How much do CPAs charge in Houston?

Houston CPA fees are near the national average. Individual returns typically run $300–$600, small business returns $800–$2,500, and monthly bookkeeping $400–$1,500 per month. The Energy Corridor, Galleria, and Downtown areas tend to have higher-end firms with premium pricing, while the suburbs often offer more competitive rates with equivalent quality.

What industries do Houston CPAs specialize in?

Houston's economy is driven by energy (oil, gas, petrochemicals), healthcare (the Texas Medical Center employs 106,000+ people), international trade (Port of Houston), real estate, and a large small business sector. Many Houston CPAs have deep expertise in energy sector taxation, including percentage depletion deductions, intangible drilling costs, and joint venture accounting.

Does Texas have a state income tax?

No. Texas has no state personal income tax, which simplifies state tax compliance for Houston residents. However, Texas does impose a franchise tax on businesses (the Margin Tax), which applies to most businesses with revenues above $2.47 million in 2026. A Houston CPA familiar with the Texas franchise tax is important for business owners, even without a personal income tax filing requirement.

Best CPAs in Houston, TX

May 20, 2026

Houston's CPA Market

Houston is the fourth-largest city in the United States and home to a diverse, energy-anchored economy. The city supports a large professional services ecosystem, including hundreds of CPA firms ranging from Big 4 offices (Deloitte, PwC, KPMG, EY) to mid-size regional firms and independent practitioners. For small business owners and individuals, mid-size and solo CPA practices generally offer the best combination of expertise and accessibility.

What to Look for in a Houston CPA

Houston's unique economic profile means your ideal CPA depends significantly on your industry:

Energy sector: Look for CPAs with experience in oil and gas taxation, including depletion allowances, intangible drilling costs (IDCs), and partnership structures common in E&P companies.
Healthcare: CPAs serving Texas Medical Center-adjacent practices should understand physician practice structures, STARK law compliance considerations, and medical practice valuations.
Real estate: Houston's real estate market (no zoning, high transaction volume) supports CPAs experienced in 1031 exchanges, cost segregation, and residential investment portfolios.
Small business and retail: CPAs in Midtown, Montrose, and the Heights neighborhoods often specialize in local small business owners and understand the Texas franchise tax implications specific to retail and service businesses.

Houston Neighborhoods With Strong CPA Presence

Galleria/Uptown: Concentration of mid-to-large accounting firms serving affluent individuals and corporate clients
Downtown Houston: Major firm offices and corporate accounting services
The Woodlands: Suburban professionals and small business owners; many boutique CPA practices
Sugar Land / Fort Bend County: Growing immigrant entrepreneurship community with CPAs specializing in first-generation business owners
Katy / West Houston: Strong small business and real estate investor CPA community

Questions to Ask a Houston CPA

Are you familiar with the Texas franchise tax (Margin Tax) and how it applies to my business structure?
Do you have experience with energy sector taxation or oil and gas partnerships?
How do you handle multi-state filing if I do business outside Texas?
Are you familiar with Houston's local business license and permit requirements?

Texas-Specific Tax Considerations

Texas has no personal income tax, which is a significant advantage for Houston residents. However, the state franchise tax (Margin Tax) applies to most Texas businesses, calculated as 0.75% of taxable margin (0.375% for retail and wholesale businesses). Texas also has a sales tax rate of 6.25% plus up to 2% local, for a total of 8.25% in Houston — relevant for any business selling goods or taxable services.

Browse our directory of CPAs in Houston to find licensed professionals ranked by client reviews and credentials, or search all cities if you operate across multiple Texas locations.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do CPAs charge in Houston?: Houston CPA fees are near the national average. Individual returns typically run $300–$600, small business returns $800–$2,500, and monthly bookkeeping $400–$1,500 per month. The Energy Corridor, Galleria, and Downtown areas tend to have higher-end firms with premium pricing, while the suburbs often offer more competitive rates with equivalent quality.
What industries do Houston CPAs specialize in?: Houston's economy is driven by energy (oil, gas, petrochemicals), healthcare (the Texas Medical Center employs 106,000+ people), international trade (Port of Houston), real estate, and a large small business sector. Many Houston CPAs have deep expertise in energy sector taxation, including percentage depletion deductions, intangible drilling costs, and joint venture accounting.
Does Texas have a state income tax?: No. Texas has no state personal income tax, which simplifies state tax compliance for Houston residents. However, Texas does impose a franchise tax on businesses (the Margin Tax), which applies to most businesses with revenues above $2.47 million in 2026. A Houston CPA familiar with the Texas franchise tax is important for business owners, even without a personal income tax filing requirement.