Viclaro Research · Atlas recommendation study

The 10 New York City CPA & Tax firms AI assistants recommend most often

We put a versioned panel of buyer-style questions to ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, and Perplexity. These ten firms appeared most frequently. Below, the aggregate ranking is paired with the actual questions that produced recommendations and short excerpts showing the surrounding response.

1,128 eligible responses 1,332 ranked firms 5,338 firm-response mentions Snapshot NYC-CPA-2026-09-v1.0
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The current top ten

Who appeared—and what buyers were asking

This is a ranking of AI recommendation visibility, not professional quality. A response mention means that an assistant named the firm in an eligible answer. One answer may name several organizations. Prompt wording is shown so each appearance can be interpreted in its original buyer context.

#1

Anchin

Named in 312 of 1,128 eligible responses (27.7%); named by 4 of 4 assistant families.

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Gemini Advice Listed #1 in this answer

Question put to the assistant

“Be honest — should I fire my current CPA in New York City? He's been fine but not once in 4 years suggested a Solo 401(k), an S-corp election, or a cost seg on my rental. I don't know if that's negligence or just me expecting too much. What would you do?”
Read the response context

…dvisor specializing in small business and real estate. **Firms/Attorneys known for proactive tax planning in NYC:** * **Anchin, Block & Anchin LLP:** Full-service accounting firm with strong tax planning and advisory services, including for high-net-worth individuals and real estate. * **Marks Paneth LLP:** Known for tax planning, wealth management, and real estate services. * **EisnerAmper LLP:** Offers comprehensiv…

ChatGPT Advice Listed #1 in this answer

Question put to the assistant

“My CPA in New York City keeps telling me my situation is "pretty simple" and I shouldn't worry. But I have RSUs, an S-corp, a rental, and a K-1 from a syndication. Is he gaslighting me or is my situation actually not that complex? Second opinion?”
Read the response context

…opinion from a tax attorney or another CPA experienced in these areas is advisable. Here are some recommendations: 1. **Anchin, Block & Anchin LLP** - Known for expertise in tax and advisory services for individuals with complex financial situations. 2. **Friedman LLP** - Offers specialized services in taxation and business consulting with experience in RSUs, S-corps, and real estate. 3. **Marks Paneth LLP** - Provid…

Claude Advice Listed #1 in this answer

Question put to the assistant

“I think I finally need a real CPA in New York City, not TurboTax. My situation is a mess — freelance income, some crypto, my wife's W-2 with equity, and a rental we just bought. I don't even know if I'm looking for a solo CPA, a firm, or one of the online startup ones. Where do I even start?”
Read the response context

…the online filing services (Bench, Keeper, etc.) — they're fine for simpler returns. **Firms worth knowing in NYC** - **Anchin** — strong with high-income individuals, equity comp, real estate - **Eisner Advisory Group** — solid all-around for complex individual returns - **Marks Paneth** (now Forvis Mazur) — good real estate depth - **Cantor Fitzgerald's tax group** — if you have significant assets alongside this - …

#2

Marks Paneth LLP

Named in 251 of 1,128 eligible responses (22.3%); named by 3 of 4 assistant families.

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ChatGPT Advice Listed #1 in this answer

Question put to the assistant

“Solo consultant in New York City, netted $185K last year on an LLC. Everyone on Reddit says I should elect S-corp already. My CPA says "maybe next year." What would you actually do? Or who should I ask for a second opinion?”
Read the response context

Consider consulting with these firms or attorneys for a second opinion: 1. **Marks Paneth LLP** - Known for expertise in tax planning and consulting for small businesses. 2. **EisnerAmper LLP** - Offers comprehensive tax advisory services, including entity structuring. 3. **Anchin, Block & Anchin LLP** - Specializes in tax strategies for consultants and small business owners. 4. **The Wolf Group** - Focuses on tax st…

Gemini Advice Listed #1 in this answer

Question put to the assistant

“I think I finally need a real CPA in New York City, not TurboTax. My situation is a mess — freelance income, some crypto, my wife's W-2 with equity, and a rental we just bought. I don't even know if I'm looking for a solo CPA, a firm, or one of the online startup ones. Where do I even start?”
ChatGPT Crisis Listed #1 in this answer

