What’s Better Than Just a Madison Estate Planning Attorney?

CPAs Who Can Save You Up to 39.9% of Your Entire Net Worth

We marry our CPA firm in Madison with estate planning attorneys to ensure a simple transition for your family and a legacy of wealth.

Serving the greater Madison area’s 269,840 residents and 25,988 businesses spanning Dudgeon-Monroe, Maple Prairie, and Hill Farms-University, and beyond for all of your Madison small business accounting needs.

Avoid Giving 40% of Your Net Worth to the Government

We get it…

It may not feel comfortable to talk about things that could go wrong in our lives. And since it’s “not important today,” it’s easy to push it off. But poor/no estate planning could cost your family up to 40% in taxes when your wealth transfers to them after you pass on.

Our CPA firm works with Madison estate planning attorneys to help you plan for:

Death
Divorce
Retirement
Partnership Dissolvement
Special Needs

That’s why we specialize in estate planning, wealth transfer advisory and tax planning, helping you and your family to retain the maximum amount of your net worth.

We’re the Perfect Estate Planning Financial Advisors
for You, If You…

Need a Plan

If you don’t have an estate plan (or your plan is outdated), 40% of your money/assets will likely end up in the government’s hands.

Want Peace of Mind

You want to know that your assets, business, and family will be taken care of if anything should happen to you.

Aspire to Leave a Legacy

You want to preserve your assets and set things up for your heirs so everything you’ve worked for is sustained for generations.

«For a small investment today in estate planning services, we could save you up to 39.9% in tax liability when your assets transfer to your loved ones, ensuring an abundant future for your family and giving you peace of mind and a legacy-driven purpose today.»

Trusted by Madison Business Owners

“They were quick to get back to us and set up an in person appointment to discuss final taxes on an estate. The office was professional and in a great easy to get location.”

Doddie Dunbar

“We have had our taxes done here for many years. They have always been professional and provided excellent customer service.”

Rhiannon O'Brien

“Tim is wonderful. Easy to work with and very thorough, saving me money on my business taxes. I wouldn't use anyone else.”

Tessie Adams

CPAs With a Passion for Estate Planning

Established in 1964 in Portland’s Hollywood district, this firm already offered extraordinary tax planning services. Since then, I have evolved our company beyond the typical Madison accounting firm to include estate planning and wealth advisory because I wanted to take care of my family’s legacy wealth and help others do the same.

Over the years, clients have passed away and I’ve seen the disaster it creates for those who don’t have a plan in place. I truly want better for you and your family.

I know what good estate planning looks like for a bereaved family. It takes unnecessary stress off their plate and leaves them in a very good situation for decades.

On behalf of my family and our amazing team at Downing & Co, I look forward to working with you so you can save in taxes today and ensure your legacy for the future.

Tim Downing, CPA, Oregon | Downing & Co. Managing Principal

Our 5 Phases of
Proactive Planning

Proprietary Client Interview

Customized Proactive Action Plan

Wide Access to Experts

Implementation

Regular
Check Ins

Your Comprehensive
Estate Planning Services

Meet Your Madison CPA Team

Tim Downing, CPA, Oregon

Managing Principal

Jeannie Ryall, EA

Tax Manager

Dachelle Hattan

Tax Accountant

Lee Schwartz

Advanced Planning Team Lead

Shirley McArthur

Office Manager

4 Reasons to Work With Our Madison Estate Planning

1 Results-Focused

Your results are our success; that’s why it’s our number one priority. We design our work to generate at least a 3x ROI, and in most cases, we hit 10x. You can count on us to work hard for you and your money.

2 Proactive Advisors

Most accountants wait for you to come to them when you need something. Instead, we will proactively guide you to ensure your net worth is protected today and in the future for your family.

3 Work Holistically

Our comprehensive range of small business accounting services ensures you get convenient access to all the experts you need, including tax planning, risk mitigation, wealth management, legal services, and business advisory.

4 CPAs Who Care

We’ve replaced stale formalities and technical jargon with down-to-earth, conversational relations. Our clients become friends. Many of our friends (clients) work with us for decades and become family. Our close friendly relationship is what we love most about our work.

