*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.*
29 E Sumach St
Walla Walla, Washington 99362
Joe has been great for my outdoor adventure business. As a small business owner, I really appreciate his kindness, responsiveness, and professionalism. He's fantastic at explaining complex financial matters in a way that's easy to understand. I highly recommend Joe and Fondahn CPA to any small business owner looking for a trustworthy and knowledgeable accountant.
Joe and his team have gone above and beyond for both our Business Accounting & Personal Tax needs. The team is efficient and professional. Highly recommend Fondahn CPA for Payroll and/or Tax prep needs.
Joe and his team at Fondahn CPA have provided a phenomenal service for our company over the past 5-years! As we have grown and expended our company, the team has adjusted and made things seamless for us. This leaves more time for me to focus on growing the company! Kristopher Borgman Co-Founder & CEO Predictive Nutrient Solutions, Inc. (MySoil)
Joe has taken care of us for years and I highly recommend his expertise! He's professional, knowledgeable, available, easy to work with and is never too busy to field questions and concerns.
Joe is the best accountant you could hope for - kind, honest, helpful in planning for the future and super fast! He's done both my personal and business taxes for years and I'd never use anyone else!
"We?ve been working with Joe for 4 years and his professionalism and expertise have been invaluable. Highly recommend him for any business seeking reliable accounting support."
Great accountant. Easy to reach and responsive. Answers client questions in a timely manner and able to explain complex details in a reasonable way. Would highly recommend.
I highly recommend Fondahn, our company had some very complex issues and a scary audit. They were handled with integrety and great professionalism that lead to positive results.
Worth every penny! Joe makes us more money than he costs us with his spot on information and coaching. We are so grateful for his work and I highly recommend him. He is very responsive and has helped me navigate so many unknowns with business and taxes. Having Joe on our team has helped grow our business.
We've known Joe and his family for a long time, and this year we came to him to help us with our taxes and financial planning. He is honest, professional, and his customer service is excellent. We will definitely countinue to do business with Joe in the future.
I have known Joe professionally for years and was delighted when he started his own firm! He not only prepared this year's tax returns for my parents and me, he was knowledgeable about the complexities of each and has continued to provide valuable advice throughout the year. I highly recommend him!
Joe Fondahn is a great guy and great at his job. My wife and I have been doing our own taxes for years, but when we decided to finally have them done professionally, we were surprised at how much more money he got back for us. Joe saved us a ton of money and we also didn't have the headache of doing the work ourselves. Highly recommended
We have known Joe for many years and last year we decided to have a professional do our tax returns. Joe did an amazing job working on this for us. He was super understanding and helpful. We plan to use him for many more years.
Joe is professional, easy going, and very friendly. He also goes the extra mile to help you get you all the money he can. Highly recommend!
We are extremely grateful for the help that Joe has given us. He is very friendly and personable. He has taken the time to explain things to us and given us fresh ideas on ways to structure our finances. We strongly recommend his services.
We've enjoyed having Joe prepare our tax returns for the past three years and have also consulted with him as we plan for retirement. We appreciate the informality of Joe's office and the interest he shows in helping us with our modest needs.
I own a small business in the area and have been looking for help on a variety of things. I just got done meeting with Joe for the first time and I think I've found my guy. How I should register my business, filing B&O taxes, understanding financials statements (am I making money each month?) and income taxes and were just a few things I approached him about. He was pretty down to earth as well and spoke technical terms on my level. I want to leave the analysis, filings and deadlines to a CPA so I can focu
We've been completing out taxes the last 15 years with Turbo Tax. This worked well until we sold a property in Oregon and things got complicated. We needed some help! Joe jumped right in and saved us a bunch of money on both federal and state returns. He is very professional and personable. Thank you Joe! Marc and Irene
We are more than delighted with Joe so far. It's sometimes scary to find someone over the internet, but he had good reviews and his office is in the WW Chamber of Commerce building, so I figured an interview couldn't hurt. I had previously been doing our taxes myself, using software, but it's gotten to a point where I needed help. I especially liked that he had investment experience, since I was thinking of selling some stock by year-end. He "ran the numbers" to determine how much I could sell without b
Fondahn CPA has been a tremendous help to our small business. Joe is very experienced and good at what he does. We are so grateful for all his hard work, foresight and the guidance which comes with all his professional services. His comfortable office is also conveniently located right across the street from the Walla Walla Post Office! Couldn't be happier!
Joe has been a joy to work with. He is both thorough and efficient, and clearly communicates technical information at an appropriate level. He has saved me time and money with his honest expertise. I look forward to working with him again.
Joe makes the business side of owning a small business a pleasure instead of a pain. I greatly appreciate his prompt responses to questions big and small, attention to detail and advice! My only regret is that I wish we had started working together 5 years ago when my business opened!
It is refreshing to work with someone who is very knowledgeable and on top of their financial and tax profession. He is very professional and offers the best financial advice and services for all our needs. His expert financial guidance for the sale of our rental property, tax burden and re-investment was spot-on.
Very thorough, friendly, and was able to get me all the tax credits available which ended up being almost 3x what they were going to give me using TurboTax. He worked with me directly to fix issues caused by another accountant along with attending a 3-way phone call with myself and the IRS in order to make sure it was completed and that I received the correct tax return amount owed to me. Highly recommend!
He did a great job getting our family farm expenses put together for the year end Taxes. Fast turn around and easy to work with. We highly recommend him.
His advice has already saved me a lot of headaches. He has counseled when I should get it in writing and it has paid off. I can go to quick books and know it is correct. If I have a question he is only one call away and if he does not know he finds out and follows up. 5 out of 5. I have definitely referred him to my friends.
Joe Fondhan is professional, timely, and cares about our business. Hiring his services has been key toward our businesses growth.
Joe has been fantastic to work with. His knowledge and willingness to be helpful is unmatched. Highly recommend.
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.