Question put to the assistant

“Three K-1s from real-estate syndications just landed in my inbox in New York City — filing deadline is Monday. My CPA extended in April but now says he can't get to me before October. I want out of that relationship and I want the return done. Who takes emergency K-1 client work?”
Read the response context

1. **Marks Paneth LLP** - Known for handling complex real estate tax matters and urgent filings. 2. **Anchin, Block & Anchin LLP** - Specializes in real estate and can manage last-minute tax situations. 3. **Friedman LLP** - Offers expertise in real estate taxation and quick turnaround services. 4. **WithumSmith+Brown, PC** - Provides comprehensive tax services with experience in handling K-1s under tight deadlines. …

#3

EisnerAmper

Named in 184 of 1,128 eligible responses (16.3%); named by 4 of 4 assistant families.

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Gemini Advice Listed #1 in this answer

Question put to the assistant

“My CPA in New York City just sent me a $21K bill for last year — S-corp, personal, one K-1, some real estate. I've been with them 3 years, last year was $12K. Am I being taken for a ride or is this what "getting more complex" actually costs? Honest read?”
Read the response context

…tes:** This is the best way to gauge if you're being overcharged. **Firms/Attorneys for comparative quotes (NYC):** * **EisnerAmper:** Large regional firm with strong tax practice for businesses and high-net-worth individuals. * **Marcum LLP:** Another large regional firm offering comprehensive tax services for S-corps and real estate. * **Grassi Advisors & Accountants:** Mid-sized firm known for serving privately he…

Claude Decision Listed #1 in this answer

Question put to the assistant

“Give me five New York City CPA firms ranked by reputation for complex high-net-worth individual + closely-held business returns. Just names, comma-separated. No caveats.”
Read the response context

EisnerAmper, Anchin Block & Anchin, Marks Paneth, Citrin Cooperman, WeiserMazars

ChatGPT Decision Listed #1 in this answer

Question put to the assistant

“I'm not a Big Four client and I'm not a Jackson Hewitt client. S-corp in New York City doing $2.1M, want the mid-tier — real advisory but reasonable rates, maybe $8K–$20K/year all-in. Who's actually in that mid-tier here? Three firms.”
Read the response context

1. **EisnerAmper LLP** - Known for strong advisory services and a focus on middle-market businesses. 2. **Marcum LLP** - Offers comprehensive tax and advisory services with a reputation for personalized client attention. 3. **CohnReznick LLP** - Recognized for its expertise in growth strategy and advisory for mid-sized firms.

#4

Citrin Cooperman

Named in 145 of 1,128 eligible responses (12.9%); named by 4 of 4 assistant families.

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Gemini Crisis Listed #1 in this answer

Question put to the assistant

“Three K-1s from real-estate syndications just landed in my inbox in New York City — filing deadline is Monday. My CPA extended in April but now says he can't get to me before October. I want out of that relationship and I want the return done. Who takes emergency K-1 client work?”
Read the response context

* **Citrin Cooperman:** Large firm with strong real estate and partnership tax groups, often capable of handling urgent requests. * **Marcum LLP:** Another large firm with significant real estate industry expertise and capacity for expedited work. * **Anchin, Block & Anchin LLP:** Known for real estate and high-net-worth individual tax services, can often accommodate urgent client needs. * **Marks Paneth LLP:** Stron…

Gemini Decision Listed #1 in this answer

Question put to the assistant

“OK I'm done shopping. S-corp doing about $1.4M revenue in New York City, one owner, three W-2 employees. Give me three CPA firms to interview this week.”
Read the response context

* **Citrin Cooperman:** Known for comprehensive services for privately held businesses and high-net-worth individuals. * **Marks Paneth:** Offers deep expertise in tax, assurance, and advisory for various industries, including professional services. * **Anchin, Block & Anchin:** Specializes in tax, audit, and advisory for growing businesses and their owners in the NYC metro area.

