Dark Horse CPAs

Dark Horse CPAs

Reviews Summary

Dark Horse CPAs receives consistently outstanding reviews for their expertise, reliability, and client-focused approach. Clients praise their meticulous precision, proactive problem-solving, and ability to simplify complex financial matters. The team is commended for being responsive, professional, and compassionate, often saving clients time and money. Many highlight long-term trust, seamless transitions, and stress-free tax experiences. Small business owners, freelancers, and individuals alike appreciate their practical guidance and personalized service. The firm’s friendly staff and transparent communication further solidify their reputation as a top-tier CPA choice.

About This Listing

Bookkeeping
Accounting
Business Consulting
CFO Services
Tax Preparation
Tax Planning
IRS Representation
Entity Structuring
Budgeting
Forecasting
Financial Advisory
Estate and Trust Tax
Virtual CFO
Outsourced Accounting
Small Businesses
High-net-worth Individuals
Startups
Individual Taxpayers
Non-profits
E-Commerce
Real Estate
Professional Services
QuickBooks
SOX Compliance
Internal Controls
Complex Situations
Multi-state Experience
Remote Services
Years of Practice
CPA License

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
Business Consulting
CFO Services
Tax Preparation
Tax Planning
IRS Representation
Entity Structuring
Budgeting
Forecasting
Financial Advisory
Estate and Trust Tax
Virtual CFO
Outsourced Accounting
Small Businesses
High-net-worth Individuals
Startups
Individual Taxpayers
Non-profits
E-Commerce
Real Estate
Professional Services
QuickBooks
SOX Compliance
Internal Controls
Complex Situations
Multi-state Experience
Remote Services
Years of Practice
CPA License

Contact Information

Address

2033 San Elijo Ave #148

Cardiff, California 92007

Hours

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

Customer Reviews

Hayes and the staff at Dark Horse were so communicative and patient with our company from day one! They stayed on top of everything and helped keep us organized during our most critical years as a growing company, all while being a constant source of insight and advice. I highly recommend them to anyone.

We decided to team up with Dark Horse CPA as our taxes have gotten more complex. He is able to guide us through the process and make individual recommendations specific to our circumstances. It has been great to have full support through out the tax process. Thank you!

At Unbridled Advisory, we value partnerships that demonstrate technical expertise, proactive problem-solving, and a client-first mindset. Working with Teddy Mizerak, CPA of Dark Horse CPAs has exemplified all of these traits and more. Teddy's deep knowledge of financial structures and tax strategies has been instrumental in driving success for our mutual clients. His ability to navigate complex scenarios with precision while offering clear and actionable insights sets him apart in the field. What truly sta

Tax season is here again and once again we are having problems due to a mistake that our prior CPA, John Warner, made years ago. He messed up our EIN number when setting up our transition to an S-Corp and ever since we have had problem after problem with filing taxes. As a CPA you should never make a mistake like this. We have attempted to get this fixed with the IRS year after year to no avail and are once again dealing with a headache due to the laziness and lack of attention to detail of John and his sta

we have worked with Dark Horse for the past decade and their commitment to us as accountants is superb, in regards to information, timeliness as well as being proactive.

I cannot express how thrilled I am with the exceptional service provided by Dark Horse! From the moment I spoke with my CPA, I knew I was in the right hands for all my financial needs. Their team of experts is not only incredibly knowledgeable but also genuinely caring. They took the time to understand my unique financial situation, patiently answering all my questions and addressing my concerns. The level of professionalism they exhibited was truly impressive. Dark Horse went above and beyond to ensure tha

Our firm had a scare recently, and Chris reached out to see how he could help. He ended up flying over the weekend and saving the day!

Dark Horse CPAs provides exceptional service. They prioritize quality in conjunction with efficiency to make the tax process seamless and user friendly for their clients. Every staff member I have interacted with has been a pleasure to work with and it is apparent how they prioritize their clients? needs. I highly recommend this extremely competent and responsive team for all of your tax needs!

