*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.*
2570 N First St St 200
San Jose, California 95131
Working with Ami Shah has been a truly exceptional experience. As a CPA, she combines deep technical knowledge with a genuine commitment to client success. Ami is not only meticulous in her approach to accounting and tax strategy, but also incredibly responsive and easy to communicate with?something that's rare and extremely valuable in this field. She has guided us through complex tax situations with clarity and confidence, always helping us make informed decisions while staying compliant. What stands out
Overall I am satisfied with the level of professionalism and service and I got the outcome I was looking for. I am thankful for that. Ami's team was courteous and persevered throughout the process.
I have had an amazing experience with Ami Shah and her team. They are unrelenting in their effort to help their clients and provide highly personalized services based on your individual tax related issues. I highly recommend her team!
I recently had the pleasure of working with Ami Shah CPA firm on foreign disclosure matters, and I couldn't be more satisfied with their expertise and service. From start to finish, they demonstrated a high level of professionalism and guided me through the process with precision and clarity. They were proactive in addressing potential challenges and ensured all necessary documentation was accurate and timely. I was particularly impressed with their attention to detail and commitment to ensuring compliance
Ami's service has been fantastic. Several years ago our business was audited by the IRS. Up to that point we had been doing our own taxes. We hired Ami as our CPA and to help us with the audit. The results were outstanding and she has been our CPA ever since. Ami's patient and meticulous explanations of record keeping have helped us devote more time to our core business. I unconditionally recommend Ami to anyone needing accounting or tax help.
She is filing my taxes for last 7 years. And I am very happy with her quality work. I think she is pretty honest and knowledgeable. She gave me many financial advices that saved me lot of money in taxes. She is very prompt and patient in replying all my queries with great details. I don?t worry about my taxes because I know for sure that my file is in good safe hand. I think she is one of the best CPA. Thanks Ami for taking care of us.
Ami is the kind of professional that I enjoy working with -- she puts the needs of her clients first. We hired Ami to handle the complexity of streamlined domestic offshore procedures for us and she did a beautiful job. I'd like to recommend Ami for her confidence, her knowledge in tax codes and reporting rules and all that, plus the friendly interactions that she delivered.
Great Service. I call several times a year since I'm a 1099 Independent contractor. Ami is always there to assist in my many questions in all hours of the day. My wife and I go to her ever year. She is honest and diligent in her approach and if she doesn't know the answer to my questions she finds outs right away. You will not be disappointed in Ami Shah
Ami is very accurate and detail oriented. Although I was out of country, she helped me get my taxes done on time. Love her professional yet caring attitude towards clients. Definitely going back.
We have worked with Ami for 5 years and she has shown us how to save money on taxes by taking advantage of all the tax laws. She is very smart, patient and really knows the tax laws well. We are extremely happy to have her on our side.
Recommend without hesitation. Ami has done our returns since 2006. Partnership returns, large real estate trade transactions and personal returns with multiple businesses and investment properties. Her insight into complicated tax law and depreciation has consistently minimized our tax burdens.
Ami is the most friendly, responsive, and professional small business CPA I've ever worked with, and I've worked with many over the years. She is fast responding to questions, and quite affordable for small businesses. It's such a pleasure to have a great CPA who cares about service and is friendly and affordable as well. If you need a CPA call her, you'll be impressed.
Ami runs a professional Office. Her service is prompt, her advice thouthful and work is accurate. I am sure that these are the main attributes for a good tax service. Unusual cases need legal and well thought out answers. Go to Ami without hesitation. Honest and trustworthy. She is based in San Jose, CA I recommend her for Business or Personal taxes without hesitation. She is accessible and to the point. After all noone wants a story with every question with a tax professional. Best access is by email.
Awesome - highly recommended. Ami has been doing my taxes for about 3 years. She is incredibly knowledgeable and professional, while also being friendly and humble.
We have been with Ami now since 2011 and never once we felt unhappy with her services. She is very patient, professional, knowledgeable and never rushes in any of her appointments. Highly recommend her work!
Very sharp. And a warm personality! The best part of having Ami do my taxes is that the money I have saved has exceeded her billing several times over. Not too conservative. Not too agressive.
Ami is a consummate pro at what she does. She is always able to maximize my returns year after year. I highly recommend anyone looking for a CPA to give her a call.
Ami is a highly professional and friendly CPA. She has a lot of expertise in the field of foreign income reporting and FBAR, which is a very important and dreaded topic especially for the NRI community.
Ami is one of the best in the business, a consummate professional with an exceptional tax practice. Highly recommended!
Very very bad experience, she took my all w2 and other tax related information and started talking rudely on the phone. Not sure what is her motto of taking my personal and sensitive documents.
I called and asked for quote for filing personal tax and whoever answered my called said, It starts at $2000.00 per hour. Seriously?
Very professional and helpful. Gave full time, attention to details and reasonable fees. Highly recommended.
Terrible service. unprofessional newbies on phone who were very unhelpful.
Exceptional tax CPA, highly recommend
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.