*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.*
4770 Campus Dr Ste 210
Newport Beach, California 92660
I'm sorry to hear of the experience of the gentleman below. I would have to say that I am so comfortable with the service I have received from the Advanced Planning Group, that I recommended many of my friends, who have also chosen them for their retirement needs. Alex Copado was very informative, and also found an insurance payment I was making that was I should have canceled long ago. He filled out all the paperwork for me, addressed an envelope, told me what I needed to add to the information, and I re
I had the pleasure of working with Adam at APG for my life insurrance needs. Upon arriving to my appointment, I was warmly welcomed by Rose who checked me in and offered me refreshments. I was soon greeted by Adam for our appointment. Adam was organized, personable, and extremely knowledgeable. He had a number of custom reports already prepared for me and educated me on each option in order to match me with policy that best suited my needs. I left the appointment very satisfied. Adam made sure that the
The Advanced Planning Group is an extremely impressive, professional team. My wife and I went to a free seminar that they put on and were amazed at how much information they had. When my retirement got closer we set up an appointment and had the good fortune of meeting with Alex Copado. This gentleman was not only professional but made the appointment a pleasure to attend. He went over every aspect of my retirement including issues that I would never have even thought of. From insurance (Life & Health
My husband and I attended a retirement seminar in April of 2016 and set an appointment to meet with APG a couple months later. We thought retirement was about 5 years away and just wanted to see if we were on the right track. Well, little did we know at that first meeting how much our lives would be changing over the next year and a half - and how valuable APG would become to us. From the very beginning everyone was very professional and knowledgeable. Alex went over everything with us in detail and hel
I was referred to APG by several postal employees, and I'm so thankful that I decided to use them. The retirement paperwork can be overwhelming. Adam at APG was professional, courteous, and patient with me.He presented the different options for Life Insurance, Health Insurance, TSP, etc. We tailored these to my needs. He made sure I understood each section. We reviewed the final paperwork. I feel peace of mind that Adam has helped me to maximize my financial options for retirement. I highly recommend Adam a
Had the pleasure of working with Alex and Advanced Planning Group. He was very polite and personable. He listened to our goals for savings,life insurance and retirement. He was very thorough. He got back to us right away with answers. It was a pleasure to work with him. I highly recommend Alex and Advanced Planning.
I thought I knew what I was doing about planning for retirement but I had no idea. Alex and Janice at APG have opened my eyes and now I know so much more as far as what to expect and how to plan. What's more, one year after my initial consultation, I had a question for Alex so I texted him and he called me back within five minutes and answered my question. APG is what I recommend my fellow workers as far as retirement planning. Professional, personable, expert advise. I highly recommend APG!
Best company ever to use to manage your financial future and retirement in life. I would not ever trust anyone else what so ever. They always have all there clients best interest and financial future in mind. please talk to them to make sure you can retire comfortably in life.
Excellent analysis of my retirement options and other financial planning tools and tips presented to me one-on-one by Janice Licea. Time was of no issue as Ms. Licea explained everything and some in details, listened to my concerns, and answered my questions. No nickel and dime-ing here as the next sessions will be covered by this just one fee. Thank you Ms. Licea and thanks to your awesome staff!
Worst people. Appointment was at12 noon @12:20 they finally got to me no apology. Contacted them 3 times after the meeting and never got a response. It is not worthy the $ I waste or my time. They are aweful.
Thank you Advanced Planning Group for making the transition into retirement so smooth! I really appreciate all of you.
Janice was Wonderful, very Helpful!!Excited about upcoming Appointment!!
I love this place they are very helpful!
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.