*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.*
12465 Lewis St Suite 204
Garden Grove, California 92840
Strange how everybody is giving 5 stars!! My experience was certainly not a 5 star experience, or any star for that matter. I googled, found and contacted Mr. Carlos about my business and personal tax filings. At first, everything looked normal and ok. Carlos picked up the phone calls quickly and answered emails. He directed me to input all my data and information including my previous year's tax return onto a portal which he provided. My wife and I uploaded hundreds of pages of sensitive data into the port
This is the best place and most professional I have ever been to. They are honest and straightforward. I have been doing my business taxes here for the past 8 years and never had any issues. I would never go any where else and Carlos has become a close and personal friend. CCAL treats everyone like family. I would give them two thumbs up. They are too good I move to San Diego and I still work with them.
Excellent customer service Carlos is very professional and polite, he has excellent knowledge and he is always ready to help you.
Carlos has been doing my family's taxes for over 3 years now and my wife and I are super satisfied since changing over to his service. Very knowledgeable and available for any question or concern that you may have. Definitely 5 stars. My guy!
Every time I come to CCAL for my taxes I am beyond grateful and pleased when I leave. Carlos has helped me out so much with my taxes year in and year out. They are really friendly and nice, I?ve never seen them be rude or even in a bad mood. I highly recommend this place! I will always be coming back for their services.
I've been coming here for years. I used to do my taxes on my own for a long time but Carlos shared some great information to help get me the best return. He also advised me on best business practices to help me properly track my deductions, expenses, etc. As a fairly new business owner I had doubts on what to do because I'd always been an employee and now have ownership stake on my future and I'm confident in the advise and services I'm receiving here and I'll tell anyone that's trying to grow a business
My experience was amazing! It was easy to make the appointment and Francisco was very attentive even though I had to go back and add a document into my file, again. He was professional and great to work with! I appreciate how friendly the staffs were overall. I highly recommend this place for taxes.
I?ve been going to Carlos for like seven or eight years now and have never been disappointed by his work. His level of customer service and professionalism far supersede any you can find today. Im in college right now and he knows all the benefits I can get to make sure to maximize my return. I just send him my paperwork (w2s, receipts, financial aid stuff, student loan docs) and he takes care of the rest. This year I forgot to give him a W2 and we had to reject my original return and file again. Carlos to
Carlos has been doing my family?s taxes for years and we could not be happier with his services. He is extremely knowledgeable and very helpful. I recommend him to all
We have being doing our LLC taxes and personal taxes with Saul for the last 4 years. He has always being helpful and quick to help with skill of our questions. A very professional person that is a pleasure to work with. He also does the bookkeeping for American Quality Transportation and is excellent at his job. Very highly recommended, hoping to keep doing businesses with him for a long time.
I have been doing my taxes and book keeping for my business the last three years with Francisco Cabral and I will never go to anyone else . He is very thorough and honest and overall just a great guy . I know that my business is in great hands . Thank you for all your help !
I?ve been filing my tax returns here for the past couple of years now and it?s been such a smooth process each time. Saul CCAL is top notch when it comes to organization, tax knowledge, and customer service! I?d definitely recommend CCAL to anyone who wants to file their tax returns worry-free!
Ccal Tax & Business takes the stress out of preparing your tax return. Unlike other tax services, the exchange of information and draft documents is made simple by their easy-to-use portal. I was relieved not to have to fill out online forms, or prepare Excel spreadsheets, as they accept information in Word document form. The service was excellent: prompt, polite, and efficient. I am happy to have found someone to prepare my expat tax return that I feel I can trust for years, and I highly recommend CCAL Tax
Carlos has done an outstanding job with all of my requests. He communicates efficiently and promptly delivers the final product with transparency. Highly recommend!
Carlos, is one of the most honest person I know. Super smart and with lots of energy and kind words. I will be sending my daughter his way so he can help her with her taxes this year . I know that she will be in good hands . Thank you .
Carlos G has been handling my tax needs for years and is always available to share his professional insight. I have recommended CCAL to fri da and family over the years.
I couldn't be happier with my return. Francisco was very professional and thorough. He was able to explain what I could deduct for my small business which saved me a lot of $$$. I highly recommend this place to anyone, owner or individual.
Its a great relief working with such a professional. Im an accountant and Carlos taught me a thing or two about reporting real estate transactions related to personal as well as investment properties. The online portal is really cool ??. Will be coming back for sure.
Used this office to handle some tax business for me. They were super friendly, prompt & efficient. Carlos is a real professional & highly recommended.
I have doing my taxes with CCAL for over 6 years great service great friendship they treat you like family. If I can give them 6 or 10 stars I would but Google is maximum 5 . I wouldn't do my text anywhere else.
Carlos is the Best!! He is always available to help with any questions. I have recommended to all my family and friends.
CCAL has offered accuracy and convinience when handling my taxes. They have helped with my Scorp and helping understand the benefits. They are clear and transparent which as what my little agency needs.
I had enjoyed the excellent customer service at this office, Carlos and team there are highly professional, and provide extraordinary efforts for customer?s satisfaction. I do recommend this office for the tax and other services they provide.
Carlos has been very helpful each time tax season comes around. Great group of people that only deliver top quality work
I?ve been going to Carlos for my taxes every year and every year he does a phenomenal job! Thank you Carlos!
Carlos and his team are fantastic to work with and are true professionals. I highly recommend them.
Best place ever, friendly staff. Carlos is the man he is awesome, gets you in and out. Highly recommend it!
A great experience. Carlos Gutierrez is amazing. He explained with detail and answered all our questions.
I enjoyed that Carlos takes the time to explain my return. I came out of his office motivated.
Saul gave me excellent service.It was well worth it. Tax agent for life.
Highly recommend coming here and talking to Carlos G. Very knowledgeable and takes his time discussing all your options.
Amazing experience, you won?t regret it. Carlos, thank you for your continued service and commitment.
I really enjoy coming here. They go through the entire return with each client and help you understand how taxes work
Carlos gets it done. Highly recommend
Best place, awesome great service, friendly staff. Highly recommend Carlos Gutierrez.
Great place! Very knowledgeable and helpful will be returning here.
I've been going to CCAL tax for years. They are an amazing group of people.
Very Satisfied. Very Professional and Helpful. Would highly recommend.
Integrity, Responsibility and Professionalism. They take care of their customers.
Great service, thank you for explaining everthing Carlos
Thanks Carlos for helping me. Great service
Carlos is great. Super smart.
Took time to assure my questions were answered.
Fast friendly and helpful service!
(Translated by Google) Thank you for all your help in filling out my taxes, we will definitely be back next year. (Original) Gracias por toda su ayuda en llenar mis impuestos, definitivamente volveremos el pr?ximo a?o.
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.