*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.*
2725 Jefferson St #2c
Carlsbad, California 92008
Sean has been such a blessing helping me with my taxes over the last five years. He is always easy to communicate with, and answers all of my questions. I will continue to refer friends and family to him as he takes great care of all of us!
I cannot say enough good things about Sean! He has been helping me with my taxes since 2011 and through all different phases of life. Having children, buying a home, moving overseas, employment withholding questions, divorce, and anything else I?ve ever needed assistance and advice with. You are in knowledgeable and good hands with Carlsbad Tax!
Sean has done my taxes now for a couple years now. He was able to find the problem that the other place screwed up and fix it at no extra cost.
Sean was great with preparing my taxes. My tax situation had changed since I had recently bought an investment property. I was hesitant to do this on my own. I found Sean and he made everything very simple for me. He handled everything, he was thorough, and professional. And, very reasonably priced. I will be using his services again next year for sure. Thanks, Sean!
I used Sean for my 2017 taxes when I was an independent contractor. He helped me save the most money I could, which was such a relief for me. I've recommended many friends and family to him knowing he'll do a fantastic job. It's so important to have a tax person you can trust, and I completely trust Sean. Great guy, very patient, reasonable, and will help you however he can. I'm booking an appointment for my 2018 taxes with him right now!
Thankfully, we found Carlsbad Tax in early 2019, when we moved from San Jose. Sean has always done such a good job with our taxes. He?s extremely knowledgeable, on top of all of the tax information and so easy and kind to work with. We are so happy with their services.
I am not surprised by the huge number of reviews for this small business. Sean and his team do an excellent job. They are not as fast as H&R or some other people, but I think that is because they are actually preparing my return. I've gotten the most back, and not had any problems. They are also able to explain everything they do, and I have yet to find any errors three years in a row. Please, for the sake of small business people everywhere, keep up the great work!
I was referred to Sean by a good friend of mine this year. He was fast, very efficient, and affordable with both my personal and business filings. He made me feel welcome and was able to answer every little and big question I threw at him. I will definitely be seeing him again next year and suggest you do too!
Sean has prepared returns for my Husband & I, and our rental properties, for the past 3 years. His prices are very reasonable and he is a very nice young man. We will be back in 2018.
For the past five years I was using a CPA in Carlsbad, but they kept raising their rates so i decided to give Sean a try. His price was much more reasonable and he got me all the same deductions plus a significant one the previous place missed prior years. I'm more than satisfied with Sean's services and will be back.
Sean has been doing the bookkeeping for my construction litigation business for the past year or so, and I don't have any complaints. I'm bad at keeping my receipts and records in order so I'm glad I have him to keep track of everything. He also tells me when he sees anything that concerns him, which is definitely nice.
I've been going to see Sean since 2014. I am paid as an independent contractor. He not only helps me with my returns but has turned me on to several apps that help me track my mileage, my meals, etc. The best tax person I've found.
My review is based on my appointment being cancelled the same afternoon of my appointment on the 18th TAX DAY! We made this appointment over 3 weeks in advance and even spoke to the consultant a week ago. We were told we would receive an email with the business address and a ?picture of the building.? Well that never came so we called yesterday and left 2 messages, finally the consultant calls back and says she called me yesterday and left a message on my VM, which I did not receive. She said I have to canc
I am writing a review because the customer service seems awesome and they are very professional. Oh, and Julie S who left a review is a massive Karen judging from her other reviews, also she's a vegan so her review is invalid. I hope the 5 star helps some!
Sean helped me to get out from a mountain of tax issues and overdue problems. I moved to Oceanside in 2013 and have been without a good tax person. Sean is a great find.
I would highly recommended and very reasonable rates! I completed my return with Sean and highly recommend him. He know tax laws very well and completed my return and found errors from a return I prepared via Turbo Tax.
Carlsbad Tax does bookkeeping for my parent's four restuarants. We used to use an internal person who ended up stealing thousands of dollars. We are so happy to find Sean.
I'm local to Carlsbad Tax and wanted to use them to file. I left multiple messages as requested by their voicemail and never received a return phone call. Guess they aren't interested in new customers.......
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.