*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.*
8843 Belair Rd Floor 2
Baltimore, Maryland 21236
Gene is absolutely phenomenal! Federal Hill Income Tax is where you want to visit to have your taxes completed properly. He is incredibly professional and makes the tax filing process as simple as possible. He is accommodating and knows the tax business inside out! My family and I have relied on his services for several years and we recommend him to everyone! It's always a pleasure visiting his office and it's a very welcoming environment.
My family and I have been visiting Federal Hill Income Tax for some years now. I normally don't write reviews. However, we are so excited to let the world know how happy we are as a result of the services we have received at Gene's office. Gene is a GENIUS. There is no better company for tax issues. He knows taxes inside out. He's not stiff like most accountants. He knows his business and he makes you feel comfortable when discussing money matters. We have referred Gene to our friends, family member
This guy puts the "Gene" in genius! For years I have feared tax prep places and done my own taxes but with increasingly complicated K1 forms etc and out of state rental property I needed to reach out to a professional. I was recommended to Gene and with much trepidation reached out to him. He squeezed me into his busy schedule and took time to answer my numerous questions while crunching my numbers. He amended my 2015 taxes and got me $2000 back that I had overpaid which more than covered his fees which are
Gene is thorough and brilliant at what he does. He is always up to date on tax law changes and very knowledgeable about local and state issues as well. I would recommend him to anyone seeking a qualified, licensed, and professional CPA.
I would not let them manage a single penny of my money! My husband and I scheduled an appointment and were THOROUGHLY disappointed with Kevin's service. When we walked into his office our son was crying but we quickly calmed him. Kevin's face had one of shock but he also looked very disheveled as if he had been out the night before. He failed to introduce himself and instead said 'what do we need here today'. My husband had to facilitate introductions. Kevin then asked again 'what do we need here today'
Knowledgeable, courteous and informative. I plan to switch my accountant to Gene, who is capable and confident. I was greeted with a smile and felt comfortable with their tax advice/strategy!
I have been coming to Gene for about 13 years now and would highly recommend him or anyone else that works there.
I?m a new customer and the service was very pleasing !!! The daughter is wonderful and really caring !! Gene was almost like a tax guru lol . The price was fair and the building had a clean great atmosphere . Thank you and I will see you next year !! Sincerely Tyshawna
They are great. Simply put, but my taxes are complicated and Gene and his company make it easy for me. Save yourself time and go to them. Dan
They'll do your taxes, but it's gonna cost ya a pretty penny. They're very thorough, and its basically if you want it done right by a professional, its gonna cost ya.
Professional, caring, thorough, you really cannot ask for a better and more trusting person to do your taxes. Thankful to have found such a trusting business.
Knowledgeable and professional tax service.
Gene answered all my questions and made sure I was on track. As someone who runs a small business he made it so tax time is one less thing I need to worry about.
Good service & appropriate amount of time
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.