*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.*
6918 Shallowford Rd #205
Chattanooga, Tennessee 37421
Gina has been a huge help providing ongoing tax advice and navigating a complex personal return. Gina and Monica prepared and filed my return quickly and correctly. I am very happy and will continue to use Gentry & Associates going forward.
I had a wonderful experience with the agency. Ms. Weller was patient and very helpful, my taxes were done quickly and efficiently. I am very please with the service, Thank You!
5 Stars I cannot say enough great things about Gentry & Associates, CPA! Gina went above and beyond to assist me last minute, providing same-day help with unmatched professionalism and care. The customer service was absolutely top-notch, making what could have been a stressful situation incredibly smooth. I highly recommend this company to everyone! From now on, I?ll be bringing all of my business to them. Thank you, Gina, and the entire team for your exceptional service!
Monica was extremely helpful and was very professional as she prepared my IRS taxes. She walked me through a very complex situation with great patience and understanding!! I highly recommend this group they are wonderful!!
Kim Johnson from Gentry & Associates was very thorough and timely in helping my wife and I file our personal and small business taxes this year. We are new to filing business taxes and she was very patient in walking us through how the process works. We will be working with them in the future and highly recommend their work to anyone in need of their service!
I met with Ellen Jielan Yu, CPA, MSA. She was extremely cordial, professional, and thorough. She was very knowledgeable and quickly assessed my position with regards to my federal tax liability. I was impressed and very pleased with our meeting, and I am looking forward to a long and productive relationship.
I have used Steve Gentry for over 25 years for my personal and small business taxes. He is very knowledgeable and is a great resource for anyone looking for business or personal accountant. He has really helped us navigate the maze of forms and filings necessary as a small business owner as they relate to taxes. Deal with Steve and your tax problems will be solved. I trust him completely and so should you.
Kim Johnson provides excellent financial services. She is extremely knowledgeable and has an excellent eye for detail. I have been using her services and recommending her to friends and family for two years.
Kim Johnson was excellent! She was prompt, precise, and very knowledgeable. Will definitely continue to use her for all my tax needs.
Ellen Jielan Yu at Gentry & Associates, CPA, in Chattanooga, TN, is a consummate professional. She prepared tax returns for my family for many years. She was knowledgeable, accurate, always immediately responsive and efficient. She is this and more--with fees that can only be described as a good value. We highly recommended her.
I was very impressed with the service Kim Johnson provided and the advice she gave me last year for our 2021 taxes. I have been going to Hewlett-Jackson for years but not anymore thanks to Kim and her team!
Steve Gentry has been our CPA for the last decade preparing both my corporate and our personal tax returns including the accounting for the income property that my wife and I own. I have found Steve Gentry to be knowledgeable and current with the ever changing tax laws, rules and regulations. To date, I have been unable to stump Steve with any of my questions. Additionally, Steve has been outstanding in strategizing appropriate ways to ensure that I do not overpay my taxes. Even though I enter my own QuickB
This office offers good service and helped me alot also the staff was very polite.
CPA Kimberly was so helpful very knowledgeable on all taxes was quick, explained the process in detail every step. Highly recommend
Very knowledgeable, helpful, and responsive. Wonderful office to deal with!
Amazing, accurate and dependable service!
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.