Accountants in Washington bring expertise and invaluable advice to businesses of all sizes. Whether you need estate planning services, tax advice or assistance with implementing an accounting system, an accountant offers vital assistance. Finding the right Washington CPA to meet all of your needs can be challenging because not all accountants provide the same services.

Knowing what business goals you want to achieve is the first step in finding accountants in Washington who will meet your current and future needs. Follow these steps to help you find Washington accountants:

1. Search for CPA firms in Washington.

2. Research the legitimacy of the licenses of Washington accountants.

3. Decide which firm or accountant in Washington is the best fit.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Perform a general Internet search of accounting firms in Washington

Find a number of accounting firms or professionals that are in your area and offer the services that you are looking for. You should look into at least 5 professionals before making your decision.

I recommend: The Washington Society of CPAs website allows you to search their directory to find a Washington CPA who meets your business' specific needs. The Accountants World website is another search option to locate a Washington CPA firm. Finally, the CPA Firms website is a great tool to perform a directory search of top Washington public accounting firms.

Investigate the credentials of the CPA firms in WA you are interested in working with

Make sure the Washington accountants you are considering are professional and licensed. Verify their affiliation with local and national accounting associations as well as the status of their professional license.

I recommend: The Washington State Board of Accountancy has a search function to allow you to search for licensed accounting professionals by name or location. The etaking website verifies the licenses of participating accounting firms and lists them on their website. CPADirectory is another option for check licensing information on specific Washington accountants.

Choose a CPA in Washington that meets all of the needs of your organization

Not all Washington accounting firms offer the same services or every service that you may need. It is important to find one that will fit the best with your current and future business plan.

I recommend: If you need help setting up an accounting system for payroll and/or accounts payable, then a firm specializing in bookkeeping would be sufficient. Grey Business Solutions, LLC is one possibility, serving the areas of Auburn, Tacoma, Seattle and Olympia. Another option is Abella Tax Services, whose service areas include Lynnwood, Edmonds, Everett and Bothell. For more involved services like tax planning, you need more advanced Washington accounting firms. Erickson & Co., P.S., located in Bellvue, offers tax planning as well as IRS representation and serves the areas of Redmond and Kirkland. For a firm that specializes in the needs of small companies, you may consider The Tax Shack LLC located in Gig Harbor, which services the areas of Port Orchard and Tacoma.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Talk to colleagues and members of local accounting associations to find accountants in WA with stellar records. Accounting firms usually serve clients in a many industries. Find clients in your industry and then weigh the pros and cons of a particular accountant or firm before settling on the one you think will be the best fit.