*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.*
65 Hilton Ave Suite 105
Garden City, New York 11530
Joseph is very knowledgeable, and a pleasure to work with. He explains some complicated things in an easy way that even us lay-persons can understand. There's never any difficulty getting in contact with him, and he generally makes himself available when we need him. We enjoy working with Joseph very much, he's a very easy person to work with, and we are overall very happy and pleased working with Joseph on our annual tax returns.
Joe is easy to work with and easier to get in contact with! I have been using Joe as my cpa for 3 years and he has done a phenomenal job with my taxes. Would recommend him 1000x over to anyone
I have worked with Joe Ripepe as my tax accountant for years. I always have a good experience with him, and this year was no exception. It was an especially challenging one for me, as I was dealing with several family matters in the midst of the process, but Joe was patient and understanding as always, guiding me through to the finish line. I highly recommend him.
Joe does a wonderful job in handling our taxes. He's smart, knowledgeable, personable, and truly cares about his clients. Our family is very happy with his services.
This was my first year using Joseph for my taxes and he was absolutely amazing! Everything was super simple, very easy to upload everything and not to mention super speedy. Nothing like doing your taxes from the comfort of your own home.
I had a very good experience working with Joe to file my taxes this year. He made himself available to give me advice when I needed it, and during the process he was very responsive.
You are in good hands with Joseph. I've had complicated issues with my work situation and from bad advice from previous accountants. Joseph helped me clean it all up and had no judgment and only support. Thanks Joe!
Joe is so great to work with, very responsive and got my taxes done fast and early! Highly reccomend!
If you?re looking for an accountant who truly cares about your success, look no further...Joe has been an invaluable asset to me and my business. Thank you for all that you do!
Joe is very knowledgeable, responsive and efficient - a true professional. All with a smile and reasonable cost. Highly recommend.
I've had some very bad experiences with accountants in the past, but Joe was a refreshing change. He was quick to respond, reliable, and an all-around great person to work with. I will definitely be using his services moving forward.
After struggling with my return for a couple of years, I found Joe this year to handle my return and thank God for that! Very easy, hassle free, and I finally got the return I had been expecting. I will be using Joe for all of my taxes from now on
His expertise and attention to detail made the entire process seamless and stress-free. Joe took the time to understand my financial situation and provided tailored advice that was both practical and insightful.
We used them to do our taxes, years later we got audited and owed $500. We reached out to Joe and he took a long time to get back. After getting back he said yes we owed it. Never explained or tried to help. And when I reached out about why we owe and that he did our taxes so he messed up he didn?t answer. Wouldn?t recommend using this company
Excellent service. Good communication. Highly recommended.
Swift, intelligent, gracious! 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.