Aligned CPA, LLC

Aligned CPA, LLC

Reviews Summary

The reviews consistently praise the team for their professionalism, expertise, and personalized service. Clients highlight their reliability, thoroughness, and ability to simplify complex financial matters. Many appreciate the supportive, friendly environment and modern systems. The firm is highly recommended for small business owners, with special mention of their proactive approach, trustworthiness, and dedication to client success. The team's knowledge, responsiveness, and care for both business and personal needs are frequently emphasized.

About This Listing

Accounting
Business Consulting
Payroll
Tax Planning
Small Businesses
Professional Services
Law Firms
QuickBooks

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.*

Features

Accounting
Business Consulting
Payroll
Tax Planning
Small Businesses
Professional Services
Law Firms
QuickBooks

Contact Information

Address

405 E Duval St

Lake City, Florida 32055

Hours

Sunday Closed
Monday 9AM-3PM
Tuesday 9AM-3PM
Wednesday 9AM-3PM
Thursday 9AM-3PM
Friday Closed
Saturday Closed

Customer Reviews

If you are looking for a CPA that actually cares about your business, appreciate high quality of work, or maybe you are looking for a new job with a fantastic culture, then you 100% need Aligned!!! They truly are an all around amazing company. I cannot recommend them enough!

Recently used the Rook at Aligned CPA for a business meeting with great success. Excellent atmosphere! Very professional and clean. No complaints!

Aligned CPA is the premier Accounting and Tax firm in Lake City. With a professional team and friendly environment, it's no wonder they are the best.

I can't say enough great things about Joy and the firm. She runs an amazing firm and really cares about helping business owners succeed.

Very competent and professional tax advice and solutions. Plus, my wife and I appreciate the personal aspect of doing business with professionals who knows us, personally, and care about our overall well being! Joy, Owen, Jordan and Michelle have been great!

Joy and all of her team have been fantastic to work with. Modern systems to keep us updated, easy online processes to keep files moving and a wonderful office setting including the outdoor meeting area to relax a touch when working through the "fun" tax issues. Highly recommend the team at Aligned CPA.

We became clients of Aligned CPA in the fall of 2023 and we couldn't be happier. The culture of the company, the service they provide, and the furthering education classes they provide are top notch. Joy has helped us take what we considered to be a disaster and turn it around in just over 6 months. We feel Joy is a partner with us and not just someone we pay to do our books and taxes. Our success is the utmost concern for Align CPA. You should call them today. Don't delay!

We've been using Aligned many years now with our business and personal taxes. I love Joy, Michele, and the whole staff who are so friendly and relateable. Joy is passionate about helping small businesses maximize their potential; Aligned CPA is a small business and gets us (you). Thanks Joy and staff for all you do!

If you are looking for a company to ensure that your finances are in order including tracking income and expenses, taking care of your tax prep then, Joy and her thoughtful team at Aligned CPA are where you need to be! Most importantly having Michelle as my personal point of contact, has been nothing less than amazing. She's been a lifesaver while transitioning from an outdated system into Quickbooks Online. Her knowledge, experience and patience have allowed us to go into the next tax year with confidenc

Joy and her team go above and beyond for their clients. Jordan is always quick to answer any questions or concerns and very knowledgeable.

Joy is amazing. Best service ever, patient explanations, personalized service, just the best. So happy!

Highly recommend to small business owners. Great team, strong follow through, and easy to work with.

Aligned CPA Team is wonderful! They are always so pleasant and eager to help in any they can to help with your needs! They have become our part of our business family!! Joy is always striving to grow in the business and so is her team!! I encourage anyone to give them the opportunity to serve you ! You wont be disappointed!

Aligned CPA of Lake City Fl has been very beneficial in updating regulations dand explaining them. Appointments have been very timely as well as the tax preparation. Couldn't be happier with the folks at this CPA firm

As the managing attorney of a busy law firm, I am enormously grateful to have Joy and her team handling all of our tax and accounting needs. Joy understands the nuances of law firm management, and serves as an integral member of our team, helping us with everything from budgeting to trust account compliance to bill-paying and goal-setting. Best of all, since Joy has joined our team, the amount owed in taxes is no longer a dreadful surprise. While paying taxes is never fun, I now know what to expect and

Joy and her team at Aligned CPA do a great job. They are very professional and responsive towards their clients. I have been using Joy for my personal and small business accounting since 2014 and would highly recommend them to anyone searching to do the same.

Aligned CPA has been great to work with. They are professional, very organized, and always striving to improve their services. They have my full confidence and I highly recommend them.

Joy is absolutely phenomenal to work with! She has great advice and is easy to talk to. She stays up to date and keeps you informed about new things going on with the tax world and makes sure you understand everything. I highly recommend her to anyone looking for a new CPA!!

