*Note: CPAs may specialize in different areas. Be sure to check credentials and service offerings.*
If this is your first time working with a CPA, don’t worry — most professionals offer a free consultation and will walk you through what to expect. You may be asked to complete an intake form, share financial documents, or set clear goals for your session.
*Note: Every CPA operates a bit differently. Don’t hesitate to ask questions before committing.*
*Tip: Organize your documents in advance to save time and ensure accuracy.*
*Note: Preparation helps you make the most of your CPA’s expertise.*
*Note: Every CPA is different — take time to find one who fits your goals and style.*
4452 Park Blvd
San Diego, California 92116
My husband and I have used Randy for our taxes for the last three years, and are extremely grateful for his services. He is incredibly knowledgeable about all of the relevant issues with our taxes including self-employment, military out-of-state residency, child tax credits, etc. The process to submit all of your forms is very easy, and his turnaround time for filing is usually only a day or two. We are very pleased, and will be returning customers year after year.
This is the first year I have worked with Randy, and I highly recommend his services. Randy was quick to respond to my inquiry, respectful, kind, and knowledgeable. Randy helped me and my husband maximize our deductions and tax credits. My husband and I completed our joint tax return fully online and over email with Randy. I will work with Randy again in the future.
Randy has done my taxes for well over a decade. He is clear, concise and able to help maintain integrity while make sure any critical items are not missed while preparing my tax returns. In addition to being extremely efficient, he is still able to quickly do this even the most complex of returns. There have been years, where his through review of the facts has been able to save me thousands in taxes. I will never go anywhere else.
Randy and ABC have been providing me with Professional, Friendly tax service for many years. Some years more complicated than others. I can always depend on Randy's up to date knowledge of all the tax requirements for current year and the next. Quick friendly service with prompt follow up to let you know return as been filed and links to track tax return when that is the case. Always a Great job Another Year another great Job! Rick R.
I first started working with Randy during an IRS audit. He was so helpful in understanding what needed to be done and how to do it correctly for my complicated work history and multiple states. Since then I have been using him every year for my tax prep. He is very quick to respond and get my taxes filed with ease. Even with Covid this year he adjusted and adapted quickly doing everything virtually. I recommend him to everyone I know.
Randy is a master of his trade. This was my third year with him and we trust him to get us the best return possible. He has always delivered and is very informed and up to date on the latest changes and updates to taxes. He is very effective for businesses and even ride share drivers, where he can correctly itemize different items that help you run your business. When my child is of age soon I will have him go to Randy, in ABC Tax Service we trust.
Randy at ABC tax preparation has been doing my taxes for the past 17 years. I'm so glad that I found him! Every year I know that he's going to do a great job and I have total piece of mine putting my taxes in his hands. Thank you Randy, much appreciated!
We've been going to Randy for about four years to handle our taxes. He's always done a fantastic job for us. He's very professional, friendly, ethical and does a thorough and careful job. He knows his stuff! We will be back next year!
Randy has done my taxes for years. When I first started using him, he discovered quite a few deductions not covered from my previous tax accountant. He even looked at my previous returns and we amended them to recapture some of them. I've continued to use Randy and he's been great. I don't see moving away from him any time soon!
After a horrible experience with another company, I called Randy on Saturday July 3rd, and although it was a holiday weekend he was able to help me and turn everything around quickly by Tuesday July 6th. He was professional, efficient and easy to work with and sensitive to the fact I was stressed out, already late and coming from a negative experience. I highly recommend Randy and his services!!
Randy has been my wife's tax person for years, she has talked very highly of him. When I moved to the neighborhood, two years ago, I decided to have my taxes prepared by him as well. Very professional and knowledgable, a great experience. Thank you Randy!
Randy and his team has prepared our taxes for several years with no problems at all. They have performed well above our expectations consistently over the years. We highly recommend ABC Tax service ! They are the best. Thank you so much Randy.
Randy was great! I researched tax preparers on the Internet in San Diego as I visit San Diego from Nicaragua, once a month. Randy was very friendly, knowledgable and SIMPLE. He made the tax interview and filing so easy and his fees were very reasonable. I will definitely recommend him to my friends asd associates. Mike
Randy has handled our taxes for the past 3 years. It's a comfort to know that Randy expertly processes our taxes with his thorough tax knowledge and utmost professionalism. We will return next year and appreciate his pleasant and helpful demeanor.
