*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.*
2310 N Molter Rd Ste 304
Liberty Lake, Washington 99019
Joe Hargrave took me on a client and helped clean up two years of business and personal taxes that had to be redone! Not only did Joe and his team help me catch up, they are very professional, kind, patient, and communication is top notch! I highly recommend Joe Hargrave & Associates and owner to anyone in need of a stellar CPA! You won?t regret it!
Can't not say enough good things about Joe! He was referred to me by a colleague and since our first interaction, he has been incredibly responsive, detailed, and very thorough with the milieu of questions I've thrown his way. Joe has certainly far exceeded any expectations I had when hiring a CPA. He not only is knowledgeable, but I feel like he genuinely cares about me and my growing business.
I've been working with Rylee Hargrave for several years and she/her firm has always been very responsive, accurate, practical and informative. Great personal approach to customer service. Just an excellent value and asset to my company's business!
Rylee and her team are outstanding. Communication is always fast, clear, and comes with lots of patience for my many questions! We are beyond grateful to work with Hargrave and Associates for our multiple businesses and personal accounting/tax needs.
I am so happy I switched to Rylee for all my business/personal accounting. She communicates quickly and is very easy to get ahold of. I love that she genuinely cares about my small business and wants it to succeed. I wish I had made the switch sooner! Highly recommend!
My wife Jane and I have had the pleasure to have Joe assist us with our taxes and other services over the last seven years. He has always been there for us to answer our questions and give us some great solutions. We have come to rely on his expertise and have always felt comfortable knowing Joe has researched our needs. He has helped us not only with our personal taxes but two US companies, a foreign venture in Ecuador and payrolls & tax payments. Joe is the best accountant that I have used over many
We have been using Joe for our personal taxes the past 5 years and he has been the utmost professional in all of our interactions. I have full confidence that my taxes are done properly every season with minimal effort on my part. Highly recommend.
We became clients of Mr Hargrave three years ago. After doing our own taxes online for years we retired and found our tax situation complicated and confusing. Our first meeting with Joe set our worries to rest. He went through all our documents and took the time to explain our situation in easy to understand terms. It has saved us time and money.
Our confidence in Joe was unmatched by anyone we have previously used for personal and business accounting services. He is well informed, careful, communicates clearly and follows through as promised. If you need excellence, choose Joe.
My husband and I have worked with Joe for several years. He has always been professional, prompt, thorough and a pleasure to work with. I would whole-heartedly recommend Joe Hargrave as your CPA.
We hired Joe early this year replacing our accountant of 10+ years. Comparing the two, well there really is no comparison. I have two businesses and our books when it came to taxes were a mess. I had no idea where I was at, always extending and paying late fees. Joe has already fixed the mess and I believe we are current. Paying taxes is never a fun thing, but I have to say knowing what I will pay and getting it behind you is a comfortable feeling. IMO he's one of the Best Accountants in the Spokane
My husband and I have worked with joe for several years. My husband died and joe helped me sort everything out. He was great at explains all the details. All the information I needed to get together. Always ready to see and spend time answering all my questions.. Mary Evey
Joe was my CPA for three years and was of significant assistance when I moved here and bought property. Very responsive to my communications and attentive to detail. I was fortunate to find him.
Joe's done my taxes for years. Always professional and responsive.
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.