*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.*
7904 Broadway
Lemon Grove, California 91945
We have been working with Helix Law Firm for a few weeks now and they have been amazing. The office staff started us off and were very knowledgeable and our lawyer Christina has been terrific. She walked us through the trust step by step and patiently listened to all of our questions and concerns. I cannot recommend Helix Law Firm enough. I have friends using other firms for wills and trusts and they are not getting the same service. Some are even being told to find other attorneys to do the deed recording
My wife and I worked with Christina Garcia to create a will and trust. She made the process super easy, and she spent a good deal of time with us explaining the process and the law. Would recommend
Christina and her firm were super helpful with our corporate entity needs. We had formed an LLC for one of our companies but were not sure how to add members of ownership or set up the additional small details. Christina helped us answer and confirm all these details via a conference call very soon after our initial contact. If you are looking for an experienced business and trust attorney in San Diego, definitely give Christina Garcia a call.
We had Wills drawn up and a fifteen year Trust revised. Christjna, Lauren and Blake were professional and personable. They answered all questions promptly. They worked within our budget. They had the project finished before our deadline. Five Stars across the board.
I had a great experience working with Christina. She helped me after my father's sudden death and took a huge load off my shoulders. Thank you for your support during a very difficult time!
AMAZING EXPERIENCE!! The thought of creating a Family Trust and Wills was so overwhelming to my husband and I. We had learned from others that it is a daunting and long process. Had I known what an amazing attorney, and person, Christina at Helix Law Firm is, we would have done it years ago! From the first conversation to reviewing and signing our documents, Christina made it unbelievably easy and so incredibly quick! We walked out of our review and signing of the documents in pure amazement! Christina is
Christina Ives Garcia, Esq. of Helix Law has made all the difference in our matter, and in so doing, in our lives. Family trusts are no small thing! We started out representing ourselves, but we found the journey to be rather difficult, so we decided to do an Internet search to see if there were any attorneys who would help us just to consult, (since we couldn't afford full-time). In fact, Christina not only helped, but found the true ?linchpin? that allowed us to prevail in a matter that could have other
Helix Law Firm was a God send. We found them at a time when we were almost out of ideas for help. At the very first meeting, one of their associates was quickly able to identify all of the flaws and seemingly malpractice and fraudulent items that were listed in a legal doc headed for a judges review that would have lost us our asset. In the end, with the help of Helix law firm, we were able to not only win our case and stop it from going to probate but we were also provided with help setting up a will and t
Helix Law Firm helped me out in my Real Estate case. We won due to the effective representation and hard work of the attorney Tom Parashos! Highly recommended!
Knowledgeable, friendly and responsive people. Explained and answered my questions. Very comfortable with this firm.
Apparently, they know what they are doing, super happy.
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.