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 the comprehensive dataset below.
- 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
Best CPAs in Lexington, KY: Comparison
| 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 | SLT CPAs | Standard S-Corp preparation; multi-industry focus | Small business, equine, nonprofit, and professional services | Year-round advisory; fractional controller services | Contact for a quote | 4.4/5.0 |
1. Bluegrass Professional Associates (BPA)
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.
- 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:
2. 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.
- 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:
3. 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:
4. 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:
5. 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:
6. 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.
- 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:
7. 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.
- Location: Lexington, KY
- Years in Practice: 75+ years (national firm)
- Specialty Focus: National accounting firm specializing in audit, tax, and advisory services
- Phone: (859) 514-7800
Summary of Client Experience:
8. SLT CPAs
SLT CPAs is a Lexington-based accounting firm formed from the merger of SizemoreTucker, Livesay Group, and Malof & Associates. The firm brings together tax planning, compliance, outsourced accounting, and payroll under one roof, serving a diverse client base that includes small businesses, equine operations, nonprofits, construction firms, and professional service companies. SLT CPAs handles S-Corporation returns and business tax compliance as part of its full-service practice.
- Location: Lexington, KY (additional offices in Cincinnati, OH, and Lebanon, KY)
- Years in Practice: Est. 2025 (partner teams bring decades of combined experience)
- Specialty Focus: Multi-industry tax planning, outsourced accounting, and payroll services
- Phone: (859) 514-3300
Summary of Client Experience:
Best CPAs in Lexington by Category
Best CPAs for Budget-Conscious Small Business Owners
| Rank | Firm |
|---|---|
| 1 | Bluegrass Professional Associates |
| 2 | SLT CPAs |
| 3 | Sterling CPAs |
| 4 | Hicks & Associates CPAs |
Best CPAs for S-Corporation Owners & Complex Tax Planning
| Rank | Firm |
|---|---|
| 1 | Dean Dorton |
| 2 | Bluegrass Professional Associates |
| 3 | Cherry Bekaert |
| 4 | Baldwin CPAs |
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