*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.*
8881A Detwiler Rd
Escondido, California 92029
Kurt has been doing my taxes for 2 years now and I couldn't be more pleased. I'm self employed, so I've never trusted myself to do my own taxes, and have been paying someone else to do them for me for quite some time. Once Kurt started doing our taxes we consistently have gotten a good return, he's not over priced, and this last time he got ours done and filed in one day! He also offers referral incentives, etc. I highly recommend him to everyone, no matter their financial situation!
Kurt has been doing my taxes for three years and has always given me a great return. Before Kurt did my taxes I would use Turbo Tax, which cost me more and got me less of a return. Kurt always takes time and asks the right questions to be sure that I got the best return possible. Even when I went out of state to work or go to school he knew what deductions, credits, and exemptions I qualified for. Kurt is honest and professional and makes you feel like a priority.
Kurt was great to work with and walked me through the process as it was my first time not doing taxes myself. He was able to save me at least 16% on deductibles and write offs that I wouldn't have seen otherwise. I also received a letter from the IRS for an issue of selling some stock 2 years ago and he took the time to look into that and helped me resolve the issue. His work was done efficiently, quickly, and professionally. I would recommend him to any of my friends.
I could not ask for a more prompt, honest, and effective tax preparer. Kurt really knows his stuff and is very helpful. He has been doing my taxes for the past 3 years while I have been in college and I have received always received a great return. I enthusiastically recommend Kurt to anyone seeking to get the best tax return they can. Thanks, Kurt!
I had always had my dad do my taxes, but once I was on my own, I thought I should come up with a better solution. Kurt is that better solution. Just like with my dad, I only have to think about getting Kurt my documents and then I know I can trust him to take it from there. He is very quick, thorough, and has consistently helped me to get a good return. I definitely recommend him.
My husband and I recently used Kurt to prepare our 2013 California and Federal taxes. We had purchased a home and had a few complicated tax related intricacies, so this was the first year we hired someone to prepare our taxes. I sent Kurt all of our financial information, as requested. Once our return was prepared, we noticed an error in one form and an entire form omitted- a $1500 oversight on Kurt's behalf. We made the issue known and he added the missing form, but corrected the other issue incorrectly. A
Kurt is fast, friendly, knowledgeable, responsive, and more than reasonable when it comes to charging for services. I've been overpaying H&R block agents for years to do nothing more than enter basic information into their system. Because of Kurt's expertise, my return last year was thousands of dollars more than I was expecting!
Several year ago we had a tricky tax issue and no idea how to handle it. I found Mr. Israelsen on Google but at the time there wasn?t a great deal of feedback regarding his services. We made an appointment to meet with him at his home, which is tucked away on some small back roads off Del Dios Highway in Escondido. I nagged my husband a handful of times in a short five minutes insisting we couldn?t possibly be in the right place. If you think you need to turn around and go back you probably have arrived at
I was very pleased with the service given by Kurt Israelsen Accounting. He prepared my personal taxes within a day (not during tax season) and handled the state paperwork for three different states like a champ! I very much appreciated the quick email responses and the fact that Kurt made himself available to take my phone calls and answer my questions.
I started a new business in 2012 and didn't now how best to file my taxes. I was afraid I was going to owe a bunch of money, and that was the last thing I needed. I turned all my accounting info over to Kurt and he ROCKED it! Not only did I not have to owe (because I qualified for way more deductions than I realized), I even got $33 back. haha Such good results and the relief of not having to stress over my own taxes is well worth his already affordable fees. I'm hooked...Kurt's my man for my taxes from now
Kurt is very knowledgeable and quick. It's well worth the price. I know for certain that I am getting the maximum refund possible and in a timely manner. He is readily available if you have any questions, and always helps out with a smile. I would highly recommend him.
Phenomenal. Very polite and honest. He finds ways to save and helps you out on any questions you may have. As a military personnel, taxes can be difficult.he made it smooth and painless. Definitely recommend Kurt! Wished I had found him sooner.
Kurt is a great accountant who has helped me for multiple years now. Friendly, reliable and professional. Highly recommended!
I have been using Kurt Israelsen Accounting's services for like 3 years now I think and I'm very satisfied, great service, easy to talk to, very helpful. I recommend.
Outstanding service, and good cookies too. ??
(Translated by Google) Kurt is a very friendly tax preparer, apart from the fact that he is bilingual, he helps you receive the maximum that corresponds to you. Their prices are very economical. I highly recommend it. In the past I have had bad experiences. I recommended my brother, my sister, my parents and my cousins. Don't miss this experience. Call immediately you won't regret it. (Original) Kurt, es un preparador de taxes muy amable, aparte de que es bilingue te ayuda ha recivir lo maximo que te corre
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.