*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.*
7960 Zionsville Rd
Indianapolis, Indiana 46268
As first time clients, our exper was mostly positive except : we did not receive the prepared returns until about 10 days prior to the filing date and after we emailed multiple requests (this may have been due in part to our mail being forwarded to us in Florida where we spend the winter which the J.R. Helm's office was made aware of well in advance); there was no reply to a couple of emails we sent with questions we had about the returns and the taxes we owed; and, finally, we have yet to receive confirm
I would worry myself sick about doing taxes and hoping I that I wouldn't screw something up. Then when the business that I had part ownership in was sold, it added a whole new set of forms. I was lost. I took everything to Rusty at J. R. Helms and Associates and he took care of everything. When I got the bill I thought it must be an installment. I was shocked that it was the total bill. I wished I had contacted him years ago. Now I don't worry. He's my tax guy.
If I could give negative stars I would. My taxes were not done in a timely manner though they had the paperwork well in advance. I was sent a tax voucher for the state only via email on 4/14 stating I owned $424.00. There was no supporting detail or explanation. I called Helms but was just told my taxes had not been filed. I wrote a check and rushed to the post office. A week later Helm?s contacted me via email that they were missing a 1099-R. I immediately brought a copy of the 1099-R to their office.
Excellent accommodation for those of us still trying to learn the telegraph. Service was quick and professionally done. Good job!
Excellent work on state and federal tax returns. Completed in a timely manner. Very satisfied. Thanks!
I am extremely satisfied and grateful for this CPA firm. From the beginning, they were professional and communicated clearly and efficiently. You could always get an immediate response to questions by email or phone. They prepared my parents taxes very quickly and met with them to review since they were new clients. The fee was very reasonable. Rusty and Missy were so kind and helpful when we visited the office. I am going to switch from my current CPA next year because they are so good.
Rusty?s team does a great job on our taxes and shows comparison to previous year.
Rusty Helms and his team were invaluable to me in completing my tax returns after having a series of complications occur. They were very knowledgeable and very responsive and helped me sort through everything for a positive outcome! I would highly recommend their team!
Michael is great with payroll. Marie has expertly prepared financial reports, tax submissions, and audits for over a decade. Missy and Robert are awesome too and can tell from their attitude how their office has a positive work environment. I highly recommend any aspects of JR Helms and Associates services and value their contributions to the Story Inn business!
Marie is very knowledgeable and she has been our accountant for many years.
Have been a client of Marie Boone for many years. She maintains our records from year to year. We receive a packet each year of exactly what I need to supply in paperwork as well as other specific info. Very helpful. I then drop it all off and wait for a call when finished. Easy and smooth. Always highly satisfied. They are also available throughout the year if I have any questions or concerns.
I dropped off all my necessary documents and then was notified when the tax preparation was complete. Worked well for me.
We were happy with there work just a little longer than expected. After getting everything done this years tax was great and a timely manner
Marie has been my accountant for years and she is top notch.
Great staff. Easy to work with! I own a tutoring business. We had so many expenses since 2017. Helping me get current, and filing taxes for the first time on the business and getting me a return! I appreciate Marie, Michael, Robert, and Missy for putting countless hours into my projects for me. Looks like, I have found my CPA firm! Thanks again!
We have been availing the services of J.R. Helms & Associates since 1997 to get our tax returns done promptly and properly at all times. Besides, we consult them for all our personal financial matters at all times also. We are ever so grateful for their continued help, support and guidelines over the years. As such, we would strongly recommend them to anyone who needs help with their financial and business matters. They are really GREAT. We wish them nothing but the best to continue their current EXCELLENT
I appreciated the efficiency of Missy in helping me transfer a file. She is patient and friendly. Tax return completed quickly as usual. I will continue to bring my information to Marie next year! Thanks!
Robert, Rusty and the whole team has helped me and my business in HUGE ways. Whether it?s a question or a decision I need help making I know to book a call - if you are looking for tax help, I would suggest to stop reading my review and call them?.today
J.R. Helms & Associates, P.C., has done an excellent job of handling our personal tax matters for more than a decade.
We have worked with J.R Helms & Associates for a number of years. We find them to be very responsive and detail oriented in every respect. They are thorough and work to the best of their abilities to make sure their clients get the best results possible. We would highly recommend their company.
Poor communication and customer service. "Working with them" was a waste of time. I called them after I hadn't heard from them in 2 weeks. They did not return my follow up phone call. When I called again, they told me I had missing information but for whatever reason did not follow up to inform me of that. This was my first experience working with an accountant to help me file my self employment taxes. I'm new to owning a business so I relied on them to guide me through my taxes. But in my experience, they
I have used Rusty and J.R. Helms and Associates for probably close to 30 years?? Rusty has always been thorough, knowledgeable, and a great guy to work with. I highly recommend him and his company. Thanks for the years of great service, Rusty!
Working with Pete Haslett has ALWAYS been a pleasure. He is thoughtful, responsive, and very professional...and we trust his judgment with both tax issues and other financial considerations. Well done, Pete!
J.R. Helms & Associates has been doing our tax return for several years now. The guidance and expertise does not stop there. Rusty's regular emails regarding tax updates/advice, the CARES Act, etc are very informative. Because of information shared and explained in a way that is easy to understand, my husband and I were able to re-apply for our health insurance and now qualify for PTC which is saving us a good chunk of money every month. Thanks!!
We have been with J.R. Helms and Associates since 1999. Rusty and now Robert have helped guide us through the founding, operation and sale of one business over 17 years and now guide and assist us in a business that came out of that. They continue to offer sound, consistent advice that help keep us pointed in a positive direction. The Helms cost/value position has always been spot on!
