Top Rated CPAs in Chicago, IL (2026)
Choosing the right cpa in Chicago, IL can be overwhelming. With 318 cpas operating across the Chicago metro area, how do you separate the truly exceptional from the merely adequate? At Top CPAs, we analyze publicly available data to rank every cpa on a transparent, editorial basis -- no paid placements, no sponsored rankings.
This 2026 ranking evaluates cpas in Chicago, Illinois using aggregate customer ratings across Google and verified review platforms. We reviewed 318 active businesses in the Chicago market and selected the top 15 for this list.
By the numbers: Guide Score percentages on this list range from 70% to 78%, 10 of 15 hold professional certifications, the average firm has 47 years of experience. Updated June 2026.
Each entry below includes the business's Guide Score, star rating, review count, and a data-driven explanation of why they earned their spot. Click through to any profile for the full breakdown including contact information, specialties, credentials, and related businesses in Chicago.
The Top 15 CPAs in Chicago, IL
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#1 Founder's CPA 78%
Selected for Licensed, CPA, EA certified; team of 28 professionals; specializes in 500 +, our comprehensive service lines for growth oriented startups, complimentary resource guide.
Founder's CPA is a certified accounting firm based in Chicago, IL, holding credentials in licensed, cpa. The team holds professional credentials including licensed, cpa, mba. Reach them at 7736273603…
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#2 D Tax People 76%
Selected for 28 years of experience (est. 1998); team of 2 professionals; specializes in income tax services, tax resolutions, payroll.
For over 28 years, D Tax People has been a trusted name in accounting in Chicago, IL. Led by giving business, facebook-f Instagram X-twitter Home About Us Services Resources Schedule An Appointment C…
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#3 Vrakas CPAs + Advisors 73%
Selected for 55 years of experience (est. 1971); team of 2 professionals.
Vrakas CPAs + Advisors delivers personalized accounting solutions to clients throughout Chicago, IL. Reach them at 3129102130. Visit their website to learn more about their work. Located at 29 E Madi…
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#4 Chicagoland CPAs 73%
Selected for 32 years of experience (est. 1994); CPA certified; team of 2 professionals; specializes in accounting services for small businesses in chicago illinois, precision tax preparation by certified public accountants, strategic tax planning: a cpa’s perspective for chicago clients accountants.
Chicagoland CPAs is an trusted accounting firm proudly serving Chicago, IL and the surrounding region. Led by Staff Accountant, tax CPA Tax Planning Tax Preparation Small Business Tax Accountant IRS…
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#5 John H Brands CPA 71%
Selected for specializes in wage garnishment, irs tax liens and levies, penalty abatement.
John H Brands CPA is an leading accounting firm in Chicago, IL. Reach them at 3122268622 or email contact@jhbrandscpas.com. Visit their website to learn more about their work. Located at 1016 W Jacks…
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#6 Taxline Accounting 71%
Selected for specializes in explore our service areas and product line., accounting services, tax preparation services.
Taxline Accounting offers accounting services throughout Chicago, IL and the surrounding region. Reach them at +17738536481 or email sergio@taxlineaccounting.com. Visit their website to learn more ab…
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#7 Ernst & Young 71%
Selected for MBA certified; team of 6 professionals.
Connect with Ernst & Young, an accounting firm proudly serving the Chicago, IL community. Call +13128792000 for a free consultation.
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#8 alliantgroup 71%
Selected for CPA certified; team of 9 professionals; specializes in 2003, 2015, contact info.
alliantgroup is an accounting firm firm serving Chicago and surrounding areas in IL. Their services include 2003, 2015, contact info, services, about us. The team holds professional credentials inclu…
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#9 Jeffrey T Gross Ltd 71%
Selected for CPA certified; specializes in client reviews, services tax services tax preparation, tax planning.
Need an accounting firm in Chicago? Jeffrey T Gross Ltd is ready to help with your next project. Reach them at +17737921575 or email info@jgrosscpa.com. Visit their website to learn more about their…
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#10 CLA (CliftonLarsonAllen) 71%
Selected for CPA certified; specializes in get to know us, get started, call us at 1 888 529 2648 ..
