*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.*
2617 Bissonnet St #483
Houston, Texas 77005
I would stay away! The proprietor Tu Dao is very unprofessional and deceptive. She charged me for services that were never performed and when asked for an itemized breakdown of services she could not or would not provide it. I?ve never encountered such practices if charging clients blanket fees without an itemized breakdown of services performed. And when asked about this Tu became very belligerent and disrespectful! Thumbs down! ??
I worked with Tu Dao years ago and when I hired her, she resubmitted a tax return we had already submitted which resulted in an audit and a $30,000 bill that we had to pay over a few years. Of course I want to be compliant, but I had to pay penalties for years because of how she handled our taxes. When I switched to another accountant, he said that a resubmission will always result in an audit and there were other ways we could have gone about making changes and paying the taxes and still be compliant. Res
Violet Li (BPP, London UK) Dao CPA has been our company?s US accountant for the past 10 years and has assisted in the incorporation of our US subsidiary. Tu Dao and her team have been very professional and attentive. In handling our accounts and taxes, they have demonstrated their experience and patience, which we have appreciated given that we are based in the UK and not always familiar with US regulations. We are extremely happy with their service and would highly recommend them to anyone. Thank you
We have used Dao CPA's service for over a year now. Tu Dao is very knowledge and offered us a lot of invaluable advice on how to structure our compensation plan, corporate entity and bookkeeping practice. By using online Quickbooks, we are able to monitor our financial situation 24/7. This is a vast improvement from the old school spreadsheet method the previous accounting firm was using. We are very happy with the service Tu and her staff provided and would highly recommend them to others.
We have been very happy working with Dao CPA PC! Tu and her excellent staff have really helped us keep our books in proper order and assist us with any accounting needs that we have had over the years. Tu and her staff are very responsive, reliable and efficient which has allowed us to focus more on our core business. I highly recommend Dao CPA, P.C.
I first came across Dao CPA/Accounting in a Box whilst looking to outsource my US accounting function. I had met with a number of providers but Tu was by far the best. The quality of service and technical knowledge I experienced whilst working with Tu were exemplary. Should I need to outsource any US accounting in the future, Dao CPA will be my first call!
Tu Dao guided us as we pursued purchase of a manufacturer's representative business. Throughout the process, Tu showed great knowledge and gave us the confidence that the process was being handled professionally. We are now in the next phase where Tu is setting up our accounting, bookkeeping and tax systems using QuickBooks. We are certain that with Tu's help and guidance, that we will be successful. Phil & Cheryl Lutz
Tu and her staff are very professional, timely and a pleasure to work with. They manage with QuickBooks my accounting, bookkeeping, and taxes. I have signed up for their "Accounting in a Box" service and have been very happy with the performance and pricing thus far. I operate a construction company which is complex because we have lots of financial moving parts with all our subs, agents, financing fees, and material costs. Tu manages all this with ease and gives me excellent guidance o what to do and n
Dao CPA provides very professional accounting services. They are flexible with special requests and meet all required deadlines. I have been extremely impressed with the level of attention my accounts receive. Thank you Dao CPA!
We have been working with Tu Dao and her team for almost 1 year and we have always been impressed with their professionalism, attention to detail and the kind of deadline-management skill that is as exceptional as it is rarely seen. We are very happy with their services.
I have used Tu Dao's accounting service in a business and a non-profit ever since 2006. She and her staff are very dependable, timely, and accurate in their reporting. I recommend her very highly.
Tu and her staff really help to keep our many companies organized. From bookkeeping to federal and state taxes, they handle it all. Tax time is a lot less stressful knowing that they've been diligently handling our books all year long.
I've been a client of accounting in the box since 2012 and I've been impressed with the service that they have provided to our company. I totally recommend Tu Dao and her team.
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.