FIVE STAR INCOME TAX SERVICE, LLC

FIVE STAR INCOME TAX SERVICE, LLC

Reviews Summary

Customers consistently praise the tax preparers for their professionalism, knowledge, and excellent customer service. Many highlight the clarity of explanations, personalized attention, and ability to maximize refunds. Several reviewers mention long-term satisfaction, returning yearly for reliable, efficient service. The friendly, family-like atmosphere and flexibility with schedules are also frequently appreciated. Overall, the service is highly recommended for its accuracy, speed, and stress-free experience.

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

2180 Story Rd #202

San Jose, California 95122

Hours

Sunday Closed
Monday 10AM-8PM
Tuesday 10AM-8PM
Wednesday 10AM-8PM
Thursday 10AM-8PM
Friday 10AM-8PM
Saturday 10AM-8PM

Customer Reviews

I had a fantastic experience working with Richard on my taxes. He took the time to explain everything in a clear and straightforward way, making what usually feels complicated much easier to understand. Richard patiently answered all of my questions with professionalism and genuine care, ensuring I felt confident every step of the way. His expertise not only helped me feel comfortable about filing my taxes but also gave me peace of mind knowing everything was done correctly. I highly recommend Richard to an

The most seamless tax preparation experience I have ever had. The follow up was impeccable, the explanations were thorough and Richard did an incredible job of helping me understand the ins and outs throughout each step of the process. It's hard to find people these days who are honest, trustworthy and truly know their stuff. That is Richard. Will be coming here for years to come!

I have been seeing Jorge R. for over five years, and he continues to exceed my expectations every time! He is extremely detail-oriented and ensures everything is accurate. I had many questions throughout the process, and he was very helpful and patient, always providing clear and thorough explanations. His knowledge and expertise gave me confidence that my taxes were done correctly. Thanks to Jorge, I got a big return this year! On top of that, he also helped me plan ahead for next year, which was incredibl

Richard has been doing our taxes for a few years now and every time he's amazing! He's personable, knowledgeable, and does everything he can to help us out. He explains things so we can understand and be better prepared every year. Amazing, amazing service. Thanks Richard!

I can't recommend Five Star income tax service highly enough! They made the entire tax preparation process seamless and stress-free. Their attention to detail, professionalism, and deep knowledge of tax laws gave me complete confidence that my taxes were in the best hands. They were patient, answered all my questions thoroughly, and even found deductions I hadn't considered. I truly appreciate how organized and efficient they were?everything was handled promptly, and I never felt rushed. If you're looking

Amazing experience with Richard, my fianc? and I came in not knowing much about taxes and he was able to explain every step of the process to us. We've been contemplating starting our own business for a long time now and Richard made the process so simple and easy and made sure to answer all our questions thoroughly. Definitely coming back next year and every year after that.

My Husband and I are newlyweds, & this year was our first time filing joint. Richard is knowledgeable, professional and kind. He patiently walked us through the entire process of the filing, helping us understand the tax brackets, as well as giving good tips on book keeping process. Would 100% recommend his services.

I would recommend Rosa Alonso. She is very knowledgeable and explains everything throughout the process. At the end she made sure to review everything with me again to make sure it was free from mistakes. She is also bilingual so she was able to help my mom file her taxes in Spanish.

This place is great, doesn't look like much on the outside but, my tax guy Jorge is great. He really knows what he's doing for anyone who needs someone to handle taxes and other assets such as stocks. Also, he's very knowledgeable and stays current with changing laws and tax updates as I'm sure everyone else in Five Star Income Tax Services is as well.

I have been going to Rosa Alonso for 9 years now! Overall I've had the best experiences filing my taxes with her! Not only does she make it easy for me but she also educates me on filing. I've recommended her to a couple of my friends and family as well. Thank you Rosa for your hard work and laughs!

I go to do my taxes every year with Rosa Alonso. She has great customer service and she is always willing to help me in the middle of my busy schedule. I highly recommend her.

Mrs Alonso has helped me and a few of my loved ones with my taxes for the past 4 years and I have zero complaints. She has gone above and beyond to meet my schedule needs and to get my best return possible. I'm almost certain I'm not the only one to say this about her. Thank you Rosa .

I highly recommend Freddy for tax preparation! He's amazing at what he does?welcoming, friendly, and incredibly helpful. He made the entire process super easy and took the time to explain everything clearly. Freddy truly goes above and beyond to provide excellent service!

Joseph Lopez ! Amazing ! I went to liberty tax and they said I owed money , I came here and Joseph took his sweet time and combed through my papers and finances and my situation thoroughly, he ended up getting me money back instead of me owing ! And it was a great experience, I felt heard and taken care of ! Definitely recommend. Thank you !

