Tax preparation in Columbia, SC
Columbia (pop. 142,416) has 1,075 credentialed tax preparers — about 75.5 per 10,000 residents.
Credentialed preparers
1,075
225 CPAs · 49 EAs · 33 attorneys
Returns filed
148,450
IRS SOI, ZIP-level
Avg. AGI per return
$68,573
Avg. refund
$2,926
69% of returns get one
Self-employment share
19.4%
returns w/ Schedule C income
Use a paid preparer
42%
share of local returns
Free prep returns (VITA)
2,950
IRS-assisted filings
Need tax help in Columbia?
Answer 4 questions — we'll tell you whether software, a local pro, or a relief specialist fits your situation.
42% of Columbia filers already use a paid preparer — see if it makes sense for you.
Tax services in Columbia
Tax Preparation
Get your federal and state returns prepared and filed correctly.
Tax Relief & Resolution
Owe back taxes? Specialists negotiate with the IRS on your behalf.
Back Taxes & Unfiled Returns
Catch up on years of unfiled returns before the IRS files for you.
Audit Representation
A CPA, EA, or tax attorney deals with the IRS so you don't have to.
Business & S-Corp Tax
Entity returns, payroll tax, deductions, and quarterly planning.
Self-Employed & 1099 Taxes
Schedule C, quarterly estimates, and deductions for freelancers and gig workers.
Crypto & Digital Asset Taxes
Capital gains, DeFi, staking, and the 1099-DA era of crypto reporting.
Amended Returns (1040-X)
Fix a filed return — missed credits, wrong status, forgotten income.
Filing Extensions
More time to file (not to pay) — Form 4868 and what it really does.
IRS Notice Help
Got a letter? Know exactly what it means and what happens next.
Filing stats by ZIP code
| ZIP | Returns | Avg AGI | Avg Refund | Self-emp. | Paid preparer |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 29229 | 25,730 | $61,885 | $2,837 | 21.3% | 40% |
| 29223 | 24,270 | $61,911 | $3,040 | 21.2% | 43% |
| 29203 | 16,960 | $36,306 | $3,006 | 20.4% | 41% |
| 29209 | 16,620 | $70,906 | $2,965 | 17.9% | 43% |
| 29210 | 15,940 | $42,367 | $2,704 | 17.6% | 36% |
| 29212 | 14,980 | $80,983 | $2,805 | 17.8% | 43% |
| 29205 | 10,390 | $111,467 | $2,870 | 19.6% | 47% |
| 29206 | 9,250 | $137,287 | $3,954 | 18.4% | 54% |
| 29204 | 7,670 | $67,590 | $3,033 | 19.2% | 44% |
| 29201 | 6,640 | $68,631 | $2,093 | 16.4% | 36% |
Credentialed preparers in Columbia
Full directory →Source: IRS PTIN public data. Listing is informational, not an endorsement.
| Name / Firm | Credential | ZIP | Phone |
|---|---|---|---|
| Abdalla Company | Other | 29210 | — |
| Abernethy & Company, PC | CPA | 29202 | 8037798070 |
| Selam Tax Services | Other | 29212 | 8037303711 |
| Adams Tax Service | Other · AFSP | 29206 | (803) 603-9198 |
| ELIAS ADAMS | Other | 29205 | 803-799-8666 |
| Bauknight, Pietras, & Stormer | CPA | 29201-2881 | — |
| Alicia's Tax and Consulting Services | Other | 29203-2828 | 8034770908 |
| TIMOTHY R ALFORD CPA LLC | CPA | 29205 | (803) 608-3080 |
| Emerald Tax Servicessite | Other | 29229 | 3144599639 |
| Carolina Tax Service | Other | 29204 | 8037652177 |
| TRANSGLOBAL TAX SERVICE | Other | 29229 | 201-892-4407 |
| TWINDA ANDERSON | Other | 29203 | 8033317105 |
FAQ
How many tax preparers are in Columbia?
The IRS lists 1,075 credentialed tax preparers in Columbia, SC — including 225 CPAs, 49 enrolled agents, and 33 tax attorneys.
What's the average tax refund in Columbia?
Returns filed from Columbia ZIP codes average a refund of $2,926, and roughly 69% of returns receive a refund.
Do I need a CPA or can I file myself?
If you have only W-2 income and take the standard deduction, quality software is usually enough. Self-employment income, multiple states, back taxes, or an IRS notice are where a CPA or EA earns their fee.