ABS Payroll

ABS Payroll

Reviews Summary

ABS Payroll receives mostly positive reviews for excellent customer service, responsiveness, and professionalism, with many praising their team's accessibility and efficiency, especially for independent and smaller productions. However, some criticize them for late payments, poor communication, and errors in reporting, leading to financial and operational issues. While many clients highly recommend them for their reliability and support, others warn of significant drawbacks, particularly with SAG payroll handling and unresponsiveness in critical situations.

About This Listing

Who Can Work with a CPA?

Individuals seeking tax prep, retirement planning, or financial advice
Small business owners needing bookkeeping, payroll, or tax compliance
Freelancers and contractors with 1099 income or complex returns
Couples planning finances together or managing joint returns
Investors with capital gains or rental property income
Anyone looking for year-round financial guidance and peace of mind

*Note: CPAs may specialize in different areas. Be sure to check credentials and service offerings.*

First-Time Clients

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.

What to Know Upfront:

Documentation Bring your most recent tax returns, income details, and any financial concerns
Availability Appointments fill up quickly during tax season — book early if possible

*Note: Every CPA operates a bit differently. Don’t hesitate to ask questions before committing.*

What to Bring

Government-issued ID for verification
Tax documents (W-2s, 1099s, investment summaries, etc.)
Receipts or logs for deductible expenses, donations, or mileage

*Tip: Organize your documents in advance to save time and ensure accuracy.*

Preparing for Your Appointment

Write down any financial goals or questions in advance
Check if your CPA offers virtual sessions or document uploads
Bring a notebook or use a notes app for key takeaways
Know your deadlines for filing, payments, or compliance

*Note: Preparation helps you make the most of your CPA’s expertise.*

How to Get Started

Use our directory to find highly reviewed CPAs near you. Reach out directly to schedule your consultation.

Other Helpful Info

Many CPAs offer both in-person and remote consultations
Fees may be flat-rate, hourly, or based on service complexity
Some CPAs specialize in industries like healthcare, real estate, or tech
Check for client reviews and credentials (CPA license, EA, etc.)

*Note: Every CPA is different — take time to find one who fits your goals and style.*

Contact Information

Address

7530 N Glenoaks Blvd

Burbank, California 91504

Hours

Sunday Closed
Monday 9AM-5:30PM
Tuesday 9AM-5:30PM
Wednesday 9AM-5:30PM
Thursday 9AM-5:30PM
Friday 9AM-5:30PM
Saturday Closed

Customer Reviews

We recently switched to ABS Payroll from another provider based on a referral from another business we know that uses them. Garrett and Marty made the changeover process incredibly easy for us. ABS also makes our weekly process so much easier than before. It took us a bit to learn their UI, but Marty was quick to respond to our questions and provide guidance both via email and on the phone. They are a true partner in our business. Not only that, their fees are clear and up-front. No random add-ons f

Producers beware, the cheap fees come with a much higher price. ABS through Caio was largely unresponsive to paying talent and amounted to a whopping $6,100 in late fees for my production. Violet her supervisor finally had to step in to help, but even then they made plenty of errors and completely forgot to pay people. They appeared to be drowning in work and ultimately I'm the one left holding the bill. I've come to find out after that they are known across the industry for being the worst SAG payroll comp

We used ABS for payroll on a project twice now. They did a great job both times. Very easy to work with, great communication, and their work was excellent.

Best payroll company esp for smaller sag projects. They offered consistently great customer service, responsive and timely replies, and meaningful solutions any time we encountered issues. From sales to accts/payroll to beyond?everyone was so pleasant and professional. For my next project, I know exactly which payroll company I'm returning to: ABS!

We have worked with ABS Payroll for over 10 years and have done every film and television project with them. Our company has grown a great deal in that time yet we were always treated as a valuable client at every phase of our development, no matter the budget level of the project. All of the staff (Kris, Justin, Daniel, Violet, etc.) are knowledgeable, patient and thorough. We look forward to continuing to work and grow with ABS Payroll.

