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Elevate Financial Partners

Elevate Financial Partners

Reviews Summary

Most reviews praise Elevate Financial Partners for their expertise, personalized service, and commitment to client goals, with many highlighting strong communication, tax-efficient strategies, and transformative financial guidance. The team is frequently described as knowledgeable, responsive, and trustworthy. However, a few negative reviews cite poor follow-up, lack of proactive updates, and aggressive outreach as significant drawbacks. The majority of ratings are overwhelmingly positive (5 stars), though isolated complaints mention declining customer support and unwanted persistence.

About This Listing

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.*

Contact Information

Address

4675 MacArthur Ct Suite 1430

Newport Beach, California 92660

Visit Website Call Now Get Directions

Hours

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

Customer Reviews

Elevate is the real deal. They take time to understand both your business and personal goals so they can create a plan for your future. Stephen is extremely involved and has his team dialed in. They are always prompt and friendly. They've been extremely helpful in explaining strategies that I'm not knowledgable of. I am truly grateful that I found a killer financial advisor that I see myself using for life!

Working with Elevate Financial Partners has been a fantastic experience. Their team is knowledgeable, transparent, and truly dedicated to their clients' success. The time and effort they put into crafting personalized strategies show their commitment to delivering real results. It's refreshing to work with professionals who genuinely prioritize my best interests. I highly recommend them to anyone looking for expert financial guidance!

Wow, what else can I say. Elevate has been handling my financial affairs now for almost 3 years. I was referred to Stephen and his team by a business associate. I approached them with a very unique and complex situation. I was blown away with the ease at which they understood and were able to quickly deliver solutions. The communication I receive from them is impeccable and timely. My schedule can get crazy at times and Stephen is always able to accommodate. I would recommend giving them a call if yo

I've had a great experience working with the team at Elevate. They're knowledgeable, professional, and truly take the time to understand your goals. I feel more confident about my future thanks to their guidance. Highly recommend!

I have had the great fortune of knowing Stephen Peterson for 13 + years and have been a very satisfied client of the firm for a number of years. Stephen is a talented and hard working owner and Is always responsive to questions and concerns with transparency and professionalism. I am so grateful to be a client of EFP where values, integrity and honesty are so evident. I highly recommend this remarkable team!

Stephen and his team are fabulous. I've worked with them for over 4 years and will never use another financial advisor. My portfolio is managed flawlessly, with quarterly zoom updates to communicate any updates on strategy/rebalancing. Stephen?s team has also helped with some of my real estate transactions, analyzing different properties for BRRR?s/fix & flips. As his team grows, he remains communicative and still provides the great service as when I started, which speaks volumes. Would highly recommend if

????? I had a fantastic experience working with Stephen Peterson while selecting my long-term disability health insurance. From the moment we began discussing my options, Stephen demonstrated an impressive level of professionalism and expertise. He took the time to understand my specific needs and walked me through the various products available, ensuring I felt confident in my decision. Stephen's knowledge of the insurance landscape is awesome, and he was always ready to answer my questions and provide i

I enlisted the help of Elevate for disability insurance. Based on my conversations with Stephen, founder and CEO, I thought they would monitor my application, keep an eye out on the underwriting process, communicate with me clearly about how things were going. None of that happened. I had to ask for every update I received and flag items for them. Stephen travels a lot now, giving talks at conferences and starting other businesses, and I think that has lead to a decline in customer support.

Stephen and Tony really set me on a path to financial freedom and I love how they plan with tax-efficient vehicles strategies. I highly recommend Elevate to anyone who is looking for guidance and direction!

Elevate Financial Partners has helped me immensely with my finances over the past couple of years! Their tax mitigation strategies and use of life insurance has really opened my eyes to a whole new side of tax planning.??They really catered their strategies specifically to my financial situation and took the time to help me individually. The meetings??with Tony and Stephen were crucial to my financial path and I would highly recommend. Their staff are also very friendly and responsive to any help that I nee

Big shoutout to Elevate Financial Partners for assisting me with my IUL policy and others. Every year, I like to get my IUL policy reviewed to ensure that I am getting the best of the best (riders, policies, benefits, incentives and more). Two years ago, I decided to get my IUL policy reviewed and Tony from Elevate Financial Partners found some many issues with it. He educated on me on what was wrong, and provided me different options on what we could do to make the policy better. After my policy review an

Elevate Financial Partners excels in follow-up and client care. Initially, I had no plans to engage in financial planning, but their consistent follow-up and exceptional service have completely changed my perspective. Thanks to their expertise, I now have a clear and confident picture of my financial future. This experience has been truly transformative. I highly recommend the Elevate Team!

Mr. Thornton and the partners at Elevate financial were patient, knowledgeable, and very attentive. They listened to my goals and concerns, provided solutions and taught me a lot about how to make my money work for me. I've recommended them to everyone I know!

I recently had the pleasure with working with Michael at Elevate for my financial planning needs, and I could not be more satisfied with him and his team. Their personalized approached to finacial planning and wealth management really sets them apart from other companies where I was treated more so as a deal then a client. You will not find a more knowlege and sincere group of individuals anywhere in Orange County.

I have been with this group for years, their determination and skill set are unmatched in this line of work. I in the past had tried plenty of other groups before discovering Elevate, and needless to say it would have saved me a lot of time and money to have found this group sooner. They bring a unique and realistic approach to concur not only your own goals but also teach you new strategies that become new goals. 10/10 recommend

Stephen is responsive and took the time to make sure I was educated on all of the best options for me | He took the time to deal with my complex situation to come up with the right solution (leader in a large audit firm where it is tough to invest in securities and insurance) | Acted in my best interest | Provided well-rounded, insightful, and helpful guidance | Incredible customer service | Direct, creative, knowledgeable, credible, honest, and trustworthy | Worked with me to provide great results | Overal

I'd never consider working with anyone else. Integrity, industry knowledge and expertise: what else could I ask for? Easy 5 stars. Tony and Elevate Financial Partners are outstanding!

Working with the team at elevate has been an absolute privilege. The time, transparency and knowledge that goes into their strategies proves the dedication they have to their client. It's refreshing to work with a team that has my best interest.

Incessant calls and emails and texts. I do NOT want your services. Stephen Peterson, please do NOT contact me anymore. Very disappointed in their business practices. Stop!

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.

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