*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.*
7100 Tower Rd
Battle Creek, Michigan 49014
No matter what these guys are amazing. Very professional extremely helpful can not give enough praise. If google had more stars id gladly give them.
EXCELLENT SERVICE a few days ago by Chris Micklatcher , CPA/Tax Attorney, and his staff at Fresh Start Tax Solutions ! Starting nearly 20 years ago, I have occasionally met with Chris to discuss my personal federal, state and local tax planning issues. Now in retirement, I have different tax planning concerns and immediately thought of Chris, although I now live in another state. His office staff was able to promptly set me up for an MS Teams video conferencing call. The video conferencing log-in process w
I entrusted Fresh Start Tax Solutions with preparation of my returns after 40 years of doing them myself. I had a major change in my finances and wanted professional guidance. Chris, Kristy and the employees of FSTS did an excellent job. They provided me with prompt, courteous and professional service. I highly recommend them for tax return preparation and in troubleshooting issues one may have with the IRS.
Chris Micklatcher and his staff at Fresh Start Tax Solutions are incredible. Professional, courteous and knowledgeable. I?ve used them for two years and for two years they have exceeded expectations in quality of work and in value. If you need a tax professional, Fresh Start Tax Solutions is the first place I would recommend.
We used Fresh Start at a time of need.We had a good result, as well as great service.Chris is an amazing person as well as equally amazing tax attorney. Still keeps in touch with us!!! I can't imagine a better source of help being out there!
I have relied on Fresh Start Tax Solutions for many years for my tax returns. Especially, when I ran into a tax concern of owing the IRS for several years. Chris and his staff were excellent as my advocate in dealing with the issue with the IRS. They also guided me through any future tax liabilities, by having me adjust my exemptions and taking additional deductions. Thank you.
We contacted Chris Micklatcher at Fresh Start Tax Solutions after receiving a bill notice from the IRS for several penalties and interest. We really didn't understand what was going on but after talking with Chris he was able to do some research and quickly figured out not only what had happened but several avenues to approach the IRS to get our issues solved. Within a week everything was resolved to our complete satisfaction. Chris was extremely helpful, and I would highly recommend Fresh Start Tax Solu
Fresh Start has provided tax services for both my personal and business related needs for many years now. They are always prompt, professional, and accurate with all aspects of the tax environment. My recommendation for them is as high as I can rate a company!
Fresh Start Tax Solutions has done our taxes for the past several years. They do a great job and are quick. They will stand behind you in case of an IRS audit, and that assurance is priceless.
We have used Fresh Start Tax Solutions for a few years. They are easy to work with and turn things around quickly. Highly recommend Chris and his team!
Our taxes have been prepared by Chris Micklatcher and the employees at Fresh Start Tax Solutions for 10 years. It is very rare that I make recommendations for any person or company. I feel very comfortable in making an exception regarding Fresh Start Tax Solutions.
Chris was a fantastic CPA to work with. He was extremely professional, knowledgable, and quick to respond. He was able to answer all our questions in a few minutes and set us for success this tax season. I can't recommend this tax group enough!
Fresh Start was very responsive and helpful to me as I started my new company. They helped me to determine the best way to organize my business to optimize my tax situation, and they were great to work with.
We use Fresh Start Tax Solutions for our business and personal tax needs. They are responsive, knowledgeable, and proactive. I recommend them to everyone who asks!
The IRS incorrectly asserted that I had income from the Social Security Administration. The income was actually attorneys fees paid to my law firm as a result of successfully representing claimants in obtaining disability benefits. Chris not only straighened out the tax year in question, but showed me how to prevent the problem in the future. I refer clients with IRS issues to Chris on a regular basis.
We are clients and have been for years. The knowledge and help from Fresh Tax is beyond compare. From step one through to finish, Fresh Step is there to guide. Undecided? Don't be. Engage with Fresh Start Tax Solutions!
It has been a pleasure working with Fresh Start Tax Solutions for the past 16 years. The team?s knowledge of the IRS tax code is superior and their service/support is world-class.
Chris and his team are personable & trustworthy! They Cross All the T's & Dot All the I's. They make sure the correct paperwork, and forms are filed correctly the first time. I am certain they also have excellent business relationships with the folks in the IRS that they work with. When working with Chris, and it is necessary to leave a message the return response is usually immediate, and if not, always the same day. I suggest to you always supply the information they request ASAP, and follow the advice He
Chris has been doing my taxes for 8 years. He keeps me up to date on changes so I can stay on my game. Friendly helpful staff and very professional. It is great to have an expert doing my taxes.
