Top 3 Accounting and CPA Services in Nashville, TN

Accounting and CPA Services: An Overview

Accounting and CPA (Certified Public Accountant) services encompass a wide range of financial management, compliance, and advisory solutions for individuals and businesses. CPAs are licensed professionals who have passed the Uniform CPA Examination and met state-specific education and experience requirements. They provide services including tax preparation, auditing, financial statement preparation, bookkeeping, and strategic business consulting.

Core Concepts of Accounting Services

There are several primary service areas offered by CPA firms:

Tax Services: Includes tax preparation, tax planning, and tax consulting for individuals, businesses, and nonprofits. CPAs help clients minimize tax liability, ensure compliance with federal and state tax laws, and represent clients before the IRS if needed.

Audit and Assurance Services: Independent examination of financial statements to verify accuracy and compliance with accounting standards. Required for many businesses, nonprofits, and government entities.

Bookkeeping and Accounting Solutions: Day-to-day financial record keeping, including accounts payable/receivable, payroll processing, bank reconciliation, and financial reporting.

Business Advisory and Consulting: Strategic guidance on business operations, mergers and acquisitions, succession planning, business valuations, and financial forecasting.

Top 3 CPA Firms in Nashville, TN

1. Baker Tilly (formerly KraftCPAs PLLC)

Best For: Mid-sized to large businesses seeking comprehensive accounting, audit, tax, and advisory services from one of Tennessee’s largest independent CPA firms.

Philosophy: Combines the personal attention of a local firm with the resources and expertise of a national network. Focuses on building long-term client relationships and delivering innovative solutions.

Services:

  • Audit and Assurance: Financial statement audits, reviews, and compilations
  • Tax Services: Business and individual tax preparation, planning, and consulting
  • Advisory Services: Transaction advisory, business valuations, and exit planning
  • Healthcare Consulting: Specialized services through Kraft Healthcare Consulting
  • Wealth Management: Investment advisory through Kraft Asset Management
  • Cybersecurity Services: IT consulting and security compliance through Kraft Technology Group
  • Litigation Support: Forensic accounting and expert witness services
  • Cost Segregation Studies: Tax credit and cost-saving analysis

Location: 555 Great Circle Road, Nashville, TN 37228

Additional Offices: Chattanooga, Columbia, and Lebanon, Tennessee

Contact: (615) 242-7351 | kraftcpas.com

Team Size: More than 240 professionals

Recognition: Named to INSIDE Public Accounting Top 200 Firms; IPA 200 Fastest-Growing All Growth Firm

Established: 1958

2. Blankenship CPA Group, PLLC

Best For: Small to medium-sized businesses, nonprofits, and individuals seeking personalized tax, audit, and accounting services from a locally-owned firm with deep Nashville roots.

Philosophy: Committed to building real and lasting relationships with clients through a consultative approach. Emphasizes communication, expertise, and personalized service tailored to each client’s unique needs.

Services:

  • Tax Services: Individual and business tax preparation, planning, and projections
  • Audit Services: Financial statement audits, reviews, and compilations for businesses and nonprofits
  • Accounting Solutions: Outsourced bookkeeping, payroll processing, sales tax, and business tax compliance
  • Consulting Services: Business valuations, mergers and acquisitions, litigation support, and strategic planning
  • QuickBooks Services: Setup, training, and support for QuickBooks users
  • IRS Problem Resolution: Representation and negotiation with tax authorities
  • Wealth Planning: Personal financial planning and guidance

Locations:

  • Brentwood (Main Office): 101 Winners Circle, Brentwood, TN 37027 | (615) 373-3771
  • Nashville: 700 Church Street, Suite 100, Nashville, TN 37203 | (615) 992-9222
  • Goodlettsville: 917 Conference Drive, Goodlettsville, TN 37072 | (615) 859-8800
  • Mt. Juliet: 2672 North Mount Juliet Road, Mt. Juliet, TN 37122 | (615) 889-1153
  • Dickson: 308 East College St, Dickson, TN 37055 | (615) 446-5106
  • Murfreesboro: 2656 Rideout Lane, Murfreesboro, TN 37128 | (615) 546-6500
  • Columbia: 102 W 7th St, Suite 100, Columbia, TN 38401 | (615) 992-9222

Contact: bcpas.com

Hours: Monday through Friday 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Team Size: Nearly 100 experienced team members

Industry Specialties: Nonprofit organizations, construction, churches, assisted living and nursing facilities, healthcare, manufacturing and distribution, restaurants

Established: 1992 (roots stretching to 1970)

3. Evan Hutcheson, CPA, LLC

Best For: Small business owners, entrepreneurs, and individuals seeking personalized, boutique-style accounting and tax services with a focus on proactive planning and business advisory.

Philosophy: Believes in becoming a trusted business advisor rather than just a tax preparer. Focuses on building close relationships with clients and helping them achieve both their financial and business goals.

Services:

  • Tax Preparation: Individual and business tax return preparation and filing
  • Tax Planning: Proactive strategies to minimize tax liability and optimize financial outcomes
  • Bookkeeping: Comprehensive financial record keeping and reporting
  • Payroll Services: Employee payroll processing and compliance
  • Virtual CPA Services: Remote accounting and financial management support
  • Business Advisory Services: Guidance on business structure, growth strategies, and financial decisions
  • Escape the Rat Race Program: Specialized 6-step process helping business owners transition out of day-to-day operations

Location: 1621 5th Ave N, Nashville, TN 37208

Contact: (615) 727-2295 | [email protected] | evanhcpa.com

Fax: (615) 581-7706

Hours: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Established: 2012

Focus: Small and medium-sized companies in the Greater Nashville area

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is the difference between a CPA and a regular accountant?

A CPA (Certified Public Accountant) has passed the rigorous Uniform CPA Examination and met state licensing requirements including education and experience criteria. CPAs can perform services that non-certified accountants cannot, such as auditing financial statements and representing clients before the IRS. While both can prepare tax returns and handle bookkeeping, CPAs are held to higher professional and ethical standards.

2. When should I hire a CPA instead of using tax software?

Consider hiring a CPA if you own a business, have complex investments, own rental properties, have experienced major life changes (marriage, divorce, inheritance), are self-employed, or have been audited or have tax problems. A CPA provides personalized advice, identifies deductions you might miss, and can save you money in the long run through strategic tax planning.

3. How much do CPA services typically cost in Nashville?

CPA fees vary based on the complexity of services needed. Individual tax returns typically range from $200 to $500 for simple returns and $500 to $1,500 or more for complex situations. Business tax preparation and monthly bookkeeping services are priced based on company size and transaction volume. Most firms offer free initial consultations to discuss your needs and provide a custom quote.

4. What documents should I bring to my first meeting with a CPA?

For individual tax preparation, bring W-2s, 1099s, prior year tax returns, records of deductible expenses, investment statements, mortgage interest statements, and any relevant receipts. For business clients, bring financial statements, bank statements, payroll records, prior tax returns, and documentation of major transactions. Your CPA will provide a specific checklist based on your situation.

5. Can a Nashville CPA help me if I have businesses or income in multiple states?

Yes, many Nashville CPA firms have expertise in multistate tax compliance and filing requirements. Firms like Baker Tilly (formerly KraftCPAs) and Blankenship CPA Group regularly work with clients who have operations, employees, or income sources in multiple states. They can help you navigate nexus requirements, apportionment rules, and filing obligations across different jurisdictions.