One Big Beautiful Bill Act
May 30, 2025
One Big Beautiful Bill Act
On May 22, 2025 The U.S. House of Representatives passed the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act" (H.R. 1), a comprehensive tax and spending package. The bill now moves to the Senate, where further debates and modifications are expected.
Below is a detailed outline of what I consider the bill’s major income tax provisions. I make NO comment on political items, as usual.
1. Extension and Modification of 2017 Tax Cuts
The bill seeks to make permanent the reduced individual income tax rates established by the TCJA and the large standard deduction introduced by the TCJA would be permanently extended. The high rate of 37% would become permanent as would be the elimination of the personal exemption as would the AMT exemption and phase-out provisions of TCJA.
For tax years 2025 through 2028, the standard deduction would receive an additional temporary increase: $1,000 for single filers, $1,500 for heads of household, and $2,000 for married couples filing jointly.
Itemized deductions and the “Pease rule”, which limited itemized deductions, is replaced by a rule that reduces itemized deductions by 2/37 of the lesser of 1) the amount of itemized deductions and 2) the amount of taxable income of the taxpayer for the taxable year that exceeds the dollar amount at which the 37% bracket begins with respect to such taxpayer (the 37% bracket begins at $751,600 for married couples filing joint returns in 2025). Effectively, this rule creates an additional 39% tax bracket equal to itemized deductions in excess of the 37% bracket threshold. This rule would be effective starting in 2026
The $750,000 limitation on deductions for qualified residence interest is made permanent.
The disallowance of personal casualty loss deductions would be made permanent as would the disallowance of 2% miscellaneous itemized deductions. However, qualified casualty loss deductions (pre-AGI) would be allowed for declared disasters beginning 1/1/2020 and ending 60 days after the date of enactment of the bill for disasters from 12/28/2019 through 30 days after enactment.
The regular itemized deduction allowing gambling losses only up to the amount of winnings would be made permanent.
The individual deduction for state and local taxes would be limited to $40,000. The full $40,000 SALT deduction cap applies to households with a modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) up to $500,000. For incomes between $500,000 and $600,000, the deduction phases out, and for those earning above $600,000, the cap reverts to $10,000.
2. Exemptions for Tips and Overtime Pay
A new deduction before AGI of up to $25,000 annually would be allowed for taxpayers working in traditionally tipped industries (not including specified services), who earned tips before 12/31/2023. The income limit is $160,000 for 2025 and would be inflation adjusted and the deduction would apply for 2025-2028, limited to the amounts included as tip income on the employee’s W-2 or 1099.
A new unlimited pre-AGI deduction for overtime pay (not counting tips) would apply beginning in 2025 to workers earning up to $160,000 annually and would also be inflation adjusted. This exclusion would apply for 2025-2028 to overtime required under Sec. 7 of the FLSA.
3. Child Tax Credit Changes
The $2,000 credit amount, initially set to expire after 2025, is now made permanent. The maximum CTC is raised from $2,000 to $2,500 per qualifying child for tax years 2025 through 2028. Starting in 2029, it reverts to $2,000 and will be indexed to inflation based on 2024 levels.
To claim the credit, children must have valid Social Security numbers. Additionally, both parents in joint filings are required to have Social Security numbers. The credit begins to phase out for single filers with incomes over $200,000 and for married couples filing jointly with incomes over $400,000.
4. State and Local Tax (SALT) Deduction Business Changes
Pass-through entity tax (“PTET”) deductions are denied for individuals who perform services in the fields of health, law, accounting actuarial science, performing arts, consulting, athletics, financial services, brokerage services, investing services, investment management services, and trading or dealing in securities, partnership interests, or commodities, or any trade or business where the principal asset of such trade or business is the reputation or skill of one or more of its employees.
5. "Trump" Savings Accounts for Newborns (Previously “MAGA”)
Children born in the U.S. between January 1, 2025, and January 1, 2029, with a valid Social Security number, are eligible. At least one parent must also have a valid Social Security number.
Eligible children will be automatically enrolled in the program, ensuring broad participation, especially among families who might be unaware of such financial tools. Each account will receive a one-time $1,000 deposit from the U.S. Treasury. Funds will be invested in low-fee, diversified U.S. equity portfolios without leverage, aiming for long-term growth.
Families and third parties can contribute up to $5,000 annually per child, with the limit adjusted for inflation. Contributions from tax-exempt entities, like private foundations, are not subject to this cap.
