*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.*
1150 W Northwest Hwy ste A
Mt Prospect, Illinois 60056
I have been a client of APC Financial Group for several years, and their exceptional service has been instrumental in achieving my financial goals. Their team, led by Tony Canonaco, offers a comprehensive approach to financial planning, seamlessly integrating tax consulting, wealth management, and investment services. What sets APC Financial Group apart is their personalized attention and commitment to understanding each client's unique needs. They take the time to explain complex financial concepts in a c
Tony and team have been incredible at managing our family's finances. We were referred to Tony by our CPA and have been using APC for the last few years. We are very happy with the work him and his team are doing for us. We are young investors and Tony took the time to explain and guide us in our investment choices. He truly is amazing to work with. Mary Pat is wonderful in helping us in getting all the paperwork in right order. Thanks APC!
Tony has provided excellent service and guidance. I trust him with all my finances and accounting needs. My husband passed away, and he help me plan for my future in a secure,l smart and safe way. I would highly recommend him.
Tony Canonaco became my financial advisor in the mid-90?s when both of us were still fairly young in our careers. A mutual friend recommended him because he felt we shared a number of values and would work well together. That proved to be an incredible assessment. From the time we first met, Tony always carefully listened and understood my concerns and goals and he always made sure that our investment strategy reflected them. Throughout the years, my portfolio grew and evolved as new innovative product
Tony is truly a gem! He has been managing my accounts for years and with the tremendous economy and his managerial skills of my portfolio, I am excited to see the growth! The staff is attentive and Tony takes the time to understand your needs and lifelong financial goals - both short and long term. I highly recommend APC!
GUIDANCE & KNOWLEDGE-COMPREHENSIVE FINANCE SERVICES In the early 1990s Tony and I worked at the same company. I appreciated his honesty and integrity then and still do now. When I learned Tony had launched his firm I sought his expertise to prepare my income tax returns. He also helped me set up my initial ROTH IRA. A few years ago I had the opportunity to invest my entire 401K with an established firm and consult with an advisor that could provide me with guidance and knowledge to ensure I would continue
I have relied on Tony and the team at APC for financial planning, investment advice and tax preparation. I have been extremely satisfied with their support, guidance and overall service. The group is very responsive and helpful.
Tony and Valentina and the rest of the APC group have been more than amazing in helping guide me in my financial journey, especially being in my 20s with a bunch of questions. They're an incredible company :)
I found with a financial advisor it's critical your advisor is a good listener and has transparency. Tony and his team provides that and then some. I HIGHLY recommend APC as you're working on your future financial strategies.
WHOA! Talk about great service! I just got my tax return and surprise. APC found more deductions than I ever knew about. Being self-employed, the new health care forms were very confusing to me. APC shared a few good tools so that I could learn about how to deal with the ACA rules and guidelines. Even though I am not at a point in my life that I have money to put aside in a big investment plan, APC provided me with the information I need so I can understand how to start. Monthly newsletters have been really
Tony and family customized a plan for me and are really flexible if needs/circumstances change. They are very accessible when needed and I trust them with my financial future. I couldn't recommend enough!
I have been with APC Financial for several years. My finances are in excellent shape and they have helped me navigate a number of life changes. I have availed myself of numerous services they offer and I have been consistently pleased. The team at APC is ever willing to spend time with me and answer all my questions thoroughly.
I would highly recommend you look somewhere else for an accountant. Tony is a nice guy when you meet with him but that's when the good service stops. My wife and I met with him in person about my business and our personal accounting needs. He assured us that he could take care of everything and would email me in the next few days. I never heard from him again. I sent him 3 emails with no response. We sure do get A LOT of spam email from him though! Mary seems to be the one who does everything in that office
APC Financial is a very professional, friendly and customer oriented company. They take the time to know my current and future needs. I've been with them for 20 + years and I have been very successful with them. I'm looking forward to retiring soon thanks to their financial advice.
We've been working with Tony and team for the past 3 years and they've been fantastic. They are always responsive to our requests and happy to explain the intricacies of tax and retirement planning. Highly recommended!
Tony and his staff at APC Financial are extremely professional and helpful with my personal situation. Their financial presentations for me were understandable with my goals being met or exceeded.
APC definitely made fixing, filing, and understanding my taxes a lot easier. I recently went into APC when I realized the tax deadline was coming up and i needed to hurry to get them in. Having gone in there saved me so much time, money, and energy. They spelled everything out for me and took a major weight off of my shoulders. I hate tax season, APC makes it bearable.
I have been working with this company for a few years now. My financial advisor and his team are knowledgeable and very professional. I feel that i have a clear plan regarding my retirement goals and that my financial situation and needs are carefully considered when investing my money.
I've been working with Tony the past couple of years. Not only is his work seamless, but he has such a personable presence. APC is the only way to go!
I have found APC very professional with a personal touch. I believe they have given me excellent guidance regarding my finances. They have answered all of my questions with clarity. I highly recommend APC Financial Group.
Tony always puts me at ease whenever I need to talk about investments or tax implications. He is thorough and reliable. Exactly what is needed in this business!!! I give him an A+++
Tony and his team are fantastic and were very helpful during tax season! Definitely would recommend!
The APC team is a friendly, trustworthy and responsive organization that you will find is looking out for YOUR best interests.
I would never go anywhere else! This place has served my family for generations and will continue to do so as long as I'm around. Best service and fastest turnaround I've ever heard of too.
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.