*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.*
31 Fairmount Ave Suite 104
Chester, New Jersey 07930
Hyde and Associates has always made my tax process simple. I am not always easy to work with based on being late on providing data. I have received excellent advice on changing incomes and even when I am behing on submittals. Thank you Hyde Associates LLC for all that you do for me.
Michelle Hyde has been my accountant since 2012 and joined with a Financial Advisor, Kris Taubald, last year. Michelle is thorough, attentive, and jogs my memory when needed. Since 2022, when my health began to fail, Michelle has been coming to my house (and this year came to the assisted living facility) and together with Kris went through the many forms that I receive (multiple accounts, IRAs, MDRs, etc.) Her return is impeccable, clear and well documented. It has never been questioned. Kris is now my fin
My husband and I have used Michelle Hyde's tax preparation service for three years, and are very pleased with her professionalism and responsiveness. When I send a question by email, she answers it within a few hours. The secure portal is very easy to use, and so much more convenient than providing paper copies of documents or even sending pdfs via email. The returns have been done promptly and correctly every time. Michelle and her team are wonderful to work with, and make tax season something that I no lo
If I could give them a negative rating I would. They took advantage of my mother right after she lost her husband and felt helpless. Overcharged her tremendously for work that they didn?t do correctly and didn?t complete. We had to do our own work to get the issues that they messed up resolved. Couldn?t ever get the owner to respond back. When we did get to talk to somebody there they were very nasty. Then they had a lawyer take money out of her account without her knowing. It was a big amount. We had been
I love Hyde Associates my accountant and tax return experts! They have done my taxes for many year for me, my wife...now my amicably divorced ex-wife , my two children. Michelle and Dana and Dana and Tod are always helpful and patient with me. I could not be more effusive in my praise of this company.
Michelle Hyde has been my accountant for many years. She is smart, straightforward, knowledgeable, honest, and also nice. Anyone who goes to her with complex taxes will be in excellent hands. And Dana and Dee, of the support staff, are also wonderful.
When was the last time you actually were on a first name basis with any of your personal business professionals? Michelle is great! My wife and I have been fortunate enough to have Hyde & Associates as our accountants (and financial planning) for several years, and I'm telling you, she's a wizard. Sans magic wand perhaps, a magic calculator is just as handy. I highly recommend Michelle Hyde & Associates if you are looking for a personable, professional, accountant who is interested in you as a person/fa
We appreciate the expertise of Hyde & Associates, in particular Andrew Chen and Michelle Hyde. The entire staff is helpful and easy to work with on the annual audit and tax return processing for our school. Thank you!
It was our first year audit with Hyde and Associates and it couldn't have gone any smoother! Everyone was professional and a pleasure to work with. I would highly recommend Hyde and Associates.
I've been using Hyde and Associates for all of my tax and accounting needs for many years now and I'm always amazed with their attention to detail, the personal touch they give, and the level of expertise they have. I'd without a doubt recommend them to a friend or family member in need of their services which speaks volumes to how good they are.
Carol Destefano has been our accountant for over 10 years and she has given us absolutely excellent accounting service and has always been there to answer some of our complicated ( and frequent) questions and her advice has been extremely valuable in negotiating the complicated and stressful process of filing taxes . Her kind gentle manner , patience and knowledge has guided us in the right direction and helped our business tremendously . We will use her until we retire!! ( and beyond )!!
Michelle does a terrific job! She is highly skilled and knowledgeable. And her staff is extremely professional and responsive throughout the tax preparation and filing process.
It has been an extreme pleasure working with Carol over the last several + years. She is professional, trustworthy, kind, VERY HELPFUL & always just a phone call away. She is worth TEN stars!!!
Michelle has been fantastic with helping with my Aunt's estate. Personal taxes and inheritance taxes have been a very easy process thanks to her expertise.
Besides flawless payroll and accounting services, Hyde and Associates has saved Biocia significant expense with creative tax advice. Sincerely, Wes Domareki, President, Biocia Inc.
Excellent service! I use Hyde and Associates to do my personal taxes and they are always prompt and on top of their game. Highly recommended!
I contacted Hyde and associates was impressed. Michelle went out of her way to discuss options. Prompt and professional.
So unfortunately I'm using there services for the first time, I had a call a number of times just to get my taxes mailed to me. We've been waiting since March 30th today's the 21st of April for a copy of our taxes but when I call you get a run around. I need to find somebody new
I highly recommend Michelle!!! She is amazing. She and I worked together on a project, and she was "Johnny on the Spot" with everything for the client!!
I highly recommend and trust them with my tax preparation. Very knowledgeable, professional and personal. Great service. Thank you M.C.!!
I can't thank Michelle enough for all her help...she's the best!!!! Her staff was excellent also! HIGHLY recommended !
Excellent Excellent accountant. Highly 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.