Best Value · Clearwater
Affordable CPAs & Accountants in Clearwater, FL
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As of June 2026, RatingsNearMe ranks 17 cpas & accountants in Clearwater, FL by the RNM Score — a 0–100 rating built from Google ratings, review volume, sentiment, and profile completeness. The top-ranked is Business Advisory And Accounting Partners with a 4.8-star rating from 72 Google reviews and an RNM Score of 90/100. Also in the top tier: Sams IV CPA, P.A. and Taxes by Smeco, LLC. The average rating across all listed cpas & accountants in Clearwater is 4.8 stars from 66 reviews per business on average.
CPA fees in Clearwater: $150–$400/hr consultation; $300–$800 personal tax returns; $500–$2,500+ business returns.
Rankings updated June 10, 2026 · RNM Score = ratings (35%), review volume (30%), sentiment (20%), completeness (10%), availability (5%) · Not paid placement.
Clearwater, Florida is home to a variety of certified public accountants (CPAs) who provide tax preparation, financial planning, and accounting services to individuals and businesses. When searching for a local CPA, consumers should consider factors such as experience, specialties, and client reviews.
- ✓Experienced CPAs in Clearwater, FL offer a range of accounting and tax services
- ✓Consumers should research CPAs' areas of expertise and client satisfaction
- ✓Local CPAs can provide personalized financial guidance and tax preparation
How to Choose a CPAs & Accountant in Clearwater
What to look for
- • CPA license and good standing with the Florida Board of Accountancy
- • Relevant experience with individual and/or small business tax preparation
- • Specialization or expertise in areas important to you (e.g. real estate, investments, etc.)
- • Strong communication skills and ability to explain financial concepts clearly
Questions to ask
- • How long have you been practicing as a CPA in Clearwater, FL?
- • What types of clients and industries do you typically work with?
- • Can you provide references from satisfied clients?
Red flags
- ⚠ Unwillingness to provide license information or proof of insurance
- ⚠ Lack of experience with the specific tax and financial needs of your situation
- ⚠ Inability to clearly explain their approach and recommendations
In Florida, CPAs must be licensed by the Florida Board of Accountancy. It's important to verify a CPA's license is active and in good standing before hiring them.
Local Market Snapshot
17
Businesses listed
4.8★
Avg rating
66
Avg reviews
Jun 10, 2026
Last updated
Top Rated CPAs & Accountants
CPAs & Accountants Rankings in Clearwater, FL
| # | Business | Rating | Reviews |
|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Business Advisory And Accounting Partners2641 McCormick Dr #103, Clearwater, FL 33759, USA | 4.8★ | 72 |
| #2 | Sams IV CPA, P.A.601 S Lincoln Ave, Clearwater, FL 33756, USA | 4.7★ | 75 |
| #3 | Taxes by Smeco, LLC2062 NE Coachman Rd, Clearwater, FL 33765, USA | 5.0★ | 495 |
| #4 | Kristina Helferty, CPA2715 Cypress Dr, Clearwater, FL 33763, USA | 4.6★ | 44 |
| #5 | Bedinghaus & Company CPA2623 McCormick Dr # 102, Clearwater, FL 33759, USA | 4.5★ | 8 |
| #6 | Westbay CPAs2358 Drew St, Clearwater, FL 33765, USA | 5.0★ | 18 |
| #7 | BJM Clearwater1799 N Belcher Rd. B, Clearwater, FL 33765, USA | 4.5★ | 33 |
| #8 | Tsagaris & Tsagaris CPA's2555 Enterprise Rd #10, Clearwater, FL 33763, USA | 5.0★ | 3 |
| #9 | Fredrick James Accounting Tax & Consulting600 Bypass Dr UNIT 112, Clearwater, FL 33764, USA | 5.0★ | 15 |
| #10 | Gulf Coast Accounting and Tax401 Orange St, Palm Harbor, FL 34683, USA | 4.9★ | 83 |
Ranked by verified ratings & review volume · Data from Google Business listings · Updated June 2026
All CPAs & Accountants in Clearwater
Rated 4.6 stars from 44 Google reviews, this Clearwater CPA is highly trusted.
