*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.*
801 W Bay Dr Suite 435
Largo, Florida 33770
Joel was extremely helpful when I needed a consultation recently to discuss some important tax issues related to my dad's declining health. He even suggested some additional topics to bring up with our elder care attorney as he's handled similar matters in the past. It's clear he is both knowledgeable and passionate about finances and taxes, and he was just the right fit for my needs. Thanks, Joel!
Joel was exceedingly helpful with my tax issues. He gave helpful, truthful advice and helped me to understand more about my work as a 1099 contractor and potential ways to save on taxes that I hadn't been aware of previously. He is very knowledgeable and I'm thankful for him. I highly recommend him!
I recently had some questions regarding 401K withdrawals, and real estate concerns as I plan for retirement. I needed some sophisticated analysis done to determine potential tax impacts of various pay off scenarios. This type of analysis was definitely beyond my accounting skills. It was also a bit much for my normal tax professional. I found Joel Berman while searching online. Joel was able to gather all the data needed, then presented several well-conceived options allowing me to select the plan that mad
We started working with Joel over ten years ago when our previous CPA left and we uncovered a serious error in our corporate books. It took Joel weeks to resolve and get our accounting in order, but he taught me a lot in the process. From then on, we have relied on Joel for his expertise and advice, both with corporate and personal matters. He is always thorough in answering questions, and always makes himself available to us. As pleasant as he is competent, we would never consider working with anyone b
I have been working with Joel for over 10 years. Both personal and multiple businesses operating in multiple states. Very complicated situations. Joel has always gone the extra mile and caught issues I was not even aware of to be concerned. In the modern era, the tax code is too complicated for a business owner to try and figure it out and effectively operate their business. Joel is a breath of fresh air and very detail oriented to protecting me and my interests. His annual review process helps me to
Joel is an excellent example of a professional accountant. He is detail oriented, knowledgeable, and simply 'with it' when it comes to taxes and the law. I would recommend Joel to anyone needing someone to simply do it right. Thank you Joel for all your hard work in keeping our finances straight! He is one of the most competent human beings I know. In a world of mediocrity Joel stands out. Knowing Joel, I have no fear of the IRS, as his integrity is above question.
Joel has been our accountant since we opened our first of two businesses in March of 2016. He assisted us with setting up and incorporating both businesses. He does all our accounting for both our small law firm as well as our real estate company. We continue to use him for filing all our payroll returns as well as our yearly business and personal taxes. If anyone is looking for a good accountant for either their personal or small businesses, Joel is an amazing accountant who always makes time for his c
Amazing CPA! He takes the time to really listen to your needs and answers questions in a manner that a non-CPA like myself can understand. Joel has been helping me during tax time for years and occasionally I have needed help with a few things when it wasn?t tax time. He has never failed to come through with a knowledgeable and timely response and details to back it up. This man seriously knows his stuff. I highly recommend him if you are looking for a CPA that works for you not only when you file your tax
Joel has been doing our taxes for the last three years and has saved us thousands in taxes. His knowledge, professionalism and attention to detail are second to none. We highly recommend him for your accounting, tax and financial consulting needs. Thanks, Joel, for your exemplary service.
I have known Joel for many years through online business. I reached out to Joel for tax advice with my business and he helped me with his knowledge on how to handle my business taxes going forward. He took the time to answer my questions which will help me with future tax preparation. Thank you very much Joel for sharing your expertise advise. I would recommend your services to family and friends.
We started working with Joel back in 2018. He has handled many tax situations for us, including normal wages, retirement income, rental income, 1099 work, and S-Corp finances. In every instance, Joel has proven himself to be professional, timely, knowledgable, and accurate. He is also well-versed in tax code application to military service members and spouses. I wouldn't take my business anywhere else.
Joel has been doing my personal and business taxes for many years. He's always available when I have questions, and thoroughly researches all topics. Joel and his team are detail oriented, reliable, and knowledgeable.
Joel is a consummate professional. I have been using him for over 10 years and have never been disappointed. If you call him, he calls you back. If you ask a question, he answers. It really is gold-standard service. I have used him for personal income taxes, business taxes, S corporation filing, Payroll taxes, and just general bookkeeping and accounting advice. Also, If you get a scary letter from the IRS or from the state, he will know how to handle it!
I am a client of Joel's and have used him for filing my personal taxes for the last 6 years. Joel always prepares my taxes in accurately and within my time table. He has helped my navigate through the taxes during the settling of my mother's estate as well a year when I had significant medical expenses.
Joel is the best CPA I've ever had. He helped resurrect years of mismanaged accounting work associated with my small business which I am extremely grateful for! He is very precise and by the book of law which I admire strongly. Thanks Joel for making my business endeavors more fluent and profitable!
I have worked with Joel Berman, CPA for 3 years. He is highly professional and very knowledgeable regarding tax issues. I am a professional business woman with an advanced degree in business, but I couldn?t have navigated my tax issues without him. He is always responsive and helped me through a very difficult situation. I am truly fortunate to have him as an advisor. Thank you Joel!
We began with Joel 6 years ago when we lived in Florida. He is very knowledgeable. personable and explains in detail the tax process. We felt so comfortable with him that we have continued to use his services after we moved out of state. We highly recommend his services!
I have used Joel for almost 10 years and both the service and quality of his work has been outstanding. I am a CFP professional and often refer clients to him, especially businesses owner clients. My clients love him too.
I had always done my own taxes until I met Mr. Berman in 2003. Before sending in my taxes, I asked him to review what I had done. He came back saving me over $900.00! Ever since then he he has done both my personal and business taxes. He is honest and reliable, and I feel like I am getting the better deal. Very happy.
Found Joel years ago to help with my personal taxes. Since then, he has helped me start a business and now handles all my business accounting and tax needs. Definitely recommend, efficienct and effective.
Joel is responsive, knowledgeable, and very helpful especially with navigating through all the financial nuances of a college education. We have been a client for 5 years and highly recommend his services!
The worst tax preparation I have ever had. Very simple filing with the exception of a college scholarship issue with a Roth/college IRA. We had all the paper work in perfect order and very detailed. Probably one of his most organized clients ever. Took forever to complete and cost was ridiculous. He even had to sub it out since he did not know how to do the taxes for a dependent college student receiving a scholarship with a Roth IRA. Would never recommend his services. Forced to give one star to even post.
Mr. Berman came to my rescue last year. I had been using the same company for a few years. I had followed their directions to a T. Sent in all required information/paperwork. Signed docusign. Sent in payment agreement. They just didn't do my taxes. I was not even able to know if they submitted my taxes. And they were not returning my calls/emails. Mr. Berman told me how to reach the IRS to find out if my taxes were filed. When I learned they were not, he took care if filing for me. He did a great job and di
Top drawer accountant. Extremely detail oriented, and research oriented when complications arise (e.g., when facing diverse types of international income). As good as I've seen in care and explanations, and I've had some great accountants over the years. He focuses on individual and small-business taxes, the latter being a passion for him and where he focused his early career before embracing individual as well.
Joel and his staff provided my family excellent service and handled a tricky trust return with confidence. I would highly recommend Joel for any CPA and tax needs!
Joel was very professional and efficient. I wish I had been referred to him before! Used his service last year and am definitely using his service again!
Joel, is very professional, timely and responsive. His services are exactly what we were looking for when we relocated to Florida.
Joel is my CPA over 10 years he's hallways there when you need him I like to have him for next 10 years.
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.