Gay Street Bridge spanning the Tennessee River with downtown Knoxville skyline and the Sunsphere

Knoxville CPAs · Founded 2012

Big firm experience. Small firm service.

At Culpepper CPA, PLLC, we simplify complex business accounting, lower your tax burden, and provide high-touch personal guidance so you can focus on growing what matters.

  • Custom tax optimization & planning
  • Full-service business & payroll support
  • Audit, review & forensic expertise
  • Partner-led advice — not a revolving cast

Tax · Accounting · Advisory · Audit · Forensic

Photo: Brian Stansberry · CC BY 3.0

  • Founded 2012 Knoxville, Tennessee
  • Partner-led CPAs Tax, accounting & advisory
  • Big firm depth Small firm service
  • East Tennessee Individuals & businesses

Recognized Excellence

Recognized among Knoxville’s leading CPA firms

Culpepper CPA has been recognized for reputation, credibility, experience, availability, and professionalism — the markers Knoxville businesses look for in a trusted advisor.

  • 2012 Firm founded in Knoxville
  • 5 Partner-led CPAs on the bench
  • 100% Client-focused service model
Knoxville Accountant CPA recognition badge

Tailored Financial Solutions

Full-service accounting, tax strategy & business advisory

Whether you need small-business payroll, Tennessee state tax compliance, forensic accounting, or personal income tax optimization — Culpepper CPA provides expert, partner-led care.

Services for businesses

Keep your enterprise compliant, efficient, and tax-optimized

Consult a business CPA
  • Corporate tax returns & planning

    Preparation of 1120, 1120-S, and 1065 returns plus year-round planning that fits how you operate — including Tennessee franchise and excise.

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  • Bookkeeping & financial statements

    Clean books, reconciliations, and statements so you can focus on running the company — not wrestling the ledger.

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  • Payroll processing

    Accurate payroll that stays current with tax deposits, filings, and 1099s as you hire and grow.

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  • Contract CFO / advisory

    A financial partner for pricing, hiring, cash flow, and growth decisions — beyond compliance season.

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Services for individuals & forensic

Maximize wealth retention and resolve complex financial matters

Consult a tax specialist
  • Personal tax filing & planning

    Individual returns, estimated payments, and year-round planning — personalized guidance, not a once-a-year scramble.

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  • IRS audit representation

    Steady representation when notices, back taxes, or an audit land — organized responses and clear next steps.

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  • Forensic accounting

    Investigative accounting, loss determination, and valuation support when disputes demand precision.

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  • Audit & review

    Seasoned audit leadership for public and private companies — focused on how your business actually works.

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Our approach

How partnership works here

We left the “bill, bill, bill” mindset behind. The work starts with knowing you — then the numbers follow.

  1. Listen first

    We get to know you, your goals, and how your business actually operates — before prescribing a package.

  2. Clarify the numbers

    Clean books, accurate filings, and plain-language explanations so decisions are not a guessing game.

  3. Plan ahead

    Year-round planning for taxes, cash, and compliance — so you are not reacting in April.

  4. Stay close

    Responsive partners and a dedicated team when something changes mid-year or mid-deal.

The Culpepper Advantage

Why Knoxville business owners trust Culpepper CPA

Todd Culpepper, Leigh Anne Joseph, and our partner bench give Knoxville families and business owners more than a tax return — a clear roadmap and lasting peace of mind.

Our firm promise

“We know financial matters can seem complex and overwhelming. We lay out a positive, encouraging game plan to resolve past issues and protect your future.”

  • Relational care with integrity

    We operate with uncompromising integrity and genuinely care about you, your family, and your business goals — not just the forms.

  • Responsive, dedicated communication

    No weeks of silence. Partners and staff respond promptly to calls and emails when something changes mid-year or mid-deal.

  • Tax savings that justify the fee

    Proactive planning consistently helps clients keep more of what they earn — freeing capital for growth instead of surprise April bills.

  • Broad technical expertise in-house

    From personal 1040s to TN franchise and excise tax, payroll, 1099s, audit, and forensic work — handled by one Knoxville team.

  • Local Knoxville team with deep Tennessee tax knowledge
  • Transparent, reasonable pricing
  • Secure online client portal for easy uploads

What defines us

Big firm experience. Small firm service.

We are Professional

Professional care without the transactional mindset. Reliable response when finances shift. Experienced judgment from careers forged in global and national firms — now focused on partners, not billables.

