Compare NIL CPAs — Find the Right Fit for You
Choosing a CPA for your NIL earnings is a major decision. Our Compare tool helps student-athletes—and their families or compliance staff—place CPAs side-by-side to quickly see who’s the best match for your tax needs, financial goals, and sport-specific challenges. No guesswork. No hidden details.
Why Compare?
NIL deals bring tax complexity. CPAs differ on services, fees, NIL experience, and familiarity with school and state regulations. A clear, side-by-side comparison helps you:
Understand exactly what each CPA offers.
Spot red flags and tax strategies that may not work for your situation.
Prioritize fit—NIL experience, athlete-focused tax planning, and communication style.
Move faster with more confidence and fewer surprises.
How the Compare Tool Works
1. Search & Shortlist
Use filters—state, services, industry focus (sports, entertainment), experience level, languages—to get a focused list.
2. Select Up to 4 CPAs
Click Compare on any CPA profile. The tool builds your side-by-side view.
3. Review the Details
Scan structured rows—fees, services, experience, compliance notes, and more.
4. Save & Share
Export or copy your comparison summary to review with parents, coaches, agents, or compliance staff.
5. Contact Directly
Message CPAs from their profiles. No brokers. No referral fees.
What You Can Compare
Profile & Background
Name, firm, years in tax practice and NIL-specific experience
Specialties (sports, entertainment, small business, international)
Education, CPA license number, certifications (e.g., CFP®, EA)
Client profile focus (student-athletes, pros, small businesses, mixed clientele)
Services Offered
Federal and state tax preparation
NIL-specific tax planning and strategy
Quarterly estimated tax calculation & filing
Entity selection and setup (LLC, S-Corp coordination)
Bookkeeping and expense tracking systems
Multi-state tax compliance for NIL deals in different states
Audit support and IRS representation
International tax compliance for foreign athletes or overseas NIL income
Coordination with attorneys and financial advisors
Fee Structure & Terms
Hourly rates, flat fees, or retainers
Per-return pricing for tax preparation
Consultation fees (if any)
Upfront costs and payment terms
Ongoing engagement vs. one-time services
Clear disclosure of what’s included in the quoted fee
Experience & Results
Years working with athletes and NIL earners
Notable client categories (D1 football, Olympic sports, influencers)
State and NCAA compliance knowledge
Case studies or anonymized success summaries
References or verified testimonials
Compliance & Safeguards
Data privacy and secure file transfer systems
State-specific NIL tax law familiarity
Policies for working with minors and families
Written engagement letters and service agreements
Communication & Fit
Primary contact (partner, senior CPA, or associate)
Response time standards
Meeting cadence (per quarter, per tax season, on-demand)
Preferred communication channels (email, portal, video calls)
Languages and time zone coverage
Transparency You Can Trust
We encourage CPAs to complete Verified Disclosures on:
Fee structure and billing methods
Scope of services included in engagement
Any commissions or referral relationships (if applicable)
Data security measures and confidentiality practices
Profiles with completed disclosures display a Verified badge so you can compare on equal terms.
Guided Comparison — What to Look For
Services vs. Your Needs – If you have multi-state NIL income, choose a CPA experienced in multi-state filings and NCAA compliance.
Fee Structure Clarity – Ensure the quote covers both federal and state filings, plus quarterly estimates.
NIL & Athlete Experience – A CPA who works with athletes understands seasonality, endorsements, and sport-specific deductions.
Compliance & Security – Look for secure portals, data encryption, and clear privacy policies.
Communication – Choose someone who’s available during your busy season (and theirs).
Proactive Planning – The best CPAs don’t just file—they help you plan ahead for next year’s taxes.
Sample Comparison View
Tax Prep Fee: $750 vs. $1,200 vs. $900 flat
Services: Tax prep only vs. tax prep + planning + bookkeeping
NIL Experience: 2 years vs. 5 years vs. NCAA compliance certified
Multi-State Filing: Yes (8 states) vs. No vs. Yes (3 states)
Entity Setup: Included vs. $500 extra vs. Not offered
Communication: 24-hour response vs. weekly check-ins vs. email only
Data Security: Encrypted portal vs. email w/ password vs. cloud storage with MFA
Red Flags the Tool Helps You Spot
Vague fee quotes without breakdown
No NIL-specific or athlete experience
No written engagement agreement
Poor or slow communication standards
Weak or unclear data security practices
For High School & International Athletes
Minors: Profiles note CPA policies for working with parents/guardians and obtaining consent.
International: CPAs with international tax knowledge for visa holders and cross-border NIL income are clearly marked.
How CPAs Improve Their Ranking
CPAs who complete Verified Disclosures, show NIL-specific case summaries, and maintain quick response times typically rank higher in search and comparison results.
FAQs
Is the Compare tool free? Yes.
Do you take a cut of athlete earnings? No.
Can I share a comparison? Yes—download or copy the summary.
Do you provide legal advice? No. Always work with a qualified attorney for contracts.
Tips Before You Hire
Get fees and services in writing.
Ask for a plain-language engagement letter.
Confirm their experience with athletes and NIL income.
Ensure they file both federal and all state returns where you earn NIL income.
Reassess your CPA annually as your career grows.
Ready to Compare?
Search. Select up to four CPAs. Click Compare—and in minutes, you’ll see a clear side-by-side breakdown to help you choose the right NIL tax professional for your journey.