Updated September 2026
Chicago’s tax environment is more layered than most cities. The right local CPA helps you navigate those rules while handling federal compliance and year round planning. Below are the 10 firms that scored highest on client reviews, years in practice, service breadth, and verification signals for 2026.
Quick Picks
- Best Overall: Pasquesi Partners (12 yrs in business, Rating: ★ 5.0)
- Best for Entrepreneurs & Startups: Patrick J. Haddon, CPA, Ltd. (12 yrs in business, Rating: ★ 5.0)
- Best for Payroll Services: Stenger Tax Advisory | Chicago Accountant (3 yrs in business, Rating: ★ 5.0)
- Best for State & Local Tax: Wise CPA Group (15 yrs in business, Rating: ★ 3.4)
- Best for Wealth & Financial Planning: MARK WONG CPA & ASSOCIATES LLC (15 yrs in business, Rating: ★ 2.2)
At a Glance
| Rank | Firm | Best For | Years in Business | Area Served | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Pasquesi Partners | Full-Service | 12 | Chicago | ★ 5.0 |
| 2 | Patrick J. Haddon, CPA, Ltd. | Entrepreneurs & Startups | 12 | Chicago | ★ 5.0 |
| 3 | Stenger Tax Advisory | Chicago Accountant | Payroll Services | 3 | Chicago |
| 4 | Wise CPA Group | State & Local Tax | 15 | Chicago | ★ 3.4 |
| 5 | MARK WONG CPA & ASSOCIATES LLC | Wealth & Financial Planning | 15 | Chicago | ★ 2.2 |
| 6 | Chicagoland CPAs | State & Local Tax | 19 | Chicago | ★ 4.9 |
| 7 | Grant Thornton | International Tax | 30 | Chicago | ★ 4.5 |
| 8 | W.E.D. Tax and Accounting Services Inc | Full-Service | 17 | Chicago | ★ 4.9 |
| 9 | Osaghae & Associates, Ltd. | IRS Representation | 23 | Chicago | ★ 5.0 |
| 10 | Dennis A Parker CPA Ltd | Payroll Services | 26 | Chicago | ★ 5.0 |
How We Chose These CPAs
Rankings are calculated from a weighted score covering client reviews, years in business, pricing transparency, verification status, and other factors. See our full methodology below.
1. Pasquesi Partners
Quick facts: Rating: ★ 5.0 · 12 years in business · Full-Service · Chicago, IL
Pasquesi Partners: Chicago CPA firm (founded 2014 by Rob Pasquesi, ex-Grant Thornton/Deloitte) offering tailored accounting/tax for individuals/small businesses/established companies
Services: Bookkeeping / Accounting, Tax Planning & Advisory, Tax Preparation & Compliance
Address: 350 N Orleans St Suite 9000N, Chicago, IL 60654
2. Patrick J. Haddon, CPA, Ltd.
Quick facts: Rating: ★ 5.0 · 12 years in business · Entrepreneurs & Startups · Chicago, IL
Patrick J. Haddon, CPA offers personalized virtual accounting and tax services to small businesses/individuals in Chicago area with 20+ years expertise.
Services: Bookkeeping / Accounting, IRS Representation, Payroll Services, Tax Planning & Advisory, Tax Preparation & Compliance
Address: 1606 W Montrose Ave, Chicago, IL 60613
3. Stenger Tax Advisory | Chicago Accountant
Quick facts: Rating: ★ 5.0 · 3 years in business · Payroll Services · Chicago, IL
Stenger Tax Advisory is a Chicago CPA firm offering proactive tax prep/advisory for individuals/families/businesses with responsive service & no hourly fees. Taxes: individual/family (basic/advanced/complex/HNW), business (sole prop/S-corp/etc.), bookkeeping, advisory, payroll, resolution
Services: Bookkeeping / Accounting, Payroll Services, Tax Planning & Advisory, Tax Preparation & Compliance
Address: 110 N Wacker Dr Suite 25015, Chicago, IL 60606
4. Wise CPA Group
Quick facts: Rating: ★ 3.4 · 15 years in business · State & Local Tax · Chicago, IL
Wise CPA Group is a boutique Chicago-based CPA firm founded 1983 offering personalized affordable tax/accounting services
Services: Audit / Review / Compilation, Bookkeeping / Accounting, IRS Representation, State & Local Tax, Tax Planning & Advisory, Tax Preparation & Compliance
Address: 7235 N Western Ave, Chicago, IL 60645
5. MARK WONG CPA & ASSOCIATES LLC
Quick facts: Rating: ★ 2.2 · 15 years in business · Wealth & Financial Planning · Chicago, IL
Mark Wong CPA & Associates LLC Chicago firm 20+ yrs tax/bookkeeping/auditing/financial planning for individuals/small-medium biz at reasonable costs; tax
Services: Audit / Review / Compilation, Bookkeeping / Accounting, Payroll Services, Tax Preparation & Compliance, Wealth & Financial Planning
Address: 315 W 23rd St 1st floor, Chicago, IL 60616
6. Chicagoland CPAs
Quick facts: Rating: ★ 4.9 · 19 years in business · State & Local Tax · Chicago, IL
Chicagoland CPA & Accountants (est. 1994) is a leading Chicago tax firm providing accounting/tax/business advisory to small businesses/individuals
Services: Bookkeeping / Accounting, IRS Representation, Payroll Services, State & Local Tax, Tax Planning & Advisory, Tax Preparation & Compliance
Address: 5519 N Cumberland Ave Ste 1003, Chicago, IL 60656
7. Grant Thornton
Quick facts: Rating: ★ 4.5 · 30 years in business · International Tax · Chicago, IL
Grant Thornton is one of the largest and fastest-growing audit, tax, and advisory service providers in Chicago.
