*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.*
2150 S 1300 E #420
Salt Lake City, Utah 84106
Elise is helping my family with personal tax and estate tax issues. She has been terrific. She put all our concerns to rest. She put to together a plan that met all the tax codes and seemed fair to us. Very professional and knowledgeable. She consulted with experts in the fields if there were any concerns. Explained everything efficiently with charts and precision. Have used CMP for almost 10 years know and will continue to do so because of Elsie and her team. Thank you!
Courteous, professional, competent, and friendly. Nice to do business with. I recommend them.
Elise and her team are top notch. Highly recommend this firm to anyone who needs a CPA.
I cannot recommend CMP more. They've gone way above and beyond several times. If you need accounting help, don't bother with anyone else. This is the team you need regardless of how big your company is. Josh L. is fantastic and he's who I recommend to my friends and family when they ask.
Very knowledgeable and very professional. The best I've ever worked with and I have worked with the best in So. California
I recently had three complex tax returns completed by Elizabeth Higgs. I am blown away by the professionalism and talent that she exhibited throughout the process. Not only did she finish my returns in record time but made sure I understood the process and next steps at each point during the returns. This was the most stress free return I've experienced. Thank you again Liz for all your amazing work and time!
Shaun Morrow was very responsive, professional, friendly and was a great help with my corporate tax return. I was in need of getting the job done in a very short time frame and although it was a very simple return he treated me as if my return was still very important. He understood the urgency that I had for completing my return and made me feel that my return was just as important as a larger corporations' return. I would recommend Shaun Morrow to anyone!
I have worked with Cook Martin Poulson since 2011. They are fast, reliable and super helpful. I know that at the end of the day, they have my back and it makes running my business affairs so much easier! I love their responsiveness and willingness to help even when they are swamped! Thank you Jessica, Dave and Erik!
Best accountants in the state! I've always done my own taxes through HR and Turbo but had a few too many forms this time around and decided to have them done by Brady. He opened my eyes and explained some extra credits I was eligible for, answered all my dumb questions, and helped me and my wife get the biggest return we have yet! We have told all our friends and family to use these guys because they're the best in the business!
Cook Martin Poulson did my taxes in 2020 and did a fantastic job in answering any questions I had through the entire process. I plan to keep using them every time tax season rolls around. Brady Martin, Tax Associate, was awesome.
Cook, Martin, Poulson has been doing our taxes since 2005. They have never missed a beat. The advice they have given us through the years has saved us 10's of thousands of dollars. Whenever I have called them for tax advice throughout the year, they have always responded quickly with exactly the information I have needed to make important decisions. This year, due to their diligence and meticulous attention to detail over the past eight years, they were able to use an investment loss that I had forgotte
After several years of using different accountants for our yearly tax preparation my wife and I decided to try Cook, Martin, Poulson Accounting Firm. They are not the cheapest accountants, but they are the most through, professional, and accommodating to our situation. Within the firm we have been working directly with Mrs. Charlotte Petersen. We decided to go with a local firm that we could build a strong relationship with over the years. Charlotte has been easily approachable, answers our questions in
We have two small businesses and began our relationship with Cook Martin Poulson in 2016. This accounting firm has been fantastic for us throughout every stage of our business growth. I would give them 100 stars if it were an option. When the original accountant we worked with took a new position we were sad to lose him but have been extremely happy with our new Cook Martin Poulson accountant, Erik. He is easy to reach, quick to respond, and great at teaching and explaining. If he does not know something h
Elise went beyond our expectations at our first meeting. We were very impressed by her. Looking forward to working with her in the future.
I've worked with Dave Cash at CMP for many years and have been thoroughly pleased with his excellent work. I've gained a high level of trust in his knowledge and judgment. Each year I give him the information for both my personal and business returns, and then I turn my brain off, having full confidence that my returns will be accurate and will include all applicable deductions and credits. I am very pleased with Dave and CMP.
If you want an accountant that truely cares about you and your business, go with Herschel! He has always been quick to respond and has played a crucial role in helping us make future business decisions.
I've loved the service. Communication has always been quick and easy with great response times. I feel comfortable knowing my accountant is both aggressive on taxes and honest. Best way to put it - I feel safe with them.
I really appreciate how hard they worked to get my parents taxes completed after my dad passed away! It was hard for me because we weren?t sure of a lot of the information! It gives us a peace of mind knowing that they took care of us at this most difficult time!
Used them for years. Very professional and accurate. Enjoy working with them.
We used to get first class service with this company and as the years go on and their prices go UP and UP the LESS service we get ;-( NO meeting with anyone no help or tax advise like we use to get. AND SO RUDE when replying to questions, this is why we hired them to do our taxes because we don't know about taxes. ?David was the guy that worked on our taxes
Very friendly and knowledgeable. Answered our questions honestly and had our taxes done reasonably quickly.. tis the season though.
These guys do a great job of helping us administer our 401(k) plan. I appreciate their patience and expert advice!
I called in to change my CPA from Arizona to Salt Lake. I was told that the office manager would call me right back. Three days later, no call. If this is how they respond then -- no thanks. What they do in practice, they will do in the game. I would hate to have a problem with something and cannot even get a simple call back.
Very professional staff with a focus on timely correspondence. Makes running a retail business easier when I don't have to sweat the numbers on a regular basis.
I love that when I go every year and the ladies at the front desk greet me by name. I find that the people that have assisted me with my questions were patient and polite. Thanks so much.
Outstanding service, CMP has been doing my returns for 15 years and I highly recommend them,
This firm is excellent! They are efficient, professional and make tax time stress free!
worst called them to ask some questions about there service I stated I had some questions and the women hung up on me before I could finish my sentence. terrible!!!
Jared is both professional and personable.
This firm is tremendous. Shawn Rathje CFO
Very helpful and easy. Thanks.
Love working with these guys!
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.