Accountant, CPA or tax preparer?
Anyone can call themselves an accountant. CPA is a license issued by the Florida Board of Accountancy through DBPR, after education, the CPA exam and supervised experience (DBPR (opens in new tab)). A paid tax preparer needs only an IRS Preparer Tax Identification Number (IRS (opens in new tab)). When the IRS questions a return, CPAs, enrolled agents and attorneys can represent you without limits; most other preparers can't (IRS (opens in new tab)). The full comparison is in CPA vs. Tax Preparer vs. Enrolled Agent.
What Orlando businesses usually need help with
- Sales and use tax. The state rate is 6%, plus a county surtax that changes; use the current DR-15DSS table (opens in new tab) for Orange, Seminole or Osceola rather than a number from an old article.
- Tangible personal property. Business equipment is reported on Form DR-405, due April 1 to the county property appraiser (DOR (opens in new tab)).
- Payroll. Florida reemployment tax is employer-paid (DOR (opens in new tab)).
- Corporate income tax. Corporations file Florida Form F-1120; a calendar-year return is due May 1 (DOR (opens in new tab)).
If your business needs bookkeeping as well, read Bookkeeper vs. CPA in Florida.
Firm or solo practice?
For a personal return or a small business with clean books, a solo CPA you can call directly is often the better fit. If you need several services at once (bookkeeping, payroll, sales tax and the annual return), compare Orlando accounting firms that do it all in-house. Either way, ask who will do your work and who signs it.
Around Orlando
Many Central Florida CPAs list a neighboring city: Winter Park, Maitland, Altamonte Springs, Lake Mary, Oviedo, Sanford, Winter Garden and Kissimmee. County pages: Orange, Seminole, Osceola.
Check the license
Search the name or license number on the DBPR license search (opens in new tab). Current, Active is what you want; our license lookup guide explains the rest. For enrolled agents, use the IRS preparer directory (opens in new tab).
This guide is general information, not tax, legal or financial advice, and it doesn't recommend any particular CPA or firm. Confirm any license on the DBPR register before you hire.
Common questions
- How do I find an accountant in Orlando, FL?
- Decide whether you need a CPA, an enrolled agent or a tax preparer, then shortlist two or three from this directory's Orlando pages. Ask who will do and sign the work and how they price it, and confirm any CPA license on the Florida DBPR search.
- Is an accountant the same as a CPA?
- No. Anyone can use the word accountant. A CPA holds a license from the Florida Board of Accountancy through DBPR, earned through education, the CPA exam and supervised experience, and can represent you before the IRS.
- What Florida taxes do Orlando small businesses file?
- Commonly sales and use tax, the annual tangible personal property return on Form DR-405 due April 1, reemployment tax for employers, and Florida corporate income tax for corporations. Florida has no individual income tax.
- How do I check an Orlando CPA's license?
- Search the name or license number on the Florida DBPR license search and look for Current, Active status. It is free.