*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.*
4420 Easton Dr
Bakersfield, California 93309
Went with Bowen Accounting for our tax return prep because of the high reviews- was not disappointed! The entire process was simple, straightforward, and we were able to do everything over email/secure upload. Richard was extremely responsive, and got us a HUGE refund compared to what was expected. Will definitely be using them again next year, and absolutely recommend to anyone looking for tax preparation services.
We were searching for a CPA in Bakersfield and came across Richard. What a find! We could not be happier with him and his service. He is extremely responsive and informative. Highly recommend!
Richard is honestly the best CPA. He bailed me out of a situation with my previous CPA's mis-handling of an IRS audit situation. He actually answers his phone and any questions you have. He is prompt, timely and communicative. There is a reason why he's consistently voted Best of Bakersfield.
I wanted to share my experience with Richard Bowen ? he's truly remarkable. He went above and beyond to help me with my tax questions, despite not being my appointed tax representative. It's rare to encounter such dedication and integrity in any profession, but Richard exemplifies these qualities effortlessly. His assistance has prompted me to seriously consider entrusting him with my tax affairs in the future. Richard is undoubtedly an upstanding citizen and a credit to his profession.
I am convinced a better CPA doesn't exist! For the last several years for my personal taxes, setting up a non-profit, to starting my new business, Richard Bowen has been beyond 5 stars! He has saved me a large sum of money, is faster than any accounting firm I've ever seen, and is very reasonable on his fees. You will not find a better firm to handle all your accounting needs. Thanks for everything Richard!
We had to find a new accountant this year and the transition was seamless. Very easy to send documents and communication was fast and knowledgeable. Shared insights on what I can do to manage my small business and understood our finances. Happy to have found Richard and we plan to use him for years to come!
Mr. Bowen is a "get it done" kind of guy. I like that. At the same time, it's an easy, step by step instructions, to get your taxes done lightning speed.
I have been a client of Richard's for eight years now and he has always provided excellent service. I recently moved out of state and was worried I would have to find a new accountant. Richard explained he has many out of state clients so I was relieved to be able to retain his services. I would recommend him to anyone looking for accounting services. Looking forward to working with him again this year...
Richard has done our taxes for a couple years now. He gets 5 stars because 1. He always answers my call/questions (whether it is tax season or not) and 2. He knows his stuff. He is very knowledgeable and current with all the new tax laws. He has excellent turn around time as well.
So, I normally Tax Season and Taxes in General are a very stressful experience, not this year though, Richard went through our Taxes and in the same day they were completed. It was extremely fast and painless and things I could do to improve my Tax situation was explained to me. Richard is extremely accommodating since I work Monday-Friday he was available on weekends. He is also much more knowledgeable then any H&R Block or any other Tax Prep place. I HIGHLY recommend Bowen Accounting I would give 10 stars
I'm proud to announce that I enjoy the service provided by Bowen Accounting & Tax (Richard Bowen, CPA). He provides excellent service across the board for my businesses and personal accounting and tax service needs, Richard is prompt to responds to inquires and always addresses all my questions and concerns with knowledge, he's thorough and efficient. I am pleased to recommend his service to everyone.
Top notch service, across the board. Richard responded promptly to all my questions and concerns promptly, whether I asked via phone call, text, or email. I had some complex issues, and fully expected to owe the IRS for at least 2 tax years. Richard got me money back for both years, plus the stimulus payments I couldn't pry out of the IRS, to save me. Don't pay the IRS any more than you absolutely have to; use Bowen Tax Services, & save yourself a LOT of money!
Just found him for our taxes this year, he is extremely reasonable with pricing, makes everything simple and easy to understand, and he is so patient and kind. I wont go anywhere else. *update* He's been doing our taxes for the last 3 years now and I wouldn't want to go anywhere else, this guy really knows how to do his job. I'm so glad we found him. Thank you Richard for the amazing service over the years.
We had a rather, for me, complicated tax filing this year. Mr. Bowen came highly recommended. I found him very helpful, responsive and his fee reasonable. I would use him again and I would recommend him to friends.
We have had Bowen Accounting provide his services for tax preparation for many years. He is of the highest integrity and professionalism. You can count on him for honest and timely completion of services. He completed our taxes within 2 days and handled everything by electronic format, including our signatures. I never had to get out of my chair. You can count on Richard Bowen to provide the best of the best in accounting services.
Richard is a great accountant. He took care of all my personal and corporate needs working with Richard has been great. He's honest, accurate and very knowledgeable. I would recommend him to anyone needing an accountant. Thank you, Richard
In the past, I had always done my own taxes. I had some different life changes and was afraid I was going to screw up doing it myself but was sure that I would owe the IRS regardless. I was referred to Richard by a friend and I am so glad I was. Filing with Richard was easy, quick, and efficient. He answered all of my questions promptly and helped explain things I didn't understand. And, in the end, I got a tax return I wasn't expecting. I highly recommend Rochard for your tax and accounting needs!
