Estate planning might sound like something to consider much later in life, but starting early offers powerful advantages. Whether organizing personal assets, building generational wealth or ensuring loved ones are protected, having the right firm makes all the difference.

The best-rated accounting firms for estate planning are trusted partners who can help you take control of your financial future early, setting the stage for long-term stability and peace of mind.

For young adults navigating their first real income, investments or inheritance, below are some of the most respected firms that can help make long-term goals a reality.

1. Anchin

Anchin is a nationally recognized accounting and advisory firm with a century-long history of providing forward-thinking financial solutions. With over 600 professionals and more than 65 partners, it offers full-service capabilities in tax, assurance and advisory — supported by deep expertise across over a dozen industries, including healthcare, real estate, financial services, construction and private equity.

Its Private Client group is a cornerstone of its estate planning service, blending technical expertise with a personalized approach tailored to the complex needs of high-net-worth individuals, families and their businesses. By focusing on integrated planning, Anchin helps clients manage tax liabilities, structure trusts, prepare fiduciary tax returns and plan for intergenerational wealth transfer — all with the agility to adapt to evolving personal and financial goals.

Clients value its hands-on, year-round partnership model. Anchin assigns senior professionals who stay deeply involved throughout the advisory process, ensuring consistency, responsiveness and proactive guidance beyond traditional tax season. This commitment to long-term client success has earned it a place on numerous prestigious industry lists, including Forbes’ “America’s Best Tax and Accounting Firms” and Inside Public Accounting’s “Top 100 Firms.” It was also named “Best Estate Planning Advisory Service” by the Private Asset Management Awards in 2024.

Through a combination of technical precision, industry specialization and a relationship-driven approach, Anchin delivers seamless estate planning services that support both immediate financial goals and long-term legacy building. Its reputation for excellence makes it one of the most reliable accounting firms for estate planning today.

2. Savant Wealth Management

Savant Wealth Management is a nationally respected, fee-only advisory firm that brings nearly four decades of experience to comprehensive wealth planning. Established in 1986 and headquartered in Rockford, Illinois, it has grown into a majority employee-owned firm with over 40 offices and more than $30 billion in assets under management and advisement. Its fiduciary commitment ensures that all advice is rooted in the client’s best interest, without commission-based incentives.

Estate planning is a core component of its service model, supported by a coordinated team of in-house professionals specializing in tax strategy, trust administration and wealth transfer. Whether guiding high-net-worth individuals through multi-generational planning or assisting families with complex life transitions, Savant’s integrated approach ensures that every financial decision aligns with broader life goals.

Its strength lies in the seamless collaboration between financial planners, tax advisors, accountants and estate specialists. This ensures that clients receive well-rounded guidance without having to coordinate across multiple firms. Services also extend to business consulting, charitable giving and family office support, making it a trusted long-term partner for individuals and institutions.

Savant’s foundation is built on values like integrity, continuous learning and servant leadership. That culture fuels a client-first philosophy where transparency, empathy and purposeful planning drive outcomes. Recognized for its wisdom-driven model and mission to help build “one million ideal futures,” Savant Wealth Management consistently ranks among the best-rated accounting firms for estate planning across the country.

3. CliftonLarsonAllen (CLA)

CliftonLarsonAllen (CLA) is a nationally ranked professional services firm known for delivering fully integrated tax, audit, consulting and wealth advisory solutions. With over 130 locations across the United States and a team of nearly 9,000 professionals, it supports more than 202,000 clients, primarily privately held businesses and their owners. Its services are tailored for every stage of business and life — whether launching a venture, growing assets or preparing for succession.

Estate planning is a core element of its wealth advisory practice. Through a unified team model, CLA offers highly coordinated support across financial planning, tax optimization, trust structuring and legacy planning. This approach allows clients to address long-term personal and business objectives with the same level of care and technical precision. Its specialists work closely with clients to manage risk, transfer wealth efficiently, and design estate plans that reflect evolving family dynamics and financial goals.

Its strength lies in its deep industry specialization. Each client is supported by professionals who are not only skilled accountants but also immersed in specific sectors, ranging from real estate and construction to healthcare and nonprofits. That industry focus enhances estate planning with more relevant strategies and compliance awareness.

Built on values of curiosity, transparency, inclusion and reliability, CLA emphasizes collaboration and clear communication at every touch point. Its commitment to proactive client relationships, paired with national recognition as a top 10 U.S. accounting firm, makes CLA one of the best accounting firms for estate planning and long-term financial strategy.

4. Plante Moran

Plante Moran is one of the nation’s most established and trusted accounting and advisory firms, serving individuals and businesses for over a century. With nearly 4,000 professionals across its global network, it offers a full suite of services including audit, tax, consulting and wealth management. Its enduring reputation is grounded in a relationship-driven approach and a culture prioritizing people, values and long-term vision.

Its wealth management practice is built around personalized, integrated planning — serving clients who seek to preserve, grow and eventually pass on their wealth. Estate planning is vital in this framework, supported by specialized services in trust administration, tax strategy, legacy planning and family office solutions. Each plan is designed with the client’s unique goals in mind, from multigenerational transitions to philanthropic legacies and business succession.

Rather than offering isolated financial products, Plante Moran delivers holistic strategies through a collaborative team of advisors, each bringing independent insight and industry knowledge. This includes dedicated professionals in personal tax, insurance, governance and family legacy education. Its estate planning services are strengthened by its emphasis on long-term trust, clear communication and a shared commitment to client outcomes.

