Heyward CPA PLLC

Heyward CPA PLLC

Reviews Summary

The reviews show a polarized experience with Heyward CPA. Many praise their professionalism, efficiency, and excellent customer service, highlighting thorough support and responsiveness. However, several clients report significant frustrations, including poor communication, delays in tax filings, billing issues, and errors in tax preparation. While some customers highly recommend them for their expertise and convenience, others strongly advise against using their services due to unmet expectations and lack of follow-through.

About This Listing

Bookkeeping
Accounting
Business Consulting
Financial Statements
Payroll
CFO Services
Tax Preparation
Tax Planning
IRS Representation
Outsourced Accounting
Small Businesses
Mid-size Businesses
Startups
Individual Taxpayers
Non-profits
Healthcare
Professional Services
Law Firms
QuickBooks
Xero
FreshBooks
Remote Services

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
Financial Statements
Payroll
CFO Services
Tax Preparation
Tax Planning
IRS Representation
Outsourced Accounting
Small Businesses
Mid-size Businesses
Startups
Individual Taxpayers
Non-profits
Healthcare
Professional Services
Law Firms
QuickBooks
Xero
FreshBooks
Remote Services

Contact Information

Address

2530 Meridian Pkwy Suite 300

Durham, North Carolina 27713

Hours

Monday 8:30AM-5PM
Tuesday 8:30AM-5PM
Wednesday 8:30AM-5PM
Thursday 8:30AM-5PM
Friday Closed
Saturday Closed
Sunday Closed

Customer Reviews

Heyward CPA has an amazing team that truly goes above and beyond. Their staff is knowledgeable, professional, and genuinely supportive. It?s clear they don?t just want small businesses to succeed, they want you to succeed as a small business owner. Whether it's tax preparation, business consulting, or general accounting support, I?ve always felt confident and well taken care of. Every interaction reflects their commitment to excellence and personalized service. I?m incredibly grateful for their partnership

Consistently great service for two generations! Could never manage the tax code changes without them. I?ve told all my family and friends don?t do your taxes without Mr. Heyward he will save you money!

FIND SOMEONE ELSE After speaking with someone at Heyward CPA, I will admit I really thought this would turn out better than it has. My wife and I told the representative CUSTOMER SERVICE was very important to us. However, this has turned into a horrible experience. After paying the deposit to get the tax return started, I began to realize I could never get anyone on the phone to respond to questions. Yes, we both also tried emailing, no response. I even used the online response system they brag about.

I am STILL fighting with this incompetent bunch over my 2022 tax filing. I began paying them a monthly fee January 2022 for consistent tax advice, tax prep, and general advisement. I did not receive any paperwork or anything in my "welcome letter" email that I was apparently supposed to receive. It was January 31st before I even received any information from them. So, there is one month that I wasted payment on. Fast forward to April, Heyward CPA had to file an extension after prepping my taxes incorrectl

I used Heyward CPA for my small businesses taxes this past year and it has been a nightmare. I made the mistake of paying a monthly fee for their services (which I have recieved next to none of), which apparently means they will take as long as they desire to file your taxes. After providing them with all of my financial statements, they still had to file an extension. Not a huge deal, but after that occurred I did not hear from them until 3 months later, even after sending multiple emails asking for an upd

I used Heyward PA for my 2020 tax return, and it was an extremely frustrating process. It took the firm over a month to prepare my individual income tax return, and they did not review the return with me at all once it was complete. Multiple calls and emails left unanswered when I tried to chase down status for my filing right before the deadline. I used a different CPA this year, who reviewed the filing they prepared and found a nearly $2,000.00 error in extra income reported by Heyward CPA! I received mor

Did not reach out to me for an initial consult for over two weeks. After we consulted, they told me a proposal would be sent and that was not sent until 20 days later. After accepting the proposal and payment, and going through submitting all my documents & questionnaire, I did not hear anything for 14 days which is when I contacted them regarding the status of my return. They had not looked at my documents until then, as they said they needed further documents but after looking again they had them. Afte

Do not use them! We have had to pay for multiple months of their service because they are so slow. Our case wasn't too difficult and we gave them all of the documents (and more) from the start. They take weeks to respond to emails and do not respond to our request for a phone call to answer questions. We even started this process way before tax season went into full swing! It's been incredibly frustrating to be left hanging for seemingly no reason and then having to pay for another $300/month. Never using t

I needed help figuring out some missing pieces from the tax and accounting side of my small business. The associates at Heyward were prompt and thorough. The option to do a web-based or phone based meeting was very convenient. Also, I appreciated that they took the time to walk me through tax and accounting fundamentals; this empowered me with the information I needed to make the best decisions for my business.

I've been with Heyward CPA for many years, they have always provided comprehensive end to end support and guidance. Highly recommend them!

Mr. Heyward and Ms. Nicole Cooper were very professional in handling my taxes. As a pastor, I highly recommend my colleagues to have this CPA firm to take care of their taxes and other accounting matters.

Everything was done electronically which was fantastic since everything is closed due to Covid-19. It was extremely easy to share my information and receive my completed tax forms. Nicole was great at answering my questions and concerns.

James always does a great job for us. He is very professional and on point. Always a good experience.

This company has been very helpful in answering all my tax questions and willing to go beyond and above my expectations with there customer service. Will diffently recommend them to family and friends.

The service and staff at Heyward CPA PLLC are very professional and responsive to your accounting needs! They are very easy to work with!

Enjoy working with Heyward CPA. They are thorough and provide great advice. Glad to have them on our side.

Easy to work with, very capable and professional. We?re lucky to have found them!

Very professional, fast and available when any questions arise. Highly recommend this company.

Great service and professional staff. Always can depend on them doing the job efficiently.

This company was responsive to our company's needs. We are pleased with their service.

Exceptional service for a variety of accounting needs. Highly recommend.

Excellent. Quick and Fast Will Be Using Them From Now On.

Very helpful and easy to follow.

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.

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