Tim Whelan was helpful and professional. I felt confident that everything was being handled accurately and would be completed in a timely manner. Dark Horse beat the rate from our previous tax prep group and did a better job. Highly recommend.

Suzi Drennan from Dark Horse CPAs, is a reliable pillar in managing both my business and personal finances. With meticulous precision, she handles tasks promptly and accurately, alleviating any worries about deadlines. Suzi's practical and compassionate approach makes finance more approachable, and her consistent responsiveness instills trust. Knowing Suzi is there to handle what needs to be done brings confidence and peace of mind to every aspect of my financial life. I wholeheartedly recommend Dark Horse

Suzi has been my CPA for well over a decade, for both my businesses and personal finances - I could not imagine working with anyone else. She understands my business & personal financial goals and helps me manage both effective and efficiently. Joining Dark Horse was a good move, happy to be both their clients and I refer business to her several times a year. A+

Suzi Drennen is the most knowledgeable, conscientious, and responsive CPA I have ever known?which is why I?ve stayed with her for more than 10 years. She is honest, has always gotten back to me quickly even at the height of tax season, and has saved me thousands of dollars over the years. Suzi/Dark Horse also is reasonably priced. The icing on the cake is that Suzi?s easy to work with and on top of that, a great person! She and her firm are tops!

Teddy with Dark Horse CPAs promptly set up a free 30-minute consultation with me after I requested assistance with my 2020 return. He was very professional, respectful, friendly, transparent, prompt, and helpful! After I explained my situation, he immediately gave me different suggestions, even letting me know that I would likely be able to resolve the issue without going through a CPA (thus saving me money). It worked! Teddy's willingness to help and his transparency in letting me know that I could most li

We have used Suzi Drennen for the past few years to do our complicated taxes. I cannot recommend her highly enough. She is professional, friendly, always gets the taxes done in a quick manner, is very particular which puts our minds at ease being that it is the IRS we are dealing with, and she knows her sh#* like no other. Could not recommend Suzi and Dark Horse more!

Suzi at Dark Horse CPAs is the most talented CPA I have ever met. She is extremely professional and excellent at what she does. She is super accessible all year round and trust me, I email her a lot! I also refer Suzi to my family, clients, and friends. Everyone I have referred is as extremely happy with her as I am.

Suzi Drennen at Dark Horse CPAs has been my five star CPA for more than a decade. She has guided my family and I through various tax scenarios ranging from home sales, purchases, and multiple business questions and expansions. Her professionalism is beyond reproach. I highly recommend Suzi to help you navigate the ever-changing landscape of the tax world. I don't worry about it, I just ask Suzi...

My financial planner turned me on to Dark Horse and I am very glad he did. The Dark Horse team 1. Does impeccable work; 2. Is always reliable and on time; 3. Are just good folks and a pleasure to work with; and 4. They are fairly priced. It is clear to me that they care about me, getting to know me, and that they are interested in building a long-term relationship. They do my tax planning, strategy and annual filing and they have consulted me on one-off complicated business and tax matters. They have a stan

It was off to a rough start but then I received a phone call expressing there concerns on how I was treated from the start they rectified the situation connected me to Mike Madden who is attentive explains thoroughly and in depth anything questions or concerns. Mike Madden definitely saved the day he has great customer service skills, great attitude, and his professionalism and assurance on getting our taxes filed accordingly and on time changed my whole out look on dark horse and lifted huge weight of

Knowledgeable, responsive, and great to work with! What more could you ask for in an Accounting group? I was referred to Dark Horse by my Financial Planner in the depths of Tax Season. They were able to make time for a review with me, answer my questions, and gave me solid advice. I worked with Chase, he was absolutely fantastic, and I was so grateful he was able to make time for a new client during the busy season. Great service, great firm!

