*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.*
3130 Crow Canyon Pl Suite 200
San Ramon, California 94583
Hunter Tax Associates has been a game changer for my small business. After getting a fantastic referral from a mutual acquaintance, I walked into their office and was greeted by their friendly and professional secretary. Within seconds of talking to Aaron I knew I wanted to work with this company. Aaron is such a likable person and puts his clients' needs first. His years of experience became clear when we began navigating the nuances of our return, and I couldn't be happier with the result. On top of th
I met with Aaron the CPA yesterday to discuss tax questions I had regarding selling my rental property in California. Aaron did some quick calculations and gave me an estimate of taxes I would owe from selling the property. Aaron also went over a couple of other options including a 1031 Exchange or establishing the property as my principal residence before selling in order to reduce the tax burden. Aaron is very knowledgeable in real estate taxes and gave me some good advises. I was pleased with the experie
Aaron, Daniel and team are a pleasure to work with. My last CPA retired a few years ago and I have been working with Hunter Tax for our business tax returns and other tax related services ever since. I always have random tax and accounting questions throughout the year and Aaron is always happy to help. They treat you as business partners rather than customers and I'm really happy I found them.
We had used the same CPA for almost 15 years so when my neighbor referred Aaron to us, it was initially tough to take the plunge. The onboarding process was so easy and Daniel was very helpful and responsive along the way. Aaron quickly helped me through any questions and completed our returns with ease. Excited to work with Aaron and team for years to come!
Hunter Tax Associates have done our taxes 2 years in a row. They are very efficient and their process is smooth. All communications have been really pleasant. Looking forward to working with them next year!
Aaron was referred to me by another client of his and I am so glad that he was! He's professional, courteous and helpful - but also straightforward and gets the job (aka your taxes) done right! I appreciate how on top of it he is, he sends reminder emails to get him your documents and complies everything easily and quickly. I really appreciate his responsiveness too - any time I have had a question, he takes the time to either respond or call me to walk me through anything I don't understand. His office
Very knowledgeable and willing to help! In their busy schedule and although they weren't accepting new clients, Hunter still went out of his way and took a few minutes to answer my tax questions on phone. Very polite and professional and highly recommended!
Aaron is not only a great guy, but his knowledge, expertise and integrity saved my company from going under. After using TurboTax for years on my personal taxes, I thought it wouldn't be much different for my business taxes. I made enough mistakes for the IRS to take notice, and received the dreaded audit. I thought I was in the clear since I'd purchased TurboTax's max audit protection, only to find out it just covered the current year! If I wanted Audit Protection to cover both years the IRS was auditing
Working with Hunter Tax Associates has been a great experience. They are friendly, helpful and quick to respond to all questions and messages. Everything is organized and easy to access. Highly recommend.
Aaron has been nothing but a champion for both my personal tax consulting services and my business tax questions. I appreciate his honest and direct approach as well as his wealth of knowledge regarding complex tax questions i needed answered for my business that has some weird international compliance issues. Definitely a great tax company for the San Ramon area.
Aaron is probably, THE COOLEST and BEST CPA out there...highly likely. He is very knowledgeable and extremely helpful at times you would not believe. In previous years, I would do my own taxes or ask a buddy of mine to do so. I then invested in crypto...in December 2017...at the top of the market. The worst move I ever made. Did some research regarding taxes and knew I had to file. Had a hard time finding someone who knew how to deal with crypto and one that was not completely booked! In comes Aaron with on
Fast, efficient, super communicative, and friendly! I highly recommend Hunter Tax Associates and can't wait to move forward with them for years to come.
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.