*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.*
8850 Columbia 100 Pkwy STE 403
Columbia, Maryland 21045
Love them! They were efficient and very knowledgeable. I love their concept of having access to all parts of finance under one room...accountant, wealth management & attorney. They were patient with us. Treated us like we were their only client when in their office or on when I called.
Trying to establish a new accountant. Scheduled an initial phone consultation. Did not get a call back. Contacted the office and was advised they had commitment(s) and were unable to call me. Was told someone would reach out to me in an hour. However, never received a call back. I know I'm not an established client but regardless, it's the little things. One(1) star..
Financial 1 helped me with my retirement planning. Tatiana has done my taxes for over a decade. Great staff - caring team.
Came with a friend for help with his taxes and an Estate return. Super friendly, efficient and productive appointment! Great people to work with. Highly recommend!
I greatly appreciate the help that the team at Financial 1, gave me. They were responsive and made the process easy, which is why I have come back year after year.
Excellent services?professional, reliable, and efficient. Financial 1 makes tax season stress-free. Highly recommend!
Tatyana and Financial 1 Tax are absolutely incredible. They saved me several thousands of dollars and made the entire process a quick, clear, and easy experience. I never thought I'd enjoy the tax season but I do now. I'll be with Financial 1 for as long as they'll have me. Thank you!!!
I've been using Financial 1 for years. Amazing, knowledge staff who helps navigate tax issues.
Amazing experience all around. They were so efficient and easy to work with. Tatyana saved us a ton of money with her knowledge and expertise. Quick turn around time, dropped off our documents and came back a week later to pick up our tax return. Great customer service from everyone! We will be using them from now on. Great experience!
I gave this business two stars because they did provide the service that I paid for. With that being said, the cost for that service was astronomical with minute details being omitted during the explanation.
First time using Financial One. Tatyana and staff were so professional, organized and knowledgeable. She said they have a 1 week turnaround time and she nailed it! Now, we?re going back for financial advising! Couldn?t be more pleased!
I am very pleased with tax preparation services at Financial 1. From the minute I walked through the door I was treated with respect and professionalism. The location is easy to get to and the turn around time is excellent. Tatyana is knowledgeable and she saved me time and money. I would definitely recommend them.
I recently had an issue with improper filing of my tax returns from the past two years from another "tax" place. Tatyana and her team were able to assess and take care of my situation perfectly in a very quick and professional manner. They are straight to the point, and resolved all of my tax issues without any issue. I will continue to use her and her teams services for as long as I can. I would highly recommend her services to anyone!
We came to Financial 1 last year with a tax nightmare. Tatyana had our issue resolved and taxes completed in less than a week. This year, our taxes were completed again in a very timely and professional manner. I walked into Financial 1 very nervous and fearful after many years of preparing my own taxes, I left feeling confident that my taxes were completed with professionalism and knowledge. Tatyana is always friendly and takes the time to get to know each client.
I've been with Financial 1 for the last 4 or 5 years. Ally and Tatyana have been professional, friendly, and have never steered me wrong since I've been working with them. She fixed my previous tax issues and did it in a timely manner. I trust Financial 1 and will never go anywhere else because of their extensive knowledge, experience, diligence, and dedication to their clients. I highly recommend her services! ~Johnnie~
Very professional and detailed! Our experience has been great, the entire team has been awesome hence the reason we decided to file our taxes with Financial 1 again. A special thank you to Tatyana for making our experience a great one! V/r, William and Nicole Holley
We've been using Financial 1 to file our taxes for the past two years. In previous years, I had always attempted to file taxes myself. Last year, we were looking at a pretty hefty tax bill so we decided to try out Financial 1. Tatyana was able to cut our bill by over half! This year we're even getting a small return! Would definitely recommend Financial 1 to anyone needing help with their taxes!
This is the third year I've used Financial 1 for my tax services, and I'm consistently impressed by not only the quality of the services offered, but also the professionalism and responsiveness of Tatyana and her staff. The office is very efficient and all services and questions are handled swiftly and thoroughly. I'm very appreciative of how they conduct business and would highly recommend to anyone in need of services.
I approached Financial1 for help with tax planning and preparation services and was delighted by the entire experience. The Financial1 team was extremely responsive in answering my initial enquiries, worked around my busy schedule to bring me in, were very generous with their time in answering my questions, displayed deep knowledge of the small business tax law landscape in creating a tax savings strategy, and were able to execute efficiently in preparing and filing my complicated tax return. You will be h
This was our first time using a professional tax preparer. We came to Tatyana and team after being referred by a neighbor, and we?re so happy we found her! She helped us amend a tax return for a prior year that was complicated and completely botched by H&R Block. She found numerous errors in the prior return, saving us thousands. She explained everything to us in plain English and set clear expectations on how we would engage with her and her team. We were so pleased with the process and the results ? we lo
The staff is extremely helpful and friendly. We used them for filing our taxes, but will be back to organize all our financial needs. Tatyana took the time to explain the recent tax law changes and discussed helpful ways to set my family up for success moving forward. Thanks Financial 1 Tax Services for making this experience a painless one!!!