Book a Free
Consultation

We’ll start your journey through our proprietary client interview process to review your unique situation and develop actionable recommendations that meet or exceed your tax, bookkeeping, estate, or wealth planning needs quickly and conveniently.

Fixed Fee

No Surprises
Guarantee

We believe in full transparency and respect, which is why we offer a fixed fee for our accounting and bookkeeping services.

Yes, We Offer Small Business Accounting in Madison, Wisconsin

Fitchburg, WI Middleton, WI Sun Prairie, WI Verona, WI Monona, WI McFarland, WI Waunakee, WI Stoughton, WI Oregon, WI DeForest, WI Cottage Grove, WI Windsor, WI Marshall, WI Maple Bluff, WI Belleville, WI Cross Plains, WI Mount Horeb, WI Cambridge, WI Evansville, WI Lodi, WI Brooklyn, WI Deerfield, WI Lake Mills, WI Edgerton, WI New Glarus, WI Waterloo, WI Blue Mounds, WI Dane, WI Mazomanie, WI Rockdale, WI

Multnomah
Washington
Clackamas
Columbia
Yamhill
Marion
Polk
Tillamook
Hood River
Clatsop
Lincoln
Linn
Benton
Wasco
Jefferson
Lane
Skamania (WA)
Klickitat (WA)
Cowlitz (WA)
Clark (WA)
Pacific (WA)
Wahkiakum (WA)
Sherman
Morrow
Gilliam
Crook
Deschutes
King (WA)
Pierce (WA)
Thurston (WA)

Madison Small Business Accountants is near Madison Children’s Museum which is close to Shorewood Hills, Fitchburg, Westmorland, and Maple Bluff. Warner Park, Olbrich Botanical Gardens, and Overture Center for the Arts are also nearby.

FAQs

How much is a business accountant in Madison, Wisconsin?

In Madison, Wisconsin, a business accountant typically charges between $150 and $350 per hour, depending on experience and services offered. Monthly bookkeeping or accounting packages may range from $300 to $1,200, with tax preparation fees generally falling between $500 and $2,000 annually.

What type of accountant is best for small business?

A Certified Public Accountant (CPA) with small business experience is often the best choice. CPAs offer tax planning, financial strategy, and audit representation. For daily bookkeeping, a professional bookkeeper or Enrolled Agent may suffice, but a CPA provides broader expertise and long-term value.

Is it worth it to hire an accountant for a small business?

Yes, hiring an accountant is worth it for most small businesses. They help reduce costly mistakes, manage taxes, ensure compliance, and provide financial insights that support growth. The time and stress saved often outweigh the cost of professional services, especially during tax season or business expansion.

How do I check if an accountant is qualified?

You can check an accountant’s qualifications by verifying their CPA license with your state’s Board of Accountancy. Look for professional memberships (e.g., AICPA), certifications, client reviews, and experience with similar businesses. A consultation can also help assess their communication and expertise.

1 Fun And 1 Interesting Fact About Madison!

Madison, WI a home to the world’s largest producer-only farmers’ market: the Dane County Farmers’ Market. Held on the Capitol Square, this vibrant weekly event showcases local farms and artisans, drawing thousands of visitors and residents alike. The city is also known for its highly educated population, with a large percentage holding college degrees, thanks in part to the University of Wisconsin–Madison. This creates a dynamic mix of academic culture, youthful energy, and progressive values. Residents enjoy a balance of intellectual life and outdoor adventure, often biking to work or kayaking on the lakes before attending concerts, lectures, or political rallies. Madison blends small-town friendliness with big-city amenities, and its residents take pride in civic involvement, environmental consciousness, and a strong sense of community. Whether exploring the university campus or wandering through the lakeside parks, Madison offers a vibrant, nature-connected lifestyle year-round.

Madison Small Business Accounting Resources

Oregon Society of CPAs

10206 SW Laurel St
Beaverton, OR 97005

(503) 641-7200

Oregon Association of Tax Consultants

3075 S.E. Century Blvd.
Suite 110
Hillsboro, OR 97123

(503) 726-0100

Portland Accounting Office

1120 SW 5th Ave #1250
Portland, OR 97204

(503) 823-5288

Institute of Management Accountants

ima.pdx@gmail.com

What is the Wisconsin Institute of Certified Public Accountants (WICPA)?

