Back to Directory
ESO Fund

ESO Fund

Reviews Summary

ESO Fund receives mostly positive reviews (5-star) for professionalism, helpful staff, and smooth processes, with many praising clear communication and risk-sharing benefits. However, some negative reviews (1-star) cite poor communication, unresponsiveness, and unmet expectations, creating frustration for a minority of clients. The majority recommend their services for stock option funding, while a few strongly advise against due to inconsistent follow-through.

About This Listing

Tax Preparation
Tax Planning
IRS Representation
Entity Structuring
Financial Advisory
International Tax
High-net-worth Individuals
Startups
State-Specific Experience
Multi-state Experience

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

Tax Preparation
Tax Planning
IRS Representation
Entity Structuring
Financial Advisory
International Tax
High-net-worth Individuals
Startups
State-Specific Experience
Multi-state Experience

Contact Information

Address

635 Mariners Island Blvd Suite 204

San Mateo, California 94404

Visit Website Call Now Get Directions

Hours

Sunday Closed
Monday 9AM-5PM
Tuesday 9AM-5PM
Wednesday 9AM-5PM
Thursday 9AM-5PM
Friday 9AM-5PM
Saturday Closed

Customer Reviews

I had such a great experience with ESO fund. If it weren?t for them, I?d have to let majority of the options from 3 years of employment expire. I?ve vetted 4 companies, including ESO. I ultimately went with ESO because they gave me the best offer (but also because they were so helpful throughout the process). It felt like I was getting a reliable investment partner. They funded my stock purchase, estimated taxes due to the exercise of options, with a little more to spare. I already referred a friend to t

Excellent experience! Very friendly and professional! Working with Sam made everything so easy. The deal was a win-win. As an employee of a very successful startup company I ran into the problem that the AMT (taxes) became too high for me to be able to exercise my stock options. ESO Fund provided me the funds to exercise my stock options and to pay for the AMT. So now I only have the upside, but no risk of loosing any money. The number of shares ESO Fund asked for in return were well in line with the risks

I reached out to ESO Fund to help with funding the cost of my employee stock options after my company was already listed. Ken worked with me to develop very fair terms and even helped walk me through some issues I had on my employer's side. He was always incredibly helpful and friendly, and stayed in touch through the whole process. This could have been very stressful given the amount of money at stake, but I had a great experience start to finish and could not recommend ESO Fund enough!

I had a disappointing experience with Andrew. We had an initial discussion about options, and he promised to follow up, but I never heard back from him. Despite multiple attempts to reach him via calls and texts, which were read by him, I received no response. I ended up finding alternatives. I would recommend considering other options.

I used ESO fund's services and had a good experience working with Ken, my main point of contact at ESO. Professional, answered questions promptly, and good communication. For any startup employees looking to fund their options exercise, I would recommend ESO fund.

The folks at ESO are super professional and kind. Throughout our whole relationship, I trusted that they had my best interest in mind in addition to theirs. I got a lot of candid advice throughout. I strongly recommend working with them!

Extremely pleased with my experience with ESOFund. Highly recommend. Ken is a great person to work with.

ESO gives you options on your options and adjust the risk/reward profile you want to take. My client manager & advocate Bill Yu was outstanding. He reviewed some of my internal analysis & matched my needs to his firm's goals, with great patience and perseverance. The ESO CEO shares great advice and insights related to employee stock options on Quora. They also have a very buttoned up process, good documentation, and reasonable flexibility when needed. I give both Bill and the team at ESO a 10/10.

ESO Fund was excellent. Utkarsh in particular was super helpful in guiding me through the process, taking (more than) the necessary time, and when some tricky logistical complications came up late in the process, he kept his cool and shepherded the process through to a smooth completion. Very happy with these guys!

I have worked with Utkarsh from ESO funds, who is very helpful. Called me multiple times during the process of exercising my startup stock options, then later selling them and helping with taxes on investment gains. Great, outstanding person!

Very poor communication and unprofessional. Had a kick-off call with Ken, submitted all my docs and never heard back after many many follow ups. Highly unprofessional.

Lack of communication was extremely problematic. Lack of professionalism and courtesy. I never got a sense that they were proficient at the services they advertise providing. If I could rate them 0 stars I would. Don't let them waste your time, pick one of their competitors, any one and I'm confident you'll be happier than if you wasted your time with esofund.

I found Chris to be knowledgeable and thoughtful to work with. I would recommend ESO Fund and have to many people over the last year.

Did all the paperwork and processes. Got confirmation and then they went off the grid...... Not really nice, any answer would be appreciated. waisted two months on these guys.

Very prompt and effective communication. Straightforward explanation of timing and operations. Delivered on promised timelines and exceeded all expectations.

Everyone at ESO has been super helpful through a somewhat complicated process. Highly recommended.

One of the easiest processes to do. These guys make it easy to work with and took care of all the paperwork. Thank you ESO.

The process was painless and the fact that the company takes on my risk is awesome!

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.