*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.*
5710 Oleander Dr Suite 210
Wilmington, North Carolina 28403
We have had the pleasure of working with Hayes CPA for both personal and business accounting needs, and we can confidently say that their service is nothing short of exceptional. From the initial consultation to the final delivery of reports and filings, Daniel demonstrated a high level of professionalism, accuracy, and responsiveness. Rather than offering a one-size-fits-all approach, Daniel took the time to understand our unique circumstance and goals, offered personalized advice that aligned with our lon
I cannot even begin to express my appreciation for the services provided by Hayes CPA, PLLC. I was in a sticky situation with my taxes, as they'd been misfiled for years by another tax preparer. Daniel Hayes and his team took the reins, sorting out all of the issues, and their communication was always prompt and?somewhat even more importantly?kind. Filing taxes and getting caught up can be a daunting task, but they made it easy. I'd recommend their services again and again!
Called this office and immediately was given attitude by the lady answering the phone. Asked 1 simple question and her response was ?ummm yes..? with a huge attitude. Definitely lost a new client.
I want to say that the service, the care and the respect that I received at the office of Daniel Hayes CPA was second to none. The entire team treated me like a valued customer from the moment I reached out to them. And made sure to get back to me promptly with any questions that I had. I would recommend their services to anyone. If your looking to have some review your taxes reviewed by a professional or if you just have questions about the whole tax filing process, reach out to them. I promise you won'
Daniel Hayes's expertise is impeccable. Communication is immediately if there is ever any questions or feedback needed. I am so happy to have found Daniel to assist in my CPA needs. Highly recommend!!
I was planning to relocate to Wilmington, NC. In the meantime I decided to go ahead and work with a CPA and was referred to Daniel Hayes and his Team. Cindy is a professional and accurate Administrator. My CPA, Kyle, did a thorough job on my taxes and met all of the deadlines. I will use them again and again and with total trust in their outcome and assessments!
I hired Hayes CPA to handle the 2023 quarterly estimated for my business, with the intent being to not owe anything at the end of the year. I made all my payments during 2023 as directed, and then received my completed tax filing information from Hayes in March 2024 stating I owed a federal payment for over $13,000. Daniel blamed this error on his accounting software, did not seem particularly apologetic when confronted, and still charged me a fee to file my taxes.
Hayes CPA was referred to me by someone that I trust very much. From the very first interaction I had, I felt very comfortable in their process. Our first meeting was about an hour while he got to know both me personally, my company, and most importantly- my important objectives. Daniel has taken everything I?ve said or asked, and acted on it. I appreciate everything the entire firm had done to help me this year! THANK YOU!
Daniel Hayes is extremely knowledgable and responsive. Over the past two years, he has helped me immensely with a variety of financial needs for my small business. I appreciate his approachable demeanor and easy to understand explanations of complex tax questions. I feel confident that my accounting and business taxes are in good hands since hiring Daniel Hayes CPA.
Professional while still down to earth and approachable. Offered a lot of insight into different strategies for my SCorp taxes as well as personal. Reasonable rates, friendly staff.
Absolutely a pleasure working with the Hayes team. They are always responsive and extremely helpful to myself and my team. I highly recommend their services to anyone looking for high quality accounting.
Dan is detail oriented and a pleasure to work with. His insights and help have been a tremendous help for me in starting up my new business and in long term planning.
Dan has been beyond helpful to us and our business! He is friendly, knowledgeable and makes himself available to answer our questions. We highly recommend Dan and his services!
Daniel was very patient and answered all our questions. He is knowledgeable and we are very pleased.
Excellent customer service, very attentive, 100 percent recommended
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.