The team of experts at Fresh Start Tax Solutions are exceptional. Their dedication and knowledge helped me to put an end to the nightmare of dealing with the IRS. I highly recommend them to anyone dealing with the IRS.
Kristi did a great job for us. Dropped in off and in a few days had our paper work back and efiled. In about a week deposit in our account. We will be using it next year as well..
Five stars. No exception. This is a great business. Excellent service, friendly, and very satisfactory tax solution results. .Highly recommend. My only complaint is the coffee machine was down when I visited the second time, and by the way?.they have excellent coffee.
I had been fighting with my work company?s insurance company for months and was refused new insurance from my agency until I settled with them, but part of this scenario was my fault . Within 48 hours of visiting Fresh Start, Sue straightened out my paper work (which was not pretty), had negotiated with the insurance company, and I was reinstated. I am now insured and back at work. Now she is helping me on other matters. So yes I am very happy.
Chris and his staff saved us $47,000 the IRS was trying to collect from me for years. After the collection letters started pulling up, I hired Chris to put a stop to the madness. Chris and his "make you feel like family" team of taxperts went to bat for me and hit a grandslam! No more levy, no more garnishment and I will actually receive a refund for 2017! Thank you for your enduring help, reassurance that everything was going to be o.k., and the friendliness throughout the whole process. But, most of all,
Kristie has been my go-to for the last couple of years and is an absolute superstar. I will definitely continue to use Fresh Start for my personal and family tax needs.
Love hate relationship. Love Fresh Star Tax Solutions, & Hate our current tax system! They have always taken great care of us, and taken the stress out of tax time.
Extremely pleased with the professional services provided. Clarification on how to report complex situations, allowed by tax law, but with the lowest tax consequence, with supporting documentation, was timely provided. The services received were well worth the related fee charged.
I had concerns about prior year's returns & Fresh Start was able to look at everything I correct what I had messed up. Since then, they've taken care of my taxes & given me peace of mind. Thanks for all they did!
Extremely satisfied with Fresh Start Tax Solutions Staff was very friendly and the service was excellent Chris has been helping me with my tax issue for ten years and finally got it resolved with zero owed to the IRS Thank you again Chris Micklatcher and company Jeffrey Philipps
Its nice to know you have a team of professionals fighting for you on a tax issue. Chris and Sue have all the answers and and will take the time to work with you. I have complete confidence in them to handle any issues that come up with the IRS. Thank you very much!
Fresh Start resolved a difficult conflict I had with the IRS many years ago and has most competently provided income tax planning and preparation since then.
The team is extremely knowledgable and helpful. I was somewhat embarrased that I had let myself fall so behind in my taxes but they helped me get back on track with no scolding or shaming, such great support.
Worry free process. The team at Fresh Start Tax solutions are prompt and make the process as turn key as possible.
Not many accountants or tax attorneys will take the time to answer a question about a simple journal entry in the middle of tax season, but Chis did for me. That's one of the reasons we've used his services for two decades.
In 40 years Fresh Start Tax Solutions by far is the best company that I have ever worked with.
Very attentive and highly professional. I recommend Chris to all of my clients who have difficult tax issues.
They are fantastic to work with and did a great job. I have used them for years and each year they did a fantastic job
done a great job for me thanks for doing my taxes james c schneider i will let people know about you service
Been using them for years. Very approachable, responsive, quick to reply. Extremely knowledgeable.
I have been going to Chris for years and have recommended family and friends great place to go he definitely saved me money
Horrible experience. Had five years of taxes done and not one of them were done correctly. This was their doing completely but they refuse to apologize. Will not be going back.
Excellent and timely service. The staff is friendly and top notch! I highly recommend.
Takes the burden of the IRS relationship off your shoulders. Great people.
Fantastic. Friendly, knowledgeable, very reasonable, does a great job!
Amazing ladies and always very helpful with the entire process.
Very knowledgable and quick. I would definitely recommend.
Great people. Easy to deal with. Quick work.
Prompt efficient Calls for info re important changes
Five years zero issues.
Pretty rude on phone
Professional & Patient !
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.