Halbert & James Inc.

Halbert & James Inc.

Reviews Summary

Customers consistently praise the firm for its professionalism, expertise, and friendly service. Many highlight thorough tax preparation, clear explanations, and strategic financial advice, particularly benefiting small business owners. Long-term clients appreciate the personalized, family-like approach, while newcomers value prompt, knowledgeable support. The team’s ability to simplify complex tax matters and provide timely, cost-effective solutions is repeatedly commended. Overall, satisfaction is high, with strong recommendations for both personal and business accounting needs.

About This Listing

Bookkeeping
Accounting
Business Consulting
Payroll
Tax Preparation
Tax Planning
IRS Representation
Financial Advisory
Small Businesses
Mid-size Businesses
QuickBooks

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.*

Features

Bookkeeping
Accounting
Business Consulting
Payroll
Tax Preparation
Tax Planning
IRS Representation
Financial Advisory
Small Businesses
Mid-size Businesses
QuickBooks

Contact Information

Address

4420 Hotel Cir Ct Suite 230

San Diego, California 92108

Hours

Sunday Closed
Monday 9AM-5PM
Tuesday 9AM-5PM
Wednesday 9AM-5PM
Thursday 9AM-5PM
Friday 9AM-5PM
Saturday Closed

Customer Reviews

We have been working with Halbert & James Inc for a little over 3 years now, and I would recommend them to any company seeking growth and professionalism in the way they handle their finances. Halbert & James have become partners when it comes to financial strategy to keep us growing and accurately reporting our taxes. I would strongly recommend them.

Ever since we started working with Hasani for both our corporate and personal taxes, tax season has gone from something we used to dread to something we feel totally confident about. He's knowledgeable, professional, and takes the stress out of the entire process. Hasani explains everything clearly, helps us plan ahead, and makes sure we're in the best position possible. We couldn't be happier with the service ? highly recommend him to anyone looking for a trustworthy and reliable tax expert!

Hasani did an excellent job preparing our 2024 taxes. Halbert & James?s team were very professional and knowledgeable and provided great customer service along the way. I highly recommend them if you are looking for an EA to do your taxes.

We have been doing our taxes with Halbert & James Inc. for the past few years. Peggy G. is our tax preparer and she makes it an easy experience everytime. We are grateful for her expertise.

Vander is very helpful and kind! I have been filing my business taxes with this firm for years first working with Doug and now with Vander and they are highly professional and very knowledgeable! Thank you so much!

They were recommended to me for accounting/CPA services from one of my clients. I was VERY impressed with their professionalism and friendliness. I am so glad I made the switch!

Working with Hasani has been great. He's helped us learn more about our business and taught us to make better financial decisions. He has saved us thousands of dollars in our business by making sure we have the right strategies in place. If you're looking for someone to help you save money and take over the entire stressful accounting side he's your guy! Highly recommend him!

Consummate professionals. Immediately had a sense of engaging with professionals with a true craft as Accountants and Tax experts. I feel like I'm finally in good competent hands.

My realtor introduced me to Hassani James to do my taxes last year. I was extremely pleased with the outcome; his professionalism, the ease of working with him, and answering my multiple questions. The filing process was stress free, quick and accurate. He would definitely recommend him.

I've been working with Theresa at Halbert and James for years. She has been doing both my business and personal taxes and has always been great at making sure I am compliant with the tax laws and helping me identify deductions. I don't think many people likes to do taxes but working with Theresa and Halbert & James makes the process very easy and gives me the peace of mind that it's done right and that I have a team that will have my back in case I get audited.

As a female business owner who does not have any education in business, finance, or accounting, I have found Halbert & James' educational, hands-on approach to accounting/taxes/bookkeeping to be incredibly empowering. Hasani James meets with me 4x per year to go over my financials with me and talk about tax strategies for the year. He answers all of my questions promptly and always makes me feel that my questions and ideas are welcomed. I've recommended them to countless friends who value the way they do bu

The Halbert & James team are really great at explaining taxes to where I can understand what I need to deal to complete my taxes on time. The tax planning and strategy for the next year is a great asset for both business and personal taxes. I recommend them for their professionalism, tax knowledge and great customer service. Thanks Hasani and team

I have worked with Terri O. for a few years. She is always up to date on the latest changes to the taxes laws in our tax system. I have never had someone do my taxes be so informed. Halibert & James Inc is a trustworthy company. I highly recommend them to to work with you on your tax returns. Annie Pearson

Peggy and her staff have been taking care of our family business?s taxes for over a decade and have always provided us with professional service. We are grateful for their friendliness and attention to detail, and we're confident to recommend this company for your tax service needs!

Hasani and Jeff are top notch professionals. They have been able to successfully evolve with our business and are professional and knowledgeable on how to best maximize our outcomes and profit while reducing our expenses and tax burden. Highly recommend them to any small business owner navigating the complexities in today?s environment!