Contacted Randy for his advice on how to handle a years old IRS issue when I received that first letter. Who really wants to talk to the IRS? With his knowledge and expertise in how to deal with the IRS, the issue was favorably resolved in my favor. Greatly appreciate his help with issue.
Randy at ABC Taxes is simply the best. I've been going to him for over 13 years for all my accounting needs and he has never failed to get the best returns possible or help me work through any issues with the IRS. He really takes care of his peeps!
As a traveling nurse I tend to have more complicated taxes than the average individual. With this said it is very important for me to have a tax preparer that is current not only on the ever changing federal tax guidelines but also multiple states. I have had several colleagues get audited because of poor tax preparation but thankfully with Randy's help I have never had to deal with an audit. I am now living permanently in Colorado but still send my taxes to Randy to prepare. Why mess with a good thing?
I have been using Randy for years and he is the BEST! This year with Covid-19 I was unable to have an office visit but he was able to easily get things done (I was the one who procrastinated) I am starting a new business this year and I feel confident in having him help me through it. THANKS RANDY!
Randy was a low stress and nice to talk to. Called him up random choice and been coming back to him many years now. Taxes always stressed me out till I met Randy. Very easy to deal with him
Randy is very reliable and easy to work with. We have been working with him for over five years. He consistently provides excellent service. Thank you Randy.
I saw Randy earlier prior to purchasing Solar and EV, as I just wanted to confirm these government promises. Returned with my solar and EV purchases and did in fact get my tax credits. He is very patient in answering my questions and seemed very knowledgeable about the new tax laws. I felt confident this year with my taxes.
Randy is awesome! He helped me with a tax problem I had with the Franchise Tax Board of Ca even though I live in Las Vegas. I would recommend him to everyone I know in the Southern California. Thanks Sir!
Randy did an amazing job with my taxes. He is very thorough and knowledgeable. Will use him again next year.
My experience with Mr. Ames was great. He filed my taxes last year. Due to time constraints, I had initially went in to see an agent from H&R Block. They were going to charge me more than double for the same return and actually they had left out a credit owed to me.Mr. Ames was able to see me last minute and the filing was done within 30 minutes. He is very efficient and professional. His prices are great. I won't need to be looking for someone to do my taxes next year, Randy is dependable and I am happy to
Randy was awesome. I set up an appointment online as a new client. Even with the closures due to Covid-19, Randy guided me through an online process and had my taxes processed in a couple of hours.
Randy did a great job in helping us maximize our refund. It was quick and he was very helpful and nice. I definitely recommend you see him if you need any tax help.
What a stress free experience! I'm a new small business owner, and I was very stressed about my taxes to say the least! Randy was there for me every step of the way. He answered all my questions, helped with back taxes, and provide a plan for the future.
I have been working with Randy for a few years now -- he is responsive, professional, and pricing is good. Process is easy as everything is done electronically. Highly recommend!
Randy has done my taxes for several years now and I look forward to going back to him each year. He is friendly, efficient, and I trust him.
Randy was very helpful and friendly. He really understood my tax situation and gave me great advice. I definitely recommend him .
Highly recommend Randy!! He is quick, efficient and helpful. Been using him for years!
I just gave them an initial phone call to ask about their services and prices and Tom talked to me in a very rude way. It's clear they have a lack of patience. I asked about the free consultation so I could explain my situation and he said "Oh!, it's that the only thing that you want?," I said no, and he replies "What's exactly what you want?!". He answered all my questions in an angry tone... maybe they are already too busy with current clients.
Randy is trustworthy and efficient. I actually enjoy doing my taxes because of him.
Free "consultation" call was the most useless call I've ever experienced. I understand that it is hard to estimate how much it will cost to prepare someone's taxes before you actually know what their itemizing, but for a company to refuse to provide insight on how they actually price their services seems a bit unprofessional and misleading.
Very professional, helpful and friendly. They definitely earned my business. Jeanne prepared my taxes and Randy did the follow up.
ABC handled my elderly mother's tax returns for the last ten years. PERFECTION. As trustee of her estate and a caring son, I couldn't be happier with their speed, professionalism, accuracy and fair pricing.
