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Balanced Books, LLP

Balanced Books, LLP

Reviews Summary

Customers consistently praise the team for their professionalism, accuracy, and responsiveness. Many highlight seamless transitions, reliable support, and tailored solutions for businesses of all sizes. The team is commended for their expertise in bookkeeping, payroll, and tax preparation, often going above and beyond during challenging times. Their friendly, knowledgeable approach and modern tech integration earn strong recommendations, with clients valuing the trust and stress-free experience they provide.

About This Listing

Bookkeeping
Accounting
Business Consulting
Payroll
Tax Preparation
Tax Planning
Sales Tax Compliance
Financial Advisory
Small Businesses
Mid-size Businesses
Non-profits
Real Estate
Healthcare
Restaurants
Construction
Professional Services
QuickBooks

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.*

Features

Bookkeeping
Accounting
Business Consulting
Payroll
Tax Preparation
Tax Planning
Sales Tax Compliance
Financial Advisory
Small Businesses
Mid-size Businesses
Non-profits
Real Estate
Healthcare
Restaurants
Construction
Professional Services
QuickBooks

Contact Information

Address

331 E Main St

Turlock, California 95380

Visit Website Call Now Get Directions

Hours

Sunday Closed
Monday 9AM-4PM
Tuesday 9AM-4PM
Wednesday 9AM-4PM
Thursday 9AM-4PM
Friday 9AM-4PM
Saturday Closed

Customer Reviews

As a tax preparer, I work with a wide variety of bookkeeping files throughout the year?and I can confidently say the work from Balanced Books stands out. Their team consistently provides clean, accurate financials, and their attention to detail saves me time and headaches every tax season. I always know I can trust the data in their files, which means fewer follow-ups with clients and smoother returns overall. They're proactive, organized, and truly understand how to prepare books with the end goal in mind.

After more than a decade of bouncing from one unreliable bookkeeping service to another, I finally found THE Bookkeeping service I was looking for. Balanced Books handles our complicated books with ease. They have embraced modern technology and integrated seamlessly into our workflows. The team understands our needs and addresses them without fail. Thank you Crystal and the Balanced Books team!

I manage several companies in the Bay Area, and we have been working with Crystal and her team for approaching nine years now. We are not even local to Turlock but since we work remotely that has never been an issue. I am very pleased with Crystal, Jennifer, and the Balanced Books team. They are high-quality bookkeepers who are flexible and responsive. They have worked with our businesses to customize our support to only what we need -- not too much or too little -- which is wonderful. This is not a cookie

?Balanced Books has truly taken the stress out of managing our finances. Their team is accurate, responsive, and incredibly helpful?especially Andrew, who always goes the extra mile and isn't afraid to ask the right questions. I love that I can hand things over and trust they'll be handled right. It's one less thing I have to think about. Highly recommend if you're looking for reliable bookkeeping support.?

"Working with this team, especially Makayla, has been a huge help for my business. She's incredibly kind, responsive, and easy to work with, even when my schedule is hectic. They've helped me be more thorough with our accounting, and it's a big relief knowing I can trust them to handle the numbers. I'd recommend them to other business owners!"

Crystal and her team have been great to deal with, they have been handling my Agency books for 7+ years. I can't be happier. Karen is always available to help with payroll and making sure my books are always clean. They have really gone above and beyond during this COVID 19 with all the PPP stuff and getting the reports needed to file to us quickly. They have always been on top of explaining new policy's as they keep changing. Thank you again Crystal and team.

I have used Balanced Books for my yoga studio for the past 5+ years! Everyone is always very helpful! Each time I walk in, I am always greeted by a friendly and warm face. They take wonderful care of their clients and I highly recommend them to anyone in need of their services. I can count on them for a quick response to any help I might need.

Balanced Books is a partner and a great resource to have. Balanced Books has been managing our payroll for several years. The professional individuals such as Crystal Stapleton and Karen Chance are knowledgeable and provide instrumental services so I don't have to worry about running payroll and paying the respective state and federal agencies. Being a Certified Public Accountants (CPA) and knowing HR laws allows the company to provide invaluable information in time of need. Being tech savvy, Karen is able

Balanced Books should be considered "essential" to businesses big and small. We are excellent "jewelers" - NOT "book keepers" ...and they let us focus on doing what we do best - while they focus on what they do best. CAN we do our books? Sure. SHOULD we? WHY - when we can rely on Balanced books to do all of our financials. From daily banking, to sales tax, paying vendors, checking and double checking to make sure we are ready for year end reporting, and SO much more. We consider Balanced Books "essen

I couldn't be more pleased with the transition of our accounting services for the Turlock Chamber of Commerce to Balanced Books. What an amazing group of professionals. Helpful, courteous, patient, knowledgeable, hardworking. And that's just a start. We transition during a very challenging time in the business world, and it has been seamless for me. My sincere appreciation to Crystal and her entire team at Balanced Books!

We love Balanced Books! The team is knowledgeable, responsive, and a pleasure to work with.

We've referred a couple clients to Crystal and her team and each and every one of our referrals have been handled with the utmost professionalism and sense of urgency regardless of their size or billable size.

Crystal and her team are awesome! They have helped me with little things that could have turned into big problems. Thank you for being awesome balanced books!

These gals are amazing! They keep my books clean on a quarterly basis and is very consistent in their work. Highly recommend!

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.