*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.*
7851 University Ave Ste 208
La Mesa, California 91942
This was my second year filing a return with Lacy. I had two returns to file this month, and they were both more complicated than usual. Lacy was always available to answer questions and very good about making sure that all of the documents were included and correctly completed. I like her staff too?very pleasant and helpful. Everything was done online and by phone, by the way. I don?t live in San Diego. I recommend her without reservation.
This was our second year working with Lacy and her team, and we couldn?t be happier. The app they use made it easy to communicate and to upload tax documents. Taxes were done, reviewed by us, and filed well ahead of the deadline. Very professional and efficient service.
We've been clients of Lacy's for years and I could not be more pleased with her and her team. The online process is seamless with uploading documents, reviewing elections. Any questions I had were quickly answered. We highly recommend Lacy for all your tax needs.
Italiano Tax Solutions has always provided us with terrific guidance, easy accessibility to their expertise, and prompt service. Lacy and Kele (and their staff) know all the ins-and-outs of how to complete our tax returns in ways that benefit us to the maximum IRS standards. We look forward to years of working together and the relief they offer by taking such good care of our financial needs.
My tax returns were completed and filed with the IRS and the State of California in a very professional and expeditious manner. Lacy Italiano Tax Solutions representatives answered all of my questions and kept me fully informed every step of the way. Thank you for a job well done!
I have worked with Italiano Tax Solutions (ITS) for 3 years now, with some pretty complicated tax returns, and they have consistently gone above and beyond to ensure my taxes were completed accurately and efficiently. Their on-line tax portal makes filing taxes very easy and the turn around is very fast. I highly recommend ITS for anyone, at any income/difficulty level.
I have needed Lacy's help with some rather complex tax related problems over the past 4 years. She has been a rockstar in helping me resolve those issues. I highly recommend her for your tax needs. Thank you again Lacy
Excellent customer care; quick replies to questions. My only quibble is that they use their in-house tax planner questionnaire AND TaxDome questionnaire: it seems redundant to have to answer the same questions twice and upload the same document twice (once to their in-house program and again in TaxDome. This is more of an annoyance; it does not detract my favorable opinion of this company.
Each year Lacy and her team go above and beyond . She is exceptionally talented and very knowledgeable. She cares about her clients and it shows. Thank you Lacy for all your work.
I?ve used Italiano Tax Solutions for many years now. Lacy and staff are professional, thorough, responsive AND accurate. And very friendly! Their portal makes it easy to upload documents, chat with the staff, and maintain copies of important tax documents. I?ve used other services in the past, and Italiano is by far superior. I?m happy to have them on my side during tax season.
All OK. Lacy gave a. few deadlines she needed and we tried to meet them. All documents sent. We only went in to pick up returns. No problems so far. Lacy has done our returns for a few years now. All OK, no complaints. This paragraph is from 2024. Same applies to 2025. Lacy and/or assistants always reply in timely manner. Also Lacy was helpful spotting instances where we had missed sending documents or if the doc was not readable. I'm sure we'll be back next year.
Truly a professional tax preparing organization with helpful advice and counsel. I would and have recommended Italiano Tax Solutions Inc. to my closest associates.
This tax year was the simplest so far. Customer service greatly improved. Questions were answered quickly and in a helpful and professional manner. Kele Siva was a great help!!
Wish there was more than 5 stars to give! Lacy and her staff have done our taxes for years, even after moving out of California. Always outstanding professional accurate service, and she and her staff are so kind and great to work with!
I moved with Italiano Tax Solutions, Inc when my prior tax office of many years in La Mesa shut down. I was happy with Lacy's work at the "old" office when she took over my files when my tax preparer retired and I was more than happy to stay with she and her team when the other office closed. They take the time to explain processes when needed - like when I got solar panels. I trust them with doing my taxes. Great job as always!!
Lacy has taken care of my returns for over a decade. She has always given me sound advice and done an excellent job. I completely trust her and would recommend her services without reservation.
Definitely 5 star. The expertise and quality of service over the years has kept me coming back. Thank you, Lacy and team for th egreat work.
Lacy is the best tax person I?ve had in 40 years, her professionalism is among the best you can find.
Italiano tax services is absolutely the best. I got all my questions answered and it was seamless. Lacy went above and beyond to help me. ????
I feel very fortunate to have my business and personal taxes in Lacy's hands. She answers so promptly and what she says she will do, she does. The online platform is easy to navigate, so we are more organized. After a very disappointing (and expensive) experience with a prior provider, working with her has restored my faith and confidence that it'll be done right the first time. Very satisfied!
ITS is always professional and uses technology to enhance their great tax services. ?? The tax filing process is made quick and easy! They are professional and timely. Thank you. - Liz
I have been using Italiano's for 5 yrs. Always nice, answers questions and gets taxes done in a timely manner. Definitely recommended.
We appreciate their professionalism, commitment to follow through with promised time-line and friendly office atmosphere. Thank you Lacy & Italiano staff.
I like using Tax Done and email for uploading and receiving communications. My taxes were completed quickly.
Lacy really worked with us on a few specific issues to help us get prepared for our return. She was super knowledgeable of the tax laws. Definitely worth the expense to know everything was filed correctly.
Italiano Tax Services came as a referral and we couldn't be happier with them. Fast, efficient and super easy to work with and process. Appreciate all they did for us this year as we had some things we didn't understand and they helped us file with ease. Thank You!!!
Lacy has done mine and my business taxes for years. She does an amazing job and is very concise with details. She has saved me thousands throughout the years. Whenever I have a question she has always been quick to answer and has always been very professional. I highly recommend her services to anyone.
We have been using Italiano tax preparation services for approximately 10 years and always appreciated their prompt, thorough and high quality work. Highly recommended.
5 star expertise. Efficient, trustworthy, expert at quickbooks. Lacy cleaned up 8 months of bad bookkeeping in 2 hours. She showed me what she was doing and helped me understand what I can do to make my small business accounting work right. I really was so impressed and happy to have been referred to her by my tax preparer. Thank you Lacy. I will certainly send colleagues and family to you.
Lacy and her team are responsive, professional, and knowledgeable. Am grateful they are on our team for business and personal tax needs. Thank you!
Lacy has been doing my taxes since I moved back to San Diego. She quickly and professionally answer my tax questions year round. She knows the tax laws and will get you back what you have coming.
This 2018 tax filing year was my first with Lacy......and I'm SO glad my long-time tax preparer found her for me (after he began cutting back on his client load). Lacy really is totally virtual / digital, as we did my entire return electronically via her secured portal for uploading all my tax documents. Although she gladly offered to see me in person, this wasn't necessary and we did all our business via her web infrastructure. REALLY recommend her. 2023 UPDATE: Lacy and her associate Kelly REALLY cam
Another year of making tax season a breeze-thank you Italiano Tax Solutions!
I count on Italiano Tax Services every year to do what they can to save me Fromm paying too much in taxes. I trust them completely.
Kathryn did our taxes this year for the first time and we got a fantastic refund. She got us all the deductions and she knows her stuff. Professional Work. D & A.
Excellent, super-timely service! Highly recommended.
They are very accommodating to their paper clients.
Fast, efficient, ethical and knowledgeable. Thanks!!
Outstanding service and Great personnel !
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.