Reached out to Tatyana for tax guidance in preparation for my home purchase. It was extremely easy to get an appointment. Tatyana was extremely helpful and knowledgeable. The information she provided allowed me to make the correct disbursement to meet my needs as well as ensuring the correct tax liability. Highly recommend
Professional, efficient & knowledgeable are qualities which best describe the outstanding service I received to file inheritance taxes! Prior to my contact with this organization, l received unimaginable poor service. In fact, one person told me to google info. When I presented info & explained the situation to Mrs. Tatyana Bunich, she knew exactly what to do without any hesitation. But most of all, she completed documents on date promised.????
Several years ago, I sat down with several companies to find someone to do my taxes. After sitting down with the team members of Financial 1 Tax Services, I was immediately impressed by their professionalism and approach. I have been going there now for several years and have been impressed every time. I highly recommend this company and appreciate their high level of customer service.
I've been doing taxes for over 8 years with a tax office in Washington DC, paid $180 for full service. The down fall of their office was sitting there for over 2 hours to get my taxes completed. I didn't get a sense of my taxes being completed at it's 100%. Financial 1 Tax Services was a bit more pricier, paying around $400 for full service. After meeting with Tatyana I felt a sense of being in good hands. I dropped off my W2 and everything else on a Thursday. Tuesday of next week my taxes were completed in
I was a first-time client this year. Tatyana is very professional and completed my taxes in only one week. I will definitely utilize her services in the future because her timeliness, professionalism and advice for my small business.
Tatyana is the best knowledgeable dedicated very intelligent. Very helpful in easing stress when we go through taxes. I have been going to financial 1 for several years. I am so happy with her work I will recommend her highly .
Please believe me when I say, Financial 1 Tax Services is the best tax service my wife and I have ever utilized. Their level of knowledge is amazing! In fact, they did such an incredible job with my taxes this year that I had them amend my taxes from the previous year and I am so glad that we did. We are a military family and we own multiple properties so having someone that?s a professional handle our taxes really saved us a lot of money. I highly recommend their services to anyone.
We had a complicated tax return from selling a rantal property, having a our first kid and multiple states residences. We were in need of a company that understood military exemptions for our tax return for last Minute assistance with our federal return. Tatyanna at Financial 1 Tax was the perfect Company for us! They were fast, efficient, honest and helpful! We would highly recommend them to anyone needing their taxes done, especially for those who are military.
Exceptional service, even during peak season! Sam and Tatyana have and will go above and beyond for any of my financial needs. They've already saved me a ton of money, and I can't wait to see what advice they come up with next!
This was my first time coming to Financial 1 Tax Services. I had a home sale and wanted to make sure that I reported that properly. I was greeted by very friendly staff. Tatyana completed my taxes within a week. I am pleased with the service that I received and would recommend Financial 1 Taxes Services.
Tatyana was incredibly knowledgeable, professional and quick! They answered all of my tax questions no matter how small and helped me pay less than I thought I would owe. I highly recommend them and I plan on coming back next tax season.
This is the first time I used Financial 1 Tax services and I am extremely satisfied. Everyone I dealt with was very nice & easy to work with. Tatyana was superb & I will definitely recommend & use them again. Thanks again Tatyana and everyone at Financial one.
Extremely Knowledgeable I highly recommend Tatyana and Financial 1 for all your tax and financial investment needs. Tatyana is always friendly and professional, has tremendous knowledge of financial planning and will honestly answer your questions. Financial 1 always provides a quick and accurate job with my tax preparations and continue to perform financial investment analysis making excellent recommendations that have resulted in an increased value of my retirement funds.
My experience with Financial 1 has been outstanding. My advisor, Tatyana Bunich, is very professional, personable, honest, genuine, and client focused. She's a highly intelligent, knowledgeable, and experienced financial expert, one who possesses a unique ability to communicate ideas in an easily understood manner. I highly recommend Tatyana's services to anyone.
Amazing group to work with. This is the second year we had a complicated tax return and they did such a thorough job and fast service. We will continue to use them going forward.
I have been with Financial 1 for yrs with my parents. They are a excellent service to help financially and money support. I think tatyana has done a great job and she makes financial 1 the best tax service by far.
I went to Financial Tax 1 with multiple years that still had not been filed. They were fast, reasonably priced and very professional. Everyone is knowledgeable and friendly at this family owned and operated firm. I will continue to use them for all my tax needs!
Tatyana Bunich and her team are awesome. She reviewed our taxes, submitted the corrections and got us $25k. Yay!!!! I highly recommend Financial 1.
