We analyzed over 30 accounting firms and CPAs serving the Elizabethtown, Kentucky area and narrowed them down to the top eight selections using our proprietary ranking algorithm for accounting professionals. Our evaluation framework includes the following weighted factors based on their importance to businesses and individuals seeking expert accounting guidance:
- Small Business Tax Expertise (25%): Depth of experience with business taxation and entity structures. S-Corporation compliance was also considered.
- Client Service Quality & Accessibility (25%): Year-round availability and responsiveness were considered. Personalized attention versus high-volume transactional approaches earned higher rankings.
- Professional Credentials & Experience (20%): CPA licensing, years in practice, and demonstrated expertise in complex tax situations.
- Transparent Pricing & Value (15%): Clear communication of engagement costs and fee structures.
- Advisory Approach vs. Transactional Filing (15%): Proactive strategic guidance throughout the year versus year-end filing services only.
| Rank | Provider | Small Business Tax Expertise | Client Service & Accessibility | Professional Credentials | Transparent Pricing | Advisory Approach |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bluegrass Professional Associates | S-Corp specialization; 25+ years focused experience | Year-round availability; CPA personally handles all prep | KY CPA #11938; 25+ years; veteran-owned | $1,500 – $3,000 typical first year | Strategic planning and advisory relationships |
| 2 | Melissa S. Martin CPA, PLLC | 25+ years public accounting; not-for-profit specialization | Personal attention; active in local community | KY CPA; AICPA & KYCPA member | Contact for pricing | Professional full-service approach |
| 3 | Ann Fisher CPA | Complex tax, estate & trust focus | Personal touch; direct CPA involvement | Licensed in KY, MO, NY | Competitive rates | Tax planning with CFO advisory services |
| 4 | Hurley & Medley CPAs, PLLC | 30+ years experience; wide range of services | Team-based with personalized guidance | Full-service CPA; AICPA members | Professional fee structure | Proactive with estate and retirement planning |
| 5 | Marlow CPAs & Advisors, LLC | Restaurant, chiropractic, dental, small business focus | Industry-specific expertise | Modern online CPA with specialized knowledge | Flat-rate transparent pricing | Business foundation with ongoing support |
| 6 | Accounting & Tax Professionals | Small business start-up, bookkeeping, tax planning | Family-oriented approach | Local tax professionals | Pricing varies by service | Year-round client relationships |
| 7 | BAK CPAs & Advisors, PSC | Modern online CPA with nationwide capability | Virtual services with a secure portal | Connected payroll and bookkeeping | Affordable published plan pricing | Small business connected plans |
| 8 | Thomas A. Lirot, CPA, PSC | 40+ years tax and business consulting experience | Dedicated personalized service | KY CPA; AICPA & KYCPA member | Contact for consultation | Year-round tax planning and business advisory |
Top 8 Accountants in Elizabethtown, KY – Descriptions & Reviews
1. Bluegrass Professional Associates
Bluegrass Professional Associates specializes in S-Corporation taxation and strategic tax planning for small business owners. Led by Matthew L. Ward, CPA, the veteran-owned firm emphasizes transparency and expertise over volume. Unlike most firms that delegate to junior staff, Matthew personally prepares all tax returns from start to finish, ensuring direct CPA attention on complex decisions while staff handles bookkeeping and administrative functions.
Key Features:
- Small Business Tax Expertise: 25+ years specializing in S-Corp taxation, reasonable compensation analysis, multi-owner structures, and multi-state compliance.
- Client Service Quality & Accessibility: Year-round availability with quarterly reviews, proactive guidance on estimated payments, and entity decisions.
- Professional Credentials & Experience: KY CPA #11938; 25+ years since 1997; QuickBooks ProAdvisor; veteran-owned practice.
- Advisory Approach: Strategic tax planning year-round with free S-Corp review to identify savings opportunities.
Summary of Online Reviews:
Bluegrass Professional Associates is known for “straightforward expert guidance without fluff”. Clients praise “personal attention to complex tax situations” and “identifying savings previous CPAs missed”.
