Alpha Consulting & Tax

Alpha Consulting & Tax

Reviews Summary

The reviews show a polarized consensus with strong extremes. Many praise exceptional service, expertise, and long-term reliability, highlighting professionalism, IRS defense success, and personalized tax solutions. Negative reviews cite rudeness, errors, unresponsiveness, and disrespect, with accusations of incompetence and unethical practices. Positive experiences emphasize trustworthiness and cost-effectiveness, while critics warn of financial risks and poor customer treatment. The divide suggests experiences vary drastically based on individual interactions.

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

17525 Ventura Blvd #312

Encino, California 91316

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

Yoram Shakib has been doing my taxes for the past 10 years now and also successful helped me defending a painful IRS Audit in the past. Yoram is simply AMAZING!! If you want someone very knowledgeable, professional and who knows the right approach and handling of things- do yourself a favor and hire Yoram! He knows how to present things to the IRS in the most efficient and favorable manner!! He knows how to protect you... Yoram is simply great!

I have been having my taxes done by Yoram Shakib for nearly two decades. He is very reputable person and knows how to help you get the greatest return without taking risks that could cause trouble for you. Additionally, he has a proven track record and your most private information is safe with him. I highly recommend Yoram's services!

Yoram is the nicest but more important a professional who knows his field. I have checked other options and always ended up coming back to him. I thought my case is very complicated and he fixed it all in less than 20 min. He solved years of IRS problems for my husband and all with so much care. He honestly wanted us to be satisfied and find the best solution for us. Thank you! Highly recommended!

i have been doing my taxes with Alpha Tax for 17 years. Since I own a business it is really important for me to get the best Tax advise. over the years Yoram worked closely with me and gave me really good advise on many different occasions that made a lot of difference, he has a lot of experience in a lot of fields and great to work with. Highly recommend!!!!

I am glad that others have had a good experience but I unfortunately have not. I became Yoram's client in 2014 and have not had a satisfactory experience. He filed an incomplete return and I have been asking him for 5 MONTHS to have these returns amended with no success. Each time I receive the amendment from him it is still incomplete even though I have supplied him with the correct information since day 1. I am employed, single, don't own a home, no kids, no property, no businesses, etc. My taxes are very

Thank you Alpha Tax for such a great Customer Service and Support. I just wanted to express my deepest gratitude for all the help and support that Alpha Tax provided me over the past 20 years. Most of all, I wanted to thank Yoram for such an unbelievable dedication and positive can-do attitude. Yoram is such a great person, an asset to any organization. He works so hard, communicates extremely well via emails and providing answers to the most complicated tax relating questions. Thank You Yoram for a job

Alpha Consulting & Tax has prepared my taxes every year since 1992. They also established my S-Corporation, this further providing savings and protection to my private practice as a psychotherapist and writer. If I needed advice during the year--and not only in tax season--someone was always promptly available with the right answers. They were always on top of the changes in tax regulations. I cannot speak highly enough of their competence and efficiency. I recommend Alpha Consulting & Tax most highly.

Jennifer and Deneese are great. I called them in December after moving from California to New York. My last CPA really messed up my taxes for the past two years. My friends in LA also went to Alpha and they recommended them. Jennifer took charge of all the details and explained how they could help. They send amended returns and got the mess cleared up and I actually got a refund instead of owing taxes. Amazing! Next time I'm in LA I'm going to stop by the office and give them some hugs and c

Yoram always gives me sound advise and always saves me a lot on my taxes. Whenever I have an important business decision to make I always call him and he frequently comes up with a better idea of how to proceed. Yes he is hard to get ahold of on short notice but I guess when your dealing with a professional it's better to have a busy/popular one than someone who's just waiting around for your call. I credit him with being a significant part of my financial success. Yes he is expensive but you get what pay f

The minimum of the minimum is to respect the person who seat right in front of you and paying you your bills, Yoram is the rudest person ever he is insulting his customers and disrespecting them by the kind of the Industry they are at ,Be aware they are not licensed and That's why their business name Is alpha consulting Yoram don't care about you or the Texas you are reporting to the government The only thing he cares about is your wallet be aware scammers scammers scammers!!!!!!!! To call a person Who i

Every year, Alpha does it's best to improve how it keeps my records and keeps in touch with me. Yoram always remembers me even though we meet only once a year. Things would be perfect if we kept track of papers used for filing.....

Top Notch! Fast and accurate service. Great pricing as well. My wife and I work with Yoram for over 5 years now, and I do also My Company's taxes here. I highly recommend Yoram and Alpha Tax team :)

works fast and has good prices. very knowledgeable in what they do. Best of all they have a dog friendly office, and love dogs. in fact my dog was so cute the owner fell in love and gave me discount. I recommend this accounting firm to all and suggest to bring in your dog when you meet them.

I have had our taxes done by Yoram at Alpha Tax for many many years. They are a very professional organization that I would recommend to anyone looking for a great tax advisor.

This is not a reputable tax firm. Yoram Shakib and David Goral have made significant, basic errors on tax returns and refuse to be responsible for their errors resulting in significant financial loss. Neither of these individuals are CPA's. Consumers beware of doing business with this firm. They do not stand behind their work.

Was introduced to Alpha via a close friend several years ago. I was quite taken aback by how simple the process of taxes and subsequent filing suddenly became. Previously there was far too much 'voodoo' involved...regardless of whom I used. Cost of preparation was also 'finally', very reasonable...(Santa Monica and westside CPA's expect to be paid as neurosurgeons).

Very professional and trustworthy I've been working with them for over 5 years and I recommend them to everyone I know

The best I can get. Thank you for all the service.

Bad business bad business ,be aware those guys are the worst tax company ever this guy yoram who is the owner disrespected my friend and insulted him she came to tell me about it crying when he was thinking he's nothing in this city,this is not the way to treat peoples and it doesn't matter how much money you have or what you're doing in your life this is not the way to do business in Los Angeles be aware do not do business with them!!!!

I've been using them for several years for my personal and business and have been very pleased with the service. Everyone that I speak with is very sweet and helpful.

Terrible human with an education background of a 5th graders looking to get your taxes done wrong and be over charged for it call him name is yoram total joke of a compnay

was very happy to get cash back, nice people was fast very friendly ,made me compterball

Yoram is the best!!! I go there for the past 3 years

Great service! Fast 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.