We use the accounting, advisory, and payroll services at Aligned CPA. As soon as I started using these services, I felt at peace with my financial situation. These tasks come with owning a business, so they have to be done, but now that they are outsourced, I get to spend my nights and weekends with my family again. I also get to spend more time working on growing my business, so I am actually making more money by having the services outsourced to Aligned CPA.

Joy and her staff do a great job with all our accounting needs. Cessie is a great addition to the team keeping us focused on reaching our financial goals. Highly recommended.

Joy Lutz and her team are top notch at providing the best small business accounting advice in a very personal and efficient manner. All of their services are very up-to-date and pretty much paperless and we have found their services to be extremely accessible and easy to use. Highly recommend!

Working with Aligned CPA is so simple. They listen to what we need and are able to implement it quickly, taking one more thing off my plate. They're really easy to work with and adapt to our needs.

As a small business owner it's nice to know Joy and her staff always have my best interest at heart. They are very knowledgeable and quick to respond with all my questions. I might not know all the rules and regulations but as long as Aligned CPA is taking care of my books and doing my taxes, I know that my family and my business are financially protected.

Joy started her business as a sole proprietor and through her hard work and dedication to her costumers has become a successful, professional service. We would recommend Aligned CPA, LLC to anyone looking for a truely honest CPA.

Aligned has been simply amazing. From walking through the process for tax to helping further my business. I can't thank them enough for dedication and hard work.

With the tax code getting more and more complicated, it has been reassuring to have the team at Aligned CPA look over our accounts and prepare our taxes for our businesses and personal taxes. They showed us ways to save money and we also know they will "have our back" should there be any correspondence or audits with the IRS. Always a relief when April 15th comes and goes!!

I had the good fortune of having Joy lead me through a strategic planning session. We can always use direction and support in business and it's almost impossible to see for ourselves what is best for us or even what our big vision is. Joy led me through a session where she helped me see my vision. She literally pulled it out of me with the questions she asked about critical areas of my business. Things came up that I had not thought of before which truly amazed me. We looked at where I was now in relation

Can't recommend highly enough!! I'm always busy and in 100 directions, yet somehow (miraculously) this team keeps me organized, on time, accurate, and is always dependable. Thank you, thank you, thank you :) I wish there was a 6th star to give them because they're always going above and beyond!!

Aligned has been doing our taxes for many years. They are very professional and know their stuff. The office is beautifully decorated, and the receptionist is friendly.

Aligned CPA is the best for tax planning and preparation. Joy makes things easy to understand and is always willing to help.

Joy and her staff are always knowledgeable, timely and professional. I have used Joy for 5+ years, and she has always found the best solutions for my personal tax situations. -Seth

I had the pleasure of interacting with one of the ladies at Aligned CPA this past week (Thank you, Michelle). This was a very pleasurable and professional experience. Communication between us was clear, concise and in a timely manner. Please consider ALIGNED CPA, LLC.

We have used Aligned CPA with our business, and I highly recommend Joy and the team to anyone seeking accounting services.

Joy in an awesome person as well consummate professional. Aligned is always able to help in time of difficult questions with business decisions concerning taxes. Aligned keeps you safe and in line!

Joy is a gifted CPA who produces results, not just numbers. If you're a business owner who is serious about growth, this is your CPA. Don't settle for a number-cruncher when you can bring a powerful partner to bear on your business success.

Great and honest people. Always quick to answer any questions we may have. Very Helpful. Jordan and Joy are a pleasure to be around!

Joy and her staff have always been so pleasant to work with . Joy is the best CPA I have ever used . After 21 years in business I have found a keeper.

I have a law firm and have been really happy with Aligned CPA because they are great with communication and they really understand the systems and software law firms use, which makes our lives a lot easier.

Thoroughly enjoy being a part of a company that loves to help small businesses reach their goals.

Aligned CPA has a knowledgable and helpful staff of Professionals. You'll be happy with your decision to choose this Company for your accounting needs.

Aligned is reliable, helpful, and thorough. They are supportive and answer questions. I trust them and would easily recommend them to anyone.

Working with Aligned CPA, LLC has been a pleasant experience that greatly reduced my workload. I highly recommend them.

We have done our business and personal accounting with Aligned for over 10 years. They have done an excellent and professional job.

Excellent customer service! Relieves the time and attention needed for financial matters so that my office can perform our service-type activities.

Ya'll did a fantastic job with our taxes. Thanks so much for correcting the information on our sale. That was above and beyond.

Joy and her team are an absolute pleasure to work with. They're knowledgeable and helpful.

Thank you Joy for the work you do for our nonprofit organization Lake City Elks Lidge. Your the best.

Great people to work with. Highly recommended for small business owners.

Aligned has always gone over and above to help with any tax related issues.

Up to date technology and detailed service. First rate!

Explains everything very well! Great company!

Great People!! Very Professional !!

Prompt and professional!

We have used aligned CPA for years, and we are extremely happy with the results. Ashton, Owen and the other team members are always helpful, courteous and professional.

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.

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