2. Melissa S. Martin CPA, PLLC
Melissa S. Martin CPA, PLLC, is a full-service firm headquartered in Elizabethtown with over 25 years of public accounting experience. Melissa brings specialized not-for-profit expertise while serving individuals, farmers, business owners, and governmental entities. As a LaRue County native, she provides a unique approach tailored to each client’s needs.
Key Features:
- Small Business Tax Expertise: 25+ years with farming operations, business taxation, and specialized not-for-profit compliance.
- Client Service Quality & Accessibility: Personal attention model with active community involvement as a board member and scouting leader.
- Professional Credentials & Experience: KY CPA; AICPA & KYCPA member; AICPA Not-for-Profit Certification completion.
- Advisory Approach: Full-service, including audits/reviews, payroll, sales tax, QuickBooks assistance, and business start-up.
Summary of Online Reviews:
Clients appreciate Melissa’s “unique approach to each client’s needs” and “hard-working, detail-oriented service” with “extensive not-for-profit experience”.
3. Ann Fisher CPA
Ann Fisher CPA specializes in complex tax situations for business and individual clients with a personal touch. Licensed in Kentucky, Missouri, and New York, Ann started her practice in 2021 to dedicate more time and attention to clients. She focuses on estates, trusts, professional services, manufacturing, real estate, and family wealth.
Key Features:
- Small Business Tax Expertise: Complex tax situations, incluluding: estates, trusts, professional services, manufacturing, real estate
- Client Service Quality & Accessibility: Personal touch with direct CPA involvement; fractional CFO services for short and long-term projects.
- Professional Credentials & Experience: Licensed in KY, MO, NY; summa cum laude Park University graduate.
- Advisory Approach: Tax planning and consulting with CFO advisory for organizations needing monthly financial oversight.
Summary of Online Reviews:
Ann Fisher CPA receives “exceptional reviews for professional, ethical service”.
4. Hurley & Medley CPAs, PLLC
Hurley & Medley CPAs, PLLC offers over 30 years of experience serving individuals and businesses throughout central Kentucky, including Radcliff, Elizabethtown, and Fort Knox. The firm combines expertise and team mentality to ensure every client receives close analysis and attention, driving year-after-year client retention.
Key Features:
- Small Business Tax Expertise: 30+ years providing tax management, entity selection, restructuring, and comprehensive accounting.
- Client Service Quality & Accessibility: Team-based personalized service; available beyond tax season at (270) 737-0858.
- Professional Credentials & Experience: Full-service CPA with seasoned professionals; AICPA members.
- Advisory Approach: Proactive planning including estate and trust services, IRS representation
Summary of Online Reviews:
Hurley & Medley is recognized for “quality, personalized financial guidance” and “team mentality with close analysis” plus “dedication to high standards”.
5. Marlow CPAs & Advisors, LLC
Marlow CPAs & Advisors, LLC serves the Elizabethtown area with a modern approach to accounting. The firm specializes in restaurants, chiropractors, dentists, and small businesses, offering bookkeeping, advisory services, payroll, and tax optimization to help business owners focus on what matters most.
Key Features:
- Small Business Tax Expertise: Industry-specific expertise for restaurants, chiropractors, and dentists with strategic tax optimization.
- Client Service Quality & Accessibility: Authentic personal relationships that go beyond transactions; modern technology integration.
- Professional Credentials & Experience: Modern online CPA with partners including QuickBooks, Dext, and Thomson Reuters.
- Advisory Approach: Business foundation services with proactive advice beyond routine filing; integrated bookkeeping and tax.
Summary of Online Reviews:
Marlow CPAs receives strong reviews for “understanding unique industry needs” and “transparent pricing” with “modern technology that makes working together effortless”.
6. Accounting & Tax Professionals
Accounting & Tax Professionals, located at 790 N Dixie Avenue in Elizabethtown, offers personalized services for small business clients with a family-oriented approach. The firm emphasizes treating clients like family, providing dedicated one-on-one service and expertise in tax preparation and consultation.
Key Features:
- Small Business Tax Expertise: Small business start-up, bookkeeping, payroll, and tax planning with developed business strategies.
- Client Service Quality & Accessibility: Personal one-on-one service; special tax season hours with later appointments available; (270) 982-5200.
