Trusted CPA Services in Texas
At Evans Sternau CPA, we provide personalized accounting, tax, and advisory services to individuals and businesses throughout the communities we serve. Our experienced CPAs combine local knowledge with a proactive approach to help you make informed financial decisions and stay on track year-round.
Local expertise. Personal attention. Trusted financial guidance.
Discover how Evans Sternau CPA can help you reach your financial goals.
An Austin, TX CPA To Talk To
CHAD EVANS, CPA
Chad founded what is now Evans Sternau CPA along with Chris Sternau at the end of 2021. It was their vision to build a CPA firm that focused on high quality service, staff accessibility and developing a culture that facilitates attracting and retaining exceptional people.
An alumnus of the University of Texas, Chad began his career as an investment representative, where he developed a strong foundation in financial analysis and client relations. He then spent 12 years at ExxonMobil, gaining extensive experience in complex accounting and development of robust internal processes.
When he’s not in the office, Chad enjoys spending his time with his wife and two kids. You can often find him at a UT sporting event or local concert.
- Financial Services
- Oil & Gas
- Software Developers
- Healthcare
- Manufacturing
- Family Offices
- Individual Tax Returns
- Business Tax Returns
- Business Advisory
- Wealth Management
- Outsourced Accounting
- Outsourced CFO
A CPA IN The Woodlands, TX To Talk To
CHRIS STERNAU, CPA, CFP
Chris Sternau founded what is now Evans Sternau CPA along with Chad Evans at the end of 2021. Chris is a Certified Public Accountant and Certified Financial Planner ™ with over a decade of experience providing comprehensive tax, financial, estate planning, and investment consulting services to businesses and their owners. Chris has extensive experience working with families of significant wealth. He has provided services to a wide range of industries including oil and gas, mining, real estate, farming and cattle ranching, retail, technology, and many others.
Prior to founding Evans Sternau CPA, Chris was a Tax Director at a single-family office headquartered in Houston, Texas and a Tax Manager in the Private Client Services Group at Andersen.
Chris is a native Houstonian and moved to The Woodlands when he was one year old. Chris graduated from Baylor University with a double major in Personal Financial Planning and Entrepreneurship. He then graduated from the University of St. Thomas with a Master of Science in Accounting.
Chris serves as a partner of The Woodlands Area Economic Development Partnership.
When he is not managing his responsibilities at Evans Sternau CPA, Chris enjoys spending time with his wife and four children. His children are very active with sports and his weekends are often filled with soccer tournaments and gymnastics competitions.
- Family Offices
- Financial Services
- Oil & Gas
- Healthcare
- Mining
- Software Developers
- Manufacturing
- Individual Tax Returns
- Business Tax Returns
- Trust Tax Returns
- Estate Tax Returns
- Not for Profit Organizations & Foundations
- Business Advisory
- Wealth Management
- Outsourced Accounting
- Outsourced CFO
A HOUSTON, TX CPA To Talk To
AMARA BIRO, CPA
Amara Biro graduated from the University of Texas McCombs School of Business with a BBA in Marketing and a minor in Management. She began her professional career at Mann Frankfort Stein & Lipp, where she spent a decade developing her expertise.
Following that, she joined Charles E. Gebhardt & Associates, dedicating 22 years to serving clients until the firm was acquired by Evans Sternau CPA in January 2024. Amara specializes in working with high net worth individuals, providing tailored financial and tax services.
Outside of her professional life, she enjoys boxing, cross-country skiing and spending time with her family and friends.
- Family Offices
- Financial Services
- Oil & Gas
- Healthcare
- Software Developers
- Manufacturing
- Retail & Wholesale
- Professional Services
- Individual Tax Returns
- Business Tax Returns
- Trust Tax Returns
- Estate Tax Returns
- Not for Profit Organizations & Foundations
Recent Publications
The Earnout Trap: How Deal Structure Can Turn a $5M Sale into a $3M Tax Bill
Earnouts look like a bridge between buyer and seller — but their tax treatment can quietly convert capital gains into ordinary income. Here’s what to watch for before you sign.
Selling a Business Before Year-End: The Tax Calendar Decisions That Can’t Be Undone
The date you close a business sale can cost or save you hundreds of thousands of dollars. Learn which tax calendar decisions lock in once the deal closes — and how to plan before that happens.
The Short-Term Rental Loophole: How Airbnb Hosts Can Unlock Passive Loss Deductions
Short-term rentals are treated differently under the passive activity rules — and that difference can unlock significant loss deductions for Airbnb hosts who meet the right criteria.
Asset Sale vs. Stock Sale: Who Wins in the Tax Math?
Whether a business sale is structured as an asset sale or a stock sale determines who pays more in taxes — and the gap can be significant. Here’s how the math works for buyers and sellers.
What Most Investors Get Wrong About the 1031 Exchange Boot
Boot is the most misunderstood concept in 1031 exchange planning — and misunderstanding it can turn a tax-deferred exchange into a partial or fully taxable event.
Understanding the Difference Between Profit and Cash Flow
A business can be profitable and still run out of cash — and it happens more often than most owners expect. Here’s the difference between profit and cash flow, and why both matter.
Ready to work with a Proactive CPA?
While we are a CPA firm in The Woodlands, we service clients across the United States. Click below to get a quote or give us a call with any other questions you may have.
