*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.*
3816 Ingersoll Ave
Des Moines, Iowa 50312
The payroll team is amazing. The tax team not so much: very expensive and impossible to get an honest status update or realistic timeline for completion of my return. Communication is nonexistent. Definitely do not recommend the tax service. I absolutely will not be using Community CPA?s tax services again.
I got a very strong "scam" vibe from my Zoom discovery meeting with this company. The employee didn't convince me that he knew anything about taxes or that they would be able to do anything about my situation. He was in an office that appeared to have been "thrown together". The goal seemed to be to get a deposit from me. I have no problem whatsoever paying for an initial consultation, just name your price and I can make an informed decision. I'm giving them a 3 because I did some research and I suspect
My financial situation was in dire straits before I met Ying and the Community team. I had over paid on my taxes for years and the hole I dug kept getting bigger and bigger. The accounting group I had used previously didn't really care about helping me with my situation. Ying took control and every step of the way showed genuine interest in my situation Her knowledge, her tax planning, her commitment to continuing education is second to none, but perhaps what I like most about Community is that they are a c
CommunityCPA is fantastic! They have helped us maximize our business income and charitable giving to the tune of tens of thousands of dollars in just a couple of years. We never would have managed this on our own.
For some reason this place has a leaf blower come at least twice a week along with lawn care at least once. Like I understand you want the property to look nice but holy shit let me sleep in once in a while
Ying always helps us with our business tax strategy at the beginning and end of the fiscal year. Her knowledge is invaluable. Jay our every day consultant is prompt and helpful. Also, Community CPA helped us through the dissolution of a business in 2012 and we were fortunate to have Community CPA help us through that experience.
My experience with the staff and accountants of Community CPA has been fantastic. They really go out of their way to help their clients understand the complicated tax system. For me the best value I get from being a client of CCPA is the business advice and mentor ship I receive from Ying and Dan. They really care about their clients. I have recommended many people to them and they have all been satisfied. Just this morning a friend of mine message me and said he is ready to start his own business and he is
I have always love working with Ying. She has so much knowledge of tax laws, helping you to avoid tax disaster and IRS drama. I am very grateful to Ying for spending time with me to sort through documents and helping me deal with My business tax returns. I would give Ying and her team 10 STARS. Excellent customer service and dedication saving customers time and money. Thanks so much for your help. Gloria Krause.
The Community CPA team have provided my tax service for almost 20 years. I trust their professionalism and integrity. Their work ethics are great!
Highly recommend Community CPA, which is an immigrant and minority owned business that hires some of the top immigrant leaders in the state of Iowa and gives free presentations at community events for business and financial awareness in the Hispanic and immigrant communities. Very knowledgeable, helpful, and professional. Ying Sa and Dan Yul Kim are instrument in the Immigrant Entrepreneurship Summit, which I have attended. They have also done a workshop in partnership with the Greater Quad Cities Hispani
Not professional at all. The consultants who work under Ying don't care about client's privacy. They exposed it. Don't they know personal info. on tax return is confidential? Federal Law prohibits disclosure of private info.
Tax is just so complicated and confused to me. Community Cpa-Ying and her team are super helpful, patient and professional. They have multi language services, that?s can make communication so easy
Unfortunately, Attiq Aslam didn?t leave an explanation to the cause of a ?bad? experience. Community CPA has been a supportive, integral, mainstay of immigrant entrepreneurs across IA. They have a diverse background and expertise on many levels in the CPA world.
I?m always confident to come here every years to file my taxes ! All the staff are very professional and friendly especially YING :) highly recommended to everyone.
We love Community CPA and Ying!! They have done wonders for our business. They do our taxes, payroll, helped us incorporate, and much more!
Service always dependable, helpful, compassionate & knowledgeable. They are always friendly, even under a challenge.
I highly recommend this firm to all businesses especially startups companies. Their office in Iowa City rocks! Such an awesome family to belong.
I was under a time crunch needed W-9 to give to a client, Community CPA helped me out I was a walk up client wow what a great customer service experience.
Great experience! They helped me and my business be better with all their expertise, and years of experience. Plus they have accountants that speak my own language Spanish.
I had a great conversation with Community CPA. They were able to give me some free advice and I will count on them for my business formation needs in the near future.
Very expensive service. They charge way to much for a regular service.!!!.
Have continually tried to contact them about a renewal that was sent with them and was rejected. I always get told I will receive a call back the same day and that never happens! I have to reach back out every time! The issue has been going on for 5 weeks with no response!
Ying and her staff are AMAZING! They are professional, efficient, wicked smart and focused on saving you money!
Ying is a great lady to work with. This is a firm that offers expertise with knowledge and advanced information.
Very good service, very knowledgeable on what they do. I am very happy with their service.. been with them for almost 3 yrs..
Best service for any Tax consultation Thanks Awoi Solutions
Great Experience, wonderful caring staff that helped me through the entire process. I would refer someone here in the future.
I've gone to them several years in a row, they make doing my taxes a breeze.
I treasure the decades of business leadership and community services by the Community CPA.
They take good care of our businesses.
All the staff is very helpful
Amanda does an amazing job for us!!!
Very bad experience with them yesterday,
(Translated by Google) Excellent service, everyone is very friendly and does a good job, they help their customers a lot (Original) Excelente servicio, todos son muy amables y hacen un buen trabajo, ayudan mucho a sus clientes
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.