A Charlotte CPA You Can Actually Talk To
Sam McCraw, CPA, CPWA®
TITLE
Associate Principal
HOMETOWN
Winston-Salem, NC
YEARS OF EXPERIENCE
10
EDUCATION
"Esse Quam Videri" - "To be rather than to seem"
Originally from Winston-Salem, NC, Sam received his bachelor’s degrees in accounting and finance from The University of North Carolina at Greensboro and his Master of Accounting from The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He has been an active North Carolina CPA since 2016 and an active California CPA since 2023. Sam is also a Certified Private Wealth Advisor (CPWA®) credential holder.
Sam has worked for over a decade in tax and accounting roles serving businesses, high-net-worth individuals, trusts, estates, and exempt entities. Some of these roles include Tax Director and Chief Financial Officer of a family office, Tax Manager at a top 200 public accounting firm, and Tax Content Analyst on a software development team at Intuit.
Sam specializes in holistic tax compliance, planning, and advisory services for high-net-worth individuals and their related entities. He has deep knowledge in real estate, professional services, and the unique service needs of individuals with net worth exceeding 15 million dollars.
Sam served six years in the United States Air Force's Security Forces and performed law enforcement and force protection operations with the 4th Security Forces Squadron at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base in Goldsboro, NC. Sam also deployed to Bagram Air Base in Afghanistan in 2011, where he served in combat operations in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.
Sam enjoys backpacking, playing guitar, and keeping up with Tarheel sports. He is an active member of the United States Air Force Security Forces Association and an advocate for the physical, mental, and financial well-being of veterans. Sam has two Australian Shepherds (Ari & Sophie) and a Bengal cat (Finn).
Specialties
Estate Trusts Tax Services
Multi-State Filings
Military
Tax Planning
1031 Exchange
Business Tax
Rental Properties
Stock Compenstaion
Industries
Professional Services
Real Estate
Software
Construction
Trade Businesses
Financial Services
Your Charlotte- Uptown CPA for Tax Planning & Advisory Services
Charlotte’s growth in finance, real estate, healthcare, and tech means your CPA must pair local insight with sophisticated planning. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, investor, or family seeking proactive guidance, Sam McCraw, CPA, CPWA® brings a Charlotte-first approach that connects tax strategy with long-term wealth building.
As an Associate Principal at Dark Horse CPAs, Sam goes beyond annual filings—delivering forward-looking tax planning, coordinated wealth management, and practical business advisory. He helps optimize entity and compensation design, model NC PTET when beneficial, and employ tax-deferral tools like retirement plans (401(k)/cash balance), capital-gains timing, QSBS where applicable, Roth strategy, and smart asset location. From precise compliance to strategic insight, Sam is a trusted partner for growing—and keeping—more of what you earn in the Queen City.
SAM MCCRAW, ASSOCIATE PRINCIPAL
“As a CPA with over a decade of experience, I help clients navigate complex financial landscapes with clarity, strategy, and confidence—so they can focus on what matters most to them.”
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 & Wealth Solutions for Charlotte Businesses
The Problem: Filing season shouldn’t be when you learn you paid more tax than necessary. For many Charlotte business owners, the pain comes from missed elections, poor timing on income and distributions, or portfolios that aren’t coordinated with the business—leading to unexpected balances due and avoidable drag on wealth.
The Solution: With Sam McCraw, CPA, CPWA®, you get year‑round tax advisory that connects your business decisions to your personal wealth plan. Sam models cash flow and compensation, optimizes entity and election choices, and coordinates with your wealth advisor (including Dark Horse Private Wealth when desired) so your investment strategy and withdrawal plan reduce today’s tax and defer tomorrow’s—all while staying fully compliant with federal and North Carolina rules.
SAM MCCRAW, ASSOCIATE PRINCIPAL
“I partner with small & mid-market business owners to design and implement strategies that drive measurable impact. I focus on delivering solutions that enhance operational and tax efficiency while providing business owners with financial clarity. My goal is to ensure every business decision contributes directly to value creation.”
Tax Strategy & Compliance for Charlotte Locals
The Problem: Filing your return shouldn’t be when you learn you paid more than necessary. Many Charlotte families and professionals get surprised by balances due, smaller refunds, or missed chances to reduce and defer tax. When they look to their CPA to answer questions, they are met with delayed responses, unclear answers and an overall reactive approach to their tax position.
The Solution: With Sam McCraw, CPA, CPWA®, you get year‑round guidance that connects your tax plan to your wealth plan. Sam manages brackets and the timing of income, deductions, and capital gains; optimizes retirement savings (401(k)/IRA/HSA) including Roth vs. pre‑tax and backdoor options; plans Roth conversions; aligns equity compensation (ISOs/NSOs/RSUs and 83(b)); and coordinates tax‑aware investing and asset location to cut ongoing tax drag. He also structures charitable giving (DAFs, appreciated‑asset gifts) and real‑estate strategies (depreciation, sale timing, 1031 where appropriate), while maintaining safe‑harbor estimates, tuned withholding, and on‑time federal and North Carolina compliance. The result is an intentional, advisory-first tax plan with No Surprises.
SAM MCCRAW, ASSOCIATE PRINCIPAL
“I specialize in delivering advanced tax & financial strategies for the unique needs of high-net-worth individuals. My approach integrates tax efficiency, entity structuring, and wealth preservation into a cohesive plan that aligns with each client’s long-term objectives. I prioritize helping clients optimize after-tax portfolio performance and multigenerational transfers of wealth.”
Porscha D.
Working with Mike Connelly has been great! We had some complicated things to get through but it was not a problem for him. Other accountants I’ve worked with seem overwhelmed and it reflects in their work. Mike specifically mentioned Dark Horse being very supported as a contrast to other places he worked. My experience with Dark Horse and especially Mike has been very positive and we recommend him to other business.
T.K.
Mike Connelly is an absolute superstar! My wife and I both own small businesses and work full time jobs. Our taxes can get pretty overwhelming fast. Mike helps us navigate the complexities we don't quite understand with ease and does so with a patient, friendly demeanor. We've been using him for almost a decade and would highly recommend his services, you won't be disappointed!
Troy D.
I've enjoyed working with Mike this past year and look forward to many great years ahead!
Blogs and Pods
Whether you prefer the written word or the spoken word, we've got meaningful commentary that will help you focus on what's important when it comes to your financial situation and taxes.
Sign up below to be subscribed to need-to-know information and news that affects your business and your personal financial situation.
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
Get an expert Tax & Accounting CPA who will partner with you to achieve unparalleled results.
