J Bravo & Associates

J Bravo & Associates

About This Listing

Audit
Tax Preparation
Tax Planning
IRS Representation
Entity Structuring
Estate and Trust Tax
Small Businesses
Individual Taxpayers
Real Estate
Professional Services
Years of Practice
CPA License
In-person Support

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

Audit
Tax Preparation
Tax Planning
IRS Representation
Entity Structuring
Estate and Trust Tax
Small Businesses
Individual Taxpayers
Real Estate
Professional Services
Years of Practice
CPA License
In-person Support

Contact Information

Address

8318 University Ave

La Mesa, California 91942

Hours

Sunday Closed
Monday 8AM-4:30PM
Tuesday 8AM-4:30PM
Wednesday 8AM-4:30PM
Thursday 8AM-4:30PM
Friday 8AM-4:30PM
Saturday Closed

Customer Reviews

I Would leave more stars if I could. I used to go to another company who were very highly recommended and Javier makes them look like they were just learning. Omar, Javier and the whole office are absolutely amazing at what they do. I?m truly thankful to have found them and highly recommend them!!!

I was very happy with Fick & Associates for at least the past 20 years. Javier was thorough, efficient, personable and gave us great confidence in our tax situation. This past year something has happened to this business- calls are not returned, appointments are not available, preparers are not available and no clue from the front office about what the heck is going on and why our calls are not being returned. Sadly we had to move on and find another preparer in order to get our taxes done this year. I

UPDATE: They finally reached out to me over a month later???? they are ridiculously unprofessional. That or they have wayyyyyy too many clients to handle. Wouldn?t even consider them ever again due to lack of availability. I was 100% ready to continue with them to handle all my cpa needs based off a consultation call. Unfortunately, the person I spoke to said they would reach out to me to set up for further communication. However it has now been three weeks without any follow up. Not sure what happened but

My dad has been a client for years and was always pleased with Daryl Fick. However, the past experience was horrible. In summary, they were non-responsive with multiple unsuccessful attempts (phone, email and in person office visit) to try to contact Benjamin. Multiple attempts to contact and non-responsiveness from May 2024 to October 2024 (5 Months!) culminated in a last-minute email to review and sign tax return on 14 OCT 2024, the night before the deadline of 15 OCT 2024. We will have another accountant

I have been a client for 15 years and every year my relationship with them has becoming stronger and stronger. I trust them for their transparency and honesty. They are straight forward, professional and I know I can count on them. They are always available for consultation. They will actively resolving any issues that comes up for me and my company. Than you all Best regards Oliver

Having Fick, Bravos and Associates take over our taxes a few years ago was the best decision we could have made! The attention to detail and personal planning tailored to our needs has made a world of difference. The efficient knowledgeable associates and the smart vault to store all of our tax returns makes preparing for our appointment so stress free! We highly recommend them to anyone looking for personal or business tax services .

The team at Fick, Bravo & Associates is amazing! Prior to meeting Javier we were continuously on a payment plan with the IRS because our taxes were being filed incorrectly. With their guidance and referrals, we have established corporations for our businesses and set up trust for family members. I now bring so many of my friends and family to them and have worked with Benjamin for the last couple of years. He is so responsive and helpful with all my situations. Working in the real estate industry, I have ma

Fick, Bravo and Associates have been doing my taxes for 35 years and over the years they have saved me $$$. Jamie is a superb tax preparer that I highly recommend. If you have your own business and are not incorporated talk to Jamie. She can show you how to safeguard yourself and your business and minimize your tax burden by incorporating.

I would recommend this agency to anyone. They are very knowledgeable, professional, trustworthy and caring people. Always available to help with all your needs. The company I work for has been a customer for over 35 years for business as well as personal.

Great overall experience! I had a single w2 and a single 1099 , I was able to maximize my return with Austin's help. Very grateful! I got 3x more of a refund than I was anticipating.

Great experience so far. The whole team has been very responsive and professional. I felt like much care went into answering all my questions and ensuring I felt comfortable with my filing.

This is an amazing organization. They are extremely professional and gave us much needed tax advice and guidance. They eased our concerns and made sure that all of our tax issues were resolved and set us on a future path for improvement.

Great experience filing my taxes with Austin. Super helpful & on top of communication through the whole process. Would recommend these guys to anyone!

Very professional with a genuine commitment to all of his clients. I wouldn?t trust my business with any other accountant. Javier and his team are the best!

Wow! I just had a phone conversation with John Greenman and I'm so impressed. He's extremely knowledgeable and personable, answering all of my questions and was in no hurry to get off the phone with me. I will definitely seek him out at tax time early next year.

I?ve been with Fick and associates for over 20 years, if they weren?t fantastic, I would?ve moved on a long time ago, they care, and it shows, I would highly recommend for anyone who wants to get it done right the first time. Larry D.

I had such a great experience with Javier. He took the time to explain everything to me that I was confused about. I didn?t feel rushed like I have in the past with other tax people.

We have been very pleased with Javier and his team, as they have helped us with our personal and corporate returns. Their expertise and knowledge has been very valuable.

I could not go with anyone else. Everyone I deal with are very professional, always there if you have any questions. I have been happy with them for years and recommend them to all my friends

Been getting my Taxes done by Fick and Associates since 2001?they are the Absolute Best!!!

They do get taxes, and my taxes are coming up, so I?m going to use them again. Looking to get good write offs.

The best , over 15 years

They are simply the best. I?ve been using Daryl for 35 years .

I've been a client since 2005 and have been happy ever since. Very professional..

Absolutely Professional. These are the guys you need to do your taxes.

Many years of great service.

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.