Leadership

A partner bench, not a revolving cast

Our CPAs built careers in global and national firms — then chose Knoxville clients who want real partnership.

  • Todd Culpepper, CPA

    Todd Culpepper, CPA

    Founder · CPA

    Founded Culpepper CPA in June 2012 after twenty-plus years serving clients worldwide. University of Georgia Terry College of Business. Built the firm for partners, not transactions.

  • Leigh Anne Joseph, CPA

    Leigh Anne Joseph, CPA

    Partner · CPA

    Joined in 2014; Partner since 2020. Masters of Accounting (Tennessee Tech) and University of Tennessee graduate with thirty-plus years guiding small businesses and nonprofits.

  • Michael A. Thomas, CPA

    Michael A. Thomas, CPA

    Partner · CPA

    Joined in 2017; Partner since 2020. Master of Accountancy, University of Tennessee. Focused on partnership, corporate, and multistate tax.

  • Mary Gray, CPA

    Mary Gray, CPA

    Partner · CPA

    Joined in 2019; Partner as of January 2024. Master of Accountancy, University of Tennessee. Prior top-ten national firm experience in corporate federal and multistate taxation.

  • Anthony Dugan, CPA

    Anthony Dugan, CPA

    Senior Audit Manager · CPA

    Joined February 2026. University of Tennessee at Chattanooga graduate with Big Four audit roots and twenty-five-plus years in public accounting, advisory, and audit.

  • Work with us

    Meet the partners who stay on your file

    No revolving cast. Call or book a conversation and talk with the Knoxville bench that will actually handle your work.

Client Success Stories

Real reviews from real Knoxville clients

See how we help clients navigate complex taxes, state filings, and business decisions with confidence.

  • “I came to Todd having been very negligent concerning my company, personal and all related tax needs. Todd and his staff not only helped me address and properly deal with my needs but laid out a positive and encouraging game plan to stay that way. I cannot begin to express my thanks and peace they have provided.”

    Michael Tucker Business owner · Multi-year client
  • “We have been clients since 2015. Culpepper CPA prepares our business and personal returns and advises on payroll, estimated payments, and state tax matters. Broad technical expertise, always responsive — and the individual attention stands out.”

    Jennifer Phillips Business & personal client · Since 2015
  • “Todd has provided a truly professional service for all of my accounting needs from personal federal tax return preparations to my small business tax needs. Not only do my tax savings justify the cost, but I am afforded more time to focus on my business.”

    Travis Keller Small business client
  • “Leigh Anne Joseph has been my accountant for over 10 years and helped guide us through personal taxes and the acquisition of a business. Prompt answers. I cannot say enough about the personal service.”

    Brian Kline Individual & business · 10+ years
  • “I have used Culpepper CPA firm for several years and I cannot say enough good things about them. People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care. This describes Todd and Amber Culpepper and their entire staff.”

    Butch Hofferbert Long-term client
  • Your story next

    Ready for advice that feels personal?

    Join Knoxville owners who trust partner-led CPAs for tax, payroll, and the decisions in between.

Ready for advice that feels like partnership?

Share a few details and we will follow up — typically within one business day during the workweek.

No obligation. Call or write — whichever is easier.

FAQ

Questions we hear often

Still deciding if we are the right fit? Call or send a note — we will help you sort next steps.

Where is Culpepper CPA located?

Our office is at 108 Durwood Rd, Knoxville, TN 37922. Call (865) 691-8509 or email info@culpepper-cpa.com.

Do you work with individuals and businesses?

Yes. We serve individuals and companies with tax preparation and planning, bookkeeping, payroll, advisory, audit and review, and forensic accounting.

What makes Culpepper CPA different?

Big firm experience with small firm service. Our CPAs began careers in global and national firms, then built Culpepper CPA around partnership — personalized advice, longevity in relationships, and responsive local service.

How do I get started?

Call (865) 691-8509 or send a short message through this page. We typically follow up within 24 hours during the workweek to schedule a conversation.

Do you offer a client portal and secure file transfer?

Yes. Existing clients can use the firm portal and secure file tools linked from our site, along with online payment options.

Contact

Tell us what you need

Share some basic information and we will follow up — typically within 24 hours during the workweek.

Serving Knoxville and East Tennessee — individuals, small businesses, and growing enterprises.

Prefer the phone? Call (865) 691-8509 — we are glad to talk.

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