Services: Audit / Review / Compilation, International Tax, Tax Planning & Advisory, Tax Preparation & Compliance
Address: 171 N Clark St #200, Chicago, IL 60601
8. W.E.D. Tax and Accounting Services Inc
Quick facts: Rating: ★ 4.9 · 17 years in business · Full-Service · Chicago, IL
full-service fiscal management firm founded 1988 in Chicago IL & Coconut Creek FL providing affordable tax/accounting services to businesses/individuals/non-profits
Services: Bookkeeping / Accounting, Tax Planning & Advisory, Tax Preparation & Compliance
Address: 5629 W Madison St Suite 1, Chicago, IL 60644
9. Osaghae & Associates, Ltd.
Quick facts: Rating: ★ 5.0 · 23 years in business · IRS Representation · Chicago, IL
Osaghae & Associates, Ltd. is a full-service public accounting firm in Chicago focused on client satisfaction, offering tax and accounting services for small-to-midsize businesses.
Services: IRS Representation, Tax Planning & Advisory, Tax Preparation & Compliance
Address: 11070 S Western Ave, Chicago, IL 60643
10. Dennis A Parker CPA Ltd
Quick facts: Rating: ★ 5.0 · 26 years in business · Payroll Services · Chicago, IL
Dennis A. Parker, CPA, Ltd. is a full-service accounting firm in Chicago providing tax and accounting services for over 35 years
Services: Tax Planning & Advisory, Tax Preparation & Compliance, Bookkeeping / Accounting, Payroll Services
Address: 5439 W Lawrence Ave, Chicago, IL 60630
Looking for a CPA Nearby?
Or browse the full Illinois CPA directory to see every listed firm in the state.
How to Choose a CPA in Chicago
Chicago businesses and residents need to comply with a distinct mix of rules that generic national advice often misses. Illinois charges a flat 4.95% individual income tax and a combined corporate rate (income tax plus Personal Property Replacement Tax) that ranks among the higher rates in the Midwest.
The city itself does not levy a local income tax, but it does require separate registration and monthly electronic filings for several business taxes (like Personal Property Lease Transaction Tax, amusement tax, parking tax, and others).
Start by confirming the CPA is actively licensed through the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) lookup; the record shows status, renewal dates, and any discipline. Ask specifically about experience with Chicago and Cook County filings, not just Illinois or federal returns.
Finding a CPA can be difficult. It takes time to research and understand whether that person will be able to meet your needs. That’s why I built a free concierge form that you can submit and I will find you the perfect match.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between a CPA and an accountant?
A CPA is someone who has undergone extensive training, typically earning a bachelor’s or master’s degree in accounting, passing a rigorous four-part exam, and gaining sufficient experience providing tax or accounting services. An accountant may not be a CPA. If you want the highest quality tax, accounting, or other financial services, it’s best to work with a CPA.
How much does a CPA typically cost in Chicago?
In Chicago, CPA-level advisory and tax work commonly runs $150-$260/hr, with an average around $205/hr.
Simple individual tax preparation often falls in the $250-$400 range. More complex personal returns or those with investments and itemized deductions cost more.
Business tax returns and ongoing bookkeeping are usually quoted as flat annual or monthly fees that scale with entity type, revenue, and transaction volume.
Do Chicago businesses need to worry about local taxes in addition to Illinois and federal returns?
Yes. While Chicago has no local income tax, many businesses must register with the city and file monthly electronic returns for taxes such as the Personal Property Lease Transaction Tax, amusement tax, and others.
These are separate from Illinois Department of Revenue and IRS obligations, and late filings carry significant penalties. A CPA familiar with Chicago’s Tax Division requirements can keep you current and avoid costly notices.
When are the main tax deadlines for Chicago individuals and businesses?
Federal and Illinois individual returns are generally due April 15 (with an automatic six-month extension to file, though payment is still due by the original date). S-corporation and partnership returns are typically due earlier, mid-March for calendar-year entities. Most Chicago city business taxes are due monthly by the 15th of the following month. Your CPA should provide a personalized calendar that includes estimated tax payments.