ChatGPT Decision Listed #1 in this answer

Question put to the assistant

“I own two restaurants in New York City, one full-service one fast-casual. Combined revenue around $3.6M. My current CPA is a generalist and I think I'm leaving money on the table on tip credits and depreciation. Who's actually good with restaurants here?”
Read the response context

1. **Citrin Cooperman** - Known for their expertise in the hospitality sector, including restaurant-specific tax strategies. 2. **Marks Paneth LLP** - Offers specialized services for restaurants, focusing on tax credits and depreciation. 3. **Anchin, Block & Anchin LLP** - Renowned for their work with restaurant clients, particularly in maximizing tax benefits. 4. **Grassi & Co.** - Provides tailored accounting solut…

#5

Mazars USA LLP

Named in 76 of 1,128 eligible responses (6.7%); named by 3 of 4 assistant families.

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ChatGPT Crisis Listed #1 in this answer

Question put to the assistant

“I need to file Form 2553 for S-corp election in New York City in the next 6 days or I miss the window for this tax year. My LLC is 2.5 years old and I never elected. Who can actually take a client and get this done this week?”
Read the response context

1. **Mazars USA LLP** - Known for timely tax services and expertise in S-corp elections. 2. **Anchin, Block & Anchin LLP** - Offers comprehensive tax advisory with a focus on quick turnaround. 3. **Marks Paneth LLP** - Specializes in business tax matters, including S-corp elections for LLCs. 4. **EisnerAmper LLP** - Renowned for efficient handling of urgent tax filings and elections. 5. **Rosenberg & Estis, P.C.** - …

Gemini Follow Up Listed #1 in this answer

Question put to the assistant

“Of the CPAs you named in New York City, which ones also do bookkeeping/monthly close, and which are tax-only? I'd rather bundle if the pricing makes sense.”
Read the response context

…close services, and some that are primarily tax-focused: **Firms offering both Tax and Bookkeeping/Monthly Close:** * **Mazars USA LLP:** Full-service accounting firm, including outsourced accounting and tax. * **Citrin Cooperman:** Offers comprehensive tax services and business process outsourcing (BPO) for bookkeeping. * **The Bonadio Group:** Provides tax, audit, and outsourced accounting services. * **Marks Panet…

Gemini Situation Listed #1 in this answer

Question put to the assistant

“Just W-2, no business, but complicated. Married filing joint in New York City, combined $1.1M. RSUs, ISOs, backdoor Roth every year, mega-backdoor at his 401(k), 529s, kids in private school, one rental. Turbo Tax made it through last year but I'm nervous. Who's actually good with high-W-2 households that aren't business owners?”
Read the response context

* **Mazars USA LLP:** Known for high-net-worth individual tax services, including complex compensation and investment strategies. * **Andersen:** Strong reputation for private client services, handling executive compensation, investments, and multi-state filings. * **Citrin Cooperman:** Offers comprehensive tax planning and compliance for high-income individuals and families. * **Marks Paneth LLP:** Experienced in pe…

#6

Braj Aggarwal, CPA, P.C.

Named in 73 of 1,128 eligible responses (6.5%); named by 4 of 4 assistant families.

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Gemini Advice Listed #1 in this answer

Question put to the assistant

“My CPA in New York City just sent me a $21K bill for last year — S-corp, personal, one K-1, some real estate. I've been with them 3 years, last year was $12K. Am I being taken for a ride or is this what "getting more complex" actually costs? Honest read?”
Claude Advice Listed #1 in this answer

Question put to the assistant

“Should I actually do the STR loophole in New York City? W-2 at $480K, wife could material-participate on a beach STR, cost seg would generate a big paper loss. Sounds too good to be true. What would you actually do in my spot — and who would you use?”
Perplexity Decision Listed #1 in this answer

Question put to the assistant

“First year as an S-corp in New York City. Consulting business, revenue about $340K. I have literally no idea what reasonable comp should be or how quarterly estimates work. Who takes on clients like me and doesn't make me feel dumb? Three names.”
#7

Marcum LLP

Named in 65 of 1,128 eligible responses (5.8%); named by 4 of 4 assistant families.