2715 Cypress Dr, Clearwater, FL 33763, USA
2623 McCormick Dr # 102, Clearwater, FL 33759, USA
1799 N Belcher Rd. B, Clearwater, FL 33765, USA
2555 Enterprise Rd #10, Clearwater, FL 33763, USA
600 Bypass Dr UNIT 112, Clearwater, FL 33764, USA
Exceptional 4.9-star rating from 83 Google reviews in Clearwater.
401 Orange St, Palm Harbor, FL 34683, USA
Rated 4.9 stars from over 100 Google reviews, this Clearwater CPA is highly trusted.
220 Pine Ave N, Oldsmar, FL 34677, USA
14020 Roosevelt Blvd #801, Clearwater, FL 33762, USA
With a 4.9-star rating from 96 reviews, clients consistently report exceptional service.
545 S Hercules Ave, Clearwater, FL 33764, USA
2299 Tall Pines Dr, Largo, FL 33771, USA
101 N Missouri Ave, Clearwater, FL 33755, USA
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CPAs & Accountants in Clearwater, FL — Compared
| # | Business | RNM Score | Rating | Reviews |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Business Advisory And Accounting Partners | 90/100 | 4.8 ★ | 72 |
| 2 | Sams IV CPA, P.A. | 88/100 | 4.7 ★ | 75 |
| 3 | Taxes by Smeco, LLC | 92/100 | 5.0 ★ | 495 |
| 4 | Kristina Helferty, CPA | 84/100 | 4.6 ★ | 44 |
| 5 | Bedinghaus & Company CPA | 62/100 | 4.5 ★ | 8 |
| 6 | Westbay CPAs | 78/100 | 5.0 ★ | 18 |
| 7 | BJM Clearwater | 81/100 | 4.5 ★ | 33 |
| 8 | Tsagaris & Tsagaris CPA's | 78/100 | 5.0 ★ | 3 |
| 9 | Fredrick James Accounting Tax & Consulting | 85/100 | 5.0 ★ | 15 |
| 10 | Gulf Coast Accounting and Tax | 81/100 | 4.9 ★ | 83 |
Ranked by RatingsNearMe Score · ratings (35%), review volume (30%), sentiment (20%), completeness (10%), availability (5%) · June 2026
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Frequently Asked Questions — CPAs & Accountants in Clearwater
What is the difference between a CPA, bookkeeper, and tax preparer in Clearwater?
A CPA (Certified Public Accountant) is licensed by the FL Board of Accountancy, can represent clients before the IRS, and carries liability coverage. A bookkeeper records day-to-day transactions but cannot sign tax returns or provide strategic tax advice. A tax preparer has no required credentials — anyone can prepare taxes. For business owners, complex returns, or IRS issues, a CPA is the right choice.
How do I verify a CPA's license in FL?
Search the FL Board of Accountancy's online license lookup (find it by Googling "FL Board of Accountancy license search"). You can also use NASBA's License Verification tool at nasba.org to search across all states. Always verify before sharing financial documents.
How much does a CPA charge in Clearwater?
Typical rates in Clearwater: $150–$400/hr for consultation; $300–$800 for a personal tax return; $500–$2,500+ for a small business return depending on complexity. Many CPAs offer flat-fee packages for straightforward situations. Get itemized quotes from at least 2–3 firms before committing.
Should I hire a local CPA or use online tax software?
Online software (TurboTax, H&R Block, FreeTaxUSA) works well for simple W-2 situations with no major life changes. A local CPA in Clearwater is worth the cost if you own a business, have rental income, experienced a major event (divorce, inheritance, home sale), owe the IRS money, or want year-round tax planning — not just annual filing.
How are the cpas & accountants on this page ranked?
Rankings use a transparent algorithm: star rating (35%), review volume (30%), customer sentiment (20%), profile completeness (10%), and availability (5%). Featured Partner listings have paid for enhanced visibility but must still earn their position through real customer reviews — sponsored listings are clearly labeled.
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How Rankings Work on This Page
Every cpas & accountants on RatingsNearMe is scored transparently: star rating (35%), review volume (30%), customer sentiment (20%), profile completeness (10%), and availability (5%). Businesses labeled exclusive or premium are Featured Partners — they have paid for enhanced visibility but must still rank through real customer reviews. We cap sponsored boosts so bad businesses can never buy the top spot.
Editorial notice: Ratings are based on publicly available data from Google Business listings. Consumers should independently verify licensing, insurance, and credentials before hiring any service provider. Last updated: June 10, 2026.
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