Covell Jani & Pasch, LLP

Covell Jani & Pasch, LLP

Reviews Summary

Covell Jani & Pasch receives overwhelmingly positive feedback, with most reviews praising their professionalism, expertise, and long-term reliability. Clients highlight their attentive service, clear communication, and deep tax knowledge, often spanning decades of trust. Many appreciate their personalized approach for both business and personal needs, noting their responsiveness and proactive advice. While nearly all reviews are 5-star, a few mention minor communication delays. The firm is consistently recommended for its integrity, efficiency, and ability to navigate complex tax situations with care.

About This Listing

Bookkeeping
Accounting
Audit
Assurance
Business Consulting
Tax Preparation
Tax Planning
Small Businesses
Individual Taxpayers
Real Estate
Construction

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

Bookkeeping
Accounting
Audit
Assurance
Business Consulting
Tax Preparation
Tax Planning
Small Businesses
Individual Taxpayers
Real Estate
Construction

Contact Information

Address

345 W 9th Ave STE 100

Escondido, California 92025

Hours

Sunday Closed
Monday 8:30AM-5PM
Tuesday 8:30AM-5PM
Wednesday 8:30AM-5PM
Thursday 8:30AM-5PM
Friday Closed
Saturday Closed

Customer Reviews

So fortunate that we were referred to Covell, Jani & Pasch! They have been doing our taxes and financials for a few years now and it's such a pleasure doing business with them. Always helpful with their abundance of knowledge and care for their clients. This team provides excellent service

We've done business with Lee Covell since the late eighties. Lee has always provided us with great tax prep and most of all, provided excellent advice in our young years. Recently he's helped us navigate the passage from employed to retired. Over the years our confidence in him has only increased. Lee and his staff are really and truly interested in their clients as people, not just accounts. We can't say enough about them. You're in the best of hands when you choose to do business with Lee and his company.

Wow! Our experience couldn't have been better. Tina was super efficient, great communication. Thank you!

I worked with Tina and her team to get my taxes filed for 2019. The process was very smooth and prompt. The firm is quite prompt on all communication which shows they respect their client's time. During my CPA selection process, I encountered a lot of people who were hand-wavy about their prices, and their services. Tina was one of the most upfront CPA with complete honesty about what they can and can't do. I would recommend this firm with full confidence.

We had our tax returns done with them for the first time last year and we were extremely happy with their service. Tina Jani was always available to answer any questions and was very helpful. We found the process to be very smooth and easy. Great experience. We are going with them again this year.

Our business has relied on Lee Covell and his team to prepare our taxes since 1997. We have been VERY happy with their work-and our taxes can get very complicated since we employ people in almost every state in the USA and we are based out of San Diego. They reply quickly to all of our inquires and they continue to go above and beyond what most tax services do. --Stephanie Klingerman, Vice President, TQM Associates Inc.

Lee Covell and his friendly partners and staff are superb to work with on any tax or financial planning issue. Lee has a depth of experience I doubt can be exceeded and his manner and approach is always a reminder for my wife and I as to his care, honesty and knowledge. We have been with him for years and can not imagine not having available for our tax matters and planning.

Covell's team including Tina Jani have prepared my business and personal taxes since 2010. They provide valuable consulting services during the year in order to plan for any circumstance that may arise in the course of business. Their insight into the changing tax law and support over the years has been an invaluable resource.

Covell Jani & Pasch are amazing. I?ve been working with them for about 10 years now and am still so happy with their guidance. I?ve worked with them on audits, tax planning, and real estate purchases. The office staff is amazing, especially Christi and Susan, always so helpful however silly my questions are. I highly recommend this group for small business or personal accounting services.

Lee Covell has been our CPA for thirty-nine years, both privately and corporately. He helped us start our corporation in 1979 and helped us shut it down when I retired from Emergency Medicine several years ago. During that time he has been steadfastly honest, straightforward, and reliable. He has always been available for any question we may have had. Throughout life you deal with lots of people in the different aspects of both your work life and your personal life. We are very fortunate to have found Lee i

Leon Covell and his staff have filed my tax returns for more than thirty-five years. They have served me faithfully with competence and provided my family with a welcome sense of security. They are always immediately available to help me with any tax problem.

Wonderful hard working team with comprehensive and thorough completion of a myriad of tax items for our firm.

Happy New Year! I have been doing business with Covell Jani and Pasch (CPA) since 2008. I never had any problems with my personal or business tax returns. They are always very helpful in communicating and professional in every situation that comes up. I interviewed with two other CPA's and selected Covell Jani and Pasch as my accountants. I highly recommend them to others that are seeking accounting services.

Highly recommended! They prepare our company's corporate and owners tax returns for over ten years. Lee Covell and Tina Jani are very professional and always available to answer any accounting and tax questions.

Lee Covell and his CPA firm has taken care of our financial issues and guided us tax issues. The office front personnel always greet with genuine willingness too help me. I would rate Covell and his staff with 10 stars out of 5 possible. Wayne VanDerLinden

Lee Covel has been doing our personal and business tax returns for 28 years. Very honest, concerned for my wellbeing. Tremendous amount of integrity. Would highly recommend him and the entire firm. Sincerely Dale E Winterquist

I highly recommend Covell, Jani, & Pasch CPAs! I have used this firm for tax preparation for both personal and business purposes for the last 15 years. I cannot speak highly enough about them: they are so attentive, professional, approachable, and extremely competent. I cannot imagine using any other CPAs!

Tina was extremely professional helping us fill out the ERC forms for our business. She responded quickly to all our questions. Great service!

CJP CPAs have been a tremendous company to work with. They have helped us get our books in order, run efficient payrolls, file our business tax returns, supported us with out of state changes, and are always on top of cutting edge news to help us capitalize on all of the opportunities available to us to qualify for tax credits vital to helping us continue as a small business.

We own a small business. Lee Covell and Tina Jani take the time to examine your personal financial status and guide you to the best options to minimize your tax liability.

I have been using this firm for several years for both business and personal taxes. They are professional, efficient and very easy to work with, and I can trust them to take care of me and my family. Highly recommended

Covell Jani & Pasch are excellent. The entire firm is professional and a pleasure to work with. I have used them for years and now my son does as well. I strongly recommend them.

Lee and his associates are very friendly and highly professional. They have prepared my parents taxes for years and have been extremely helpful to me in settling their final accounting and taxes.

We have been clients of Lee Covell for more than 30 years. Our experience has been completely positive. Service and advice have been first class.

Highly recommended for business and personal taxes and accounting services.

Moved over to Covell Jani & Pasch about 3 years ago and it has been a great experience. Couldn't be any happier with the service they supply us.

Always available to assist with questions our problems that may come up. I felt like they really do care about my financial well being.

Almost perfect except no one answered my question about whether my FLP has to pay taxes in Nevada.

Tina was always there to answer any questions we had.first time not doing the taxes myself and it went very well.

Lee Covell can be counted on to provide expert personal service in a timely manner.

Great people. Been using them for 29 years personal & business

Very knowledgeable and helpful. Could not be more satisfied with our experience with this team.

Proactive, focused on tax saving, congenial, helpful and very responsive

Efficient and easy to deal with! Highly recommended!

Did not get a call back regarding the message left.

Always responsive to our needs, thank you

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.