Black-Owned Tax Preparation, Accounting & Bookkeeping in Chicago, IL
Heard & Associates is a Black-owned, founder-led firm helping individuals, families, entrepreneurs and nonprofits file accurately, keep clean books and build long-term financial stability.
A Black-owned firm built for clarity, trust and legacy
Heard & Associates LLC was founded by Darrel Heard to make high-quality tax and accounting accessible, transparent and stress-free. Today, the firm serves clients from our Chicago office in Hyde Park, our Olympia Fields office and virtually across the country.
Black professionals remain underrepresented in accounting. For many families and business owners, working with an advisor who understands their community, explains things plainly and takes their goals seriously makes a real difference.
That is the standard we hold ourselves to with every client, whoever they are: accurate work, honest advice and a relationship that lasts well beyond one tax season. Learn more about our firm.
To build a legacy-driven accounting firm that empowers individuals, small businesses and nonprofits with financial clarity, while preserving and expanding the tradition of Black-owned firms in the accounting industry.
Darrel Heard, Founder & CEO
Tax, accounting and bookkeeping services
Full-service support from one Black-owned team, so your return, your books and your planning all work together.
Tax Preparation
Individual, family and business returns prepared carefully and reviewed for every deduction and credit you qualify for.
IRS Notices & Back Taxes
Behind on filing or holding a letter from the IRS? We reconstruct missing years and deal with the IRS and IDOR for you.
Bookkeeping
Monthly bookkeeping and reconciliations that keep your business tax-ready, plus cleanup when the books have fallen behind.
Payroll & Sales Tax
Payroll processing, quarterly payroll filings and Illinois sales tax handled on schedule, so penalties never land.
Business Formation
Start on solid ground with the right structure, EIN, Illinois registrations and a bookkeeping system from day one.
Tax Planning & Wealth Building
Year-round planning that lowers your tax bill and supports long-term goals, including trust and estate returns for families.
Supporting Black businesses, families and organizations
We serve clients from every background. These are the groups we work with most often.
Black-owned small businesses
Owner-operators, contractors, salons, restaurants and service businesses that need clean books, payroll and a tax strategy that fits how they earn.
Small business accounting →Families and individuals
W-2 earners, first-time filers, couples, retirees and families who want their return prepared and explained by a person they can reach.
Individual tax preparation →Churches and nonprofits
Community organizations, churches and associations that need 501(c)(3) setup, nonprofit bookkeeping and annual Form 990 filing.
Nonprofit accounting →Entrepreneurs and creators
Freelancers, creators and first-time founders who need quarterly estimates, deductions and the right business structure.
Self-employed tax services →Professionals and practice owners
Doctors, dentists and therapists running their own practice who want PLLC or S-corp guidance and reliable payroll.
Practice owner services →Families building generational wealth
High earners and families planning ahead with trusts, estates and long-term tax strategy.
Trust and estate tax →More than a once-a-year tax preparer
Financial education
We explain what is on your return and why, so every decision is one you understand.
Year-round support
Planning, bookkeeping and IRS letters happen all year, and so do we.
Clear communication
Plain language, quick replies and scope and timing confirmed up front.
Long-term planning
Strategy that helps you keep more of what you earn and build for the future.
Rated 5.0 by 100+ clients on Google
Clients describe a firm that is responsive, patient and easy to work with, year after year.
Rooted on the South Side and in the South Suburbs
Chicago: Hyde Park office
5113 S. Harper Ave, Suite 2C, Chicago, IL 60615 · (312) 810-3603
South Suburbs: Olympia Fields office
20200 Governors Dr, Olympia Fields, IL 60461 · (773) 970-9112
Not near either office? We work with clients across the U.S. virtually.
Questions about working with a Black-owned firm
Is Heard & Associates a Black-owned firm?
Yes. Heard & Associates LLC is a Black-owned tax, accounting and bookkeeping firm founded and led by Darrel Heard, with offices in Chicago (Hyde Park) and Olympia Fields.
Do you only work with Black clients or businesses?
No. We proudly serve clients of every background. Being Black-owned shapes our mission and our commitment to the community, and every client receives the same careful, personal service.
What services do you offer?
Individual and business tax preparation, IRS representation, unfiled and amended returns, bookkeeping, payroll, sales tax filing, business formation, nonprofit Form 990 filing and year-round tax planning.
Can you help a church or community nonprofit?
Yes. We help nonprofits with formation, 501(c)(3) setup, bookkeeping and annual Form 990 filing so they stay compliant and keep their focus on their mission.
Do you work with clients outside Chicago?
Yes. Along with our Chicago and Olympia Fields offices, we serve individuals and Black-owned businesses across the United States virtually through a secure document portal and video meetings.
How do I get started?
Book a consultation online or call (312) 810-3603 for Chicago or (773) 970-9112 for Olympia Fields. We will learn what you need, confirm scope and timing, and send you a secure link to upload documents.
Work with a Black-owned firm that stays with you all year
Book a consultation or call either office. We’ll take it from there.