*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.*
105 E Gregory St
Pensacola, Florida 32502
I recently changed CPA firms to someone closer to home, and I am sure glad I did. My CPA, Chris Taylor has been great. I have found him to be extremely competent; very knowledgeable about the complex intricacies of the IRS tax code. He has helped me to ensure I am prepared for taxes and know what to expect to pay prior to the sale of any investment properties I have. His help and guidance has really assisted me immeasurably. If you use these guys you won't regret it.....they are awesome.
John is incredibly friendly, professional and knowledgeable on both tax law/prep and investment strategy. He was extremely generous with his time and went out of his way to get to know me and my situation and goals. I would recommend John and his firm to anyone.
Best experience with an accountant I've ever had. Chris reviewed my reports with me and explained what I needed to do. He really put me at ease, and I feel so much better after visiting their office. If you are stressed about your business taxes and are putting it off, make an appointment and stop worrying. Very professional, extremely knowledgeable, and kind to top it off.
Chris and John were fantastic!!! They were exceptional when it come to tax services. Their communication and commitment to their diligent work helped me get my return back quickly. I highly recommend Chris and John to anyone seeking reliable and knowledgeable tax and financial advising.
Firstly, I want to commend Katie for being amazing! Although I didn't use their services today because I walked into the office to inquire about paperwork assistance and there wasn't anyone available, she graciously pointed me in the right direction. I will definitely be bringing my cpa needs to them.
John was able to quickly and efficiently help me with my taxes! I am so grateful for this firm as I am a newly self-employed artist and needed help navigating the new territory. Couldn?t have asked for better help.
John has been doing our financials for three years and he has done a fantastic job. Chris does an incredible job and they answer all of our questions and are a pleasure to work with. I would highly recommend them!
Debbie Taylor is fantastic! I?ve been using her for years. She?s extremely professional, smart, and is completely thorough with all my tax needs. Thank you so much!
John, Chris and Morgan give timely, quality, professional and personalized service. They stay up to date with current tax laws to provide you with the best tax savings. They personally answer all your tax questions and will work with you online, over the phone or through in person appointments. No concern is too big or too small. I have worked with several firms in the past and I have never been so satisfied that I have been provided with the best possible tax/accounting advice. I highly recommend this fir
John is Excellent! I recently switched from an large accounting firm to John. He and his staff were much more knowledgeable, professional, and proactive. Highly Recommend! Robert - Louisiana
John is a good businessman and a good person. Years back we took a break from using him (over minor grievances) for our tax filings and instead used a large, local firm. It cost a fortune on top of being a a very dismal experience so we went back to John humbled and grateful for his expertise. John has always been there in my highs and lows to help navigate me through corporate/personal tax filings, new start-ups, audits, etc. He's helped me when I needed it and always treated me with sincere respect.
John has been taking care of my taxes for not only my personal finances but my business as well for the last 3 years! He is hands down the best in the business!! If you own your own business, he is YOUR GUY!!
John is very knowledgably and helpful! He took the time to answer all my questions about my business and helped us make decisions to save money on taxes. Morgan was also very helpful in communicating info and helping with the process. Thank you!
I met John Pharr in 2015 and was sold after our 30min consult. Great owner and team to handle our financials. In the 5 years of working together they have always been in our corner ensuring money flow is good and annual taxes are done promptly! They handle payroll, quarterly reviews, semi/annual reviews, and know their craft well when it comes to saving you money. I would rather give my hard earned dollars to Pharr CPA than the IRS. Thank you Pharr COA TEAM!
Best CPA around! John has been a great help with all of my tax prep. Highly recommend letting him help with all your financial endeavors.
John Pharr consistently goes above and beyond what you expect from a CPA. He is knowledgable of the laws and offers suggestions to help improve your financial strength. John's team are always professional and courteous. Highly recommend calling John Pharr and using his services.
John has prepared my corporate taxes for over 10 years now. He really pays attention to the details and gets my returns processed fast and accurately. It's nice to know that John is always looking out for me and my businesses!
Chris was very nice, straightforward and helpful in guiding us to set up the financial side of our new business. We will definitely be returning to him for taxes and advice in the future.
John, and his staff, have been incredible. They are always available to answer questions and educate me along the way. I am thankful the opportunity to work with him and know you won't be disappointed if you will.
I have used John for my tax preparations for a few years now. Wished I would have found him earlier. Hands down best financial advisor as well as CPA. Highly recommend
John is very knowledgeable and goes above and beyond to help. He has helped our family on countless occasions, I would highly recommend setting up a meeting with him.
Saw John with questions on Tax implications with estate planning and real-estate sales. John was knowledgeable and got the point quickly and efficiently.
This guy is all business all the time. He is extremely professional plus informative which makes John very easy to work with. He has helped me tremendously over the years... thanks for everything!
John has been my CPA for the past 15 years and has been the most helpful cpa with our taxes and also starting our other business. I would recommend him over and over !
John Pharr and staff are exceptional! John is very knowledgeable and has made our process very easy and comfortable. Highly recommend.
John and his staff are great. They are easy to work with and went above and beyond to accommodate my needs. I will be using them again in the future and will highly recommend them to anyone.
I have been using John Pharr for my CPA needs for a number of years now. He is very thorough and detail-oriented. I highly recomend him.
Excellent JOB! John and associates have done my tax work for years. Always Professional, Knowledgeable, and Reasonable. What more could you ask for. FIVE STARS.
Chris has prepared our taxes for years now. He is professional and does a wonderful job. Highly recommend!
It's nice to find someone who will speak honestly and candid about your money. John took time to explain things in a way I could understand. 5 stars for sure.
John is very conscientious and knowledgeable about his work. Does an excellent job. I highly recommend him!
I work with Chris Taylor at John Pharr CPA He is very knowledgeable and has helped me move from a sole-proprietor to an LLC He makes it simple to understand and saved me lots of money
Coming from a client, John does my taxes every year with great professionalism and has very informative communication.
Chris Taylor was awesome. Knowledgeable, polite, and gave great advice based on my individual needs.
I recently met with John for a business consultation. Incredibly friendly and receptive. Would recommend.
John and team are attentive, detail oriented, and customer focused. I highly recommend.
John Pharr has been outstanding year after year. Would highly recommend him.
Johns's Staff was great to work with. Always helpful and always fast response.
Excellent customer service and the fastest turnaround. Couldn?t ask for a better firm to work with.
Didn't have alot of lead time on my taxes (which are pretty complex) but they got it done in time!
John Pharr, CPA is very friendly and professional. I would recommend him to everyone.
Very experienced! I?m very pleased with his assistance! Thank you so much!
Everyone in the office was so kind and helpful. They helped me get back on my feet and I couldn't be more thankful.
Mr. Pharr did a great job for me. I will be back!
Great CPA! Helps me with all things payroll, books, and tax return for my company!
Very detailed and friendly service.
Will exceed expectations!!! Wonderful person!!
Outstanding communication, great availability
Good guy and good 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.
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.