While I had several problems with ABS, I have to say that Tharsis Marquez made everything so much better. I had to start handling the payroll for my film at the very end of the production after directing it and I was frustrated and didn't understand all that I needed to to do it properly. Tharsis never once was snippy with me. She remained professional and helpful throughout. That's exactly the type of person we all want working for us. Thank you, Tharsis.

This company goes far above and beyond any customer service experience I have ever had. President, Kris King communicates directly with people with a genuine interest and his team is highly effective and very respectful. A payroll company that not only works with integrity for the companies who enlist them but also for the people employed by those companies.

ABS completed all of our payroll on time and on budget. Made our financier feel comfortable and managed the paperwork process for actors who didn't do their paperwork correctly. Highly recommend for films in $1-$5M range

ABS has been my payroll company of choice since 2013, I've used them on all my productions since! Everyone on the team has prompt replies, even out of hours and they go above and beyond to help facilitate and quick and easy process for production.

We have done 14 movies with ABS Payroll and they really understand independent producer's needs. Kris, Fanny, Daniel and the whole team are always accessible and great to work with.

This was my first time working with ABS Payroll and it was stress free and well managed. I enjoyed working with all their staff who delivered quick responses and service.

Easy to work with, flexible, we were able to work out the specific details of our projects with them even as they changed. Great experience every time.

These people were rude. They acted like they were big shots and they say they support independent film makers but show no love to small business in the startup incubating phase. SAG should reject them.

A great overall experience by an easy to communicate with and thorough team. Thank you for making this part of production hassle free!

I went down a long list of payroll companies until I found one who actually answered the phone. Not only did they answer the phone promptly, but they had the exact information I needed and I was able to begin the process immediately. Saving time in my business is everything.

Absolutely horrible I've worked on THREE shows where their service is uncalled for. Literally a month late on their checks and I'm still waiting on another. I'm late on rent and a car payment because delaying to pay us.Whoever is in charge of this company needs to reevaluate themselves and how this company is run.

Producers be warned - they don't report accurately, over report residuals costing producers.

Does what it's meant to do. 5/5

The listed phone numbers have been disabled.

Frequently Asked Questions

What qualifications should I look for in a CPA?

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.

How do I find a CPA in my area?

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.

What’s the difference between a CPA and an accountant?

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.

How do I know if a CPA specializes in my needs?

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.

Should I check a CPA’s reviews before hiring?

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.

How can I verify a CPA’s license?

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.

What questions should I ask during a CPA consultation?

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.

How much should I expect to pay for a CPA’s services?

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.

Can I work with a CPA remotely?

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.

How do I assess a CPA’s communication skills?

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.

What red flags should I watch for when screening a CPA?

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.

Should I choose a CPA from a large firm or a solo practitioner?

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.

How often should I meet with my CPA?

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.

Can a CPA help with both personal and business finances?

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.

What should I do if I’m not satisfied with my CPA?

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.

Skip to main Home Best CPA's Nearby Upgrade your plans English Avatar for Nico Bottema Welcome, Nico Bottema! Share Install the tag on your site to get access to all features, tools and the insights you need. It's fast and easy. Site ID: 6455700 Get started with the tag installation 1 Copy this code. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 Copy code 2 Paste the code into the of every page where you want to track user behavior or collect feedback. 3 To make sure everything is ready, verify that your code was installed. Verify installation OTHER WAYS TO INSTALL Install with a team member’s help Install on a platform Install with a npm package Explore the demo Take a tour of the product with realistic data to explore. Explore demo site Common questions View all Course How do I install the tag? Collect session data for replays, heatmaps, and on-site surveys by installing a unique tag on your site. Ready to add it? Follow the instructions in this 15-minute course. Article How do I know if the tag is installed correctly? Article Will the tag slow down my site? Suggested for you Enable 2FA now Two-factor authentication (2FA) adds an additional layer of security to your account. Popular shortcuts title Feedback button Capture feedback in the wild by letting users share it at any point title Set up a Net Promoter Score® survey Measure long-term customer loyalty and happiness the tried-and-tested way. title Exit-intent survey Capture feedback before visitors leave and reduce your bounce rate Get started Interviews (new) Get real time feedback at critical times, thanks to easy, in-depth recruitment and analysis. Create project Finish your installation Surveys Feedback button Dashboard Invite team members Integrations