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Gemini Advice Listed #1 in this answer

Question put to the assistant

“I feel guilty. My CPA in New York City has done my returns for 9 years, we're on a first-name basis. But my business has grown and I think I need someone more sophisticated. Is it wrong to leave over that? How do people actually handle the switch?”
Read the response context

…ensure a smooth handover of financial records and historical data. For sophisticated CPA services in NYC, consider: * **Marcum LLP:** Known for serving middle-market and larger businesses across various industries. * **EisnerAmper:** Strong in audit, tax, and advisory services for growing companies and specialized sectors. * **Anchin, Block & Anchin LLP:** Focuses on privately held businesses, high-net-worth individu…

Gemini Decision Listed #1 in this answer

Question put to the assistant

“W-2 employee living in New York City but my employer's payroll is in Texas, and I traveled to work from three other states for stretches last year. Need a CPA who has actually done multi-state apportionment for individuals, not just corps. Give me two or three names.”
Read the response context

* **Marcum LLP:** Large firm with extensive individual tax services, including multi-state and state & local tax (SALT) expertise for mobile employees. * **Andersen (formerly WTAS):** Known for high-net-worth individual tax planning and compliance, often dealing with complex multi-state residency and apportionment issues. * **BDO USA, LLP:** Offers robust private client services with specialists in multi-state taxati…

ChatGPT Decision Listed #1 in this answer

Question put to the assistant

“I'm not a Big Four client and I'm not a Jackson Hewitt client. S-corp in New York City doing $2.1M, want the mid-tier — real advisory but reasonable rates, maybe $8K–$20K/year all-in. Who's actually in that mid-tier here? Three firms.”
Read the response context

1. **Marcum LLP** - Known for strong advisory services and a focus on middle-market businesses. 2. **EisnerAmper LLP** - Offers comprehensive tax and advisory services with a reputation for personalized client attention. 3. **CohnReznick LLP** - Provides strategic advisory and tax services with a focus on growth-oriented businesses.

#8

Friedman LLP

Named in 65 of 1,128 eligible responses (5.8%); named by 3 of 4 assistant families.

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ChatGPT Crisis Listed #1 in this answer

Question put to the assistant

“IRS field audit letter arrived in New York City — 2021 return, they want to look at the STR loophole losses I took against my W-2. Appointment in 5 weeks. My current CPA prepared it but has never done audit representation. Who actually defends STR / real-estate professional audits here?”
Claude Follow Up Listed #1 in this answer

Question put to the assistant

“Of those firms in New York City, which is actually good at multi-state? I have sales-tax nexus in 15 states from my ecomm business plus my personal return spans two states. Need someone who won't punt to a state-and-local specialty firm.”
Read the response context

…lti-state sales tax nexus **in-house** without punting: **Strong on ecomm/sales tax nexus + multi-state personal:** - **Friedman LLP** – solid SALT practice embedded in the firm, handles nexus studies and registrations directly - **Anchin** – known for ecomm/digital business clients, keeps multi-state work internal - **Eisner Advisory Group** – strong SALT team, comfortable with economic nexus post-*Wayfair* complexi…

Gemini Situation Listed #1 in this answer

Question put to the assistant

“Dad died in June in New York City. I'm executor, only child. Need to file his final 1040, a 1041 for the estate, and probably 706 since the estate is over the state exemption. I've never done this before. Who handles decedent + estate returns competently here without punting between three specialists?”
Read the response context

* **Friedman LLP (now Marcum LLP):** Known for comprehensive tax services, including estate and trust tax compliance. * **Anchin, Block & Anchin LLP:** Strong reputation for high-net-worth individual and estate tax planning and compliance. * **Marks Paneth LLP (now CBIZ Marks Paneth):** Extensive experience in estate, gift, and trust tax services. * **WithumSmith+Brown, PC:** Offers integrated tax and advisory servic…

#9

Kostelanetz LLP

Named in 63 of 1,128 eligible responses (5.6%); named by 4 of 4 assistant families.