I was referred to Hasani by my former accountant and have been filing my taxes with him for the last few years. It's been a very positive experience! Having someone I can reach out to for questions throughout the year and during tax season gives me peace of mind too. Being able to do it all remotely is even better. I recommend Hasani and his team at Halbert & James!

Working with Terry is like going to see family (albeit, only once a year, for now). She's genuinely interested in life, and making sure you succeed at it through sound advice, clean filing, and clear communications. Best decision made oh so many years ago!

Hasani has been so wonderful to work with! He's been very proactive about reaching out and following up with us which has been a huge help in the midst of an overwhelming season. He was able to help us structure our business to maximize our deductions and advice us about what entity was right for us at this stage in the game. I am so grateful for Halbert and James! We've worked with a few different CPAs and so far, they are the most enjoyable and easiest to work with.

The best tax experience. Hasani was so polite, thorough and fast. A very stress free experience.

I have a small business that I have had Hasani and his team handle all of my taxes each year. I recently signed up to have his team handle my accounting as well. He has been so amazingly patient with me to help teach and explain so many things about my company and the way I can operate it from a tax perspective. I will be with Hasani til the company closes. Love this business relationship! It has truly been one that has constantly helped me be a better business owner. Thank you Hasani!

We've been with Terry for over 15 years and she's always there to help us with any questions/concerns. Great tax service and personal care.

Terry has been doing my taxes for over 10 years. I love the email notifications so I don't forget to schedule my annual tax planning meeting. Thanks for being so thorough and quick to answer any questions.

So very professional and accommodating! We are so happy to have found this wonderful tax team!

Incredible service, Jeff goes above and beyond to communicate with me and make sure everything is done properly and on time. I'm not the easiest client I know, but Jeff always makes me feel like a welcome guest whenever I have a question for him or fire for him to put out. Can't recommend them enough.

Always a pleasant experience. Have been doing business with these people for many, many years. Never once was there ever a problem. They always have the time to answer my questions. They are prompt, courteous, and always friendly. It is a pleasure to be associated with Halbert & James Inc.

I highly recommend Halbert & James, Inc. for all your bookkeeping and tax needs. They know how to make the process of managing business finances easy and stress-free. If you're in San Diego and looking for reliable, trustworthy bookkeeping and tax associates, look no further than Halbert & James.

Finding Hasani at Halbert & James has been a huge lifesaver! I'm not sure why I've had such difficulty finding reliable tax professionals, but I'm so relieved I finally have. I was referred to Hasani from a client of mine. Being between tax preparers I was quite behind and Hasani and his team did a great job quickly catching me up. They have been extremely professional and prompt. He has helped me to understand my taxes more than anyone has in the past and on top of that, his fees are much less than I was

Very grateful to all the staff at Halbert and James Inc. I was completely impressed with their professionalism, efficiency and integrity. I highly recommend their tax preparation and bookkeeping services. I'm definitely coming back!

Terry has been our tax account/tax planner for over 10 years. She knows tax law very well and is very responsive when we need her assistance. I would highly recommend Halbert & James for all your tax needs. Thanks, Rob

Very friendly and accurate. My experience with Terry has always been a positive one, she answers all of my questions without making me feel like it's a dumb question. She's the best, the whole experience is good.

I became aware of the folks at Halbert & James through an attorney I had when I was involved in a probate case. Upon his recommendation, I went to them for my personal income tax preparation, as well as estate tax filings. I would recommend them to anyone needing help with tax preparation and filings. Steve and Vander have been a pleasure to work with.

Working with Jeff and Hasani is the CPA partnership I had long been seeking for my business. They are readily available, concise, straight forward. I foresee my business continuing to grow and thrive with their help. Thanks!

I have worked with Terry Ochman for many, many years and she has helped me structure my finances to positively endure tax challenges and navigate the U.S. tax system without worry. She is a trusted financial steward, I highly recommend her services both professional and personally.

My tax guy for the past 25 years passed away and Halbert & James merged with his company. They continued his great customer service and communication excellence. I highly recommend them.

We were happy to work with Peggy again this year at Halbert and James. It was our first year filing as an Scorp so we weren't aware of the many extra t?s to cross and I'd to dot. They were patient with us when we were underprepared and followed through on getting us filed on time. Highly recommend them for both personal and business taxes!

Hasani and Corey were excellent. I gave them major project involving four years of taxes and they worked long and hard to set my taxes straight. This has eased my mind tremendously. Thank You!

I have been going to Terry Ochman for years. She is always up on the latest tax law changes. She promptly answers emails I send her. She is thorough and flexible. She always remembers what was going on in my life when I talked to her the previous year.

I have been working with Hasani James and his team for the past 3 years and wish I would have met him and switched over sooner. As a small business owner I have found his expertise and support invaluable.