I highly recommend! Rosa especially!!!! She has been doing my taxes for years!!! She's the best! The customer service is always A-1. Thank you 5 Star Tax Services for your help!

I've been doing my taxes with Rosa Alonso for the past 4 years and she never disappoints me. Miss Rosa is so kind and patient with all the questions I've ever had and always makes sure i get the max refund out of my W2s and 1099's . Thank you Miss Rosa

I've been coming to Five star income tax on Story Road for years and I absolutely love coming here. The customer service is great, super friendly. Rosa Olonso is your lady!

I would like to thank and recommendEsperanza Rios for helping me with my tax refund and guiding me through every step of what she was doing with My Taxes, very smart woman and very patient and helpful. I will definitely go with her again the upcoming year.

Richard was very helpful n easy to work with made everything understandable went from owing to getting a little refund back was very suprise on how well he works n looks out for his clients to an extent if your looking to file your taxes in the most fast easy way possible look got Richard for a guaranteed refund !!

I been coming here for 4 years now and I always enjoy coming into 5 Star Income Tax Service .I always get greeted in with great customer service from the receptionist and the other workers.It's always a pleasure to have Rosa Alonso do my tax return, she always makes my children laugh and it makes my tax return service more enjoyable . I would definitely recommend to anybody trying to get there taxes done to come here. Thank you again everyone ! See you next year .

I always do my taxes with Rosa and she's the best, sweetest person I know the process is always so smooth no problem doing it and I love it! The prices are amazing I strongly recommend doing your taxes with Rosa!!!????

First time filing our taxes with Joseph. Joseph was very informative and patient. Answered all our questions. Very satisfied with his service, definitely returning next tax season.

I came to Five Star for the first time this year and Richard was SO SO helpful!! He was kind and knowledgeable. Highly recommend working with Richard!

It was my first time being helped here and I had a great experience. It was quick and thorough and it was all explained to me simply. Thanks to Gio Mercado for his excellent service and professionalism.

Working with Richard is very insightful. He is willing to take the time to improve quality of life by setting you up for success. Thank you again for all that you do!!

I came here this year, and last, and Ms. Alonso did a great job with helping me with my taxes both times. I'm going to be sure to get my taxes done by her next year

amazing service all the time! very friendly and cooperative! they truly live up to their name! if you're looking for a great team and team that genuinely cares i highly recommend 5 STAR.

Great place to have your taxes done. Best of the best ! You wont be dissapointed. Very Friendly staff and they even held my baby. Recommend 5 star to everyone especially for big business

Giovanni Mercado did my taxes and he was very patient and understandable. He explained me everything. I would recommended him to do your taxes.

Richard was great! He was very professional and provides very helpful information. Would definitely recommend him to any small business owner.

If I could I would rate 10 stars, Richard is unbelievably kind and his work is worth the 10 stars, best person you could go with to do taxes, highly recommend

Richard is the best!! He is professional, knowledgeable and awesome to work with. I highly recommend him. Thank you Richard!! See you next year!!

Very great customer service. Rosa Alonso was very helpful and great service. She explained and walk me through everything with patience very big shoutout.

Richard is very personable and professional, the way he explains the process is outstanding, I would highly recommend his services to anyone. Thank you again Richard see you next year.

Super efficient and professional! Waisted no time and wanted the best for clients :) Definitely worth your time and tax return!

Expect to get five star service from five star income tax. Went to see Richard and he's very knowledgeable, professional and fast. Was in n out in less than an hr. Come and visit them for a maximum refund. Went to Richard again, awesome fast service for 2025!

Rosa Alonso has tremendous knowledge and experience to push this process through with the customers best interest front and center. Very, very helpful; thank you Rosa!!!!

Richard is amazing! I was referred to him by a friend and I am beyond happy to have worked with him. He is extremely knowledgeable and professional. He taught me more tax information during the few hours that we met than any other tax preparer I've ever worked with! He goes above and beyond to ensure my needs are met, and my tax returns have improved significantly. I will definitely be sending family and friends Richard's way!

It was my first time having Five Star do my taxes and it won't be my last time. Definitely returning next year. I had the best experience with Joey Lopez who is respectful and knowledgeable with the tax questions I had for him. Just talking to Mr. Lopez made me feel really comfortable and trust that he was going to be able to help me which he did. He is very professional, smart and most of all caring to his clients needs. Mr. Lopez really made this an easy experience for me. I highly recommend Joey Lopez if

Five star taxes are amazing. Freddy is my guy for 10+ years. True professional, highly recommended!

