A CPA (Certified Public Accountant) has passed a national exam, met state licensing requirements, and maintains continuing education. Not every accountant is a CPA, but every CPA is trained in accounting principles.

Common mistakes:

• Assuming all accountants provide the same level of service

• Choosing based only on title without understanding services offered
  

What we recommend:
If you’re a small business owner needing tax planning, compliance, and financial clarity, working with a CPA firm often provides broader support.