Fantastic service. Will have Tatyana and Sammy do my taxes every year. Saved me thousands this year and will save me thousands more in the future. Use Financial 1 for your taxes.
This was our 2nd year having Financial 1 do our taxes. She really knows the tax rules and has gotten us a great refund both years. She has great professionalism but is also friendly and doesn?t make you feel like you are just another person in line.
Tatyana has a combined understanding of investments, taxes and estate planning - saves on running around to all parties in order to make an informed and good decision. She provides educational seminars. Makes suggestions on investing approaches based on the parameters. She is available and returns calls timely.
I have been affiliated with Financial 1 Tax for several years and have been pleased with the services I have received. The staff has been very accommodating. My questions are answered quickly, and it is easy to make an appointment. I am pleased to recommend Financial 1 for those interested in financial advice.
Incredible tax service and very knowledgeable on all things financial wise for my business. I will be returning. My
I called to ask some basic questions and considered filing my taxes with them until the end of said phone call. The secretary or receptionist that I spoke to is way easier to talk to them whoever the tax agents are. It seemed like she was uninterested in answering my question to gain my business. She then tried to get me for information and a appointment. Not happing. However they do respond very quickly , waisted no time answering initial call or responding to my call. A- on the speed.
Got my taxes done with Financial 1 and it was a great experience. They prepare your taxes correctly and with care. I will definitely be coming back and highly recommend them!
I visited Financial 1 in Columbia MD on 3/4/19 I was greeted by a very professional staff! I didn?t wait but a few minutes and was called right in for my appointment. I was in and out in no time!! Best tax service experience I?ve ever had!!! I highly recommended checking them out for all you?re tax needs!!!! Thanks ladies you was awesome!!! Rick Kilby
They are very professional and knowledgeable. I like to remain educated about my own affairs in general and with my taxes in particular. Therefore, I do a lot of research to find out about various deductions, etc. All the questions I have asked them on the matter have always been answered accurately and precisely. My mind is at ease when I let them handle my taxes.
This has been an excellent experience! Tatyana is amazing!!! She is the real thing. Professional and an expert! I recommend her services to all who want get bang for their buck!
Financial 1 tax is an office of friendly professional people. I have taken my taxes here for two years, I am very happy with the results. I would recommend this office to anyome in need.
First time using Financial 1 for my tax needs and I was and continue to be impressed with the whole team. If you need anything after the fact, they are more than willing to help out where they can, thank you so much!
The entire staff is very professional and personal. They took the time to explain things to me and made me a customer for life. When it comes to finances Financial 1 Tax Service is who I turn to.
Tatiana was great with handling both mine and mother's tax needs. The staff overall was wonderful in working with me an accommodating my needs.
Tatyana couldn't have done a better more thorough job than she did this year for us!!! Thanks a million, Tatyana!!! God Bless!!!
Professional and relatable. Thank you for giving us the peace of mind we needed while preparing our tax returns. I will recommend family and friends.
Had a great consultation with Tatyana to clarify our tax questions. I would highly recommend her expertise.
I came in with a very difficult question. Hours of research led me nowhere. I spoke with an associate for a very short time and the problem was resolved. It happened so quickly the I didn't have the time to say thank-you. I appreciated their financial acumen. Er, thank-you!
I was impressed by the professionalism of the entire office. The process was seamless and very thorough. Thank you for your promptness and willingness to work with my crazy schedule! I will be back!
Financial one tax services were absolutely fantastic they helped me with my first tax return and i now have tons of confidence for the future
I had a wonderful experience using Financial 1 tax services for our return - the team was friendly and it was a quick and efficient process!!
Best tax service I?ve ever used! Staff is excellent and everything gets done quick and precisely. Wouldn?t want to go anywhere else.
Just moved and extremely confused about how to file everything correct. The team made everything easy, simple, and efficient! Will be back next year.
Awesome experience! Really helped us turn around our tax refunds.
Quickest and least painful tax preparation I've experienced in years. Taxes done professionally in only one week.
Jessie and Tatyana are both wonderful! Quick, efficient, knowledgeable, and caring!
Tatyana helped me with a complex tax matter. She was excellent!
Excellent services and so helpful. Happy to finally have someone that provides comprehensive explanation and assistance.
Highly recommend Financial 1.Ms.Bunich is extremely knowledgeable and customer friendly. R.Kendall..
They met my requirements as promised. I was glad to find this company!
Amazing! I came in expecting to owe lots, but I came out receiving!
Great experience as always! Highly recommended and have been with them for years!
Knowledgeable, professional, and fast. What more do you want? Ok, they are really nice too.
Being coming here for two years. Both years they have out done them selves. Highly recommended
$395 for some simple questions about tax withholding and w-4!
You are well taken care of.
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.