CPA near you valuable.
As an example, our team aided clients impacted by Hurricane Katrina in applying and receiving relief grants from the government, and offered support with SBA loans and PPP loans during COVID-19. We truly believe that having worked with the framework of disaster relief before COVID-19 meant we could take action faster for our clients, with knowledge and experience backing us up.
Competitive Pricing
Large, national CPA firms can have extensive resources and large teams, but the client load is much higher, and services often come with a higher price tag. Additionally, you can expect to spend more on a CPA in the Bay Area or New York City than you will likely spend in Houston. When building fee structures, most CPAs will also evaluate what local competitors are charging, so if you find a potential CPA who is charging less than others, you can question why that is, or select a CPA with a higher fee structure but a proven local track records and better customer service.
