An Austin CPA You Can Actually Talk To
Reed Covar, CPA
TITLE
Principal
HOMETOWN
Edgefield, SC
YEARS OF EXPERIENCE
8
EDUCATION
Never believe that a few caring people can’t change the world. For, indeed, that’s all who ever have.
Beginning his career at a southeastern regional firm in Columbia, SC, Reed honed his skills from 2017 to 2020. He then transitioned to a specialized role at a firm focusing on Medicare and Medicaid cost reporting, long-term care facilities, and nursing homes, where he provided crucial support in the preparation of audited financial statements and tax returns. Most recently, Reed served at LZ Tax, a subsidiary of LegalZoom, Inc., where he played a key role in supporting small to medium-sized business owners, contributing to product development, enhancing customer engagement, and leading a team of 10 associates. Currently residing in Houston, TX, Reed enjoys life with his partner and their 1-year-old Boxer dog, Layla. He is passionate about continuous learning and personal growth, with aspirations to become fluent in Spanish before turning 40. Outside of work, Reed enjoys exploring the great outdoors, visiting national parks, playing golf, and practicing the piano. A frequent traveler, he finds solace in visiting the Caribbean, especially the island of St. John, at least once a year.
Specialties
Tax Strategy & Planning
Business & Personal Tax Strategy
Multi-State Tax
Cryptocurrency NFTs
Rental Properties
1031 Exchange
Industries
Real Estate
Construction
Professional Services
First Class Tax & Accounting Advisory from Your Austin CPA
Austin’s economy doesn't follow the rules and neither should your accounting. Success in the high-stakes tech scene of Silicon Hills or the fast-moving real estate and healthcare sectors of Travis County brings a level of complexity that traditional, reactive firms are not built to handle. Dark Horse CPAs is the antidote to the status quo. We provide the proactive tax strategy, fractional CFO advisory, and compliance expertise required to dominate in Central Texas. Whether you are scaling a startup or managing private wealth, we focus on minimizing federal liabilities and optimizing Texas Franchise Tax obligations. We provide the strategic foresight you need to win.
REED COVAR CPA, PRINCIPAL
"At Dark Horse CPAs, we combine collaboration and individual autonomy to create an ideal environment for delivering personalized, high-quality tax and accounting advisory services. My goal is to ensure that each client receives maximum value from their relationship with their CPA. When you work with me, you'll not only enjoy a direct, one-on-one connection but also tap into the collective knowledge and resources of the entire team, allowing us to provide tailored solutions that best serve your financial needs. I serve clients in San Antonio, Austin, Dallas, and the surrounding areas, providing top-tier accounting services to businesses and individuals alike."
80%
Net Promoter Score
The average NPS for accounting firms is 38%. At Dark Horse, 80% of our clients would recommend us to a friend.
Net Promoter Score
Companies use this metric to gauge how happy their customers are with their services. It's calculated by taking the percentage of "promoters" minus the % of "detractors. "The average NPS score for the accounting industry is 39%, less than the DMV! We believe it's important to share that we have successfully fulfilled our promise to WOW clients and consistently monitor this metric to ensure we continue to deliver on the highest level.
550+
5-Star Reviews
Our Google and Yelp reviews speak for themselves. Our goal is to provide 5-star service to every client, every time.
5-Star Reviews
When someone shares their experience with us online, we find it extremely valuable to know where we've exceeded expectations and where we can improve. Many of our clients decide to engage with us as a result of reading about other Dark Horse clients’ experiences. Even when things do not go as planned, we do everything we can to make it right.
90%
Retention Rate
We're all about creating long-lasting, value-added relationships.
Retention Rate
This is the frequency of repeat business from our clients that work with us. This means that 9 out of 10 clients use us for subsequent years. That shows us that people enjoy working with our CPAs, are pleased with the work, and want to continue with Dark Horse over the long term.
Tax Strategy & Compliance for Austin Locals
The Problem: Many Austin taxpayers treat taxes as a once-a-year headache rather than a year-round strategy. This reactive approach often leads to tax leakage and preventable liabilities. Even without a state income tax in Texas, the combination of federal compliance, complex real estate holdings, and diverse investment portfolios creates a high-stakes environment where traditional accounting falls short.
The Solution: Dark Horse CPAs is the antidote to reactive tax prep. Our No Surprises philosophy ensures we work year-round with Austin individuals and families to minimize federal tax liability and optimize wealth preservation. Whether you are managing real estate in Travis County or scaling investments in Silicon Hills, we provide the forward-looking strategy needed to stay ahead. From retirement planning to multi-state filings, every engagement is designed to protect your bottom line.
REED COVAR, CPA, PRINCIPAL
“Many CPAs overlook regular client check-ins, but proactive reviews are key to uncovering opportunities and optimizing tax planning. At minimum, every engagement should include an annual review. This ensures you maximize your CPA relationship, achieve tax savings, and gain clarity for the future.”
Tax Strategy & Accounting Solutions for Austin Businesses
The Problem: Too many Austin entrepreneurs are flying blind without the strategic financial data or proactive tax strategy required to stay competitive. Texas might lack a state income tax, but businesses still face complex federal compliance, the Texas Franchise Tax, and industry-specific payroll requirements. Without a partner who understands the high-growth landscape in Silicon Hills, it is easy to miss tax-saving opportunities or expose your company to unnecessary risk.
The Solution: Dark Horse CPAs is the antidote to traditional, compliance-only accounting. We integrate bookkeeping and tax planning with a proactive approach designed specifically for Austin businesses. From managing federal obligations and franchise tax filings to providing Fractional CFO advisory and cash flow forecasting, we give you the insight needed to make tax-smart decisions. Our Advisory-First model ensures you have a partner invested in your long-term dominance in the Travis County marketplace.
REED COVAR, CPA, PRINCIPAL
“Many businesses view accounting and tax as separate, but every financial move impacts your tax return. Integrating business accounting and tax advisory uncovers savings, improves accuracy, and drives smarter decisions. This unified approach streamlines workflows and strengthens overall financial health.”
Nancy R.
I have used James Larsen as my CPA for many years and am confident in his work ethic and tax knowledge.
Blogs and Pods
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Blog
Choosing the Right Business Entity as a Pro Esports Player: LLC, S-Corp, or Sole Proprietorship
VLOG
Collaboration and Innovation: Dark Horse CPAs
Podcast
SPEED ROUND: 1031 Exchanges
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