Rosa Alonso is our go to tax lady. She is awesome and we highly recommend her.

Rosa A is fast and reliable!!! This is my second time using their service and Iam very satisfied. Very professional and friendly.

I had a wonderful experience working with Mr. Alejandro Cruz to file my annual taxes. I was very impressed by Mr. Cruz? professionalism, information and understanding of tax laws and regulations, careful and persistent work and effort in filing my taxes. Mr. Cruz was able to answer all of my questions, addressed my concerns, and explained each tax section in a manner that very easy for me to understand this intricate process. I also very much appreciated his flexibility in meeting with me via phone and onl

Im very happy with the sevice its been 3 years i have been coming and im fully satisfied with my tax preparer Rosa alonso she is great explain it everything

i highly recommend Richard casillas, excellent customer service and he made sure i understood my tax outcome, i highly recommend him

Rosa Alonzo did my taxes and I must say she is the best very professional at the same time a big help

Right from coming in the door Rosa Mar?a was very welcoming! The whole five star team is very knowledgeable!

Let's begin with customer service, thee best!!! I was assisted by Joe for tax services and when I tell you he is very thorough you best believe he is. He went over everything with a ton of patience. Joe did not make me feel rushed although I waited last minute to do taxes. Joe communicates very well and I think that is what made the process even smoother along with his patience level. Joe made this year less stressful for me which aided me to be able to manage other responsibilities without worrying about m

Over the past three years, I have had the pleasure of receiving professional tax advice from Richard. His extensive knowledge and unwavering integrity have consistently impressed me. As a direct result of his counsel, I have experienced significant improvements in my tax returns. I eagerly anticipate the continuation of our professional relationship in the future. I highly recommend Richard's tax services and give him a 5-star rating. D. Timoteo

I recently had the pleasure of working with Richard Martinez for my tax filing needs, and I must say, the experience was nothing short of exceptional. From the outset, Richard demonstrated unparalleled professionalism and an in-depth understanding of tax laws and regulations. His attention to detail and commitment to ensuring the best possible outcome for me were truly remarkable. What stood out the most was Richard's ability to simplify complex tax concepts, making them easily understandable. He was patie

Had a Great experience working with Richard. I strongly recommend his services.

Richard is your guy for all your tax needs. He has been so patient with me. Truthfully I was nervous because I have been so behind on my taxes and I was so unorganized and lost. But Richard guided me through it all and we finished all the years I was behind. It took us time but he answered all my questions and told me exactly where to go and who to call. I wouldn't recommend anyone else for your tax needs. He truly cares and has your back. Thanks Rich!

Richard always makes a painful time of year as smooth as possible. Always a pleasure.

I've used H&R Block for the last ten years, but when I found Five Star and Joe Lopez did my taxes, I was amazed at how much he was able to get me back on my returns, how patient he was, helpful and very detailed. This is definitely my forever go to tax service! Thanks Joe for all you did and how satisfied you left myself and my wife. See you next year!

My husband and I had a very pleasant and satisfying experience in doing our business and annual taxes with Mr. Alejandro Cruz at Five Star Income Tax Service. Mr. Cruz was very professional, respectful, patient, made us feel at home, and treated us like family. He definitely provided us with quality services and has a comprehensive understanding of tax laws and regulations. We very much appreciated his attention to detail and thorough answers to all of our questions and concerns. Mr. Cruz is very knowledg

I was referred to Joey Lopez by my boss. He is very friendly and knowledgeable! He took the time to give my husband and I allot of in put. Any questions we have, he takes the time to explain! We are happy with his service, he is very fast and efficient! We plan to keep coming back to Joey at Five Star Income Tax

Richard has been my go-to tax advisor for years now, and I can't say enough good things about him! His professionalism, exceptional customer service, and willingness to go the extra mile have truly impressed me. I highly recommend Richard for anyone in need of expert tax advice.

Joe is awesome! I would highly recommend anybody who needs help doing their taxes to go to Joe, he was fast and organized. I was overwhelmed trying to organize my taxes myself but once i reached out to Joe, he made it easy for me. He has a lot of experience with small business taxes and it made for a smooth process, exactly what i needed! Thanks!

I was taken care of by Joe Lopez. He was professional, thorough, trustworthy, and efficient. He made sure I got the maximum refund and didn't need to owe money. It was my first time hiring him for my taxes and I will definitely use him for the next years to come. Highly recommended!