At age 18, beneficiaries can withdraw up to 50% of the account balance for qualified expenses, such as education, first-time home purchases, or starting a business and earning would be taxed at long-term capital gains rates. Full access to the account is granted at age 25 for approved purposes. After age 30, funds can be used for any purpose, though earnings will be taxed at ordinary rates. Withdrawals for non-qualified expenses before age 30 may incur penalties and be taxed as ordinary income.
6. 529 Accounts & Charity Deductions
Qualified 529 expenses would now include most home school expenses.
The pre-Agi charity deduction of up to $300 for non-itemizers would be reinstated beginning in 2025.
7. Auto Loan Interest Deduction
The bill calls for an above-the-line deduction of up to $10,000 in car loan interest during a given taxable year. But the deduction would phase out by $200 for every $1,000 of modified adjusted gross income above $100,000 for single filers and $200,000 for joint filers and would apply to loans taken out in 2025-2028. The law does not specify new cars only but requires final assembly in the United States.
8. Additional Standard Deduction for Seniors
The Bill adds a new $4,000 per individual senior (65 and over) standard deduction from 2025-2028 but phases out for taxpayers with income over a threshold amount of $150,000 for taxpayers filing jointly and $75,000 for all other taxpayers.
9. Individual Energy Tax Credits
The Bill provides for the repeal of the electric vehicle (EV) credits attributable to new EVs, used EVs, commercial EVs and credit for charging stations. The Bill similarly provides for the repeal of the Energy Efficiency Home Improvement Credit for windows, doors, insulation and furnaces and the Residential Clean Energy Credit for solar electric and solar hot water heaters as well as batteries. The repeal of these EV and home-based efficiency credits would generally be effective for property placed in service after December 31, 2025, except for the new EV credit under Section 30D, which would become effective for EVs placed in service after December 31, 2026.
10. Depreciation
The amended bonus depreciation provisions reinstate 100% first-year depreciation for qualified property acquired and placed in service after January 19, 2025, and before January 1, 2030.
There would also be a special bonus depreciation allowance for nonresidential real property that is "qualified production property." Qualified production property does not include the portion of any nonresidential real property used for offices, administrative services, lodging, parking, sales activities, software engineering activities, or other functions unrelated to manufacturing, production, or refining of tangible personal property.
A qualified production activity is the manufacturing, production, or refining of a qualified product.
The Section 179 deduction cap is also extended from $1 million to $2.5 million, with phase-outs beginning at $4 million for property placed in service after December 31, 2024.
The proposal suspends required capitalization of domestic research or experimental expenditures for amounts paid or incurred in taxable years beginning after December 31, 2024, and before January 1, 2030. Under the proposal, taxpayers may (1) deduct domestic research or experimental expenditures,548 (2) elect to capitalize and recover domestic research or experimental expenditures ratably over the useful life of the research (but in no case less than 60 months)549 beginning with the midpoint of the taxable year in which such expenditures are paid or incurred, or (3) elect to capitalize and recover domestic research or experimental expenditures over 10 years beginning with the taxable year of the expenditure.
11. Qualified Business Income (QBI)
The 20% deduction for qualified business income for pass-through entities would be made permanent. The deductible amount for each qualified business would increase to 23%, with adjustments to phase-in thresholds. All amounts would be effective for years beginning after 12/31/2025.
12. Estate Tax
The Bill would permanently increase the unified estate exemption credit and GSST exemption to $15,000,000 plus inflation adjustments for tax years beginning after 12/31/2025.
13. Health Savings Accounts
The Bill would enable Medicare-eligible individuals who are only enrolled in Medicare Part A to maintain HSA contributions beginning after 12/31/2025 and permits those with a spouse enrolled in an FSA to also have an HSA. Furthermore, bronze-level and catastrophic plans under the ACA will qualify as HDHPs for HSA eligibility. Additionally, two types of health plans, otherwise considered disqualifying health coverage, will become compatible with HSA enrollment: (1) direct primary care arrangements (with a cap on fees that may be paid using HSA funds); and (2) qualified discounted health services available through an employer’s on-site clinic (provided the services meet certain requirements).
The Bill proposes to double the HSA contribution limits (currently $4,300 for self-only coverage and $8,550 for family coverage) for individuals making up to $75,000, or $150,000 for joint filers with family coverage. These increased contribution limits will be indexed for inflation and will phase out with income between $75,000 and $100,000 (or up to $200,000 for joint filers with family coverage).
