*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.*
2030 Main St # 1300
Irvine, California 92614
I've had nothing but positive experiences with Michael and Landmark Tax Group. Every encounter has been professional, reassuring, and incredibly helpful. His website is a goldmine of information?with detailed articles, documents, and videos that gave me a clear understanding of the steps needed even before our initial call. I'm assisting someone with a complex tax issue as their advocate, and Michael?s expertise and thorough guidance made all the difference. He provided exactly the advice we needed and expl
Michael is great! I have talked to a few of the tax relief companies before him. Most of them asked for sky-high prices! He is the only one who told me that I don't need to hire a company. My case can be done by myself. I really appreciate his honesty and not taking advantage of the difficulties in my life. He is also very knowledgeable and helpful in the strategy section. He gave me step-by-step instructions. I feel pretty good after talking to him. If you are still searching for one, don't hesitate to re
I highly recommend Michael Raanan and the Landmark Tax Group. I needed help with IRS issues and scheduled a 1 to 1 session with Michael on short notice. I was promptly contacted by his team to set an an appointment. During the session he listened to my concerns and patiently explained options that put me very much at ease and plan of action for forward progress. I'm very grateful for his help and would not hesitate to call him in the future.
I have been following Michael's newsletters and videos for years. When I really needed him he stepped up and provided guidance for a very minimal cost compared to the other guys. He confirms my frustrations with the tax system and guides me through the steps to get the best resolution. I would highly recommend him for any tax questions or situations you might find yourself in. Just knowing there is someone that is genuinely on your side does a lot to ease the stress and anxiety that the IRS or any tax autho
Absolutely clear, concise and insightful information detailing the plan of action to deliver a resolution. Michael helped me understand how the IRS works and the processes they utilize and how to effectively bring my situation to a resolution. I highly recommend Michael and the Landmark Tax Group. Thank you Michael!
I set up a 1-hour IRS Strategy Session on short notice and Michael came prepared and had already looked over the documentation I sent over. He was very knowledgeable and gave me advice that not only gave me emotional relief but saved me thousands of dollars. He understands not only the rules but the way the IRS works that is not widely known. This was a worthwhile call. he also has videos that I think it a great way to help people at an assessable price.
Michael & Landmark Tax Group were by my side at a very challenging situation with a tax issue with the IRS. They are extremely knowledgeable & my most trusted advisors for life. I am forever greatful for his services and feel very fortunate to have been able to find him! Thank you so much Michael!
I needed help with IRS issues and Michael Raanan responded to my inquiry immediately. Michael is very knowledgeable and patient. He guided me through the steps in helping me to hopefully reach a favorable resolution. If you need help with IRS tax issues, call Michael Raanan. There's no one better. Thank you Michael. You are appreciated very much.
Michael Raanan was so helpful and very knowledgeable. He left me with a plan of action and helped give me peace of mind over my taxes going forward.
There is a good reason why Michael has a 5 star rating-it's because he's as knowledgeable and helpful as his previous reviews attest to. He took the time to explain and answer all of my questions, even going way over our allotted time to make sure I was comfortable before hanging up. He's fantastic and I highly recommend him.
I contacted Michael Ranaan, as he came highly recommended by a local tax attorney, who felt that Mr. Ranaan had the necessary expertise to help me. I emailed Mr. Ranaan regarding my situation. He promptly contacted me and took the time to understand my situation and to explain the tax laws to me. He was so patient and kind, repeating himself several times, as I was feeling highly emotional and anxious. He put all of my worries to rest and assured me that my concerns were unfounded. I was so grateful for his
I've been working with Michael for a coupe of years. I am always happy with the service I get. He is very knowledgeable and gives practical advice at a fair price. I highly recommend him.
Micheal and his Landmark Tax Group has been absolutely fantastic through this process so far. We contacted him on 12/06/21, and within a couple days he had a complete outline of what we needed to do to navigate our pressing and complicated IRS issues. He has helped lift and thousand pound weight off of our shoulders. I am so incredibly grateful that he was recommended to us! Thank you Micheal!
Michael; Thank you my friend. Simply put: Honesty, Integrity, Caring, Knowledgable, Up to Date. All equals Michael and Landmark Tax Group. You save a lot of frustration & anxiety from trusting tax firms who cost a fortune and do nothing! Truly, you are a friend - indeed!
Michael was always fast to respond and worked diligently to close our case quickly. He was able to get us a payment settlement we could afford at only 23% if the overall amount due. I've dealt with a fraudulent company in the past. Michael was a breath of fresh air and put my mind to ease quickly. It was worth every penny. Oh! He managed to resolve everything in 3 months from start to finish. He doesn't drag it out like some places.
Michael and his team are top notch! They know the IRS in and out! Michael took the time to go over every detail and explain how we could get this monkey off our backs. We are very grateful to Landmark Tax Group!! Thank you Michael!
