A Charlotte CPA You Can Actually Talk To

Dark Horse CPAs

Samuel McCraw, CPA, CPWA®, MAC

Principal Based in Charlotte - Uptown, North Carolina

980-728-8998 samuel.mccraw@darkhorse.cpa LinkedIn

Education

The University of North Carolina at Greensboro BS Accounting and Finance, 2015

Book a Meeting Read Full Bio

10+Years of Experience

8Specialties

6Industries Served

2Certifications

Credentials

Professional Certifications

Certified Public AccountantCertification

Certified Private Wealth AdvisorCertification

Client Feedback

Reviews

"Samuel McCraw is the first CPA who has made a measurable difference in my financial life — not just preparing taxes but building a proactive tax strategy that delivered real results. His combination of technical expertise and genuine client commitment sets him apart."

Jane Read more

"Sam McCraw has handled my personal and business returns for almost a decade, and I look forward to working with him well into the future. He has never hesitated to take time out of his schedule to translate the complexities of tax code into simple terms that I can understand and make sure that all of my questions are answered in detail. If you are in search of someone you can trust to handle what is arguably one of the more stressful times of the year, I can't recommend Sam enough!"

Ryan Read more

"When we were searching for a CPA/firm, we needed an experienced CPA with excellent understanding of how to navigate the federal and state (CA) tax codes and regulations for a family that has a small business as well as a high W-2 earner as schedule C and 1040s can get overwhelming, and Sam McCraw of Darkhose CPAs did not disappoint. In fact, Sam has exceeded our expectations of helping us consider how to get through the current tax season and beyond, and we are glad to finally find someone we can trust. Sam even went above and beyond to alert us of potential tax ID fraud, and helped walk us through the steps to safely protect our ID, and get us the help we needed to secure our family information and filing the necessary forms for us to ensure we controlled what we could. We didn't think we would be excited to speak with an accountant, but Sam's knowledge and expert guidance has helped us to feel like a missing piece of our team puzzle had finally been found to better clarify our financial future. We look forward to our upcoming tax strategy discussions to help better align our future goals with the existing and pending tax codes with Sam."

Song Read more

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.

Talk to your Charlotte CPA

Samuel McCraw, CPA, CPWA®, MAC, 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.

Book a Meeting with Me

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.

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

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

90%

Retention Rate

We're all about creating long-lasting, value-added relationships.

Retention Rate

Tax Strategy & Accounting 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.

Solution for Business

Samuel McCraw, CPA, CPWA®, MAC, 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.

Tax Solutions for People

Samuel McCraw, CPA, CPWA®, MAC, 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

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!