14. Method of Accounting
The proposal increases the $25 million threshold of the gross receipts test to $80 million (indexed for inflation) for a manufacturing taxpayer (other than a tax shelter).
A “manufacturing taxpayer” means a corporation or partnership if, during the three taxable year period ending with the taxable year preceding such taxable year, substantially all of the gross receipts of the taxpayer are derived from the lease, rental, sale, license, exchange, or other disposition of “qualified products.”
For purposes of the gross receipts test, a qualified product means a product that is (1) any tangible personal property, except any food or beverage prepared in the same building as a retail establishment in which substantially similar property is sold to the public, and (2) produced or manufactured by the taxpayer in a manner that results in a substantial transformation (within the meaning of proposed section 168(n)(2)(D)) of the property comprising the product.
Some taxpayers are receiving CP59SN notices even though they filed valid extensions for their 2024 returns, pushing their due date to Oct. 15, 2025. This appears to be part of a broader issue within the IRS’s notice system. As a trusted tax professional, it’s important to understand what’s happening and what to communicate to clients. What is a CP59SN notice? A CP59SN notice is sent by the IRS when its records indicate a taxpayer has not filed a return. The “SN” variant refers to specific groups of nonfilers, often identified by third-party information the IRS has received, such as W-2s or 1099s. These notices are designed to prompt taxpayers to file or provide an explanation. Why the notices are problematic There are reports on social media of multiple instances where taxpayers received these notices despite filing a timely extension with the IRS earlier this year. These extensions give taxpayers until Oct. 15, 2025, to file their returns. In addition to these accounts, the AICPA has reported that it is in communication with the IRS regarding the issue. The issue seems to stem from the IRS not properly recognizing or processing the extensions before issuing the CP59SN notices. Although the IRS has not released an official statement acknowledging a systemic error, the consistency and timing of these reports indicate this may be more than isolated incidents. What you should do If your clients receive a CP59SN notice despite having a valid extension on file, here’s how to respond: Confirm the extension Review your records and confirm that the extension was filed and accepted. If you submitted it electronically, you should have an acknowledgment receipt. Check the client’s IRS transcript Use your IRS e-Services account to view the taxpayer’s account transcript. This will show whether the extension was received and processed. Advise the client not to panic Reassure your client that if a valid extension was filed, they are not in violation and the notice is likely incorrect. Respond if necessary While not always required, you may choose to respond to the notice with a copy of the extension acknowledgment to help prevent additional notices or confusion. Continue monitoring the IRS for updates If the IRS formally addresses the issue, we will share the update with our members. NATP is listening We’re actively monitoring this situation and encourage members to report any additional instances. Your experiences help us advocate for clear communication from the IRS and practical resolutions for issues that impact your clients.
Is there really a shortage of Accountants? The accounting profession, once viewed as a stable and essential pillar of the business world, is facing an unprecedented talent crisis. Across the United States and beyond, firms are grappling with a shortage of qualified accountants, a trend that threatens not only the day-to-day operations of businesses but also the integrity of financial reporting and compliance. The numbers paint a sobering picture: more than 300,000 accountants and auditors have left their jobs in just the last three years, and the pipeline of new talent is shrinking at a pace that alarms industry leaders. But statistics only tell part of the story. To understand the roots of this shortage, we must dig deeper-into changing demographics, evolving workplace expectations, the shifting demands of the profession, and the disruptive force of artificial intelligence (AI). Is this a temporary blip, or is the accounting profession at a crossroads that will permanently reshape its future? The Numbers: A Crisis by the Data Let’s start with the hard facts. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the accounting and auditing workforce has shrunk by over 17% since 2020, with more than 300,000 professionals exiting the field. The American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) reports that 75% of current CPAs are nearing retirement age, a demographic wave that is creating an estimated 136,400 annual job openings through 2034. Meanwhile, the number of new accounting graduates is dropping fast: in 2022, there was a 7.4% decline in accounting bachelor’s and master’s degrees awarded-the steepest single-year drop in over 30 years. This talent gap is having real-world consequences. Firms are taking four to five weeks, on average, to fill open accounting roles, and some positions remain vacant for months. Smaller businesses, which can’t offer the same salaries or perks as the Big Four, are hit hardest. The shortage is also pushing up salaries and workloads, contributing to burnout and further attrition-a vicious cycle that’s proving hard to break. Why Is the Shortage Happening? Unpacking the Causes 1. The Silver Tsunami: Demographics and Retirement The most immediate cause of the shortage is demographic. The profession is dominated by Baby Boomers, many of whom entered accounting during the profession’s heyday in the 1970s and 1980s. Today, nearly three-quarters of CPAs are at or near retirement age. As these experienced professionals leave the workforce, they’re taking decades of institutional knowledge with them-and there simply aren’t enough younger accountants to replace them. 2. The Shrinking Talent Pipeline: Fewer Students, Higher Barriers The pipeline of new talent is also narrowing. In 2023, only 1.4% of college students chose accounting as their major, down from 4% just a decade ago. Why the decline? Many point to the daunting requirements for CPA licensure. The 150-credit-hour rule, which requires students to complete an extra year of education beyond a typical bachelor’s degree, adds significant time and financial burden. The CPA exam itself is notoriously rigorous, often requiring hundreds of hours of preparation. At the same time, the profession faces stiff competition from other fields. Technology, finance, and engineering offer higher starting salaries (engineering and computer science graduates earn $10,000–$15,000 more on average) and are often perceived as more dynamic and future-oriented. For many students, accounting simply doesn’t have the same allure. 