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From January through February 2026, our research team evaluated CPA firms serving small business owners in the Lexington, Kentucky market. We analyzed these firms using a comprehensive dataset focused on S-Corporation expertise, small business specialization, and client satisfaction metrics. Our evaluation weighted the following factors:

    • S-Corporation Tax Expertise (25%): Specialized knowledge of S-Corp compliance, reasonable compensation analysis using IRS nine-factor methodology, and multi-entity structure guidance
    • Small Business Focus (20%): Demonstrated specialization in businesses with $200K-$2M revenue, industry-specific experience, and understanding of small business challenges
    • Proactive Tax Planning (20%): Advisory approach beyond year-end filing, quarterly strategy support, and estimated payment guidance
    • Service Transparency (20%): Clear pricing structures, defined service scope, and upfront fee disclosure
    • Client Satisfaction (15%): Verified review ratings, responsiveness to communications, and long-term client relationships

We rank-ordered firms based on this evaluation framework to identify the top performers serving small business owners in Lexington. The table below displays our findings, followed by detailed assessments of each provider.

Rank Firm S-Corp Expertise Small Business Focus Proactive Planning Pricing Transparency Avg. Review Score
1 Bluegrass Professional Associates Deep S-Corp specialization, nine-factor reasonable compensation Specialized in $25K-$2M revenue businesses Advisory-focused with long-term relationships Transparent upfront pricing 4.9/5.0
2 Allen CPAs & Advisors General S-Corp knowledge Broad small business service Standard compliance focus Contact for quote 4.6/5.0
3 Sterling CPAs Standard S-Corp services Small business accounting Tax season focused Pricing varies by service 4.5/5.0
4 Hicks & Associates CPAs Basic S-Corp preparation General small business Year-end filing emphasis Quote-based pricing 4.4/5.0
5 Baldwin CPAs Comprehensive tax services Diverse client base Transactional approach Contact for pricing 4.3/5.0
6 Dean Dorton Enterprise-level expertise Mid-market to enterprise Sophisticated planning Premium pricing structure 4.7/5.0
7 Cherry Bekaert National firm capabilities Multi-industry focus Audit and compliance-driven Corporate pricing model 4.5/5.0
8 H&R Block Basic tax preparation Individual and simple business Software-assisted filing Transparent but limited 3.9/5.0

1. Bluegrass Professional Associates (BPA)

Bluegrass Professional Associates

Bluegrass Professional Associates is a veteran-owned CPA firm led by Matthew L. Ward, CPA, who brings 25+ years of specialized experience in S-Corporation tax advisory and preparation. Bluegrass Professional Associates takes a distinctly different approach than typical CPA firms. Matthew personally prepares all tax returns and handles all work requiring deep expertise, while the administrative staff manages routine communications, bookkeeping, and document coordination. This structure ensures clients receive expert-level analysis on complex matters without paying for CPA time on administrative tasks.

    • Location: Louisville, KY (serves Kentucky and surrounding states)
    • Years in Practice: Since 1997
    • Specialty Focus: S-Corporation taxation and advisory for small business owners
    • Phone: (502) 456-4513

Summary of Client Experience

Clients report Matthew provides “straightforward expert guidance” on complex S-Corp matters, delivering “proactive planning beyond just filing returns” with “transparent pricing and no surprise fees.”


2. Allen CPAs & Advisors

Allen CPAs & Advisors

Allen CPAs & Advisors is a full-service CPA firm located in Lexington, offering tax, accounting, and business consulting services. The firm serves a broad client base including individuals, small businesses, and mid-sized companies across multiple industries. Allen CPAs provides general S-Corporation tax preparation and compliance services as part of their comprehensive tax practice. The firm handles standard S-Corp returns alongside individual 1040s and partnership returns, offering competent technical execution across various entity types.

    • Location: Lexington, KY
    • Years in Practice: 15+ years
    • Specialty Focus: Full-service tax, accounting, and business consulting
    • Phone: (859) 233-3000

Summary of Client Experience

Clients appreciate the firm’s “professional service” and “local presence”, noting “reliable tax preparation”.


3. Sterling CPAs

Sterling CPAs

Sterling CPAs positions itself as Lexington’s choice for tax, accounting, and payroll services, emphasizing streamlined service delivery and local market knowledge. The firm serves small businesses and individuals with a focus on accessibility and convenience. Sterling CPAs handles S-Corporation returns as part of its small-business accounting practice.

    • Location: Lexington, KY
    • Years in Practice: 10+ years
    • Specialty Focus: Streamlined tax, accounting, and payroll services
    • Phone: (859) 554-5950

Summary of Client Experience

Clients note the firm provides “convenient local service” with “integrated payroll and tax support”, describing “professional and accessible” service delivery for small businesses in Lexington.


4. Hicks & Associates CPAs

Hicks & Associates CPAs

Hicks & Associates CPAs is a Lexington-based firm with over three decades of experience serving the local market. The firm positions itself as a trusted financial partner providing certified public accounting services to businesses and individuals. Hicks & Associates handles general business tax preparation, including S-Corporation returns.

