*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.*
80 Washington St Suite 400, 4th Flr PH
Poughkeepsie, NY 12601
I spoke with Mr. Thakkar today he told me more on this phone call than my previous account. He educated me regarding S Corp and DBA. Once I get my taxes situated for 2024 I will definitely be using him in the future.....Thank you for taking your time to explain things to me
Bharat Thakkar is the best accountant I have had. He is honest, meticulous and resourceful. I am an attorney and have also had some side businesses. I have recommended him to colleagues and clients. He knows how to deal with any situation. He gets the work done even when I did not get the information to him until the last minute. He can set up the books for a business so that his clients can be free to work on their careers and their work and not get bogged down in bookkeeping. I would give him 10 sta
Bharat Thakkar has been my CPA for the past 8 years and with very good reason.? I have benefited from his knowledge, his expertise, his multi-disciplinary perspective?and indeed commitment?to great service.? I recommend him very highly because what you will have is a professional whose ethics are beyond question, whose commitment?to your issues and to resolving them is beyond the ordinary.? In addition to his expertise in the areas of Accounting and Taxes, he is enthusiastic proponent of technology solution
My wife and I have been clients of Bharat for almost 15 years, for both business and personal accounting. Over that time, we have experienced nothing but the highest levels of trust and confidence. From the first day, Bharat has always been informative, patient and principled. His research is meticulous, his evaluations are honest, and his explanations are clear. He is always willing to spend the time necessary to make sure we understand our options and make accurate decisions.
Mr. Bharat Thakkar is an outstanding CPA, full of valuable knowledge. He is a real down-to-earth "people-person", which has helped us establish an enjoyable and productive working relationship. He continually keeps our business on track and moving in the right direction. We are completely satisfied with his services and highly recommend.
Thakkar was a godsend for us. We nervously went in knowing close to zero about taxes/accounting when it came to my husbands business. Not only did Thakkar answer all of our questions but he offered excellent advice, tips etc. on how to move forward. He put us at ease and increased our confidence in this business venture. We totally recommend Thakkar. We found not only an accountant but a trusted friend. Grateful for his service.
Mr. Thakkar gave us sensible advice and a great deal of information in response to our (many) questions. He was honest about which of his services we might need and what we would not need. He was very knowledgeable and informed.
Mr Thakkar is exceptionally well versed in the accounting and tax laws and worked to help me with my situation. I found him to be an exceptional CPA versed and all areas and would highly recommend him to anyone looking to have their financials statements or tax returns done correctly and efficiently. Also, very knowledgeable with difficult tax and accounting situations.
Bharat has been a wealth of information in handling my business and personal taxes for many years. He is always professional and very trustworthy. Highly recommended from all my experiences and consultations.
Bharat took the time to go over a past years' tax return that I had some concerns with. His vast knowledge and expertise were made clear within the first few minutes. There didn't seem to be anything I could ask that he didn't have a clear answer for. He also ensures you actually understand your options clearly. Very professional, kind, and honest. Highly recommend!
My husband and I had a phone consultation with Mr. Thakkar on a Saturday after emailing him some questions. He was so helpful and gave us valuable information to help us how to decide on filing taxes as a married couple as opposed to single. We?re looking forward to working with him for our 2020 taxes.
very accomodating, stopped by without an appointment and he was very gracious with his time. Explained very complicated provisions of the tax law in layperson terms and provided me with answers to questions that I was having difficulty comprehending. TOP notch in his field and I HIGHLY recommend him and his firm for your tax, accounting and business and personal tax affairs.
Bharat sat down with my to review concerns I had on my taxes, he took the time to explain everything in great detail. He offered a plethora of information that I had been unaware of, and explained everything very well. I highly reccomend Bharat, you will be very satisfied with his service. Thank you yet again!
Bharat and his organization are experts in the accounting field. In a very short period of time, on a stringent time constraint, Bharat and his organization were able to help our organization reach out goals on specific tasks.
I spoke with Mr. Thakkar today he told me more on this phone call than my previous account. He educated me regarding S Corp and DBA. Once I get my taxes situated for 2024 I will definitely be using him in the future.....Thank you for taking your time to explain things to me
Bharat is an extremely knowledgeable accountant and very down to earth friendly person. We highly recommend him.
Bharat is knowledgeable and thorough accountant that I highly recommend. We have used him for 7 years and has been great to work with.
Very helpful in the process of starting my new business and company
Amazing service! Went far and beyond on a phone call. Very transparent on pricing.
Very professional, respectful and helpful every step of the way!
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.