3. Workplace Realities: Burnout and Monotony Even for those who enter the field, retention is a challenge. Accounting has long been associated with long hours, especially during tax season and audit cycles. According to a recent survey, 42% of accounting firms report significant retention issues, with burnout cited as a leading cause. Entry-level roles often involve repetitive, transactional tasks like reconciliations and data entry, which can feel monotonous to a generation seeking meaningful, strategic work 4. Changing Expectations: The Evolving Role of Accountants The profession itself is changing. Today’s accountants are expected to do more than just “keep the books.” They’re increasingly called upon to provide strategic business advice, interpret complex data, and navigate a rapidly evolving regulatory landscape. This shift requires a new set of skills-ones that many new graduates simply don’t have. The Skills Gap: What Are Companies Looking For? As the shortage intensifies, employers are raising the bar for new hires. The days when a solid grasp of debits and credits was enough are long gone. Here’s what companies are seeking-and where many new accountants are falling short: Technical Skills Advanced Software Proficiency: Familiarity with cloud-based accounting platforms (like QuickBooks Online, Xero, and NetSuite) is now a baseline expectation. Firms also want candidates comfortable with AI-driven tools, robotic process automation (RPA), and advanced Excel functions. Data Analytics: The ability to analyze and interpret large data sets is increasingly critical. Employers value proficiency in data visualization tools (such as Power BI or Tableau), as well as basic programming skills in Python or SQL for more complex analyses. Regulatory Knowledge: As global business becomes more complex, understanding the nuances of evolving standards (GAAP, IFRS) and tax laws is essential. Soft Skills Communication: Accountants must be able to translate complex financial data into actionable insights for non-financial stakeholders-whether that’s a business owner, a board of directors, or a client. Adaptability: The pace of technological change is accelerating. Accountants who can quickly learn new tools and adapt to shifting client expectations are in high demand. Strategic Thinking: Beyond compliance, firms want accountants who can provide forward-looking advice and help drive business growth. Unfortunately, many new graduates lack these skills. Universities are only beginning to update curricula to reflect the profession’s new realities, and on-the-job training can only go so far when firms are already stretched thin. Can AI Solve the Shortage-or Replace Accountants Altogether? With the talent crunch reaching critical levels, many firms are turning to technology, particularly AI and automation, to bridge the gap. The promise is compelling: AI-powered tools can handle repetitive, time-consuming tasks like invoice processing, bank reconciliations, and even some aspects of compliance reporting. This not only boosts efficiency but also frees up accountants to focus on higher-value work. The Promise of AI Task Automation: AI can automate up to 30% of traditional accounting work, according to industry estimates. This includes everything from data entry to flagging anomalies in financial statements. Increased Accuracy: Machine learning algorithms can spot errors and inconsistencies that humans might miss, reducing the risk of costly mistakes. Scalability: Firms that have embraced AI report up to 17% higher revenue growth in client advisory services, as automation allows them to serve more clients with fewer staff. The Limitations-and Risks-of Automation But AI is not a panacea. Only about 35% of firms are actively planning to implement AI, citing concerns about data security, upfront costs, and the need for human oversight. While machines excel at crunching numbers, they can’t replace the nuanced judgment, ethical decision-making, and client relationships that define the profession. There’s also a risk that over-reliance on automation could erode trust in financial reporting. Clients and regulators alike want assurance that a qualified professional-not just an algorithm-is reviewing the numbers. Will AI Make Accountants Obsolete? The short answer is no. While AI will undoubtedly change the nature of accounting work, it’s unlikely to make accountants extinct. Instead, the profession is poised for a shift: as automation takes over routine tasks, the demand for accountants who can offer strategic insight, interpret complex data, and provide trusted advice will only grow. In fact, 61% of accounting professionals view AI as a collaborative tool, not a threat. The future accountant will be part technologist, part strategist, and part trusted advisor. The Road Ahead: Adapting to a New Reality The accounting profession is at a crossroads. The shortage of qualified talent is real, and its causes are complex-ranging from demographic shifts and educational barriers to evolving employer expectations and the rise of AI. But with challenge comes opportunity. By modernizing requirements, investing in skills, and embracing technology, the profession can not only weather the current storm but emerge stronger, more relevant, and more vital than ever. For those willing to adapt, the future of accounting is bright-not just as a career, but as a cornerstone of business strategy and success.