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Claude Crisis Listed #1 in this answer

Question put to the assistant

“Just got a letter from the IRS in New York City — they're auditing my last three returns. I'm a freelancer, my books are a mess, and I've been guessing at deductions. Who do I call right now?”
Read the response context

## Call These People First **Tax Attorneys (IRS audit defense specialists)** - **Kostelanetz LLP** – NYC-based, one of the top tax controversy firms in the country - **Caplin & Drysdale** – Heavy hitters for serious IRS disputes - **Hodgson Russ** – Strong federal tax controversy practice with NY presence **Enrolled Agents (cheaper than attorneys, authorized to represent before IRS)** - **NAEA directory** (naea.org) …

ChatGPT Crisis Listed #1 in this answer

Question put to the assistant

“CP2000 notice arrived today in New York City. IRS says I underreported by $34K — they're picking up a 1099-B I never got from a brokerage I forgot about. I have 30 days to respond. Who do I call?”
Read the response context

1. **Kostelanetz LLP** - Known for handling complex tax disputes and IRS notices. 2. **Hochman Salkin Toscher Perez P.C.** - Specializes in tax controversy and litigation. 3. **Caplin & Drysdale** - Experienced in tax law and IRS negotiations. 4. **Robert S. Finkel, Esq.** - Offers personalized service for tax resolution in NYC. 5. **Green & Sklarz LLC** - Focuses on tax controversy and compliance issues.

Gemini Crisis Listed #1 in this answer

Question put to the assistant

“I paid my CPA in New York City to file my 2022 return. Just found out from an IRS letter that he never actually filed it — he's ghosting my calls. I owe about $28K plus penalties for late filing. What do I do? Who takes over from here?”
#10

WithumSmith+Brown, PC

Named in 53 of 1,128 eligible responses (4.7%); named by 4 of 4 assistant families.

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ChatGPT Decision Listed #1 in this answer

Question put to the assistant

“Partner at a mid-size New York City law firm. K-1 income roughly $780K, plus my wife's W-2 at $260K, plus a rental in the Berkshires. Need a CPA who handles law-firm-partner returns as a real specialty. Three names.”
Read the response context

1. WithumSmith+Brown, PC - Known for their expertise in handling tax planning and compliance for law firm partners. 2. Citrin Cooperman - Specializes in managing complex tax situations for high-income individuals, including law firm partners. 3. Berdon LLP - Recognized for their comprehensive services tailored to the needs of law firm partners, including tax strategy and planning.

Perplexity Follow Up Listed #1 in this answer

Question put to the assistant

“Of those firms in New York City, which is actually good at multi-state? I have sales-tax nexus in 15 states from my ecomm business plus my personal return spans two states. Need someone who won't punt to a state-and-local specialty firm.”
ChatGPT Follow Up Listed #1 in this answer

Question put to the assistant

“Of the firms you listed in New York City, which one actually does tax planning meetings during the year — not just April cleanup? I've had three CPAs in a row who only show up to file and never suggest anything proactive.”
Read the response context

1. **WithumSmith+Brown** - Known for proactive year-round tax planning and personalized strategies. 2. **Prager Metis International LLC** - Offers ongoing tax planning sessions and strategic advice. 3. **Mazars USA LLP** - Provides continuous tax planning services with a focus on future savings. 4. **Marks Paneth LLP** - Specializes in proactive tax planning and advisory services throughout the year.

Top firm response rate

27.7%

Responses naming the #1 firm

Top 3 mention share

14.0%

Share of all firm-response mentions

Top 10 mention share

24.1%

Share of all firm-response mentions

HHI concentration

1.0

Sum of squared mention shares

Firm × assistant heat map

Each cell is normalized within that assistant: responses naming the firm ÷ eligible responses from that assistant family. Darker cells mean greater within-assistant visibility; raw counts and denominators remain visible.

