CPA Guide
Top CPA Firms in Kentucky
Find trusted, highly-rated Certified Public Accountants across Kentucky. Independently reviewed and ranked by our editorial team.
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CPA Services in Kentucky
Kentucky’s economy has traditionally been built on manufacturing (particularly automotive), agriculture (horses, bourbon, tobacco), and healthcare, with Louisville serving as a major logistics hub thanks to UPS Worldport. The state has been actively reducing its income tax rates as part of a long-term fiscal reform plan, making it increasingly competitive in the region.
Kentucky CPAs are knowledgeable about the unique aspects of the state’s agricultural industries, including farm income, equine business taxation, and distillery operations. For businesses in Louisville and Lexington, CPAs provide guidance on the state’s corporate income tax, limited liability entity tax, and the various local occupational taxes imposed by Kentucky’s cities and counties.
Top 6 CPA Firms in Kentucky
Ranked by our editorial scoring system based on verified ratings and review volume
#1
Sterling CPAs PLLC
★★★★☆ (146 reviews)
📍 841 Corporate Dr #300, Lexington, KY 40503
📞 (859) 305-1099
Certified Public AccountantAccountantAccountingBookkeeping
#2
Abacus!
★★★★★ (99 reviews)
📍 2297 Lexington Rd #102, Louisville, KY 40206
📞 (502) 276-0956
Certified Public AccountantAccountingAccountantEconomic Consultant
#3
Hicks & Associates CPAs
★★★★☆ (50 reviews)
📍 1795 Alysheba Way #6206, Lexington, KY 40509
📞 (859) 368-9727
Certified Public AccountantAccountantAuditorBookkeeping
#4
Dark Horse CPAs
★★★★★ (42 reviews)
📍 133 Evergreen Rd Suite 202, Louisville, KY 40243
📞 (502) 317-2585
AccountingBookkeepingBusiness Management ConsultantCertified Public Accountant
#5
Roberts CPA Group
★★★★☆ (47 reviews)
📍 201 Townepark Cir B-1, Louisville, KY 40243
📞 (502) 426-0000
Certified Public AccountantAccountantAccountingBookkeeping
#6
Professional Tax Service
★★★★☆ (51 reviews)
📍 600 U.S. 31 W Bypass, Bowling Green, KY 42101
📞 (270) 781-4141
Tax PreparationBookkeepingCertified Public Accountant
🏆 How We Selected These Firms
Our editorial team evaluates CPA firms across Kentucky using a proprietary scoring model that considers:
✓ Google rating — only firms with 4.0 stars or higher are eligible
✓ Review volume — scored using a logarithmic formula to reward genuine review depth
✓ Verified address — firms must have a confirmed physical location
✓ No paid placements — rankings are editorial only, never paid
Last updated: 2025 | Data sourced from verified public business listings
Kentucky CPA & Tax FAQ
Q: What is Kentucky’s income tax rate?
Kentucky has a flat individual income tax rate of 4.0% (reduced from 4.5% in 2023, with further reductions planned under Kentucky’s tax reform legislation). The state also imposes a separate city and/or county occupational tax in many jurisdictions, which can add 1–3% on top of the state rate.
Q: What is Kentucky’s limited liability entity tax?
Kentucky’s Limited Liability Entity Tax (LLET) applies to LLCs, partnerships, and other limited liability entities doing business in Kentucky. The LLET is calculated as the greater of: (1) $175 minimum, or (2) a percentage of either gross receipts or gross profits, whichever calculation is lower. This is essentially a business privilege tax separate from income tax obligations.
Q: How does Kentucky treat horse racing and equine income?
Kentucky’s equine industry — home to the Kentucky Derby and a global hub for thoroughbred breeding and racing — creates unique tax situations. Income from horse racing, breeding fees, and sale of horses is subject to Kentucky income tax. Kentucky also has specialized depreciation rules for racehorses and breeding stock, and many Kentucky CPAs have specialized expertise in equine industry tax planning.
Q: Are there local occupational taxes in Kentucky?
Yes, Kentucky is unique in that many cities and counties impose their own occupational (income) taxes. Louisville, Lexington, and many other municipalities have net profit taxes on businesses and wages. These taxes require separate filings in addition to state income tax obligations. Businesses operating across multiple Kentucky jurisdictions must comply with each jurisdiction’s rules.
Q: What should I know about the Kentucky bourbon industry taxes?
Kentucky produces roughly 95% of the world’s bourbon supply. Kentucky’s barrel tax (based on the number of barrels in inventory) is a unique feature of the state’s tax code. Distilleries must also navigate excise taxes, ABC regulations, and complex production cost accounting. The state provides various incentives for distillery investment.
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