When running a small business, managing finances effectively is crucial for success. Many entrepreneurs reach a point where they consider hiring a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) to handle their accounting needs, but wonder about the investment required. How much does a CPA cost for a small business? The answer varies widely depending on several factors, including the complexity of your financial situation, the specific services needed, your geographic location and the CPA’s experience level. Some CPAs charge hourly rates that range from $150 to $400, while others offer monthly retainers or fixed-fee packages for specific services like tax preparation or bookkeeping. How Much Does a CPA Cost for a Small Business? When running a small business, managing finances effectively is crucial for success. Many entrepreneurs reach a point where they consider hiring a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) to handle their accounting needs, but wonder about the investment required. How much does a CPA cost for a small business? The answer varies widely depending on several factors, including the complexity of your financial situation, the specific services needed, your geographic location and the CPA’s experience level. Some CPAs charge hourly rates that range from $150 to $400, while others offer monthly retainers or fixed-fee packages for specific services like tax preparation or bookkeeping. Consider working with a financial advisor if you need financial advice tailored to your personal business situation According to accounting firm DeMercurio Advisors, a small business owner should expect to pay between $1,000 and $1,500 on average to have a CPA firm prepare both their individual and business tax returns. DeMercurio notes several factors that determine how expensive it would be for small businesses to hire a CPA. Here are some of the most impactful: The complexity of your returns: If your business operates in multiple states, rents real estate or you have multiple business entities, your taxes are likely to be more complicated and therefore cost more money to file. Anything that makes your returns more complicated makes it more time-consuming and potentially creates the need for a CPA with more specialized knowledge, all of which can cause the cost to rise. How good you are at bookkeeping: The quality of your records will also play into how much a CPA ends up charging you. If your records are organized, comprehensive and accurate, the costs are likely lower. If they’re unorganized, are missing information or contain errors, your CPA will have to fix these issues before they can even get started on filing your taxes — and you’ll see that reflected in your bill. The time needed to file: Many CPAs will charge an hourly rate in addition to a flat rate per return, so the total number of hours they need to spend on your small business’s taxes will play into the total cost. The two previous points will impact the time your CPA has to devote to your return. If they’re puzzling over messy notes in the margins of your financials, having to research a complex niche business issue or answering a lot of questions for you, the bill will grow. The pay range and fee structure of each firm/practitioner: Obviously, each CPA and CPA firm will have its cost structures and price breakdowns. Based on expertise, location and internal decisions, prices can vary widely, so there won’t be a one-size-fits-all price you can expect. Hourly rates can vary widely, with many falling between $150 and $400. It’s important to understand what you are expected to pay before agreeing to work with someone. Make sure you get specific details and know how your bill might end up being higher than expected. Why Do You Need a CPA for Your Small Business? How Much Does a CPA Cost for a Small Business? While a CPA’s expertise can cost a good deal, using a CPA can save you money in the long run. Small business owners who do their own taxes can make mistakes that cost them more time and money. The IRS warns that small business owners often underpay estimated taxes, don’t separate business expenses correctly, or deposit employment taxes incorrectly or late — all errors that can cause the IRS to charge a penalty and, in some cases, may trigger an audit. While the penalties themselves may cost about as much as a CPA would have in the first place, IRS audits can be quite costly and time-consuming. For a mail audit, the most common audit, the average amount owed is $7,000, according to H&R Block, and for an office or field audit, that amount skyrockets to $65,000. But a CPA can often do more than just prevent you from paying fees. Because of their deep expertise in tax law, CPAs will often know ways you can reduce your tax liability, the various deductions you may qualify for and offer other strategies that can save you money on your taxes. What services do CPAs offer? With their extensive expertise, CPAs offer a broader range of services than regular accountants. In addition to day-to-day accounting tasks, they can handle more complex and specialized work. In this section, we’ll highlight some areas