A very great place to have your taxes done, fast and efficient, the customer service is awesome and Richard knows what he is doing. Richard is Very knowledgeable and very responsive. I look forward to next tax season. Give Richard a chance, you won't regret it!

Five start is the best, really helpful and respectful and fast, I definitely will keep going to there office every year. Thanks

Since I started filing taxes my dad was always my guy. So when he passed I had no clue where to go or who to trust. Then someone mentioned to me 5? so I decided to give em a try. Am so glad I did not only was the customer service fabulous but also the understanding of my taxes were too. They really take their time to answer any and all questions. Am glad to say I've found my spot for the years to come . So if you're looking for a great tax place these are the people to see !

Richard Martinez was overall 5 out of 5 stars! Very professional, experienced and felt very comfortable with my tax returns. He answered every question and concern i had and would recommend highly to everybody I know!

Great place great service Freddy is always on top of his game and always professional highly recommend 5 star for tax season

Great services provided! Extremely happy with the outcome of my taxes.

Very professional and answered all tax question we had. Highly recommend this income tax service location they're very helpful

By far the best place I've gotten my taxes completed. Richard helped me out and was the most informative tax preparer i?ve gone to. Thank you so much for the best service and help! Will definitely be recommending my friends and family to schedule with him.

Amazing customer service, Alfredo is such a huge help, highly recommend going to him!

Very very good work. I really recommend him thank you Alfred

Joe Lopez is an amazing tax prep, he does such a detailed job and is very thorough when it comes down to itemizing and helping get the most of your refunds. We didn't think we had a chance, and Joe proved us wrong! Thanks again Joe, see you next year!

Been Doing My Taxes With Richard Since 2021! He Is Always So Helpful! Very Easy To Work With, Flexible With My Schedule! Gets My Taxes Done Quickly And Accurate Every Time. Richard Always Makes Each Of His Clients Feel Like Family. I Recommend Richard To All My Friends And Family For Their Tax Needs!

Absolutely recommend. They are super friendly, super professional and I will be recommending all of my friends and family.

I had a good experience here with Joseph Lopez, very communicative walked me through everything step by step took his time. Got good results in the end I definitely recommend using him for taxes or for information about taxes. Will be back next year

I've been going to Alfred for 11 years now and always have exceptional service!

I had some anxiety about doing my taxes. The cost of filing and making sure I had all my paperwork and the fear of owing money I didn't have, and a few other things had kept me from making and keeping an appointment. Derek made the whole experience very simple and put my fears at ease. I am so happy to be caught up and not having to worry about this in the back of my mind every tax season. I'll definitely stick with him for tax advice.

Great experience every time, have been coming to Freddy for years! Highly recommend 5 star ??

Richard Martinez has been helping me with my taxes ny last few years. He has been taking his time to help me Maximize my tax return, with his help I had ny biggest return of my life. Couldn't say enough good things about his services, very knowledgeable

Great experience, took me in last minute very helpful I will be coming back here next year.

1st timer and had a great experience Alfred helped me and explained everything step by step!

The Tax Service provided by Five Star Tax. Derek Hernandez was very friendly and I was able to receive my refund within one week from each other .Derek Hernandez also helped out to get the most available refund by adding all my expenses. I'm really thankful for the great service provided by Five Star Tax in San Jose California. I would definitely recommend Five Star Tax especially my Tax specialist Derek Hernandez

This is our 3rd year filling taxes with Esperanza Rios, we live in Modesto and driving out to San Jose to make sure we file with her is so worth it. She makes sure to answer all of our question, she's direct & completely trustworthy. She offers beautiful customer service. Highly recommend filling with Esperanza.

Five Star Income Tax Services is THE place to get your taxes needs done. Derek Hernandez has been helping me with my taxes for years now, the experience is always efficient with high quality expertise when I have questions or something complex comes up. Thank you Five Star and thank you Derek!!!!

Always a pleasant experience with Mr. Rodriguez. Thank you for your patience and understanding.

Very fast, super helpful answered every question I had kinda, would 100% recommend

Amazing highly recommend Richard!! I owed but with Richard I got money back!!

Five Star Income Tax, specifically Richard Casillas-Martinez, is most definitely professional. For 20 years I went to the same agent at a well known tax preparer. In all those years my union dues were not deducted. Yes, I should?ve brought it up but at that given moment based on the timed appointment I forgot, but the professional should have known. Five Star won't let you down.

Richard was extremely informative and helpful. Very professional and friendly.

Richard has been helping me for the last three years. He's very knowledgeable and helping in the process as well as making sure I understand everything every step of the way. I found my tax guy for life. Thank you, Richard.

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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