*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.*
401 Jefferson Ave
Towson, Maryland 21286
Chesapeake Financial Advisors and Taylor & Company should be on your 2025 todo list! An independent fee only advisor to help you navigate your financial well-being now and into the future. The trust they provide along with excellent service provides us with great peace of mind - who is guiding your financial well-being?
Tom Taylor and his company are wonderful. The staff are helpful and supportive, and he has kept me in good shape with my taxes, for the past ten years. I have referred some of my friends to Tom for his financial services and they continually thank me for making the connection. The proof of a good company is how far you trust them in regard to your own financial matters, and I trust Tom and his company implicitly.
Tom and his Team have been very good in helping build a credible retirement plan. They answered all my questions thoroughly. Happy with onboarding process
Tom and all the staff at Chesapeake have consistently given me thorough and caring attention over the many years I've been working with them. I have enthusiastically referred friends to them, and those friends have also been extremely happy in their relationships with CFA. It is a great feeling to be able to put my trust in Tom Taylor and all the wonderful people at CFA.
I feel that my finances are in safe hands with Chesapeake Financial Advisors. Austine and Matt are always there when I have questions and provide much needed support. They are always patient and willing to explain things in a way that I can make sense of.
Our experience with Chesapeake Financial Advisors has been nothing but a positive experience. Tim and Austine are very professional and knowledgeable and have guided us through the entire process. Would highly recommend Chesapeake Financial Advisors to anyone!!!
File Link Business Systems, Inc has used financial and accounting services from Chesapeake Financial for several years. The company is responsive. A perfect fit for small business owners who have little time to wait for help with pressing issues. They also provide weekly payroll service for our company which has greatly simplified our work week. Kattie Van Veldhuizen has been our primary contact always providing accurate timely service. The services provided to FLBSi are perfectly in line with what a small
I don't know how I would manage without them. Excellent service: precision, openness to questions, informative (always providing the right information at the right time),, resourcefulness (finding wonderful ways to make the process easier and user-friendly, even for the less tech savvy) and extremely kind and friendly. What more could you ask for? I have also found over the years that their investment choices have been exceptional and very much to my advantage. I highly recommend them both for investments a
Before I get into the many issues Chesapeake has and why you should go elsewhere they are nice people. Chesapeake shows you software during initial meeting that they will not give you once you become a client. If you email frequently with questions or more the occasional email it is too much for them to handle. They don?t want anyone who will question their investment decisions involving your money. They are nice guys but they need bigger stuff or should find another business where they can handle normal cu
I am the twin brother of Janet Loudermilk, who has used your firm for 15+ years for her annual tax preparations. Because Janet is now in a state of dementia, I am responded for her. Janet has always been so proud of her interactions with your firm. Every person from your firm who has interacted with Janet, or myself, has been highly professional, very patient & helpful, very personable, very friendly/loving. I would recommend this Firm to anybody!!
The staff at Chesapeake Financial Advisors has always been professional, courteous and easy to work with to accomplish the task at hand. Thank you so much for your services!
As I've started my business, CFA has been incredibly valuable partner. I have little knowledge of the sole-proprietor and LLC protocols, but CFA worked with me to ensure that I didn't miss anything. Also, as I've been swamped with clients and everything else that comes with running a business, CFA made sure to follow up with me consistently to make sure things were done correctly without me having to stress about trying to figure out the tax system at the same time that I'm trying to get my business to grow
Tom and his team have done my personal and business taxes and support for years. They are great at making sure I have all my bases covered to assure there are no surprises along the way. Thank you!
Matt and Austine did a great job of helping me get on board and thoroughly explaining every step and detail on the way. Looking forward to working with them both for years to come.
Chesapeake Financial Advisors is a top notch company. It?s ran by extremely knowledgeable people who care about their investors
Craig is very accurate and detail oriented. We know him for 6 years and very happy with the tax services he provided to us.
Craig Pohl and the team at Chesapeake Financial Advisors did an amazing job with my taxes. Thank you!!
My family and I have been using Chesapeake for tax services for many years. Highly recommended!
Very professional. They make the process of doing taxes very smooth and easy with great communication through the whole process. Wouldn?t go anywhere else!
Phenomenal work and they were able to answer questions on my complex return with ease. Highly recommend.
Craig is great guy and fiduciary , and has a great team! Can?t go wrong with them!
Very happy with services and how my investments are handled!
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.