where CPAs tend to focus. Tax preparation and planning While any tax accountant can help clients prepare income tax returns, CPAs are often needed for clients with more complex tax issues. In addition to tax preparation, CPAs often provide tax planning services to businesses and high-net-worth individuals. This helps clients minimize future tax liabilities while remaining compliant with the latest tax regulations. Representing clients in front of the IRS In the event of an audit by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), taxpayers will often turn to a CPA or an enrolled agent. Like enrolled agents, CPAs are qualified to represent taxpayers in front of the IRS for audits, appeals, or disputes. Seeking representation from a CPA can make all the difference in complex tax matters relating to the IRS. Financial accounting and reporting CPAs help businesses prepare accurate financial statements. These include balance sheets, income statements, and cash flow reports. These reports are essential for assessing the financial health of a business, ensuring compliance with accounting standards, and providing transparency to investors, lenders, and regulatory agencies. Conducting audits CPAs regularly conduct rigorous audits. This involves assessing the accuracy of financial statements. It also ensures that businesses are compliant with accounting standards and regulations and have strong internal controls. In addition, audits provide assurance for external stakeholders, such as investors and regulatory bodies. Business consulting CPAs are qualified to provide strategic advice to businesses. This could relate to growth strategies, cost management, or major corporate transactions such as mergers and acquisitions. CPAs may help business leaders by providing insights into financial forecasting, business structuring, and optimizing operations for profitability. Forensic accounting Some CPAs specialize in forensic accounting. This involves investigating businesses and individuals for financial discrepancies that may indicate accounting fraud, embezzlement, or other financial crimes. Forensic accountants often work with large accounting firms, government agencies, and law enforcement. Risk management CPAs are often heavily involved in financial risk management. They may develop risk management frameworks, conduct risk assessments for new business ventures and investments, and provide guidance on best practices for avoiding financial risk. Budgeting and forecasting CPAs help businesses plan for the future through accurate budgeting and forecasting. This helps businesses set realistic short and long-term goals while maintaining a healthy financial position and mitigating financial risks. How to save on CPA costs Engaging a CPA can get expensive. Thankfully, there are several strategies you can use to reduce the overall cost of CPA services without compromising on quality. Here are some simple ways you can save on CPA costs. Bundled services Some CPA firms offer discounts for bundled services. These are essentially service packages, combining multiple standalone services as part of one deal. For example, you might get a tax bundle, comprising tax preparation and filing, tax planning, and tax compliance services — all for one price. Bundled services tend to be cheaper than buying all of the included services individually. Early-filing discounts CPA firms may offer seasonal discounts for clients who file their tax returns early. Early filing gives CPAs more flexibility as they’re typically less busy at the start of tax season than at the end. You may be able to cut 10% off your yearly tax return fees this way. Loyalty discounts Some CPAs may reward returning clients with a small discount of up to 10%. This is common for seasonal work such as tax preparation and filing. Client retention is a huge driver of revenue for CPAs, so they may be keen to incentivize you to stick around. Some CPAs might even offer discounts on future services if you write them a positive online review or refer a friend. Negotiating fees Some CPAs may be open to negotiating fees — especially if you are a long-term client or require multiple services. In some cases, you might be able to get reduced fees by committing to longer-term contracts for ongoing services such as payroll management or bookkeeping. Look for certifications and specialization It’s worth verifying that the accountant holds a CPA license. In addition to the CPA designation, check what additional qualifications, experience, or specializations they have. If you’re looking for a forensic accountant, for example, simply being a CPA might not be enough — you need someone with provable experience in that niche. Use specialized directories such as TaxDome Advisors Looking for the right CPA can be a time-consuming process. You can simplify and streamline your search by using industry-specific directories, such as TaxDome Advisors. All of the accountants, tax professionals, and bookkeepers listed on Advisors are top-rated experts with industry expertise. They are also committed to delivering an outstanding client experience using the very best technology.