FirmClaudeChatGPTGeminiPerplexity
#1Anchin 36.9% 104/282 34.8% 98/282 32.6% 92/282 6.4% 18/282
#2Marks Paneth LLP 23.8% 67/282 35.1% 99/282 30.1% 85/282 0.0% 0/282
#3EisnerAmper 17.0% 48/282 22.0% 62/282 20.2% 57/282 6.0% 17/282
#4Citrin Cooperman 17.7% 50/282 10.3% 29/282 20.9% 59/282 2.5% 7/282
#5Mazars USA LLP 1.4% 4/282 13.5% 38/282 12.1% 34/282 0.0% 0/282
#6Braj Aggarwal, CPA, P.C. - Trusted CPA & Accountant in NYC 9.6% 27/282 0.4% 1/282 3.9% 11/282 12.1% 34/282
#7Marcum LLP 2.1% 6/282 3.2% 9/282 16.3% 46/282 1.4% 4/282
#8Friedman LLP 8.2% 23/282 12.8% 36/282 2.1% 6/282 0.0% 0/282
#9Kostelanetz LLP 6.0% 17/282 8.2% 23/282 7.4% 21/282 0.7% 2/282
#10WithumSmith+Brown, PC 2.1% 6/282 14.2% 40/282 0.4% 1/282 2.1% 6/282
#11Nonprofit Accountant New York City 0.4% 1/282 4.3% 12/282 2.8% 8/282 10.3% 29/282
#12Gary Mehta, CPA, EA : Accountant of New York and Beyond 3.2% 9/282 1.4% 4/282 4.3% 12/282 8.2% 23/282
#13Bench 12.8% 36/282 1.4% 4/282 1.4% 4/282 1.4% 4/282
#14Deloitte Private 2.1% 6/282 4.6% 13/282 7.8% 22/282 1.4% 4/282
#15PwC Private 1.4% 4/282 4.6% 13/282 7.4% 21/282 2.1% 6/282

Firm × buyer-situation heat map

Counts show eligible current-snapshot responses naming each firm within the ranking-layer conversation-state bucket. They are descriptive counts, not buyer-population estimates.

FirmAdviceCrisisDecisionLearningFollow UpSituationValidationConstraints
#1Anchin 30 21 110 17 18 60 38 18
#2Marks Paneth LLP 21 19 84 14 16 46 35 16
#3EisnerAmper 19 14 54 15 10 42 22 8
#4Citrin Cooperman 1 11 54 8 11 36 19 5
#5Mazars USA LLP 5 3 14 8 9 17 13 7
#6Braj Aggarwal, CPA, P.C. - Trusted CPA & Accountant in NYC 22 1 8 14 2 2 21 3
#7Marcum LLP 5 4 21 3 4 20 8 —
#8Friedman LLP 4 18 15 1 4 10 6 7
#9Kostelanetz LLP 3 40 5 3 4 1 7 —
#10WithumSmith+Brown, PC 4 3 16 3 3 16 5 3
#11Nonprofit Accountant New York City 6 — 3 21 9 — 11 —
#12Gary Mehta, CPA, EA : Accountant of New York and Beyond 7 1 8 14 5 3 7 3
#13Bench 3 — 10 — 8 11 9 7
#14Deloitte Private 3 — 12 11 8 4 5 2
#15PwC Private 4 — 10 10 5 4 9 2

Comparable month-by-month history

Only independent contract-v2 runs using prompt set v1.0 are eligible. Rebuilt snapshots from the same run are deduplicated, and at most one independent run is shown per month.

Only one independent contract-v2 measurement period exists for this prompt-set version; no trend is claimed.

Data-quality audit

  • ✓Atomic Scan Run
  • ✓Builder Contract V2
  • ✓All Four Assistant Families
  • ✓Canonical Firm Response Deduplication
  • ✓Exact Taxonomy Filter
  • ✓Directory And Geographic Filter
  • ✓Resolved Top Firms

Limitations

  • Atlas measures a designed prompt panel, not population-weighted buyer demand, professional quality, outcomes, or market share.
  • Response mention rates are non-exclusive: one response may name several firms.
  • No refusal-rate or qualitative response classification is published without response-level human coding. Current headline findings use audited aggregate events only.
  • Only one independent contract-v2 measurement period exists for this prompt-set version; no trend is claimed.