Can a CPA do a business valuation?

A CPA can perform a business valuation, but the engagement is only as strong as that CPA's specific valuation credentials and experience, since valuing a company is a distinct discipline from tax preparation or audit work. Many CPAs hold the AICPA's Accredited in Business Valuation (ABV) designation, which signals training beyond general accounting, but not every CPA carries that credential, and general tax or audit experience alone doesn't qualify someone to produce a defensible valuation report.

For a valuation that needs to hold up with the IRS, an SBA lender, a court, or a business partner in a buyout, the more important question isn't "is this person a CPA" but "what valuation-specific credentials does this person hold, and is the report prepared in accordance with USPAP." USPAP (the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice) sets the methodology and documentation standard that financing, tax, and litigation matters typically require, regardless of whether the preparer's background is CPA, ASA, or CFA.

Equity Business Valuation Services builds valuation reports around this standard rather than relying on a single credential type. Our appraisers hold credentials with leading organizations such as the ASA, AICPA (ABV), and CFA Institute, and every report is prepared in accordance with USPAP so it can be relied on for financing, estate tax planning, litigation, or ownership transitions.

• If you're weighing your own CPA against a dedicated valuation firm, ask specifically about ABV, ASA, or CVA credentials, not just CPA licensure.
• Ask whether the resulting report will be prepared to USPAP standards, since that affects whether lenders, courts, and tax authorities will treat it as defensible.

If you're planning an Oklahoma business valuation, see our business valuation pricing to understand how scope affects fees, or start with an Oklahoma business valuation overview.