I had a great experience and will be doing my taxes here from this point on.
Spoke with a very nice gentleman who gave me proper expectations and helped me through my situation even though all i needed was a quote. For will definitely consider them for future taxes given how meticulously addressed my question, even before I paid.
Always informative and very good at conveying changes from year to year. Responsive to requests and very easy process to collect tax information while maintaining importance of security online.
They do a good job with taxes, anytime, you need taxes done, message them, and they do a great job.
Very efficient and nice. I've never had a bad experience with this service and my parents have been going through ABC Tax Service for years. I highly recommend.
Incredibly fast and easy tax prep with big returns. Highly recommend this service if you have easy OR complicated taxes.
He is very honest and will go out of his way to help a man of great integrity
Very professional. Provided great help. I would definitely recommend
Randy is the man. Saved me a few G's ....!
They don't answer their phones or allow you to leave a voice mail
un helpful all i was told was can't help you and good luck didn't even offer an alternative.
Thanks for answering ALL our questions - you made taxes much easier to handle. Thank you!
Honest Speedy response to my needs...
Look for a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license, which ensures they’ve passed rigorous exams and meet state requirements. Check for relevant experience in your industry, additional certifications like CFA or CMA, and membership in professional organizations like the AICPA. Verify their credentials through state licensing boards.
Use online directories like the AICPA, CPAverify, or state CPA societies. Search platforms like Yelp or Google for local CPAs with reviews. Ask for referrals from business associates, friends, or financial advisors. Local chambers of commerce can also provide recommendations.
A CPA is a licensed professional who has passed the CPA exam and met state requirements for education and experience. An accountant may lack this certification and could have varying levels of expertise. For complex tasks like tax audits or financial reporting, a CPA is typically more qualified.
Ask about their experience with your specific financial needs, such as tax preparation, small business accounting, or estate planning. Review their website or LinkedIn for case studies or client testimonials. Inquire about their client base to ensure they handle similar financial situations.
Yes, reviews provide insight into a CPA’s reliability, communication, and performance. Check platforms like Google, Yelp, or the Better Business Bureau for client feedback. Look for patterns in reviews, but verify their authenticity, as some may be biased or outdated.
Visit your state’s Board of Accountancy website or use CPAverify.org to check a CPA’s license status. Confirm their license is active and check for any disciplinary actions or complaints. This ensures they’re in good standing and meet professional standards.
Ask about their experience with your financial needs, fee structure, availability, and communication style. Inquire how they handle tax filings, audits, or financial planning. Ask for references or examples of similar work to assess their expertise and fit.
Fees vary based on location, services, and complexity. Basic tax preparation may cost $150-$500, while business accounting or audits can range from $1,000 to $10,000+. Request a detailed fee structure upfront and compare quotes from multiple CPAs.
Yes, many CPAs offer remote services through secure online platforms for document sharing and virtual consultations. Ensure they use encrypted tools for data security. Remote CPAs can be effective if they understand your local tax laws or business regulations.
During consultations, evaluate their ability to explain complex financial concepts clearly. Ask sample questions about taxes or financial strategies and note their responsiveness and clarity. Good communication ensures you understand their advice and fosters a productive relationship.
Beware of CPAs who guarantee specific tax refunds, lack a valid license, or have disciplinary actions on record. Avoid those with poor communication, vague fee structures, or negative reviews highlighting unethical behavior. Always verify their credentials independently.
Large firms offer more resources and specialized teams but may charge higher fees. Solo practitioners often provide personalized service and lower costs but may have limited availability. Choose based on your needs, budget, and preference for personalized attention.
For individuals, annual meetings for tax preparation may suffice. Businesses may need quarterly or monthly check-ins for bookkeeping, tax planning, or financial reporting. Discuss your needs upfront to establish a meeting schedule that aligns with your financial goals.
Yes, many CPAs handle both, but confirm their expertise in both areas. Ask about their experience managing personal taxes and business accounting simultaneously. Ensure they can balance both without compromising attention to your specific financial needs.
Discuss concerns directly with your CPA to resolve issues. If unresolved, check your contract for termination terms. Seek a new CPA by researching reviews, credentials, and referrals. Request your financial records to ensure a smooth transition to a new professional.