They streamline the process with easy to follow instructions and turn around time is short, with a complete and high quality product. I am certain that they saved us more money in taxes than the cost of the service. The periodic emails that are sent out are actually quite useful for keeping on top of relevant tax news and important reminders as well as raising awareness of more general financial issues of our day.
We have used J.R. Helms & Associates for years. They are always ready to answer tough questions and are constantly updating information to better serve their clients. I have recommended them many times and all who have used their services feel the same.
Excellent service across the board. Always available to answer questions and point us in the right direction. Would highly recommend them for all tax and accounting needs.
Their knowledge of the current tax season is extraordinary. Beyond that their email updates about upcoming changes and tips on tax strategy are very valuable. I feel less stressed due to their efforts to educate me through their communications.
J.R. Helms and Associates have done my taxes for many years. Always appreciate their professionalism and understanding!! Best place ever to have your taxes done.
We have had an excellent experience with Helms & Associates for the past 2 years. They took over from our accountant of 30+ years and done an excellent job. Thank you!
J.R. Helms & Associates have handled my tax work for years. I have always been extremely pleased with their attention to detail when assisting me in my tax prep and filing needs. Their prices are fair and are over all a pleasure to work with.
Rusty, Robert and the rest of the team are amazing. I am always giving them curveballs, and last minute issues, and they have always done an amazing job. They are very responsive, and very detailed focused. Highly recommend
My desktop computer drop the e-mail portion and I could not print the documents that were sent to me. I called and requested the print out and I received the information in the mail. I really appreciated this extra assistance in getting my taxes completed. I didn't receive the package and called to verify if it had gone out. I was informed that I would be receiving it shortly and I did. Thanks again for another year of figuring my taxes.
Have utilized Rusty's tax services for years - have never been disappointed. I love the ability to upload everything electronically.
Absolutely great service and value. If you're a real estate agent, I would highly recommend them! Looking forward to the future and peace of mind of having my taxes done correctly!
My wife and I were really worried when the IRS determined that we should give them about $20,000. In all fairness, our accounting was sub-par, but Rusty somehow untangled the mess and represented our side of the equation in a very fair and sensible way. We're just regular people, but they never failed to treat us like we were important to them. We will never go anywhere else and we will go there from now on for all of our accounting and tax needs.
We've used Helms & Associates for many years to prepare our business as well as personal returns. I recommend them highly and recommend them to anyone who wants a top notch boutique CPA group.
Always very helpful to answer questions.
I have use them for years, They are alway professional, do everything in a timely manor and never had any issues. I always feel they take the extra steps to make sure their work is always right.
Fast and professional tax service! Thank you!
I love Helms CPA, they are experts in their field. We have worked with other CPA's in the past but since we have moved to J.R. Helms we are here to stay. I would highly recommend them for your financial and accounting services!
J.R. Helms & Associates are efficient, thorough, helpful, they answers our questions quickly, their organization and helps us to be organized and be focused on what is important to accomplish our tax goals.
Thank you J.R. Helms & Associates for your professional and thorough service! Your customer service was both patient and kind, which was important to me. Best Regards Garden Of Life Enrichment Center
I have used J.R. Helms & Associates, P.C. for more than 30 years and have not been let down or disappointed yet. They are the best, and that's why I'm not going anywhere.
We are very happy with the service they have provided for us. Working with Pete has been a pleasure. We recommend them.
I?m always able to schedule a time with Rusty to speak with him over the phone or in person. I appreciate his honesty and trust. Highly recommend!!!
This accounting firm is great!! As a small business entity, I would highly recommend it. I get great personal attention and know the staff on a first name basis.
JR and Robert are professional, and explain taxes in a way a layman can understand it. Their advice has helped me personally and professionally. I highly recommend their service!
Great experience! Fast and courteous service! Marie Boone is always there for our tax preparation needs?
I trust Rusty not just with my taxes, but to give me sound financial advice.
I have been a customer for over 10 years. Great firm with premier services! Thanks for your commitment to excellence.
Rusty and his team have been easy to reach and are always willing to take the time to discuss business and personal financial options. I would highly recommend.
My family and I transitioned this year to this firm and have not regretted it. Professional staff, responsive, and efficient. We appreciate their help.
They are friendly, sincere, and professional. We highly recommend them.
I've used them for years. They do great work!
Good people. I have worked with this team for a number of years, for both personal and professional work, and have been extremely satisfied. Five stars!
I hate everything to do with accounting except this group! I love this group! They tell me what to do and I do it..They are empathetic as well as pro active. So glad they love their jobs!
We?ve been working with Rusty and Rob for a long time and they do a great job!
Rusty and his team and fast, knowledgeable and helpful in a confusing industry. Highly recommend.
Very helpful with answering trust questions and completing our taxes.
Extremely professional and quick! I would recommend to family and friends! ??
Thanks for what you do. We appreciate your expertise and attention to details.
Great job filing taxes on time. Was very responsive with any questions that I had.
Rusty and the team are always knowledgeable and responsive! It's a pleasure to work with the professional and friendly staff!
I?ve been with Helms & Associates for decades always a wonderful experience
They were quick and very professional!
Long time customer. Always well taken care of. Have utmost confidence.
Good communication. Efficient and professional.
Terrific helpful and professional tax service!
Very fast, friendly, accurate & professional accounting services!! Always there to answer questions that I have.
Taxes prepared quickly and carefully to get the best refund possible.
Very helpful and organized. Responded quickly to any question.
Thanks for quick service and a job well done.
Very helpful and accommodating to whatever is needed.
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.