Back to Directory
College Planning Source

College Planning Source

Reviews Summary

The majority of reviews are extremely positive (5-star), praising the team's expertise, guidance, and support throughout college applications, financial planning, and essay editing. Many highlight reduced stress, personalized advice, and successful admissions outcomes. One negative review (1-star) criticizes the service as overpriced and unhelpful. Overall, the consensus reflects highly satisfied clients who recommend the service for its professionalism and results.

About This Listing

Tax Preparation
Tax Planning
Budgeting
Forecasting
Financial Advisory
Estate and Trust Tax
Small Businesses
Mid-size Businesses
High-net-worth Individuals
Individual Taxpayers
Educational Institutions
QuickBooks
GAAP Compliance
Internal Controls
Risk Management
State-Specific Experience
Multi-state Experience
Remote Services

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
Budgeting
Forecasting
Financial Advisory
Estate and Trust Tax
Small Businesses
Mid-size Businesses
High-net-worth Individuals
Individual Taxpayers
Educational Institutions
QuickBooks
GAAP Compliance
Internal Controls
Risk Management
State-Specific Experience
Multi-state Experience
Remote Services

Contact Information

Address

10875 Rancho Bernardo Rd Suite 115

San Diego, California 92127

Visit Website Call Now Get Directions

Hours

Sunday Closed
Monday 10:30AM-6:30PM
Tuesday 10:30AM-6:30PM
Wednesday 10:30AM-6:30PM
Thursday 10:30AM-6:30PM
Friday 10:30AM-6:30PM
Saturday Closed

Customer Reviews

Professional, organized, and responsive team. College planning source helped us tremendously as we navigated the college prep and application process for our son and now we are grateful to have their assistance with our daughter who is a freshman!

Michelle Mai is an extraordinary miracle worker. Through her coaching, my son was admitted to many elite engineering programs. He accepted an offer that came with scholarships. Her patience, persistence and perseverance throughout his 4 years of high school help guide his decision. We are grateful for her professionalism and her team?s efficiency. Michelle came highly recommended from a friend whose 3 kids are studying at top universities. I will not hesitate recommending Michelle to anyone who need

Navigating the college application process is so daunting, unless of course you have people like Michelle Mai and Arianna and Jaclyn helping your child manage the process. It was a total team effort with my oldest child and we were able to maintain a healthy relationship through it all (it always helps when it's not mom and dad always suggesting how to do things). They offer workshops and opportunities and such positive and responsive support, that my child felt so prepared to engage in the application pr

Christina is an amazing counselor. My son was admitted to most of the colleges he applied to, and she was fantastic in guiding him through the requirements of each institution. He was very fortunate to have Christina, as she is experienced and excellent at what she does. I highly recommend her to everyone.

Initially we filled out the FAFSA on our own.??A couple of issues set our ?Expected Financial Contribution? awfully high.??Michelle helped/coached us through the correction of errors and dealing with the high amount expected of our family.???My daughter ended up with a good offer at a great school. Now we look to Michelle for help in making a plan on how to pay for our daughter?s education and our son?s when it's his turn.??Great advice, and handholding, so far.

The editors here are amazing! (Went here previously for help with college essays + financial planning). All of them are super dedicated to what they do, and the prices are very fair also. Michelle is great at making sure that you're efficiently using your words to cast yourself in the best possible light to colleges (She's also super funny and a sociable person to chat with, which is a nice plus). Definitely recommend!

I can not express to Michelle my gratitude for her help during our complementary 1 hour counseling. I went from not knowing how to go about the best way to come up with the funding to a plan that will work for both my kids. I had to go over it twice and she never made me feel ?dumb? she made sure I understood all her recommendations. I felt embarrassed like I waited to long to get this advice but it's never to late. I am so relieved and thankful for her professional opinion. Gina B.

I had the pleasure of working with Michelle and the team on the whole process of college applications. They were extremely helpful and guided me every step of the way. All questions I had were answered which was very relieving and made everything less stressful. I highly recommend College Planning Source! Thank you to everyone there for making applying to colleges a breeze!!!

Michelle and the staff have been so helpful to my family. My brother needed some guidance with student admissions and funding. They where incredibly helpful and answered all our questions. It was a great experience!

Michelle and her team are the absolute best! She is very knowledgeable and an expert in her field. Would definitely recommend CPS!

Amazing!!!! They help with anything when it comes to essay writing, advice for college major/which college to pick, creating a plan from the beginning of the application season to the end of the school year with tips and tricks that will help you become ready for college.

Sheryl and the rest of the team supported my daughter and gave her the tools to have excellent results and not feel so overwhelmed and stressed out!

Why won't google reviews let me put 0 stars for this trash service. Absolute useless service I wouldn't recommend to my worst of enemies. Overpriced, useless, and cliche advice given.

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.

Skip to main Home Best CPA's Nearby Upgrade your plans English Avatar for Nico Bottema Welcome, Nico Bottema! Share Install the tag on your site to get access to all features, tools and the insights you need. It's fast and easy. Site ID: 6455700 Get started with the tag installation 1 Copy this code. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 Copy code 2 Paste the code into the of every page where you want to track user behavior or collect feedback. 3 To make sure everything is ready, verify that your code was installed. Verify installation OTHER WAYS TO INSTALL Install with a team member’s help Install on a platform Install with a npm package Explore the demo Take a tour of the product with realistic data to explore. Explore demo site Common questions View all Course How do I install the tag? Collect session data for replays, heatmaps, and on-site surveys by installing a unique tag on your site. Ready to add it? Follow the instructions in this 15-minute course. Article How do I know if the tag is installed correctly? Article Will the tag slow down my site? Suggested for you Enable 2FA now Two-factor authentication (2FA) adds an additional layer of security to your account. Popular shortcuts title Feedback button Capture feedback in the wild by letting users share it at any point title Set up a Net Promoter Score® survey Measure long-term customer loyalty and happiness the tried-and-tested way. title Exit-intent survey Capture feedback before visitors leave and reduce your bounce rate Get started Interviews (new) Get real time feedback at critical times, thanks to easy, in-depth recruitment and analysis. Create project Finish your installation Surveys Feedback button Dashboard Invite team members Integrations