A Knoxville CPA You Can Actually Talk To
Joe Detrow, CPA
TITLE
Associate Principal
HOMETOWN
Oak Ridge, TN
YEARS OF EXPERIENCE
15
EDUCATION
"Always prefer the plain direct word to the long, vague one. Don't Implement promises, but keep them." - CS Lewis
Joe Detrow is a Certified Public Accountant with 15 years of experience delivering strategic tax advisory and accounting solutions to a diverse clientele, from small businesses to large corporations. Renowned for his analytical precision and personalized approach, Joe helps individuals and organizations navigate complex financial landscapes, optimizing outcomes and fostering growth. His deep commitment to understanding each client's unique needs has earned him a reputation as a trusted advisor to clients across the United States.
Based in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, Joe is a graduate of Youngstown State University, where he honed his expertise in accounting. He brings a proactive and client-centric philosophy to his work, ensuring that his tax and financial strategies are both effective and aligned with the goals of the businesses and individuals he serves.
Outside of his professional life, Joe enjoys the tranquility of country living with his wife and four daughters. His household also includes Socks, a Bernedoodle, Marshmallow, a cat, and 12 well-cared-for chickens. An avid outdoor enthusiast, Joe finds inspiration in hiking and camping adventures through the Smoky Mountains. A passionate football fan, he never misses an opportunity to cheer for his favorite teams.
Specialties
High-Net Worth Individuals
Strategic Tax Planning
Business Tax Strategy
Multi-State Tax
Bookkeeping Compliance
Cash Flow Analysis
Forecasting and Budgeting
Industries
Real Estate
Professional Services
Construction
Manufacturing & Distribution
Your Knoxville CPA for Tax & Accounting Advisory
Knoxville’s economy is fueled by a diverse mix of industries, including manufacturing, healthcare, education, and small business innovation. Whether you’re a local entrepreneur, professional, or family looking for proactive tax strategy and financial clarity, your dedicated Knoxville CPA, Joe Detrow, is here to help.
As a Principal at Dark Horse CPAs, Joe goes beyond standard tax preparation. He provides forward-looking tax planning, personalized accounting advisory, and modern business solutions tailored to Knoxville’s growing community. From managing compliance to delivering strategic insight, Joe is a trusted financial partner committed to helping you achieve long-term success in East Tennessee.
JOE DETROW, ASSOCIATE PRINCIPAL
Dark Horse provides me the unique opportunity to take my experience and build a strong relationship with each of my clients. Giving both of us the time and attention needed to create life-long Tax & Accounting strategies that can positively impact them and their businesses.
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 & Accounting Solutions for Knoxville Businesses
The Problem: Too many Knoxville business owners lack timely financial data—or the strategic tax guidance needed to grow. Even though Tennessee doesn’t levy an income tax on individuals, businesses must still manage state franchise & excise taxes, sales tax, payroll obligations, and federal compliance. Missing quarterly estimated payments or failing to plan ahead can lead to costly penalties and stalled growth.
The Solution: At Dark Horse CPAs, we combine bookkeeping, tax compliance, and CFO-level advisory for Knoxville businesses. From staying on top of franchise & excise taxes, sales tax, and quarterly estimates to delivering cash flow forecasting, financial reporting, and strategic planning, we give you the clarity to make tax-smart, growth-focused decisions. With our Advisory-First approach, you gain a proactive CPA partner dedicated to your success in East Tennessee.
JOE DETROW, PRINCIPAL
“Numbers should tell a story, not just fill a spreadsheet. I partner with business owners to turn financial data into actionable strategies—helping them manage cash flow, plan for growth, and make confident decisions about the future.”
Tax Strategy & Compliance for Knoxville Locals
The Problem: Many Knoxville residents only think about taxes at filing time—leading to surprises, missed deductions, or overlooked opportunities to save. While Tennessee has no state income tax on wages, individuals must still manage federal obligations, retirement planning, and tax on interest and dividends (the Hall Tax repeal no longer applies but investments still bring complexity).
The Solution: At Dark Horse CPAs, we believe in No Surprises. We work year-round with Knoxville individuals and families to implement tax-saving and deferral strategies, optimize retirement and investment planning, and ensure compliance with federal rules. Every engagement includes proactive tax planning designed to help you keep more of what you earn and move forward with confidence.
JOE DETROW, PRINCIPAL
“I believe tax planning should be proactive, not reactive. My goal is to work with clients year-round to uncover opportunities, reduce liabilities, and create strategies that keep them compliant while maximizing their wealth.”
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
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.
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Blog
Why It's So Hard to Find a Good Accountant and Who is Taking on New Clients?
VLOG
Transforming the CPA Landscape: Darkhorse CPA’s Innovative Model for Growth and Success
Podcast
SPEED ROUND: 1031 Exchanges
Get an expert Tax & Accounting CPA who will partner with you to achieve unparalleled results.