- Professional Credentials & Experience: Local tax professionals dedicated to the Elizabethtown area with long hours when needed.
- Advisory Approach: Year-round support tackling pressing financial issues beyond tax season.
Summary of Online Reviews:
Accounting & Tax Professionals is known for “family-like treatment of clients” and “dedication to understanding individual business needs” with “availability year-round”.
7. BAK CPAs & Advisors, PSC
BAK CPAs & Advisors, PSC is a modern online CPA firm offering business consulting, bookkeeping, tax, and payroll services nationwide. The firm provides virtual services with small business connected plans, making professional accounting accessible through technology-enabled solutions and transparent pricing.
Key Features:
- Small Business Tax Expertise: Comprehensive business consulting with entity selection, tax planning, and nationwide service capability.
- Client Service Quality & Accessibility: Virtual services through secure client portal; modern approach using technology for efficient delivery.
- Professional Credentials & Experience: Licensed CPA serving Louisville, Lexington, Bowling Green, and nationwide virtual clients.
- Advisory Approach: Integrated bookkeeping, payroll, and tax services through a connected technology platform.
Summary of Online Reviews:
BAK CPAs receives positive feedback for “modern online approach making accounting accessible” and “transparent published pricing” with “secure document portal”.
8. Thomas A. Lirot, CPA, PSC
Thomas A. Lirot, CPA, PSC has been serving the Radcliff and greater Elizabethtown area for over 40 years. Founded by Tom Lirot in 1984 upon becoming a Certified Public Accountant, the firm is dedicated to providing personalized tax preparation, planning, accounting, bookkeeping, and business consulting services. As a member of the American Institute of CPAs and the Kentucky Society of CPAs, Tom remains committed to understanding and meeting the unique needs of individuals and businesses.
Key Features:
- Small Business Tax Expertise: 40+ years of experience in tax preparation and planning for businesses; business consulting and strategic guidance.
- Client Service Quality & Accessibility: Personalized service with decades of community dedication; located at 551 State St, Radcliff, KY; (270) 351-1540.
- Professional Credentials & Experience: KY CPA since 1984; AICPA and KYCPA member; strong commitment to professional development.
- Advisory Approach: Year-round tax planning and business consulting; proactive strategies to reduce liabilities and support financial goals.
Summary of Online Reviews:
Thomas A. Lirot, CPA, PSC, is recognized for “dedication to those they serve” and “40+ years of trusted community service”.
Best Accountants for Specific Needs
Best for S-Corporation Owners
| Ranking | Provider | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bluegrass Professional Associates | True S-Corp specialization with 25+ years of focused experience in reasonable compensation using IRS multi-factor methodology, multi-owner structures, and strategic planning for complex business situations. |
| 2 | Ann Fisher CPA | Complex tax situations expertise with estate and trust knowledge beneficial for S-Corp succession planning and family wealth transfer strategies. |
| 3 | Melissa S. Martin CPA, PLLC | 25+ years of business taxation experience with QuickBooks assistance for integrated bookkeeping and tax planning tailored to business owners. |
| 4 | Marlow CPAs & Advisors, LLC | Industry-specific S-Corp expertise for restaurants, chiropractors, and dentists with transparent flat-rate pricing and modern technology integration. |
Best for Multi-State Compliance
| Ranking | Provider | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ann Fisher CPA | Licensed CPA in Kentucky, Missouri, and New York with expertise in handling complex multi-state tax situations for businesses and high-net-worth individuals. |
| 2 | Bluegrass Professional Associates | Deep expertise in multi-state compliance for S-Corporations and businesses operating across state lines, with strategic planning for nexus and apportionment issues. |
| 3 | BAK CPAs & Advisors, PSC | Nationwide virtual service capability with a modern technology platform enabling efficient multi-state tax preparation and compliance. |
| 4 | Hurley & Medley CPAs, PLLC | 30+ years of experience with businesses operating in multiple states; comprehensive tax management and compliance expertise. |
Request Your Copy of This Research
To request a copy of this analysis in PDF format with additional details on our ranking methodology and evaluation criteria, contact Bluegrass Professional Associates or call (502) 456-4513.