I had a fantastic first experience with Dark Horse CPAs and would highly recommend them to anyone. My taxes were a bit complicated with several different sources of income, different states where I had to file, real estate deductions, and other complexities and it was no problem at all. Teddy Mizerak was excellent - thoughtful, clear, detail oriented, and communicative. He was able to save me quite a bit on my taxes and helped me to understand exactly what he was proposing while discussing my perspective wh

I've done my taxes with Suzi two years in a row and it is always a great experience. I feel safe and supported in Suzis hands. This year- my newly wed husband and I are filling our taxes together and Suzi knew just what to do. I want to do my taxes with Suzi every year because I love her so much. She is genuine, real, and trust worthy! Thanks Suzi!

Mike Madden with Dark Horse CPAs is amazing. He is so knowledgeable. He takes the confusion out of tax season and gets you your best return possible. He has been our CPA for the last five years. I will never go anywhere else.

I worked with Suzi for my tax return after being a client of hers for a few years. The addition of Dark Horse's platform for document organization made what was already a total breeze with her expertise into an even swifter and simpler one. I barely noticed doing my taxes this year. Absolutely recommend!

I have already recommended Stella to my friends for her excellent service and would like to recommend Dark Horse CPAs to every one! My taxes are pretty complicated. Fortunately, I found Dark Horse CPAs and had Stella?s help. She is super professional, detail oriented, friendly, honest, patient and helpful. All in all, 5 stars are not enough to rate my experience with Dark Horse CPAs and Stella!

Since my wife and I moved to California we had been searching for a CPA / tax person to help us. For the 3-4 years between our move and finding someone we had been using the same team in Charleston SC where we moved from. Needless to say, I am absolutely shocked at how thoroughly well done and pragmatic the team at Dark Horse CPA's are. Not only did they make the transition from old to new super easy, they were amazing to work with. I would, without any hesitation recommend Jordan K and his team. We are thr

I had a great experience working with Tina Lawrence and Dark Horse for an Amended 2021 Federal + CA State tax filing. I reached out to Dark Horse after submitting my self-filed Turbotax return which didn't seem to add up, and I knew I needed help to fix it. After Tina reviewed and identified gaps and amended my return, it resulted in a substantial decrease on my taxes owed. Tina and team were able to review a large volume of complex 1099/8949 stock and cryptocurrency transactions and a K-1 form and correct

We have been working with Dark Horse CPAs for several years and are very happy. They are easy to work with and contact. They have been great. We would highly recommend them.

Dark Horse CPAs, and Suzanne Drennen in particular, have helped me navigate the IRS world of tax requirements for years. I can never trust anyone else and neither should you!

To say John Warner at Dark Horse has been an amazing help would be a huge understatement! For me trust and confidence in finance planning is everything. Simply put, John cares. I have had about a million questions over the time of working with John, I have always received immediate assistance no matter the time of day! I truly feel that John and Dark Horse are reliable partners in my personal and business goals. If you are even considering the contacting a CPA, pick up the phone and call John!!

I have worked with Craig Trimble out of the Ponte Vedra branch for the past two years. The service and accuracy he provides are exceptional. I used to do my taxes, but things got complicated, so I hired Craig, who uncomplicated everything for me, provided advice on managing different business entities, and met every challenge. Besides saving me thousands of dollars in taxes, the most important thing to me is that he is genuinely nice. He returns calls, is always professional, and my account is essential to

One of the most difficult things about being self employed and running your own business is learning all the nuances of paying yourself, your business, and paying the government. The financial aspect of being a business owner is often overwhelming if you don't have someone you trust coaching and advising you. Clark Watts with Dark Horse CPA's has been a blessing to our Wedding Photography Business. He genuinely cares about his clients and he's extremely passionate about his job and the people he gets to ser

I highly recommend Dark Horse CPAs. They provide excellent customer service and high quality work. I had a great experience with Tom, who did my taxes this year. He was professional, knowledgeable, responsive and easy to work with. I will definitely be using this firm again!

If you've been looking for a CPA.....look no further. Suzi Drennen has streamlined and developed a personalized and in depth approach to highlighting my personal and professional financial capabilities. Suzi's attention to detail, experience and up-to-date working knowledge of new tax law has provided me with a high level of confidence and trust in her ability to represent my highest priority, securing my financial future.

