*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.*
4909 Murphy Canyon Rd #100
San Diego, California 92123
I have been using Hoffman & Associates for well over a year now, they provide me with payroll services for my business. I switched after dissatisfaction with a major payroll service, and I couldn't be happier. Tara Krone is professional, responsive, highly accurate, and very easy to work with. She has always been timely and is quick to communicate questions or confirmations, and to respond to any inquiries from me. I highly recommend Hoffman & Associates.
Tara is simply amazing. She is a true professional. We work in Education & Government. As our business grows and our payroll requirements get more complicated, Taras?s knowledge and ability to handle our certified payroll continues to allow us to take on more complex projects. She goes the extra mile, quick to respond to phone calls and emails when we have questions. She makes our payroll processing simple and easy. She is an extension of our team. We are very happy with Hoffman and Associates payroll proc
We've been using Hoffman & Associates for over ten years. Tara is fantastic with her customer service for payroll. She is very responsive especially when we've needed a quick answer or paperwork to be processed ASAP. They are reasonably priced and an overall great company to work with.
I have been using Hoffman & Associates since 1987, they are excellent. I am a small business and Tara has been taking care of my payroll for years. She is responsible reliable and I could not do it with our her. It is nice to have someone you can always count on. Ron Boyd Boyd Fasteners
Mr Hoffman has done my taxes for about 15 years. He is excellent and reasonably priced. They do get very busy at tax time and are a small office so I have sometimes had to follow up on specific requests however I am comfortable with the work they do and would rather do that than deal with a big office or quick return places. It is best to call early to notify the office you want them to do your taxes as they do get booked early on.
Mike Hoffman is excellent! Upon consultation, all state and federal taxes were completed and file in the same day. He is professional, competent and has extensive experience. The office help respond to calls immediately. Highly recommend.
Highly recommend Mike Hoffman to do your taxes. He helped me by amending my return in a short amount of time for a very reasonable price. I'll be going back to him next year to avoid making mistakes again!
I have a small business. Tara and Carly at Hoffman and Associates make my job much easier. Tara takes care of my payroll and Carly takes care of my taxes. I don't know what I would do without them. I am not an expert in those areas, but they are so I leave payroll and taxes to them. It is so nice to not have to worry about all that on a daily basis.
Tara is the best! She's fast, accurate & very helpful! I've been working with her for a few years now, and she takes care of all our payroll needs. Highly recommended!
Hoffman and Associates did very poor accounting. I had to hire a different book keeper and accountant, because they messed up my chart of accounts and did not proportion income correctly after I gave clear instructions. We also for 6 other errors from Hoffman. Also, there were multiple deductions not included that should have. When I tried to address the issues with them, multiple emails went unreturned. When meeting with Michael Hoffman, he constantly interrupts me and does not listen. Also, they are for s
Tara is the best! She is responsive, concerned and knowledgeable. If you want a fast reply, contact her. The "remote" staff is rude and unconcerned with any urgent requests.
I called multiple times and asked them to file me an extension to which they agreed and said someone would call me back. Not only did they not do it but they also misplaced all my personal information to include my social security number! Their response was "what do you want us to do about it?" and "sorry, you must have given your information to the new girl". Unacceptable. Appreciate the response however, it's still unacceptable. There is still no record of where my social security number is written down?
Tara?s been taking care of my payroll for quite a few years . I can always rely and trust she'll have everything done on time and correct ! She always has answers to all my questions !
Been using them for years and have always been happy with the service. They help with with business planning, our yearly review, and retirement tax planning. They always do a great job.
My wife and I came in with specific questions around freelance work, forming an LLC, and their tax implications as well as taxes as they relate to our investments. The reason I'm giving him two stars is because he was condescending towards my wife throughout the discussion. For example, with one valid question, he paused and said "okaaaay" in a dragged out way that was incredibly belittling. While my wife continued to be cordial, he jumped in and interrupted her to explain things she already knew (he was ma
Tara does my payroll. I'm very pleased with her services. She is a very nice and kind person to work with.
I have been going to Hoffman and associates for over 10 years and they are the BEST! Great service and they always go above and beyond. They provide exceptional tax advise and always have my best interest in mind! I refer them to everyone I know! Thanks for quality service!!
Great accounting service. My wife and I have used H&A for both our personal taxes, and various services for our business.
Happy how Mike answered my tax questions. Helped fix an error on a trust return.
Mr . Hoffman was very knowledgeable and a pleasure to work with.
Michael and his office staff are extremely rude and unprofessional. Do not use them. I say stay away. The reviews are bought
Fast and friendly! So easy to get my taxes done each year.
Very responsive and helpful with all of our needs.
They fit me in the same day I called them and took care of me.
Micheal Hoffman has been doing my family's taxes for years!
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.