*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.*
1670 Santa Ana Ave
Costa Mesa, California 92627
Donna Stern is by far the best tax CPA I?ve worked with in Orange County. She?s helped my family with some fairly complex tax returns and made the process smooth and stress-free. Donna is honest, patient, and incredibly reliable. I truly recommend her for her professionalism and deep knowledge of tax and accounting.
We went in to see Donna to see if there was anything we could do to help with our taxes, and we?re so glad we did. From the moment we walked in, she made us feel welcome and at ease, which is saying a lot considering how intimidating taxes can feel. Donna took her time with us, patiently guiding us through everything, explaining things clearly, and offering helpful suggestions on how we could improve going forward. She didn?t rush us, and it really felt like she cared about making sure we walked away infor
I hired Donna for a high-level financial diligence review as part of evaluating a prospective business purchase, and I couldn't be more impressed with her expertise and professionalism. She delivered her findings promptly, and although I have a solid grasp of financial reports, Donna's insights helped me better understand how the accounting principles behind the numbers impact the final output. What sets Donna apart is her patience and kindness. She takes the time to ensure her clients truly understand the
Donna Stern is a tax preparer extraordinaire. She asked all the right questions and completed my 2024 tax returns in record time and at a reasonable price. I look forward to working with her for many years to come. Highly recommend!
I recently worked with Donna and I couldn?t be happier with her service! She is incredibly knowledgeable, professional, and detail-oriented, ensuring every aspect of my accounting needs was handled efficiently. Donna went above and beyond to answer all my questions, provide personalized advice, and made the entire process stress-free. She is super friendly as well and a pleasure to chat with. If you?re looking for reliable and top-notch accounting and tax preparation services in Orange County, I highly reco
We?ve worked with Donna?s office several times, and they have always been incredibly easy to work with. They respond quickly, and I find them knowledgeable, reliable, and professional.
We had the absolute pleasure of working with Donna for our taxes this year, and we couldn?t be happier with the experience. As beginners, we were quite worried about handling our taxes, but Donna made the entire process seamless and stress-free. Her attention to detail is impeccable, and she was always available to answer any questions we had, no matter how small. Donna not only instilled confidence in us about our taxes but also proved to be a wonderful person to meet. We are incredibly grateful to have fo
I can't recommend Donna Stern CPA highly enough! As a first-time business owner, I was overwhelmed by all the complexities of taxes, but Donna made everything so much easier. From our first meeting, it was clear she?s an absolute expert in her field. She took the time to explain everything in detail and was incredibly patient with all my questions. Her knowledge of tax law and business finances is top-notch, and she gave me invaluable advice that has saved me time, stress, and money. What really sets Donna
Donna is an invaluable asset to my life. Her exceptional assistance and unwavering attention to detail make managing finances a manageable task. Her guidance empowers me to achieve my goals with confidence.
Donna is amazing and a joy to work with. Not only is she knowledgeable in all facets of tax preparation, but she prepared a court ordered accounting for a special needs trust I manage. I HIGHLY recommend Donna to anyone looking for an expert with a heart.
Donna is an absolutely incredible CPA! She was so helpful for our new business and really set us up for success. She is so diligent and has such a wealth of knowledge about accounting. I couldn?t recommend working with her more highly!
Donna is a great accountant and really looks out for her clients. I have great respect for Donna, as she's handled my personal and business accounting for more than two decades. I highly recommend her and she will earn your trust.
I found Donna several years ago and couldn't be happier. She is extremely knowledgeable in all current issues relating to tax and economic situations that can benefit you. She is generous with her time, efficient and professional. Donna has helped me make the most of my money and plan for my future wisely.ihighly recomDonna for all your tax/financial needs.
Donna is a absolute professional with top notch expertise! She is versed in any complex tax situation including stocks and RSUs. She extremely responsive and helpful. Exceptional service! Get your taxes done right for maximum savings.
Donna is on point with all aspects of work. Love working with her, she gets everything done in a timely manner! she's always on top of everything! Wouldn't ask for a better person to work with. I Would recommend her to anyone! Thank you for such amazing support and service Donna!!
Donna is an amazing accountant! She stays up to date on all tax codes to make sure her clients are protected and making the most informed decisions. She is extremely thorough and diligent, always going the extra mile for her clients.
Donna is the best! She is the most thorough accountant I?ve ever worked with. I?ve been with her the past 3 years and she always manages to help me save so much every year. Unlike other CPAs, she doesn?t charge for phone calls and helps me all year round. Can?t recommend enough!
Donna has been my business bookkeeper for over 5 years now. I'll start by saying, I don't know where I'd be without her. She is punctual, analytical, and precise in the best way possible. Anytime I need a document, project completed, etc, she's on it. Donna IS the best! I would recommend her over and over again!
Donna's accounting methods are outstanding and surpass traditional standards. She delves deeply, aiming to simplify your financial landscape while ensuring a comprehensive understanding throughout the process. I have worked with several accountants in the past, but my experiences with Donna have convinced me to continue collaborating with her exclusively.
There are not enough wonderful words to describe Donna. She is reliable, efficient, affordable, and just a lovely person to work with. I highly recommend her for all of your accounting needs.
I highly recommend Donna Stern and Team! She has transformed our accounting department. She provided clarity when we I needed it to make tough financial decisions. Great person and she really cares about her clients!
Donna was very helpful and incredibly knowledgeable during our consultation. She put me at ease on regards to potential tax implications. Thanks Donna.
Donna was great! I was struggling with Turbo Tax and Donna helped me lowering my tax due amount from 4,900 to 1,200 by answering the questions correctly. Thank you Donna!
We've been with Donna for 12+ years now. A true pro who looks after her clients. We couldn't be happier. HIGHLY recommended!
I have worked with Ms. Stern for over 20 years both in her capacity as my personal CPA and for a business I was managing. I find her extremely knowledgeable, professional and easy to work with and always directed in the client's best interests.
I called this awesome company today asking questions over the phone about my W2 questions, and they kindly told me the information I needed so I could feel better about what I?m expected to do. Thank you so much for your time and kindness! Will get my taxes filed here this year (:
Donna provides year round tax consulting! She is highly knowledgeable, efficient and accurate. I would highly recommend her!!
Donna was super helpful in explaining the complicated tax process and also advised on how to improve my organization moving forward. Will definitely recommend!!
Best CPA?s in town when it comes to Estate Planning & Taxes
Donna is the best in the business! She?s very professional and knowledgeable. I?d recommend her to anyone!
Donna is a knowledgeable PRO. Highly recommended. Thanks for the support over the past year(s).
Best accounted I?ve ever had. She has prepared my return's for 20 years. No one I would trust more with my finances. Goes above and beyond.
Donna is an absolute blessing! Couldn't ask for a better CPA.
Great friendly service. Guided me through the tax maze and made recommendations to save us money!
Professional -amazing- helps lower the stress- the best!
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.