Charlotte CampbellSo, there I am, innocently sipping my coffee when — surprise! A letter from the tax folks, claiming I owe them.
Panic sets in and I’m scrambling through papers, realizing time’s ticking. Then a brilliant idea: why not get the top accountant in Halifax?
After a whirlwind search, I found my financial savior. Not only did I sort my own mess, but I became the hero of the day, hooking up friends and family with top recommendations.
And whether you’re drowning in numbers or swimming in business, this list is your lifeline to Halifax’s best accountants!
| How much do accountants charge in Halifax? Accountants in Halifax charge an hourly average of $275. This amount can change based on the size of your business and the type of services you need. |
How We Chose the Best Accountants in Halifax
Diamond Accounts Inc.
Website: https://diamondaccounts.ca/
Address: 600 Bedford Hwy Suite 230
Contact Details: +1 902-580-3321
Operating Hours:
- Open daily from 8 AM–6 PM
Diamond Accounts provides accounting, bookkeeping, payroll, financial planning, and new business registration services.
We like that they are certified with Xero and QuickBooks, offering clients flexibility in choosing their preferred systems.
Their payroll service caught our eye as it supports sole proprietorships, partnerships, and corporations. Plus, the service manages work-related injury support (Work-Safe/WSIB) and health tax payments.
We found that their clients praised their responsiveness and friendly approach as well as the quality of their work.
However, some clients mentioned issues with tax computations. Upon reviewing their taxes, frustrated clients discovered they had refunds due instead of tax payments as the result of incorrect filings by the firm.
Pros
- Certified with Xero and QuickBooks
- Comprehensive payroll service
- Responsive and friendly customer service
Cons
- Discrepancies with tax calculations and refunds
Helpful with tax credits and refunds
“I have a great experience with Diamond Accounts, they are very helpful. I love the phenomenal service I got for applying my personal and wife’s income tax . I got extra credits and refunds that was unexpected. I strongly recommend to get any tax related service.”
Satnam Singh Maan, Google Reviews
Efficient, professional, and communicative
“Excellent, fast and professional service. Very clear communication. They are always there to help whenever I have reached out. I have been satisfactorily using their services since we landed in Canada.”
Gaurav Gulati, Google Reviews
Premier Accounting And Tax Inc.
Website: https://www.premiertaxhalifax.com/
Address: 80 Camelot Ln #213
Contact Details: +1 902-900-5795
Operating Hours:
- Closed on Sunday
- Monday to Friday: 8 AM–8 PM
- Saturday: 9 AM–5 PM
Premier Accounting And Tax Inc. has over 10 years of experience managing accounting tasks. Stephanie Folahan, the firm’s president, brings over twenty years of professional accounting expertise to the firm, holding a QuickBooks Online certificate.
We like that the firm handles tax filings for existing businesses and guides new entrepreneurs by setting up accounting systems from scratch.
The firm also takes care of personal taxes, including filings for T2125 Business Activities, T777 Employment Expenses, and T776 Rental Property.
We’re particularly impressed that their services earned them a nomination for the 2024 Canadian Choice Awards for tax accountants.
People we’ve talked to appreciate the firm’s responsiveness and strategic approach to tax filings. Plus, they find the firm’s scheduling flexibility helpful.
The first-time clients also like how complex processes are explained in simpler terms, and the regulars value assistance in reducing payments through strategic techniques.
However, if you’re one who prefers validation (no matter how unrealistic) over direct feedback, you’ll find the firm’s straightforward approach unappealing.
Pros
- Over 10 years of experience
- Handles businesses and personal taxes
- Nominee for the 2024 Canadian Choice Awards
- Responsive and strategic in tax filings
- Simplifies complex processes
- Assists in reducing tax payments
Cons
- Clients seeking validation won’t like the firm’s directness
Accommodating, professional, and helpful
“It was my first time doing taxes with PA&T this year. And I’m happy to have made the change. Stephanie, Jonah, and the team have been so accommodating and flexible with me, as I reached out almost too late this year. I didn’t get the chance to meet Stephanie in person. However, I met Jonah: he is very nice, professional, and shared great advice to be prepared for next year. I am looking forward to continuing our collaboration from Ontario. I’m grateful for you🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼”
Hana S. Chu, Google Reviews
Professional service while going the extra mile
“I have been a client of Premier Accounting since 2019. The level of service and professionalism I receive is 1000% every single time. I bring my Personal Accounting and my commercial Accouting and they just take care of the rest. I have made some Accounting errors in my Business and the team at Premier Accounting worked with me, to make the error less stressful. I cannot thank Stephanie and her team enough, they go hard for their clients and save a lot of stress on my end. If you’re looking for an Accountant, I would look no further, Premier Accounting is the best in my opinion. Thank you team for always going the extra mile. I couldn’t run my business without you.”
Trish Myer, Google Reviews
Swain Chartered Professional Accountants Inc.
Website: http://www.swaincpa.ca/
Address: Purdy’s Wharf Tower 1, 1959 Upper Water Street, Suite 1301
Contact Details: +1 902-406-4474
Operating Hours:
- Closed from Saturday to Sunday
- Monday to Friday: 8:30 AM–4:30 PM
Swain Chartered Professional Accountants Inc. has been supporting more than 400 small businesses and entrepreneurs in Canada for over 15 years.