Suzi Drennen, CPA is excellent at keeping us informed of the always-changing tax laws. She handles taxes for our corporation and personal and does a great job balancing the two. Her customer service is as enthusiastic as her dog Kavi!

I can't say enough wonderful things about Suzi Drennen of Dark Horse CPAs!!! Suzi came highly recommended by a FaceBook friend. I posted about my frustration with the paperwork process for the Covid19 Diaster Relief funds for small businesses. Suzi contacted me immediately and was not only reassuring but informative. She answered every question and continued to reply to all of my emails and phone calls. I'm looking forward to our successful outcome with her help. Thank You Suzi!! Alyta Milana

Suzanne Drennen has been my tax accountant for 17 years! She is diligent, hardworking, savvy, honest, knowledgeable and always available for questions, professional opinions and anything i have ever needed. She runs my payroll and helps me with tax info for business, buying selling houses, and family and home life. She is a lifesaver. Dont know what i would do without her! 5 stars is just not enough!

Teddy has been my accountant for the past 3 years and I couldn't be happier with the job he's done. He is always fast to reply, helps me understand what i need to know, and gets us through tax season smoothly every year.

Suzi Drennen has been my reliable accountant for multiple years now. I have entrusted both my personal and business taxes with her and I couldn?t be more pleased. She replies to my questions, doubts and concerns in a timely manner and with an educated response.

I was referred to Max by a friend who is also a small business owner. I was definitely in need of direction when it came to my finances. After speaking with Max I was able to understand how I can be efficient in the accounting side of my business and he and his team is there to guide me every step of the way. I'm now confident I have the right team watching my books I highly recommend Max and Dark Horse CPAs

I had been filing my own taxes for years but ended up in a situation that required professional help. Riana essentially reversed my mistake (one I thought was impossible to fix) and saved me thousands in penalties that year. I could not thank her enough and would recommend her services to anyone.

Taxes can be so stressful, but it's NEVER stressful working with Riana Linsky! Her communication style never leaves me hanging. She makes filing taxes as pleasant as it can possibly be. I look forward to working with her again. Thank you thank you thank you!

Wendy H. with Dark Horse is always professional and very easy to talk to! Her knowledge and expertise allows for clients to get quick answers to important questions. Without a doubt a go-to tax professional!!

Took me a few tries over the last decade or so to really land on the right accountant relationship for me. Dark Horse CPA's has been a God send. If you're a small business owner, freelancer, or just someone who needs good work done on your taxes, your search is over.

Suzi has been doing my taxes for the last 4 years and I am so happy with her. She is efficient, answers all my questions and makes tax time painless. Thank you Suzi!

Suzi has been our accountant for several years! She is always quick and reliable. She goes above and beyond to ensure that our taxes are complete!

As a small business owner, I am blown away by their organization, knowledge, and responsiveness. Amidst an ever evolving tax code, Max and Chase remain a trustworthy asset to my business and family.

The team at Dark Horse CPAs was very responsive and professional. They delivered high quality work with eye for detail. Would highly recommend.

Prompt service. Kept me very informed

Our taxes were done quickly and expertly by Suzi. We had no problems and would recommend. Thanks Dark Horse!

Suzi is incredible. Our family has worked with her for over a decade- excellent colleague!

Suzie Rocks answers all my stupid senior questions and helps me with my mess of taxes. She has saved me so much time and money over the yrs of service. She is even there for my kids when needed .

Suzi Drennen has been our accountant for over 10 years. She is great!

i enjoyed working with Chris last year and then Jordan this year. Super professional and easy to work with.

Working with Dark Horse CPA is always great. They get the job done above and beyond each time!

Seamless help with taxes. They really go above and beyond to make the process easy.

Suzi takes great pride in her work and always makes time for her clients.

We had an great experience. Professional, knowledgeable, and easy to get ahold of. Definitely recommend

Love the staff at Dark Horse. Very helpful and friendly.

Excellent service and quality work, highly recommend this firm

Erik has been awesome to work with.

I've had a great experience for many years!

did not complete task on time

Suzi Drennen is fantastic!

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.