*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.*
2040 Main St Suite 570
Irvine, California 92614
I've been working with John Stokes Financial for 7 years. He let me know that I had enough in my accounts to be able to retire. That was some of the best news I had ever gotten! I work directly with Tom Krebs. He answers all of my questions quickly and professionally. Everyone I have dealt with has been extremely prompt and helpful. The returns on investment have been excellent! I trust them implicitly to work in my best interest.
My husband and I been working with John for ten+ years and it has been one of the best decisions we've made for our financial future. From the very beginning I felt like part of the family which led to a great deal of trust in John and his team. I found them all to be very transparent, thoughtful and they always tailored their approach to our personal needs. We will be ready to retire soon and there is no way we would have been ready without John?s expert advice these past years. The team didn't just advis
My husband and I have been clients of John Stokes Financial (JSF) for over 10 years now and trust this firm with our finances due to their high integrity, professionalism and consistent track record. John?s team offer a great customer support , and John himself is always there for his clients, even when things go awry, he will be there offering his support. Highly recommend!
I recently moved my retirement funds with John Stokes Financial. By any metric, I am a small investor, however, John invited me to his office, introduced me to his staff and made me feel like a "millionaire!" His personal attention and friendly staff confirmed that my investments are in good hands. They instill confidence and are easily accessible. Thank you John Stokes...
I started working with John Stokes after a pretty surprising layoff. I found out he helps clients who are in transition, and that peaked my interest. My husband and I reached out, had an intro call, and I was sold! John and Tom (an excellent advisor in his own right!) at John Stokes Financial helped us figure out our bigger goals. They challenged us to look at our spending and save for a purpose. They created a plan for my husband to retire and gave me clarity to know what I need to bring in with the next
I met John in 2010 through the outplacement service Lee Hecht Harrison and have been with John Stokes Financials ever since. I trust his advice, referrals and overall management of my retirement funds. I believe he loves what he does and always has his clients best interests at heart. Also, he's just a nice guy and a pleasure to talk to.
We chose John Stokes to manage our investments over 15 years ago and have been very satisfied with the job he has done. John has given us an excellent pathway to transition into retirement with an approach that is working well in these confusing times. I would recommend his services.
We've been looking for a trustworthy group to guide our full financial picture. Working with an accountant and a financial planner never connected the dots for what our entire plan should look like. John?s group has walked us through not only our current plan but how we progress to hit our goals. We finally feel like we have the full knowledge of all Aspects of our financial health! So thankful for John Stomes and his team. They are trustworthy, knowledgeable, and personally invested in our financial
I have work with John Stokes Financial for over 20 years and trusting in their process has afforded me and early retirement and comfortable "after work life" income. I can't thank them enough. I highly recommend their services
John has been my financial advisor for over 20 years and I couldn't be any happier he and his employees are very professional always answers any questions or help that I need. John is very knowledgeable with my money and has done very well with it he has made me a good profit for my financial future highly recommend.
John and his team are fantastic. They are knowledgeable, collaborative, and provide exceptional support and guidance. I highly recommend John Stokes Financial.
John was introduced to me over 12 years ago at a networking meeting while I was in between jobs and frankly nervous about the future. John helped us navigate that and when we landed on the other side of the country John continued to provide financial assistance across any topic we've thrown at him. Sometimes people ask why do you have a financial advisor? Yes, maybe I could manage it myself. But I truly believe our portfolio has grown beyond what we could have done on our own. Plus, John and team not only
We have been a client of John Stokes for more than 20 years. He has been a great help in planning our retirement, so much so that we were able to retire early. We can not thank John and company enough for all that they gave done for us.
We've been working with John Stokes Financial for over a decade, and even longer with our personal agent, Rick Friend. Rick has worked financial miracles for us for two decades, providing helpful, if not essential, support and guidance that has enabled us to raise a family, maintain a home, send our kids to college, sell our home, retire, and so very much more. Rick continues to serve as our most trusted financial advisor but also in an avuncular role, offering much wisdom and instruction gleaned from a lif
I have been a client of John Stokes for over 12 years and have benefitted greatly from his knowledge and advice. Without his sage advice, I would not have been able to retire as comfortably as I did. I sleep well knowing John and his team are managing my accounts and have not hesitated to recommend him to family and friends.
I met John Stokes 13 years ago at a networking meeting trying to understand the process of rolling over my 401K from a former company and how to fund my new company's 401K. Along the way, I got married and retired. John and Tom have been an asset to my retirement years. I know as life changes, they will be there to support and guide me as needed. Thank you!
I am impressed with John Stokes Financial; my accounts are growing and the staff are amazing. Nicole, Daisy, Tom and John are all responsive to any call for assistance as well as pleasant to deal with. Concerns have been quickly resolved and I feel confident my accounts are well taken care of.
I met John Stokes in 2014. It was a giant leap of faith to put my trust and savings into someone else's hands. John was always there to guide me through the process. And over the years I think of him more as a valued friend than my financial planner. He really understood my needs and concerns. It has been a pleasure working with John and his team. I look forward to continuing this partnership. Kia Ora!
For over 20 years, John Stokes has guided my future financial dreams to reality. Always a phone call away, he is there to serve his clients. I strongly recommend giving him a call if you have questions about your financial future. Retired four years now, I couldn't be happier.
John Stokes Financial his team have been handling my retirement funds for the last several years. I feel secure knowing John is looking out dor my best interests and financial security.
John has for many years lectured on financial security to thousands of people who are in a wide variety of backgrounds and life and career situations. Some answers he shares are for questions that most people had not even considered. I've found John to be a good friend who understands and cares.
I have been a client of John Stokes Financial (JSF) for over 15+ years and trust this firm with my finances due to their high integrity, professionalism and consistent track record. Their customer support is prompt and responsive. The company holds an annual team meeting to review my performance, answer questions and periodically realigns my portfolio to the desired target allocation. They use software tools to instantly model and graphically illustrate future performance due to hypothetical changes (e.g. c
JSF has performed an outstanding job at managing my retirement account and provides excellent Financial guidance when requested. The staff is very easy to contact and a pleasure to work with. Very Satisfied Client; Paul Stewart MBA Technology
John and his team are an exceptional group. They handle the client relationship and financial goals with extreme detail. I am grateful to be part of their financial family.
"John Stokes is not just an exceptional investment advisor; he's a trusted friend in the world of finance. I have been with John over 15 years. His deep expertise and insightful guidance have been instrumental in shaping my financial journey. John takes the time to understand your goals and concerns, offering tailored advice that is both strategic and personalized. His integrity and dedication set him apart, making every interaction with him valuable and reassuring. I highly recommend John Stokes to anyone
Thank you John Stokes Financial for the care with which you manage my finances. Your continued skill is reflected with exquisite precision, and your assistance and value is more evident.
I always leave my meetings with John feeling like a weight has been lifted off my shoulders. I can't express my gratitude for everything the team has done for me.
I met John over 13 years ago and am pleased to have made the decision to trust him with my investments. I could not be in better hands.
My husband and I feel secure with the exceptional advice and work John has done for us.
I truly appreciate John?s patience and understanding when explaining financial concepts to me.
John?s transition and thrive workshop was excellent. I highly recommend checking it out.
He is very knowledgeable. His guidance gave me peace of mind.
John is extremely informative and a master at his craft.
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.