The firm is led by CPA John Swain, who recently graduated from MIT Sloan School of Management’s Regional Entrepreneurial Accelerator Program. He also served as Director of the Bridgewater Area Chamber of Commerce.
The company’s primary service is accounting, but we’re drawn to The Inspiration Program, a crash course helping small business owners manage sales, HR, taxes, and accounting.
We also like their bookkeeper program that teaches clients to automate their bookkeeping process for efficiency.
Clients we talked to liked how friendly and helpful the accountants were when they provided quick and fitting accounting solutions. Accountants also followed up to make sure everything stayed on target.
However, the firm mainly focuses on small businesses and corporations. If you need personal accounting services, they might not be the best fit.
Pros
- Offers The Inspiration Program
- Offers bookkeeping crash course program
- Friendly and helpful client service with prompt follow-ups
- Strong focus on small businesses and corporations
Cons
- Limited personal accounting focus
Professional, personable, and helpful
“I spoke with John Swain today in regards to the tax implications of purchasing and running a small business. He was professional and very personable, and more to the point he immediately gave me a solution that covered off my exact needs and worries. He even sent a follow-up email after with the information we covered so I could refer back to it – definitely made the right choice to contact them, and would highly recommend!”
Rowan Stockton-Kushner, Google Reviews
Receptive, knowledgeable, and generous with time
“Recently i had the opportunity to meet with John Swain. He was very receptive and generous with his time. I asked many questions on specifics around startup corporations/partnerships in which he had all the answers to and also threw in some noteworthy recommendations. Within and after the meeting he provided so much information. Would highly recommend!”
Noah Dunn, Google Reviews
Kinden Accounting & Advisory Services
Website: https://www.kindencpa.ca/
Address: 50 Eileen Stubbs Ave, Unit 130B
Contact Details: +1 902-417-1398
Operating Hours:
- Open 24 hours daily
Kinden Accounting & Advisory Services is purely an online service. We like that because it makes working with an accountant more convenient.
But it might not suit you if you prefer traditional brick-and-mortar offices.
Ben Kinden, the owner, has extensive finance experience from Nova Scotia Gaming Corporation and KPMG. He’s joined by Ayyad Mallak, a certified management accountant.
Their services include bookkeeping, business taxes, and financial reporting — even virtual CFO services. Virtual CFO services cover financial analysis, securing financing, and financial forecasting, which is beneficial for small businesses.
We spoke with some of their clients, who appreciate their understanding, responsiveness, and dedication. They particularly like the proactive business growth tips.
However, we also heard from some individuals who were disappointed because the firm didn’t follow up on callbacks. As a result, they never received service quotes and ended up hiring another accountant instead.
Pros
- Online accounting service
- Comprehensive services
- Experienced owner with finance background
- Proactive approach toward corporate clients
Cons
- Inconsistent follow-up
- Not suitable for clients seeking traditional office setups
Helpful and informative for rapid business growth
“Ben and his team have been a breath of fresh air. We have been working with them for 3 month. I have been in business for 8 years. We have had rapid growth. Ben and his team have taught us more about my business in 3 months than the others did in the 8 years. Highly recommended for any size business. Awesome!!!!”
Richard Ross, Google Reviews
Smooth and seamless online experience with tax filing
“Working with Ben has been such a smooth and seamless process. I was pleasantly surprised to have gone from working with CPAs who still use fax, snail mail and paper to working with a firm who uses digital processes. Filing 2020 taxes with Kinden Accounting has been the easiest tax filing experience I’ve had. I cannot recommended them enough!”
Keith S, Google Reviews
Canadian Business Management Accounting Services Inc.
Website: http://www.cbmasi.ca/
Address: 177 Main St #302
Contact Details: +1 902-982-2582
Operating Hours:
- Closed from Saturday to Sunday
- Monday to Friday: 9:30 AM–5 PM
Canadian Business Management Accounting Services Inc. (CBMASI) provides personal and business accounting solutions ranging from simple to complex.
CBMASI’s services cover financial statements, audits, and reports. They’re great at helping small and medium-sized companies set up accounting systems, including payroll and tax prep.
The firm is led by Ehab Madoukh, who has over 15 years of accounting experience and serves as a board member of the Main Street Dartmouth Business Improvement District.
It’s commendable that they’re up-to-date with the digital world, offering virtual accounting services and supporting online startup entrepreneurs. Also, they use Quickbooks for efficient client management.
Clients have given us positive feedback about CBMASI’s commitment and proactive communication. Corporate clients especially praise their professionalism and help in growing business networks.
On the downside, some clients have expressed dissatisfaction with CBMASI’s inability to meet requirements within agreed timeframes and budgets.
Pros
- Full accounting services
- Accounting setup for small and medium companies
- Virtual accounting support
- Quickbooks expertise
Cons
- Struggles with timelines and budgets
Professional, communicative, and helpful in business
“We’ve been working with CBMASI for years now, and their professionalism and client care are unmatched. They surely invest the time into helping our businesses grown on the financial aspect. They are constantly communicating with us on how we can improve as a company and networking us with other local businesses. We have complete confidence in them that they will always look after our best interest and keeping us up-to-date with CRA changes and updates.”
Bilal Elassal (B.E), Google Reviews
Helpful, professional, and quick to follow up
“if there was a 6 Stars, I would give it to CBMASI Group, Ehab is very professional providing tax services to us, on-time and follow-up with any questions and ensure deadlines are met. Definitely recommended”
Tarek Ajjour, Google Reviews