I've been with them for years and we are always happy with the results. Everyone is helpful, but Peggy is the greatest advisor ever. Thank you!

I've worked with Terry Ochman For 20+ years, She is amazingly professional, incredibly bright and understands tax law like no one else I've ever met. I highly recommend working with Teri

Hasani James prepared and submitted my taxes for year 2023. I checked them before submittal. He was very thorough and knew the tax laws well. He submitted everything on time.

Highly recommend Peggy for tax filing services. Timely, professional, and well priced. Takes over the significant burden of tax filing season every year for me.

I've worked with Peggy Goddard for several years now and she's extremely detailed and easy to work with. I highly reccommend working with Peggy & the team at Halbert & James, Inc.

Terry and her team offer the same excellence of service, efficiency and professionalism that was offered when it all began back in the 80's. I can't imagine going anywhere else....they're simply the best!

Peggy is the best. She is very quick and knowledgeable. Even if you are done with your taxes and have tax questions she is there to help. Thank you peggy.

Quick responses to my emails with tax questions. Excellent customer service.

Hasani was great! I loved his honesty and simplicity through this last tax season. Made it very easy

Peggy of Halbert & James has done my reasonably complicated taxes for years and I have no complaints. A pleasure to work with!

Peggy is your go to gal, she's is the only one I have ever been satisfied with to do my taxes. Prices are fair !

This is the best company I have ever used for my tax preparation. As a working professional they are great to refer to as well.

I've been a client for nine years. I have had nothing but excellent service. Thank you to all the staff at Halbert and James!

We have been working with Terry for several years now and would highly recommend Halbert & James Inc. to any and all.

I have been a client for over 20 years and have had a great experience with them, more like family at this point. I would suggest to anyone looking for a good accounting service to call them.

Very Professional & Curtious & Solution Oriented - Terry is incredible to work with & I appreciate her very much!!!

?I've been going to them for years, and they deliver consistently excellent service. I can't imagine going to anyone else for my taxes!?

Easy to work with, good listeners, and adaptive to estate tax and rental property tax complexities the client brings to them.

Very good service, knowledgeable staff, fair price

Peggy has always been helpful when I need tax advice and when she prepares my tax returns

We love the continued care Terry and her team provide . Thank you

Very personable and thorough . We actually look forward to getting our taxes done every year.

Have been a customer for years!! Great staff,excellent tax prep.Very comfortable and safe!

The team here is so easy to work with and always available to answer questions. Really glad I was referred to them.

I've worked with Terry Ochman for many many years and she always delivers!

Professional and well organized. Tax returns were prepared and submitted quickly.

A friend recommended me to Terry Ochman and I have been so appreciative to have been placed in such good hands.

Excellent service. Very knowledgeable tax specialist. I highly recommend.

Great service. Been with them for years. Terry is the best!

Terry has been awesome for me and my family!

Terry has taken thoughtful care of our taxes for many years.

Outstanding service! I have worked with their associates for 20+ years.

As usual, Terry provided excellent, speedy service! Thanks.

Very friendly quick and knowledgeable I love them

Friendly and thorough. Very happy with the results.

Been going here for YEARS! great service.

Second-generation client. Always excellent service.

Terry is personable and thorough.

very through. Great experience.

Very professional and knowledgeable.

Always professional and efficient!

Very easy to work with......

Always there to help!

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.

Skip to main Home Best CPA's Nearby Upgrade your plans English Avatar for Nico Bottema Welcome, Nico Bottema! Share Install the tag on your site to get access to all features, tools and the insights you need. It's fast and easy. Site ID: 6455700 Get started with the tag installation 1 Copy this code. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 Copy code 2 Paste the code into the of every page where you want to track user behavior or collect feedback. 3 To make sure everything is ready, verify that your code was installed. Verify installation OTHER WAYS TO INSTALL Install with a team member’s help Install on a platform Install with a npm package Explore the demo Take a tour of the product with realistic data to explore. Explore demo site Common questions View all Course How do I install the tag? Collect session data for replays, heatmaps, and on-site surveys by installing a unique tag on your site. Ready to add it? Follow the instructions in this 15-minute course. Article How do I know if the tag is installed correctly? Article Will the tag slow down my site? Suggested for you Enable 2FA now Two-factor authentication (2FA) adds an additional layer of security to your account. Popular shortcuts title Feedback button Capture feedback in the wild by letting users share it at any point title Set up a Net Promoter Score® survey Measure long-term customer loyalty and happiness the tried-and-tested way. title Exit-intent survey Capture feedback before visitors leave and reduce your bounce rate Get started Interviews (new) Get real time feedback at critical times, thanks to easy, in-depth recruitment and analysis. Create project Finish your installation Surveys Feedback button Dashboard Invite team members Integrations