The WICPA represents CPAs and accounting professionals across Wisconsin, including a strong presence in Madison. It offers continuing education, professional development, networking events, and advocacy for accounting professionals. The Madison Chapter hosts local events tailored to CPAs working in public accounting, private industry, government, and education.

What is the Department of Safety and Professional Services?

The Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS) is a state agency in Wisconsin responsible for licensing and regulating a wide range of professions, businesses, and safety-related services. Its primary role is to protect public health, safety, and welfare by ensuring that professionals and facilities meet established standards and follow relevant laws and codes.

Madison, WI Local Resources

Small Business Accountant Madison

Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce

1 S. Pinckney St
Suite 330
Madison, WI 53703

(608) 256-8348

City of Madison – Finance Department

210 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd
Room 406
Madison, WI 53703

(608) 266-4671

Madison IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center

1242 Fourier Dr
Suite 200
Madison, WI 53717

(608) 421-7898

Madison Police Department

211 S. Carroll St
Madison, WI 53703

(608) 255-2345

City of Madison

210 Martin Luther King Jr.
Blvd
Madison, WI 53703

(317) 327-4720

Top Companies in Madison, WI

American Family Insurance

6000 American Parkway
Madison, WI 53783

(800) 692-6326

Exact Sciences

5505 Endeavor Lane
Madison, WI 53719

(608) 284-5700

Promega Corporation

2800 Woods Hollow Road
Madison, WI 53711

(608) 274-4330

UW Health – University Hospital

600 Highland Ave
Madison, WI 53792

(608) 263-6400

TDS Telecom

3416 University Ave
Madison, WI 53705

(866) 571-6662

Madison Gas and Electric (MGE)

133 South Blair St
Madison, WI 53703

(608) 252-7000

More About Small Business Accounting in Madison, Wisconsin

Madison is the capital of Wisconsin and the second-largest city in the state, with a population of about 275,000 and over 680,000 in the metro area. Known for its vibrant culture and scenic beauty, the city sits on an isthmus between lakes Mendota and Monona. Demographically, Madison is approximately 75% White, 8% Asian, 7% Black or African American, and 8% Hispanic or Latino, with a growing international community influenced by the University of Wisconsin–Madison.

Residents are known for being active, educated, and civically engaged. The city consistently ranks high for quality of life, thanks to its excellent public services, walkable neighborhoods, and abundance of parks and bike trails. Madison blends college-town energy with progressive values, a strong tech and biotech industry, and deep ties to public service and research. Locals enjoy year-round events, farmers’ markets, and a balance of urban and natural experiences. The mix of students, families, professionals, and retirees creates a diverse and welcoming atmosphere, making Madison a dynamic place to live, work, and explore.

Small business accounting in Madison, WI is essential for entrepreneurs looking to manage finances, comply with state and federal regulations, and support long-term growth. With a diverse economy that includes tech startups, healthcare providers, local artisans, and service businesses, Madison’s accountants offer customized solutions tailored to each industry’s needs. Services typically include bookkeeping, payroll, tax preparation, and financial planning.

Many accountants in Madison specialize in working with small businesses, offering flexible pricing options such as monthly packages or hourly rates. They help business owners navigate Wisconsin tax codes, manage cash flow, and ensure accurate financial reporting. Cloud-based tools like QuickBooks and Xero are commonly used, making it easy to collaborate and access real-time financial data.

Whether you’re launching a new venture on State Street or expanding in the suburbs, having a trusted accountant can make a big difference. Their insights not only reduce errors and stress but also help uncover tax savings and strategic opportunities. In Madison’s collaborative and innovative business community, professional accounting support is a smart investment that empowers small businesses to thrive.

Downing & Co works with businesses and high-networth individuals to minimize their taxes and grow their bottom line, while building and preserving their legacy. Offering tax planning, accounting services, estate planning, and wealth management services in the greater Madison area, we work holistically and proactively for you. Our clients love our quick response time, fixed fees, friendly advisors, and our creative, results-focused approach.