*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.*
6500 Creedmoor Rd STE 200
Raleigh, North Carolina 27613
My experience with working with Haney, Vann, Bruton & Crawford has been nothing less than stellar and exemplary. For almost 10 years, I have relied on John Haney to provide tax and financial consulting on both business and personal levels. As a business owner, it is essential to have a tax consulting firm with expertise, integrity and excellent professional service. John and his firm clearly demonstrate all of these attributes. You can count on and trust Haney, Vann, Bruton and Crawford to go above and
I have worked with John for many years. He consistently provides quality service and advice. He is easy to get along with and has the ability to translate tax laws into non-tax language that is easily understood. Thank you for the many years of excellent service.
John and his whole team are excellent. Been working with them for several years now, and of course everything starts/revolves around taxes, but when you need someone to get good advice on financial ideas/questions, nice to know they have your back. It's definitely worth you giving them a shout!
Very professional firm that is always looking out for their clients and doing everything they can to minimize tax exposure for our business and personally. Great customer service from all staff members and they are always helpful even with the smallest question (great QuickBooks resource). As business owners we went through 3 different accountants before finding the right solution for us in Haney, Vann, Bruton & Crawford.
With more than 20 years experience in the owning a healthcare practice, I have found Haney, Vann, Bruton & Crawford, LLP to be the best accounting firm and experience. There are many tangible reasons to back this up. They are incredibly professional, yet are patient and spend the extra time to fully understand my business and my specific circumstances. They are well versed in healthcare accounting and have the highest ethics. If a new situation arises, they will research, investigate and become experts
Being a small business and having John and his team be so willing to listen and help us grow our business makes for a great partnership. If you want to be successful always have people you can trust and rely on in your corner. Thomas Cherry - TEC Graphics Inc
Excellent team, I have worked with John Haney for years first with a small business and upon its closure, continued the relationship personally. He and his team have done an excellent job for us and I highly recommend this practice.
Our company has worked with John and Pam for years and they have always given us great guidance and advice. They are great people, very helpful and easy to work with.
Responsive, good listener, and puts his client's best interest first .
Very professional, organized and great people. As enjoyable as filing taxes can be!
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.