*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.*
1127 25th St SE
Salem, Oregon 97301
We absolutely love Brenner, LLP! We're a new business and needed tons of help to get started. Tom continually goes above and beyond. He is timely, efficient and extremely professional. We especially appreciate that he's patient and takes the extra time to explain the how and why of things when needed. Tom also got us connected with other vendors to make our whole accounting and payroll processes seamless which allows us to focus less on our books and more on our business. We couldn't ask for more!
Excellent team of people! I purchased a Dental practice and then later the property with their help on all accounting aspects. Both transitions went flawless on their part. Providing numbers when I needed them to make deadlines on purchase sale agreements. Very knowledgeable, hardworking, and provide excellent value. They actually took the time to educate me on accounting and taxes. I've benefited greatly due to having them take care of my accounting and tax returns. I can't recommend this company enou
Jason Staats and his team including Kelli Selden and Caitlin Shearer are awesome! I've been working with them for about 3 years now and they have never disappointed. They are very knowledgeable and are able to help with many aspects of my business, even beyond accounting. I've been very impressed with their attention to detail and level of service. I am a growing business and they have been an instrumental partner to work with. I couldn't be doing what I'm doing without them. I highly recommend them!
Did my wives' and I taxes wrong. Literally forgot to attach our W2 despite us giving it to them and telling them the accurate amount we made on their spreadsheet. Overall, cost us a lot of money and they did nothing to help us afterwards. Didn't even apologize, they just kind of said "oops, that sucks for you lol". Overall, go somewhere else that cares about you.
Brenner & Company are outstanding professionals to partner with - my company has been exceptionally fortunate to work with them for the past several years! Josh Purington is a patient genius that seems ready and able at a moments notice to advise and work hard to meet my companies needs. It is a rare thing to find this type of trusted service!
Brenner has taken over our business and now my personal returns. They are also a critical component of all of our entities accounting process. They have taken a rather complex group of individualized businesses and helped us homogenize them into a single report while helping us manage individual overhead and cash flow. I have been very satisfied with everyone at Brenner and would not hesitate to recommend them.
Josh Purington is a wizard with business tax advice! My experience with this firm has been nothing but excellent. They take the time to explain things in ways that make sense and really care about helping people. I highly recommend this firm.
Avoid at all costs, they will charge you 100s of $ for asking questions without telling you and then over charge you. A basic non itemized personal tax return with a couple business questions charged me 700+ dollars when they quoted me 130$ an hour for 1-2 hours. Unbelievable. Also by the time they sent me the bill they even added interest on it. This after the fact I called them myself asking about when to expect the bill. They told me to not worry about it and then charged interest.
Brenner LLP have been extremely reliable in filing my yearly taxes and have helped saved me time and money. I would highly recommend using their services.
DISASTER I TURNED IN MY TAX DOCUMENTS 2 WEEKS EARLY. Apparently...that isn't early enough They called me....the Friday before the deadline Come on on the 18th To sign your return... So I did Then They lost my return And Filed an extension Then. Forgot about my return Then... When I raised a red flag Like... "Hey.... Why haven't is received my refund....?" They.... Go looking for it Oops Found it! Sowie We'll go ahead and file that now ??. . You're all good! I've no issue with the preparer or the wo
Jason Staats is always providing value and pushing the boundaries of technology that is used in CPA firms. Brenner is a modern CPA firm that has the depth of knowledge expected from their years in service.
Was not informed upfront that this company charges hundreds of dollars for asking tax questions in addition to getting taxes done. . Answers to questions are considered consulting fees. Be aware! I will take my future tax business elsewhere.
I couldn't be happier with their services and professionalism. They are extremely knowledgeable and will help you with any problem you might have. I recommend them without a doubt.
Great group of people who are kind and on top everything.
Excellent bookkeeping, tax accountants, outstanding customer service! Thank you Pausha, Sharon & Jason!
Great company to work with! Very proactive and professional!
Always a great experiencing working with the team at Brenner!
We are a small client and they treat us WELL and all staff is friendly!!
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.