Michael's professionalism and breadth of information were on full display. If you have back taxes, Michael is a useful way to gain direction and separate avenues that are not really available to you. all the insider knowledge you get is definitely worth it.
Michael was fantastic! He understood my case very quickly, got right to work and was super prompt with communications. His professionalism and his friendly demeanor immediately put me at ease. I whole heartedly recommend contacting them if you're in need of advice and assistance.
I have absolutely no idea how he has such great reviews. Continued taking our money during Covid even though the IRS was shut down. I understand he had to survive during those times too but would have hoped he would have pro-rated us when the IRS did open up again. We had to stop paying during Covid because we were also not making an income and barely getting by during the shutdown. After paying him thousands and thousands and thousands of dollars, we were dropped when we could no longer pay. Nothing was ev
I was very impressed with Michael at Landmark Tax Group. He provided his time, knowledge and a clear plan-of-action for dealing with some tax issues in a professional manner and at incredibly quick turnaround time. Thank you so much. I highly recommend this company.
UPDATE: as stated before I was not a candidate for 'pennies on the dollar' basically because I own a home. Michael gave me information and confidence to deal with IRS and my long standing debt. He informed me that I had CSED for several years and that I should continue install payments and keep current filings. I knew the dates of the 10 year statute of limitations and guided my install payments appropriately. Well, one by one they dropped those debts and with paying off a few key years I was able to releas
I have had a very positive experience with Michael Raanan and Landmark Tax Group. Michael is very knowledgeable and guided me through some very difficult times. My cases with both the IRS and the FTB were both concluded with Installment Payment plans that are far better for me than I ever could have hoped. I can recommend Landmark and Michael without reservation.
I had a great experience with Landmark Tax group. They answered all my questions, contacted the IRS on my behalf to assess my case, and gave me great advice on how to move forward. I also liked that they did not push to get a contract for full representation, but rather told me to just contact them for coaching when needed, which was a much less costly way to help me. I highly recommend them to anyone with Tax issues.
I was very impressed in Michael's amazing knowledge and his willingness to step up and look at our case. He made himself available to speak whenever I had any questions. Nice to know there are people out there not just looking to make money but looking to make sure you are a person first and foremost.
This was my first experience with a tax consultant and I found not only the receptionist who answered the phone to be very polite and understanding of my situation, but the same is to be said of Michael. There was some confusion on my part as to when the phone interview was to take place, and I missed the scheduled time. But when I realized my mistake, I called and was put right through to Michael, who took the time to explain some things to me and then provided me with the form and the information needed t
had a long discussion with mark. gave me great advice about my tax problems. none of the usual need to spend thousands of dollars ongoing. landmark is the place for a great starting point to have any tax problems evaluated.
Outstanding! Very professional. Walked me through the whole process with very clear and concise direction. Landmark Tax Group (Michael Rannan) mediated all the correspondence with the IRS and brokered a timely and very reasonable settlement . Highly recommended!
Michael Raanan and the LTG are my Heroes! If you want to solve your tax problem using someone you can trust then do yourself a favor and go with Landmark Tax Group. They operate from a place of Integrity and work to your best success. I like you had choices when selecting someone to help me with my tax burden and I thank God I went with Michael and his Firm, they took care of me better than I could have done myself. If you think you know the Laws, don't kid yourself, there are so many things the Gov't can
Great People, Michael was very helpful with the information that he gave to me over a cold call i had after i found so many good reviews, i figured i had to write one myself. If i have to higher someone to deal with the FTB, LandMark Tax Group would be my first choice.
Michael and his team got my case resolved within 4 months-even with the COVID outbreak! My tax debt was reduced by 73%. I've dealt with a couple of other ?reputable ? companies and all they did was take my money.
Michael Raanan was very helpful regarding the erroneous levy that CA tax board put on my bank acct. He gave me tips on how to get my money back. Definitely recommend them.
Michael and his team are very diligent and responsive!! All of our questions and concerns were addressed very promptly and professionally! Their work is nothing short of Phenomenal!
I had the pleasure of getting some assistance from Michael and he was beyond helpful and patient. He is very knowledgeable and explains things very well. Highly recommend his services!!
Michael gave us hope that we never knew existed, so we are obviously superlatively impressed and grateful for his most-valuable-so-far tax advice. The man's second to none!!!
WOW! Michael was not only very professional and thorough; he was patient, courteous, and just a nice guy!! Hollis
I would like to thank Mr. Raanan and his firm for the service they provided. My matter was settled and he was very thorough with corresponding with me throughout the process. Thank you so much!
Michael is a true professional and does excellent work. I recommend that everyone use him.
Michael gave really good advice and was very friendly and professional.
Knowledgeable, personable, effective and took the time to explain all details
Thanks for the stress-free tax help!
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.