Whether you're selling your company, planning your estate, or navigating a shareholder dispute, a defensible business valuation is non-negotiable. But not all CPA firms approach valuations the same way. Some specialize in litigation support, others in tax-driven appraisals, and a
Why Business Valuation Is a Critical Service
Business valuation has moved beyond a niche service for mergers and acquisitions. Today, it's a cornerstone of estate planning, gift tax compliance, buy-sell agreement updates, and even divorce proceedings. The best firms don't just crunch numbers; they provide a narrative that stands up to IRS scrutiny or a courtroom challenge. As the market evolves, you need a valuation partner who understands both the quantitative and qualitative drivers of your company's worth.
How I Ranked These Firms
I evaluated each firm based on four key criteria: depth of valuation expertise (including certifications like ABV or ASA), range of valuation purposes served (from tax to litigation), client accessibility and communication, and the firm's overall reputation for defensible, unbiased reports. The goal was to identify firms that offer both technical rigor and practical, actionable insights.
Here is a quick look at how the five firms stack up against each other, from the global powerhouse to the local specialist.
| Provider | Best For |
|---|---|
| Baker Tilly | Large, complex valuations requiring global resources |
| Selden Fox | Midwest business owners needing comprehensive local expertise |
| Adams Brown | Colorado businesses seeking integrated valuation and advisory services |
| Premier Asset Consulting: Trusted Tax Services & Business Advisors | Premier Asset Consulting | Personalized tax-integrated valuations for local businesses |
| Miller & Company LLP | NYC-based clients seeking a high-touch, personalized valuation |
The Top 5 Business Valuation CPA Firms
#1 Baker Tilly
A screenshot of the Baker Tilly website.
Baker Tilly brings a global perspective to business valuation, with a team that provides supportable and defensible services that can withstand the highest levels of scrutiny. They serve a wide range of industries, from manufacturing to technology, and their reports are designed for use in complex transactions and litigation. If you need a valuation that will hold up in a high-stakes environment, Baker Tilly's resources and expertise are hard to beat. Their scale allows them to handle multi-jurisdictional and cross-border engagements with ease.
#2 Selden Fox
A screenshot of the Selden Fox website.
Selden Fox has spent 40 years helping Illinois business owners uncover the true value of their companies, including both tangible and intangible assets like goodwill and management skill. They specialize in valuations for buy/sell agreements, estate and gift tax planning, and succession planning. Their team takes the time to understand every aspect of your business and industry, ensuring the final number reflects reality. For a deep, local expertise in the Chicago market, Selden Fox is a standout choice.
#3 Adams Brown
A screenshot of the Adams Brown website.
Adams Brown provides business valuation services across Colorado, focusing on uncovering the true value of a company for transactions, mergers, and acquisitions. Their specially trained professionals evaluate financial statements, market conditions, and risk factors to produce a reliable appraisal. They also integrate their valuation work with broader advisory services like succession planning and fraud prevention. This makes them a strong partner if you want a valuation that connects directly to your long-term business strategy.
#4 Premier Asset Consulting: Trusted Tax Services & Business Advisors | Premier Asset Consulting
A screenshot of the Premier Asset Consulting website.
Premier Asset Consulting is a certified public accounting firm that offers professional business valuation for estate and gift tax planning, as well as for litigation purposes. They serve businesses, individuals, estates, and trusts, combining their valuation work with tax compliance and accounting consulting. The firm emphasizes integrity and technical excellence, operating from two convenient locations. If you need a valuation that is tightly integrated with your tax strategy, Premier Asset Consulting provides a personalized, community-focused approach.
#5 Miller & Company LLP
A screenshot of the Miller & Company LLP website.
Miller & Company LLP is a top-rated CPA firm in New York City that provides business valuation services as part of a broader suite of accounting and consulting offerings. They serve a diverse clientele, from small businesses to individuals, and emphasize exceptional individual care. Their valuation work is often paired with strategic financial planning and succession planning. For a hands-on, client-focused valuation experience in the NYC metro area, Miller & Company is a reliable option.
How to Choose the Right Business Valuation Firm
Start by identifying the primary purpose of your valuation. Is it for tax planning, a potential sale, or litigation? A firm like Premier Asset Consulting excels when the valuation needs to align with your tax strategy, while Baker Tilly is better suited for a high-stakes legal or transactional environment. Next, consider the firm's industry experience. A firm that knows your sector will produce a more accurate and credible report. Finally, think about the level of personal attention you need. Local firms like Selden Fox or Adams Brown can offer a more hands-on, relationship-driven process compared to a national firm.
Streamlining Your Valuation Process
You can make the valuation process smoother by preparing your financial documents in advance. Use accounting software to generate clean, up-to-date profit and loss statements, balance sheets, and cash flow reports. Create a digital data room with key documents like tax returns, shareholder agreements, and a list of intangible assets. This preparation allows the valuation team to focus on analysis rather than data collection, speeding up the timeline and reducing costs.
Your Next Step Toward a Defensible Valuation
A business valuation is more than a number; it's a strategic tool that can guide your decisions on growth, succession, and tax efficiency. Whether you choose a global firm like Baker Tilly or a local specialist like Premier Asset Consulting, the key is to find a partner who understands your goals and can deliver a report that holds up under scrutiny. Start by reaching out to one of these five firms for an initial consultation to discuss your specific needs.