*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.*
9254 Mosby St B
Manassas, Virginia 20110
After firing 6 other tax and accounting firm, Balance Accounting & Tax Services has been a savior. The most honest and strait forward company I have had. Always finds ways for my company to save money on taxes and always accommodates my last second changes to payroll. Honestly don?t know how I could have gotten this far without them. I would highly recommend them to all my friends even if they don?t have a business. I have also paid for my employees to get their taxes done with them. Honest and reliable.
I highly recommend Balance Accounting and Tax Services! I have been using their services for tax preparation and they consistenly deliver exceptional results. Mr. Sohail Syed is extremely knowledgeable and made the process seamless and efficient.
I filed my tax returns through Balance Accounting and Tax Services and the customer service here is unparalleled. And especially Sohail Syed is phenomenal and thorough professional.
Great professional tax services provided by Balance Accounting and Tax Services. Addresses every question in professional and friendly manners. Balance Accounting and Tax Services Goes extra miles to address my needs. Keep up the good work! Thank you so much for all your help and support with my taxes.
This has been the 2nd year that we have used Sohail Syed at Balance Accounting and Tax Services, and we cannot recommend him enough! He is so thorough, knowledgable and he has amazing communication throughout the process. It's so easy and stress-free and we trust him to take care of our financials for as long as we get to work with him!
I worked with him several times in the past 2 years and he was very patient with me and went above and beyond with explaining in some areas I was unsure of and gave me good feedback. I highly recommend
No one enjoys tax season but having my taxes explained to me helps me rest assured in the process. Sohail goes the extra step to show me where and how my various incomes are effecting my outcomes.I would definitely recommend his services. Very knowledgable, Professional and Kind, Five Stars all the way!
Mr. Sohail was extremely professional and very helpful with our taxes which included 3 different states and complex itemized deductions. He was very accommodating of our busy work schedules and frequently answered questions after working hours. I highly recommend his services!
Our previous tax preparer stopped doing taxes this year, and so I was looking for someone that was local, small enough that I would be known and not just bounce from preparer to preparer each year, but also someone with training and experience to be a helpful resource for my tax questions and returns. This is the first year that I am filing my taxes through Sohail Syed, and my experience was that he was accessible, professional, helpful, and efficient. His price was also fair. I was pleased, and expect t
It was great working with Sohail. He goes into detail with you on your tax returns and explains everything. He was able to work on my rental properties and ensured that I received the maximum return. His communication is excellent compared to other CPA's I've dealt with. Highly recommend this company.
Sohail at Balance Accounting and Tax Services has been helping with some detailed tax filings for our personal and business taxes. His response time and communication are amazingly quick as well. Needless to say, I've gone through multiple accountants over past few years and wish I had found Sohail earlier!
Sohail is professional, timely, and easy to work with. I highly recommend choosing him for any future accounting or tax services!
I had such a great experience with doing my taxes here. Balance accounting and tax services explained everything and walked me through my taxes this year better than anyone ever had prior. I even recommended my parents to come here and it was a pleasant experience.
I have been using this company for over 6 years for my personal taxes, my LLC questions, as well as assistance in handling a sticky IRS situation. The customer service is impeccable and I highly recommend this company.
I have been filling my business and personal taxes from long time with Balance Accounting and Tax Service they are very professional and the price is great and I highly recommend them.
Sohail is wonderful! He?s knowledgeable, communicative, and works quickly. We plan to use his services again and again!
Very time managing, gets back to you quick and does good work.
Balance accounting provides services to our organization for last few years. It has been a great experience and would highly recommend them.
Knowledgeable, persistent, standing with you all the way. These are the qualities I observed. If you ask me will go with Balance Accounting again, you bet you, I will.
I got my LLC approved! It took just a few weeks and I got everything registered easily. Great service provided!
Best service by far really help full explaining my complex LLC tax return
Great CPA - extremely fast, efficient, and painless!
Excellent service, super professional Thank you
Excellent professionalism.
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.