JL Wennes Certified Public Accountants

JL Wennes Certified Public Accountants

Reviews Summary

The consensus is overwhelmingly positive, with most reviewers praising the team's professionalism, expertise, and responsiveness. Many highlight excellent communication, fair pricing, and a stress-free experience for both personal and business tax needs. A few mention minor delays in callbacks, but the majority emphasize trust, reliability, and a welcoming office environment. Highly recommended by long-term clients.

About This Listing

Bookkeeping
Business Consulting
Tax Preparation
Tax Planning
Entity Structuring
Financial Advisory
Estate and Trust Tax
Small Businesses
Non-profits
QuickBooks
Internal Controls
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

Bookkeeping
Business Consulting
Tax Preparation
Tax Planning
Entity Structuring
Financial Advisory
Estate and Trust Tax
Small Businesses
Non-profits
QuickBooks
Internal Controls
Years of Practice
CPA License
In-person Support

Contact Information

Address

5855 Avenida Encinas Suite 146

Carlsbad, California 92008

Hours

Sunday Closed
Monday 8:30AM-5PM
Tuesday 8:30AM-5PM
Wednesday 8:30AM-5PM
Thursday 8:30AM-5PM
Friday 8:30AM-5PM
Saturday Closed

Customer Reviews

The team at this office is prompt and professional. They responded quickly to chats, made the filing process clear and straightforward. Easy parking for any required in office visits.

Janet has been doing our personal and business tax preparations for the past 5 years. Her work has always been outstanding!!! Janets work is that of a true expert in dealing with our personal and business tax issues. It's a pleasure having her and her company prepare our tax returns for us. Her entire office staff are all very professional and always friendly. We will continue using Janets tax services as long as she is in business. An awesome tax and CPA company. I would give this company 10 star rating if

Janet, Karisa and the whole team at JL Wennes are amazing. Always quick to respond and so helpful with any questions that come up, both during and outside of tax season. I recommend them to other small business owners at every chance I get! Janet has done my personal and business taxes for the past few years, and she always knows which questions to ask. She makes the process straightforward, and so much less stressful. Thank you for being such an amazing resource in North County!

We own a small business and have recently switched to JL Wennes for payroll, accounting, bookkeeping, taxes, the works! We have been very happy with the professionalism and organization, and most importantly, the excellent level of communication from everyone in the office. I speak most often with Christine for payroll and bookkeeping services and feel very secure and confident that things are handled well each time. I recommend JL Wennes to all in need of accounting services!

The entire team at JL Wennes is fantastic to work with. Their communication and professionalism is always above and beyond, and they have always been available to answer any questions at very short notice. I've been going to this team for a few years and they have been tremendously helpful in navigating our interesting tax situation with my family. I would absolutely recommend the team and they've got my full trust.

Everyone at JL Wennes is wonderful. The office staff is professional and knowledgeable. Karissa answers all the emails and calls I make to the office promptly and with great information or answers. Janet guides me through all the tax questions I have and always provides me with the right direction to follow regarding my business or personal information.

I found Janet and her team several years ago, after many frustrating experiences of poor communication and mistakes made with previous accountants. Janet changed all that with our first meeting, and I have been referring people to her ever since. Janet and her team are easy to work with, professional, and make the process easy, and for bonus points, enjoyable! Janet handles our personal and my business tax preparation. Payroll for my business is handled in house, and I have worked with Margit when I needed

As a small business owner- my biggest challenge is managing payroll and my books. The staff at JL Wennes helped make everything so easy. Also their services are very affordable considering the expertise, experience and personal touch. Anything related to accounting and taxes make my head spin, but the staff at JLW really help relieve any stress. HIGHLY RECOMMEND!

We LOVE the JL Wennes team! They are super responsive. Very good at what they do and Janet is AMAZING! She's always very helpful. Highly recommend!

Ms. Wennes and her colleagues are the best! They are professional, knowledgeable, helpful, gracious, and exactly what I want in a CPA firm. I visited for tax advice and will be sticking with this group for ongoing financial consulting. I found Ms. Wennes to be a wealth of valuable insight regarding tax strategies. The office is convenient, spacious, modern, and beautifully decorated. For the first time, I look forward to talking about finances and taxes. Highly recommend!

Had an excellent experience filing taxes with Hayley at Littleton Wennes CPAs! Hayley handled both my sister and my taxes, saw us in joint appointments, and was readily available via email for any questions. Hayley even met with me before filing to explain the process to me and let me know what things to look out for if I were to file myself. Plus, it's always great supporting a woman-owned, woman-run business. :)

We use and love JL Wennes! Janet is the best. Her team always goes above and beyond! Recommend for all things accounting.

We absolutely love the service we get from JL Wennes. They jumped in when we lost our controller unexpectedly three years ago. They are our whole accounting department--and it's been a huge upgrade from when we handled it in-house.

I have been with this firm for a few years. I only wish that i had them when i first statred 30 years ago. I would of save lots and money on IRS stuff along with payroll. They do things right away and they are very good at what they do. I won't be going anywhere else. Abigails Medical Supplies, Inc

Janet has been my business and personal accountant for several years, she?s the best! The entire staff has always been so nice and helpful, too!

Love working with the JL Wennes CPA's team! Everyone in the office is extremely knowledgeable, responsive, and a joy to work with.

Very capable and great results. Hayley was very competent. Trustworthy business partner.

Janet and her fellow cpas do an outstanding job! Fair prices and amazing service. I would recommend them to anyone!!??

Very polite and thorough tax prep. A little difficult to get a return call.

Horrible horrible, not getting any help or direction and it was more expensive than quoted to do my taxes and they got done last minute. Never got back to me on time

Gena and staff are always wonderful to work with!

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.