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Channel Islands Fiduciary Group

Channel Islands Fiduciary Group

Reviews Summary

The majority of reviews praise Courtney DeSoto and Channel Islands Fiduciary Group for their professionalism, compassion, and exceptional client care, with many highlighting their trustworthiness and dedication. However, a few negative reviews cite poor communication, lack of responsiveness, and dissatisfaction with service quality. Overall, sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, with strong recommendations from clients and professionals alike.

About This Listing

Tax Preparation
Tax Planning
Financial Advisory
Estate and Trust Tax

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

Tax Preparation
Tax Planning
Financial Advisory
Estate and Trust Tax

Contact Information

Address

132 E Figueroa St

Santa Barbara, California 93101

Visit Website Call Now Get Directions

Hours

Sunday Closed
Monday 9AM-5PM
Tuesday 9AM-5PM
Wednesday 9AM-5PM
Thursday 9AM-5PM
Friday Closed
Saturday Closed

Customer Reviews

Back in early July 2024 my elderly mother contacted Courtney DeSoto to update her trust. Courtney went out of her way to meet with my mom and sister when my mother was in the hospital. Shortly after we lost our mother to old age. Courtney and her exceptional Executive Assistant Yanki were a blessing executing our family estate making the execution of the trust painless. Courtney and Yanki since then have bent over backwards helping me personally with my individual trust. They are exceptionally fast and a

I had an extremely disappointing experience with Channel Islands Fiduciary Group and Courtney DeSoto. Courtney and her team were consistently unresponsive despite repeated pleas from several of our family members for more clarity and better support. She and her team showed a complete lack of care for our concerns, and frankly their services bordered on incompetence. I would not recommend them to anyone looking for a reliable and professional fiduciary group. UPDATE: I'm updating this review since Courtney

I highly recommend Channel Islands Fiduciary Group. Courtney is kind, honest, knowledgeable and very professional. Her assistant Alison is top notch. We live in another town than my Mother-in-law and Courtney kept us informed. She was patient with my mother-in-law and a great resource to me.

Very trustworthy fiduciary, Courtney will handle (almost) any problem your parents will have as they are retiring and growing old. If you are looking for a fiduciary for your mom or dad you should really consider Channel Islands Fiduciary Group.

Our family is in awe of the amazing efforts CI Fiduciary has done on behalf of our family member. Courtney has earned our full support and we have complete faith in her decisions. Our family member's situation had several unique facets which made it a challenge for us to figure out. We would never have been able to navigate it on our own as we FEARED doing. Courtney has gone so far above and beyond the basics and has been a true blessing to our family member as well as our entire family.

As a local attorney, I have worked often with Courtney and CIFG. I have found Courtney to be not only professional and capable, but also compassionate and caring for the clients she serves. I have recommended Courtney as fiduciary many times and would not hesitate to do so again.

Courtney and her staff are going to be on a higher cloud when they get to heaven. Courtney cares about each of clients like they are her family and makes certain they are all well taken care of with love and respect. I highly recommend Channel Island Fiduciary

Courtney, I am very grateful for your support and kind compassion with your clients, as if they are your very own family member. As Executive Director of Oak Cottage Memory Care Community, it is reassuring to know that you run your business with the highest integrity, you are trustworthy, and have a strong work ethic. All of our interactions with you are professional, and it is an honor to partner with you in providing outstanding care for your clients. Thank you for all you do! Kind regards, Andrea Ka

Channel Islands Fiduciary Group is the only firm I trust to protect my elderly loved ones and preserve their assets. Their competency in their field is met with compassion for those they serve in Santa Barbara, Montecito and throughout the county. Thank you Channel Islands Fiduciary Group for all of your great work in our community!

In my opinion I am pretty sure that CIFG is great in other areas, but as far as our families experience with her we are not satisfied with the handling of our mother/ grandmothers trust. I personally wouldn't recommend the business to anyone due to the fact that we have had little to no communication and we have to seek the answer that we are supposed to get . We have made many attempts to get in contact with the business and all we get are emails stating the same thing for the last 2 years with no change.

I highly recommend Courtney DeSoto she has gone above and beyond to help me and my family. She takes time to go and visit my Mom who has Alzheimer?s. Courtney and the staff are very caring and professional.

Courtney and her team have been amazing to work with. Over the last 7 years, I've seen nothing but professionalism and care with the clients they take on. I would highly recommend this team!

So happy to Have Courtney becoming my Trustee??

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.

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