Highest Rated · Durham
Top-Rated CPAs & Accountants in Durham, NC
Every business ranked by real customer ratings. The pros at the top earned it — through consistent service, not advertising spend.
As of July 2026, RatingsNearMe ranks 20 cpas & accountants in Durham, NC by the RNM Score — a 0–100 rating built from Google ratings, review volume, sentiment, and profile completeness. The top-ranked is income tax and accounting services llc with a 5.0-star rating from 130 Google reviews and an RNM Score of 85/100. Also in the top tier: Paul Scheible, CPA, PLLC and Tax and QB Guru - RTP, NC Office. The average rating across all listed cpas & accountants in Durham is 4.7 stars from 30 reviews per business on average.
CPA fees in Durham: $150–$400/hr consultation; $300–$800 personal tax returns; $500–$2,500+ business returns.
Rankings updated July 4, 2026 · RNM Score = ratings (35%), review volume (30%), sentiment (20%), completeness (10%), availability (5%) · Not paid placement.
Best Overall
Chris Arena, CPA, PLLC
Chris Arena, CPA, PLLC stands out for its strong reputation and client-focused tax preparation and accounting services in Durham.
Most Reviewed
Lipkin CPA, PLLC
A high number of reviews indicates broad client experience and proven reliability for CPA services.
When choosing a CPA in Durham, consider your specific needs such as tax prep, bookkeeping, or business consulting, and check recent client reviews to ensure a good fit. Scheduling a free initial consultation can help you assess communication and expertise.
Local Market Snapshot
20
Businesses listed
4.7★
Avg rating
30
Avg reviews
Jul 4, 2026
Last updated
Top Rated CPAs & Accountants
Earning a perfect 5.0-star rating from over 130 Google reviews in Durham.
3205 University Dr, Durham, NC 27707, USATrusted Durham CPA with a 4.9-star rating from 140 Google reviews.
3400 Croasdaile Dr STE 203, Durham, NC 27705, USABoasting a perfect 5.0-star rating from 95 Google reviews, this CPA is highly trusted.
800 Park Offices Dr Suite 3318, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USACPAs & Accountants Rankings in Durham, NC
| # | Business | Rating | Reviews |
|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | income tax and accounting services llc3205 University Dr, Durham, NC 27707, USA | 5.0★ | 130 |
| #2 | Paul Scheible, CPA, PLLC3400 Croasdaile Dr STE 203, Durham, NC 27705, USA | 4.9★ | 140 |
| #3 | Tax and QB Guru - RTP, NC Office800 Park Offices Dr Suite 3318, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA | 5.0★ | 95 |
| #4 | Branch Tanya S CPA18 W Colony Pl STE 180, Durham, NC 27705, USA | 5.0★ | 1 |
| #5 | Adkin CPA PLLC501 Eastowne Dr #210, Chapel Hill, NC 27514, USA | 5.0★ | 55 |
| #6 | Bridget A. Ryan, CPA, PLLC3200 Croasdaile Dr Suite 503, Durham, NC 27705, USA | 4.5★ | 8 |
| #7 | Chris Arena, CPA, PLLC3333 Durham-Chapel Hill Blvd suite d-200, Durham, NC 27707, USA | 5.0★ | 8 |
| #8 | C.L. Lindsay CPA, PLLC5007 Southpark Dr Suite 200 C, Durham, NC 27713, USA | 5.0★ | 5 |
| #9 | Heyward CPA PLLC2530 Meridian Pkwy Suite 300, Durham, NC 27713, USA | 3.9★ | 25 |
| #10 | Aradhana Aggarwal CPA PLLC2530 Meridian Pkwy 3rd Floor, Durham, NC 27713, USA | 4.9★ | 59 |
Ranked by verified ratings & review volume · Data from Google Business listings · Updated July 2026
All CPAs & Accountants in Durham
Earns a perfect 5.0-star rating from its first few Google reviews.
18 W Colony Pl STE 180, Durham, NC 27705, USA
Consistently earns perfect 5.0-star ratings from over 50 Google reviews.
