What’s Better Than Just a St. Louis Estate Planning Attorney?

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

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

Serving the greater St. Louis area’s 301,578 residents and over 42,000 businesses spanning Central West End, Lafayette Square, and Kirkwood, and beyond for all of your St. Louis 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 St. Louis 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If you don’t have an estate plan (or your plan is outdated), 40% of your money/assets will likely end up in the government’s hands.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 St. Louis 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 St. Louis 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 St. Louis 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 St. Louis 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 St. Louis, Missouri

Clayton, MO
University City, MO
Kirkwood, MO
Florissant, MO
Chesterfield, MO
Maryland Heights, MO
Creve Coeur, MO
Ballwin, MO
Webster Groves, MO
Bridgeton, MO
Hazelwood, MO
Maplewood, MO
Ferguson, MO
Ellisville, MO
Richmond Heights, MO
Brentwood, MO
Town and Country, MO
Wildwood, MO
Des Peres, MO
Jennings, MO
Ladue, MO
Manchester, MO
Overland, MO
Sunset Hills, MO
Normandy, MO
Bellefontaine Neighbors, MO
St. Ann, MO
Dellwood, MO
Arnold, MO
Lemay, MO

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)

St. Louis Small Business Accountants is near Saint Louis Zoo which is close to Chesterfield, Lafayette Square, Soulard, and Benton Park. Tower Grove Park, Saint Louis Science Center, and Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site are also nearby.

FAQs

Is a CPA worth it for a small business?

Yes, hiring a CPA is worth it for a small business, especially for tax planning, financial analysis, and compliance. CPAs bring advanced knowledge, can represent you before the IRS, and often identify deductions or risks that general accountants or bookkeepers might miss.

When should you get an accountant?

You should get an accountant when starting your business, filing taxes, applying for loans, or managing growth. An accountant helps set up systems, maintain financial records, and ensure compliance. Waiting too long can lead to costly errors or missed financial opportunities.

Is a CPA worth it for a small business?

Yes, a CPA is particularly valuable for complex tax issues, audits, or strategic financial planning. While they may cost more than a bookkeeper, their expertise can save money in the long run through smart tax strategies and accurate financial guidance.

How much does a small company accountant charge in St. Louis, MO?

In St. Louis, a small company accountant typically charges $150–$350 per hour. Monthly packages may range from $300 to $1,200 depending on services like bookkeeping, payroll, and tax prep. CPAs or firms with specialized expertise may charge higher rates.

What is the difference between an accountant and a CPA?

An accountant can manage daily financial tasks like bookkeeping and reports. A CPA (Certified Public Accountant) has passed a rigorous exam, holds a license, and can provide advanced services such as audits, tax planning, and IRS representation. CPAs meet strict education and ethical standards.

1 Fun And 1 Interesting Fact About St. Louis!

St. Louis, MO is home to the Gateway Arch, the tallest man-made monument in the United States, standing at 630 feet. This stainless steel structure symbolizes the city’s historical role as the “Gateway to the West” during America’s westward expansion and offers stunning views of the Mississippi River from its top. Beyond its architectural marvels, St. Louis is also the birthplace of the ice cream cone, which gained national fame at the 1904 World’s Fair when a vendor rolled a waffle to hold ice cream after running out of bowls. This blend of innovation and charm reflects the city’s spirit—where history and creativity meet. Known for its blues music, toasted ravioli, and free major attractions like the St. Louis Zoo and Art Museum, the city has a rich cultural life and a strong sense of community.

St. Louis 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 Missouri Society of Certified Public Accountants (MOCPA)?

The Missouri Society of Certified Public Accountants (MOCPA) is a nonprofit professional organization that supports CPAs and accounting professionals throughout Missouri. Founded in 1909, MOCPA promotes the accounting profession by offering education, advocacy, networking, and leadership development for its members at every stage of their careers.

What is The Missouri State Board of Accountancy?

The Missouri State Board of Accountancy is the official state agency responsible for regulating the practice of public accounting in Missouri. Its primary mission is to protect the public by ensuring that only qualified individuals and firms are licensed to provide accounting services and that they adhere to professional standards.

St. Louis, MO Local Resources

Small Business Accountant St. Louis

Greater St. Louis Chamber of Commerce

One Metropolitan Square
Suite 2200 211 North Broadway
St. Louis, MO 63102

(314) 231-5555

St. Louis Office of Finance

1200 Market St
Room 311
St. Louis, MO 63103

(314) 622-4389

St. Louis IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center

1222 Spruce St
St. Louis, MO 63103

(844) 545-5640

St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department

1915 Olive St
St. Louis, MO 63103

(314) 231-1212

City of St. Louis

1200 Market St
St. Louis, MO 63103

(314) 622-4800

Top Companies in St. Louis, MO

Anheuser-Busch Companies

One Busch Place
St. Louis, MO 63118

(314) 577-2000

BJC Health Care

4901 Forest Park Ave
St. Louis, MO 63108

(314) 286-2000

Centene

7700 Forsyth Blvd
St. Louis, MO 63105

(314) 725-4477

Edward Jones

12555 Manchester Road
St. Louis, MO 63131

(314) 515-2000

Emerson Electric

8000 W. Florissant Ave
St. Louis, MO 63136

(314) 553-2000

Spire

700 Market St
St. Louis, MO 63101

(314) 342-0500

More About Small Business Accounting in St. Louis, Missouri

St. Louis is a historic and culturally rich city located along the Mississippi River, with a population of approximately 290,000 in the city and over 2.8 million in the metro area. Known for its iconic Gateway Arch, St. Louis played a major role in westward expansion and continues to be a hub of innovation, education, and healthcare. The city’s demographics are diverse, with around 46% of residents identifying as White, 45% as Black or African American, and 4% as Hispanic or Latino, along with growing immigrant and international communities.

St. Louis is made up of distinct neighborhoods, each with its own identity—from the artistic vibe of The Grove to the historic charm of Soulard and the cultural institutions of Forest Park. The residents are known for their strong community ties, civic pride, and love of sports, especially the Cardinals and Blues. With major universities, world-class healthcare, and a low cost of living, the city attracts families, students, and professionals. Despite urban challenges, St. Louis continues to evolve through grassroots revitalization, entrepreneurship, and investment in local arts and business. It’s a city where tradition meets resilience and where residents take pride in shaping its future.

Small business accounting in St. Louis, MO is a key support system for local entrepreneurs across industries like healthcare, tech, retail, and construction. Accountants in the area provide essential services such as bookkeeping, payroll, tax preparation, financial reporting, and business advisory tailored to the unique needs of each business. With Missouri’s tax regulations and local filing requirements, professional guidance helps owners stay compliant and avoid costly errors.

Many accounting firms in St. Louis offer affordable, flexible plans—whether you need basic bookkeeping or full-service financial management. Cloud-based tools like QuickBooks, Xero, and FreshBooks are commonly used to streamline processes and provide real-time insights. Small business accountants also assist with entity formation, budgeting, cash flow analysis, and strategic planning to support growth.

With the city’s diverse and entrepreneurial environment, having a knowledgeable accountant is an asset that can lead to smarter decisions, tax savings, and long-term stability. Whether operating from Downtown, The Hill, or Clayton, St. Louis business owners benefit from local accountants who understand both the numbers and the community.

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 St. Louis 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.