With more than 27 consecutive years on Fortune magazine’s list of “100 Best Companies to Work For,” Plante Moran combines technical strength with a high-touch service model. Its century-long dedication to client success and customized estate solutions places it among the most highly rated accounting firms for estate planning in the United States.

5. Windes

Windes is a California-based accounting and advisory firm with nearly 100 years of experience serving privately held businesses, high-net-worth individuals and nonprofit organizations. With over 250 professionals across its Long Beach, Irvine and Los Angeles offices, it delivers a sophisticated blend of traditional expertise and modern strategy. Its wide-ranging services include tax consulting, audit and assurance, business advisory, client accounting, cybersecurity and employee benefit plan services.

Estate and trust planning is a core focus within its broader wealth management offerings. Through Windes Wealth Management — delivered in partnership with Integrated Partners — clients benefit from a tailored, values-based approach to planning for legacy, continuity and intergenerational wealth transfer. Its advisors work closely with clients to understand their vision and financial objectives, ensuring estate strategies are tax-efficient and aligned with long-term goals.

Windes combines a boutique firm's attentiveness with a global network's reach. As a member of Allinial Global, the second-largest international accountancy association, it delivers localized expertise with worldwide capabilities, giving clients access to over 44,000 professionals across 112 countries. This global connection enhances its ability to manage complex estate structures involving cross-border considerations.

Innovation is deeply embedded in the firm’s culture, empowering clients with forward-thinking insights and digital solutions. Its advisors are known for proactive guidance, helping individuals and families stay ahead of tax changes and life transitions. With a legacy built on service, innovation and deep client relationships, Windes is consistently recognized as one of the most trusted accounting firms for estate planning in the Western U.S.

How to Choose the Best-Rated Accounting Firm for Estate Planning

Choosing an accounting firm for estate planning is a big step — and a smart one. The right partner doesn’t just help manage finances but also ensures that your assets are protected, intentions are honored and long-term wealth goals stay on track. Here’s how to find a firm that meets those needs with confidence.

Check for Specialized Credentials

Credentials matter, especially in estate planning. In addition to being Certified Public Accountants (CPAs), look for professionals with designations such as Trust and Estate Practitioner (TEP), Accredited Estate Planner (AEP) or Certified Financial Planner (CFP). These indicate deeper training in trusts, wealth transfer and tax law. Many of these professionals also belong to organizations like the National Association of Estate Planners and Councils (NAEPC), which provides standards and continuing education.

Prioritize Estate-Specific Experience

Look beyond general tax or audit services. A qualified estate planning accounting firm should have proven experience in preparing estate tax returns, managing trusts, filing fiduciary income tax returns and handling gift tax planning. Ask how frequently they work with clients at your life stage or with similar needs — such as newly acquired wealth, digital assets or family businesses.

Look for Integrated Financial Services

Effective estate planning involves more than numbers. It requires legal strategy, financial forecasting and sometimes insurance planning. Seek out firms that collaborate with estate attorneys, financial advisors and insurance professionals to develop comprehensive estate plans. This collaborative approach can save time, prevent legal gaps and result in more cohesive outcomes.

Evaluate Digital Capabilities

Young professionals benefit from tech-forward firms. Look for firms that provide secure digital portals for uploading documents, signing forms and tracking tax deadlines. Tools like encrypted document vaults, automated task reminders, and digital dashboards make estate planning more transparent and easier to manage remotely.

Read Reviews and Request Referrals

Start with objective resources like the Better Business Bureau (BBB), local CPA societies or state boards of accountancy. Review platforms such as Yelp or Google Reviews can also provide insights, though they should be balanced with professional recommendations. Ask for referrals from your family attorney, financial planner or trusted peers who have recently gone through the estate planning process.

Interview Multiple Firms

Don't feel pressured to commit to the first firm you speak with. Schedule consultations with at least two or three firms to compare. Ask about their approach to estate planning, how they manage client relationships and what their communication cadence looks like. Some firms may assign you a dedicated team, while others work in a rotating advisor model.

Compare Pricing Transparently

Estate planning can be billed in different ways: hourly rates, flat fees for bundled services or a percentage of estate value. Request a written breakdown of costs, including whether follow-up revisions, tax filings or document storage are included. Avoid surprises by understanding what’s included and how fees may scale as your estate grows.

Consider Long-Term Compatibility

Estate planning isn't a one-time task. It evolves as your life changes. Choose a firm that asks thoughtful questions about your values, family goals and career aspirations. Pay attention to how well they listen and whether they tailor their advice to your stage in life. The best firms will feel like a long-term partner, not just a service provider.

Review the Firm’s Succession Plan and Continuity Strategy

Estate planning is inherently about the long term, so your accounting firm should be built for it, too. Ask how the firm handles advisor turnover or retirement and whether there’s a clear internal succession plan to ensure continuity of service. Larger firms often have structured teams and transition protocols, while smaller firms may rely more on personal relationships. Knowing your future estate needs will still be met — regardless of staff changes — adds an extra layer of peace of mind as you build a lasting relationship.

Build a Legacy With Confidence

Estate planning is more than just paperwork. It’s a way to protect what matters most and build the legacy you envision. By working with a trusted advisor, you can make confident, informed decisions from the start. The best-rated accounting firms for estate planning are experienced, forward-thinking, and equipped to guide you through each stage of your financial journey.

Whether you're starting with basic asset organization or planning for multi-generational wealth, the firms listed above offer the experience and reliability to guide you. Take time to choose wisely. The right partnership will shape your financial future for decades to come.