Audit, tax, consulting, outsourced accounting, and financial planning services in the Chicago, Illinois, area. CLA is a top public accounting and professional services firm.
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#11 Smart Solutions CPA 71%
Selected for Licensed, CPA, MBA certified; specializes in audit assurance, tax services, accounting advisory.
Smart Solutions CPA is an trusted accounting firm proudly serving Chicago, IL and the surrounding region. Located at 1 E Erie St. Reach them at +13123130350. Visit their website for more details on s…
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#12 MWC Accounting 71%
Selected for CPA certified; team of 3 professionals; specializes in disciplined approach to accounting tax services.
MWC Accounting is an accounting firm firm serving Chicago and surrounding areas in IL. The team holds professional credentials including cpa. Reach them at +18475049883 or email kyle@kfnfinancial.com…
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#13 Baker Tilly 71%
Selected for Licensed, CPA certified; team of 10 professionals; specializes in cloud services, data solutions, digital strategy.
Baker Tilly is a leading advisory, tax and assurance firm, providing clients with a genuine coast-to-coast and global advantage in major regions of the U.S. and in many of the world’s leading financi…
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#14 BDO Alliance USA 71%
Selected for CPA certified; team of 6 professionals; specializes in scale ai prepare for quantum, ieepa tariff refunds: faqs, preventing post acquisition disputes.
With a team of 6 dedicated professionals, BDO Alliance USA delivers personalized accounting solutions in Chicago, IL. The team holds professional credentials including cpa. Reach them at +13128569100…
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#15 RubinBrown 70%
Selected for 74 years of experience (est. 1952); team of 2 professionals; specializes in assurance services, consulting services, entrepreneurial services.
RubinBrown, an accounting firm in Chicago, IL, focuses on quality and client satisfaction. Reach them at 3124251099. Visit their website to learn more about their work. Located at 225 W Wacker Dr Ste…
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How We Ranked These CPAs
This list ranks cpas by their aggregate customer rating (Google and verified review platforms). Ties are broken by Guide Score. Only businesses with at least one verified review are eligible.
Data sources include Google Business Profile, professional registries, portfolio sites, press databases, and direct business submissions. Every piece of data is publicly verifiable.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did we rank the best cpas in Chicago?
Top CPAs ranks cpas using our Guide Score percentage, a composite metric computed from publicly available data. The score uses weighted evidence from ratings, review volume, web presence, profile completeness, credentials, press recognition, and experience, then normalizes across categories where positive evidence was captured. Categories with no captured signal are not counted as failing grades. There is no paid placement -- every ranking is purely editorial.
Who is the #1 cpa in Chicago, IL?
As of 2026, Founder's CPA holds the #1 ranking in Chicago with a Guide Score of 78%. Rankings are recalculated with every data update and reflect the latest available information.
How often is this list updated?
Core data (ratings, reviews, contact information) is re-verified on a rolling monthly cadence. Credentials and awards are audited quarterly. Guide Scores recalculate automatically with every data update, so rankings may shift as new reviews are posted or credentials are verified.
How many cpas are there in Chicago?
Our database currently tracks 318 active cpas in the Chicago, IL metro area. This list highlights the top 15 based on Guide Score. Browse our full Chicago directory to see every listed business.
Can a cpa pay to be ranked higher?
No. Top CPAs does not accept payment for rankings. Guide Scores are computed algorithmically from verified public data. Businesses can claim and update their profile with accurate information, but the ranking algorithm treats all profiles equally. Our editorial independence is core to our methodology.
What should I look for when hiring a cpa in Chicago?
We recommend evaluating: (1) professional certifications and credentials, (2) verified customer reviews and ratings, (3) years of experience in the Chicago market, (4) portfolio quality and range of work, (5) budget alignment with your project scope, and (6) responsiveness and communication style. Our Guide Score weighs these factors so you can compare at a glance.