501 Eastowne Dr #210, Chapel Hill, NC 27514, USA
Highly rated CPA in Durham with 4.5 stars from 8 Google reviews.
3200 Croasdaile Dr Suite 503, Durham, NC 27705, USA
Earns a perfect 5.0-star rating from 8 Google reviews in Durham.
3333 Durham-Chapel Hill Blvd suite d-200, Durham, NC 27707, USA
Exceptional 5.0-star rating from five Google reviews for a Durham CPA.
5007 Southpark Dr Suite 200 C, Durham, NC 27713, USA
A local CPA firm with a 3.9-star rating from 25 Google reviews.
2530 Meridian Pkwy Suite 300, Durham, NC 27713, USA
Earned a 4.9-star rating from 59 Google reviews, reflecting exceptional client satisfaction.
2530 Meridian Pkwy 3rd Floor, Durham, NC 27713, USA
Earned a flawless 5.0-star rating from 17 Google reviews in Durham.
1815 Forest Rd, Durham, NC 27705, USA
Strong 4.7-star rating based on 13 Google reviews from local clients.
20 W Colony Pl #181, Durham, NC 27705, USA
This firm holds a 3.0-star rating from a dozen Google reviews.
3603 University Dr, Durham, NC 27707, USA
Earns a perfect 5.0-star rating from 10 Google reviews in Durham.
2304 S Miami Blvd # 124, Durham, NC 27703, USA
Praised by clients with a strong 4.8-star rating across 9 Google reviews.
3211 Shannon Rd Suite 200, Durham, NC 27707, USA
Shoppers report solid service, with a 4.2-star average across a handful of reviews.
2726 Croasdaile Dr #101, Durham, NC 27705, USA
Boasting a perfect 5.0-star rating from its first two Google reviews.
6114 Fayetteville Rd #101, Durham, NC 27713, USA
This Durham CPA has a perfect 5.0-star rating from a handful of Google reviews.
1920 Front St STE 910, Durham, NC 27705, USA
Earned a strong 4.6-star rating from nine local Google reviews.
1502 NC-54 STE 503, Durham, NC 27707, USA
A 5.0-star rating from 1 Google review reflects exceptional client satisfaction.
3500 Westgate Dr STE 201, Durham, NC 27707, USA
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CPAs & Accountants in Durham, NC — Compared
| # | Business | RNM Score | Rating | Reviews |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | income tax and accounting services llc | 85/100 | 5.0 ★ | 130 |
| 2 | Paul Scheible, CPA, PLLC | 84/100 | 4.9 ★ | 140 |
| 3 | Tax and QB Guru - RTP, NC Office | 83/100 | 5.0 ★ | 95 |
| 4 | Branch Tanya S CPA | 62/100 | 5.0 ★ | 1 |
| 5 | Adkin CPA PLLC | 80/100 | 5.0 ★ | 55 |
| 6 | Bridget A. Ryan, CPA, PLLC | 62/100 | 4.5 ★ | 8 |
| 7 | Chris Arena, CPA, PLLC | 70/100 | 5.0 ★ | 8 |
| 8 | C.L. Lindsay CPA, PLLC | 68/100 | 5.0 ★ | 5 |
| 9 | Heyward CPA PLLC | 57/100 | 3.9 ★ | 25 |
| 10 | Aradhana Aggarwal CPA PLLC | 79/100 | 4.9 ★ | 59 |
Ranked by RatingsNearMe Score · ratings (35%), review volume (30%), sentiment (20%), completeness (10%), availability (5%) · July 2026
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Frequently Asked Questions — CPAs & Accountants in Durham
What is the difference between a CPA, bookkeeper, and tax preparer in Durham?
A CPA (Certified Public Accountant) is licensed by the NC 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 NC?
Search the NC Board of Accountancy's online license lookup (find it by Googling "NC 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 Durham?
Typical rates in Durham: $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 Durham 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: July 4, 2026.
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