Our business was suffering from poor accounting. My sister recommended Richard to us. Richard saved our sanity! Richard corrected numerous errors and omissions created by the previous service. He has been thorough, timely and precise. His proficiency enables him to provide excellent service at very fair prices. I have recommended Richard to other business colleagues, family members and friends. I am pleased to recommend him to you as well. Frank A.Munoz, CBSE Kern Commercial Cleaning
We use Bowen Accounting for our business and Richard is great! He is very knowledgeable, informative, and always responds quickly! I would recommend him to anyone looking for someone reliable and thorough.
Outstanding in every way, professional, Quick, affordable, great communication, and very knowledgeable ,no matter what time of year Bowen Accounting makes you feel like you're a top valued priority, and that can be challenging to do at times i would imagine, but as far as my experience has been that's how I've felt, I refuse to go else where. If you need need professional , if you need knowledgeable if you need someone who will be there for you , Then this is the company I recommend!
Nothing short of amazing. I had many years of unfiled returns and what looked to me like a hopeless situation. Richard is my new super hero. The results was way beyond my hopes and expectations. He was very reasonably priced for the severity and completely of my situation. Thank you so much ??
I highly recommend Bowen Accounting & Tax. The entire process was painless, and Richard answered any questions I had promptly. The ability to submit documents online was a huge time saver as well. I'll definetly be using Bowen Accounting & Tax again.
This year i realized that due to a change in my circumstances that i would likely not be able to do my own taxes utilizing an online tax preparation services. After googling for tax preparation that had good reviews i came across Richard Bowen. But i didnt reach out to him until by coincidence i discovered that a friend of mine has utilized him in the past, and had nothing but praise for his services. I was told and had gleemed from a review of his website that he likely wanted his clients to be streamlined
Tax season is always very stressful. But, the past 2 years I've gone with Bowen Accounting and it's been such a quick and stress-free process! Most everything is done within a day! Response time is really fast. Definitely recommend them!!!
Really satisfied with the services provided by Bowen Accounting & Tax. Mr. Bowen's expertise and professional manner made it that much easier to process. Highly knowledgeable and great communicator, I have no doubt that no task is ever too complex here.
MR. RICHARD BOWEN IS A ANGEL FROM GOD! HE HAS REACHED ABOVE AND BEYOND TO HELP ME WITH MY TAX DOCUMENTS DURING THE MOST CRITICAL MOMENT OF ME AND MY FAMILY LIVES RIGHT NOW!! WE ARE CURRENTLY HOMELESS SINCE 2 MONTHS NOW STAYING IN A HOTEL, I AM A SINGLE MOM WHO IS A UBER DRIVER, I APPLIED FOR AN APARTMENT THAT NEEDED SOME TAX STATEMENTS IN WHICH I HAD NO LUCK FINDING ANYONE REASONABLY PRICED BUT I CONTACTED RICHARD BOWEN, HE WAS SO HELPFUL OVER THE PHONE, KIND, WENT BEYOND HIS SCOPE OF SUPPORT FOR ME! HE CAL
Very professional and efficient. One thing I truly appreciated is that he was a straight shooter and made sure to not cut any corners and that everything was done correctly. Very friendly and quick with response on any questions my wife or I had. I will absolutely use him and highly recommend him for any and all accounting services.
Great guy, smart, and attentive. Handles my trucking taxes which aren't easy. Always up to date on new tax laws and credits. Means the world to me that he puts up with my yearly amnesia.
Bowen Accounting makes taxes easy, fast, and efficient. After using this service for over 7 years, I've appriciated the professional and personal care we have received. If you are interested in a CPA certified accountant, skilled in tax lingo, and a buisness that uses convient and cutting edge technology, Bowen Accouting is where it's at!
Straight Forward and knowledgeable, He's a lifesaver with his knowledge in BITCOIN & CRYPTO CURRENCY, is second to none here in Bakersfield. With that said, question is, why go out of town for a Professional Crypto Expert, when you have one here in Bakersfield.
Richard did an amazing job for me. I had a complicated issue, and he resolved it quickly. I even got a refund!
Referred to me by a friend. Before I was referred I was calling around and confused but Richard is very professional, patient and helpful. Answers calls and proactive!
Richard is a top notch accountant. I highly recommend his CPA services.
Mr. Bowen was very helpful on the phone with me, even though I'm not a current client, he was forthcoming with information I found to be extraordinarily useful in my particular situation which I really did appreciate.
Great experience. I was going crazy with my business taxes. He calmed me down and helped me out every step of the way.
Very fraudulent, had to hire another CPA to go over his work. Lawsuit is pending against him stay away from him.
He does great work I would highly recommended him do do your taxs.
Good dude. Attentive, smart and professional. Very responsive, using technology well, and seriously smart about taxation/accounting.
Great customer service. Fast feedback. Would highly recommend.
Great experience very helpful , we had many questions and all were answered, Honest and truthful which is very valuable.
Richard is very professional and responds to your needs in a timely manner.
Great tax professional. Very quick, responsive, and friendly.
Great customer service and attentive to detail also they reply in a reasonable amount of time.
Always provides professional and honest advice. Very knowledgeable and always responsive!
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.