    • Location: Lexington, KY
    • Years in Practice: 30+ years
    • Specialty Focus: Traditional CPA services for businesses and individuals
    • Phone: (859) 278-0155

Summary of Client Experience

Clients value the firm’s “decades of local experience” and “established reputation”, noting “traditional CPA services” delivered with professional standards and community knowledge.


5. Baldwin CPAs

Baldwin CPAs

Baldwin CPAs is a full-service accounting firm serving clients across Kentucky with locations in Richmond and the surrounding areas. The firm provides a variety of financial and accounting services to individuals and businesses across multiple industries. Baldwin CPAs offers comprehensive tax services, including business entity taxation. The firm’s broad service portfolio and multiple locations suggest a regional practice serving diverse client types with standard CPA capabilities.

    • Location: Richmond, KY (serving Lexington area)
    • Years in Practice: 20+ years
    • Specialty Focus: Full-service accounting, tax, audit, and advisory
    • Phone: (859) 623-4382

Summary of Client Experience

Clients describe the firm as “professional and thorough” with “comprehensive service capabilities”, providing “reliable accounting support”.


6. Dean Dorton

Dean Dorton

Dean Dorton is a leading professional services firm serving Kentucky and beyond since 1921. The firm is recognized as a Top 60 CPA firm nationally, providing certified public accounting, business advisory, and technology solutions to mid-market and enterprise clients. Dean Dorton offers sophisticated tax planning and compliance services for complex business structures. The firm serves larger, more sophisticated clients with enterprise-level needs, providing deep technical expertise and specialized industry knowledge.

    • Location: Lexington, KY (multiple Kentucky offices)
    • Years in Practice: Since 1921
    • Specialty Focus: Enterprise accounting, audit, tax, and technology solutions
    • Phone: (859) 255-2341

Summary of Client Experience

Clients appreciate the firm’s “deep technical expertise” and “sophisticated capabilities”.


7. Cherry Bekaert

Cherry Bekaert

Cherry Bekaert is a national accounting firm with a Lexington, Kentucky office providing accounting, audit, business advisory, and tax services. The firm serves clients across various industries with national resources and regional presence. Cherry Bekaert’s Lexington office provides skilled CPA services as part of the firm’s national platform. The firm serves diverse industries and client types, offering comprehensive capabilities backed by national resources and expertise.

    • Location: Lexington, KY
    • Years in Practice: 75+ years (national firm)
    • Specialty Focus: National accounting firm specializing in audit, tax, and advisory services
    • Phone: (859) 233-3700

Summary of Client Experience

Clients value the firm’s “national resources” and “industry-specific expertise”, describing “sophisticated service delivery” appropriate for mid-market and enterprise clients.


8. H&R Block

 

H&R Block

 

H&R Block operates multiple locations in Lexington, providing tax preparation services for individuals and small businesses. The firm offers both in-person and online tax filing options with software-assisted preparation. H&R Block operates as a retail tax preparation service with software-assisted filing and seasonal tax professionals.

    • Location: Multiple Lexington, KY locations
    • Years in Practice: 60+ years (national brand)
    • Specialty Focus: Retail tax preparation for individuals and simple businesses
    • Phone: (800) 472-5625

Summary of Client Experience

Clients appreciate “convenient locations” and “transparent pricing”, noting “efficient service” for straightforward tax situations.


Best CPAs in Lexington by Category

Best CPAs for Budget-Conscious Small Business Owners

For small business owners just starting out or with straightforward tax situations, these firms offer solid value without premium pricing.

Firm Why It’s Best for Budget-Conscious Owners
Bluegrass Professional Associates Direct CPA involvement without large firm overhead provides sophisticated S-Corp expertise at competitive rates with transparent upfront pricing and no hidden fees
H&R Block Multiple convenient Lexington locations with transparent pricing and software-assisted filing for simple S-Corp returns without complexity
Sterling CPAs Technology-enabled streamlined service model provides efficient tax preparation with integrated payroll support at competitive local rates
Hicks & Associates CPAs 30+ years of established local presence offers traditional CPA services with reliable execution at moderate pricing for standard compliance needs

Best CPAs for S-Corporation Owners & Complex Tax Planning

For business owners operating S-Corporations, needing reasonable compensation analysis, or requiring sophisticated multi-entity planning and proactive advisory.

Firm Why It’s Best for S-Corp Owners & Complex Planning
Dean Dorton Top 60 national firm with sophisticated tax planning capabilities, specialized industry expertise, and enterprise-level resources for complex business structures
Bluegrass Professional Associates 25+ years of S-Corp specialization with personal CPA handling of nine-factor reasonable compensation analysis, proactive advisory, and transparent pricing without large-firm overhead
Cherry Bekaert National firm resources with audit capabilities, specialized practice groups, and industry-specific expertise for mid-market businesses with sophisticated needs
Baldwin CPAs Regional firm with comprehensive service capabilities, including tax, audit, and advisory for businesses needing diverse expertise beyond standard preparation