*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.*
50 Main St 10th floor
White Plains, New York 10606
This is my first year using Lavin & Associates. I am a veteran and reservist and they offered me a great discount! They are honest and professional and the exact type of people you want handling your finances and offering tax advice. I?ve used other companies in the past but none compare to how professional and responsive they were. Will be a loyal customer for years to follow!
For the past twenty years I have been dealing with Lavin and Associates; I can proudly say they are among the best of people and professional in all their dealings. They have treated me like part of the family and I could not be happier with them. They are always ahead of the curve with their knowledge and experience. During this time of year it is so reassuring knowing that they are taking care of me and my family. They are truly outstanding and at least I can tell them here.
I have been a client of Lavin & Associates at their Florida location for years and I have never had an issue with them. The office is extremely beautiful with a relaxing atmosphere. They always go above and beyond the call of duty! I had a plethora of questions that they were compelled to answer. The assistance that they provided was intelligent, polite and cordial. The C.P.A. that I had the pleasure of conversing with was phenomenal and extremely knowledgeable. I will continue to go to Lavin & Associates f
Great experience! The office is energetic and welcoming. This was my first time using Lavin & Associates for my taxes but definitely not my last! I was also concerned about my prior years returns being accurate, they went over my concerns with me making it an even better experience overall ! I wish I could give more stars :-)
I have had the good fortune of working with Lavin & Associates for the last 5 years. They have provided me with amazing service and expert advise time after time. Their combined years of experience, friendly staff, and overall expertise is one of the best I have received from any firm in the area - truly top notch. I trust and recommend Lavin & Associates to friends, family, and colleagues, not to mention their coffee is absolutely delicious.
This was my first tax year working with Lavin & Associates, or any tax professional for that matter, and I could not be more happy. I was extremely impressed with their brand new cloud based system, which enabled me to upload all of my forms with downloaded PDF's or even pictures take with my iPhone the second I received my W-2. At no point did I question the high standards of security of their online platform, which is hosted by Thomas Rueters. Making the tax filing process even easier, the tax profession
Very knowledgeable! Both Dennis Sr. and Dennis Jr. did my 2013 taxes after using someone else for the last five years...I am SO glad I switched to Lavin and Associates!! Dennis Jr. made me aware of ways to get money back (after owing most of the time). I didn't get money back from my taxes this year, since my last CPA NEVER told me I should be claiming 0, being that I am single, etc. Dennis filed an extension, which gave me until October to pay for 2013. That was a life saver!! He also looked into set
Excellent tax preparation service. I arrived for my consult and they had a hot cup of coffee waiting for me. L&A has been handling my taxes for years and the firm has always been there to answer any questions or address any concerns. Their staff is very knowledgeable and the CPA's are excellent with tax planning and consulting different tax scenarios.
I went to Lavin and Associates for my tax services this year. They were extremely courteous and professional. I felt truly valued as a customer and they answered any and every question I had about my tax return. I will be back!
Lavin & Assoc. offer a wide range of services and have been doing my personal and business taxes for as long as I can remember (approx. 10+ years). I value their advice and expertise. Their staff has proven time and again to be extremely knowledgeable and personable, they've never let me down.
Top notch service and extremely professional! They were able to help me with my sales tax issues! The fact that they are a family ran and owned operation makes you feel very comfortable and calm! Thanks Lavin & Associates Brad and I are very thankful for your help!
Dennis Lavin is truly a fantastic tax consultant. I have dealt with many accountants in my day and he is by far one of the most knowledgeable. He is incredibly good at what he does. He has handled my taxes for the past few years and has also drafted correspondence on my behalf. They make the process very easy. I don't even have to go to one of their offices to get my taxes done. I can sit at my desk with a nice cup of coffee. I simply scan in my documents and upload it to my cloud account and the return is
Lavin & Assocs helped me tremendously in preparing my taxes. They gave me great advice on how to save money and get more from return. I've recommended them to all my associates.
I highly recommend Lavin and associates, they got me the best result possible on my yearly income tax. I've looked all over for reliable and trustworthy people to handle my yearly finances and I've found them. Will be returning next year for sure.
I am so glad I decided to use Lavin and Assoc. to do my tax preparation this year. Their staff is very knowledgeable and the CPA's are excellent with tax planning, took all of the stress away from the previous years!
Recommended to all my friends and associates. Service was very personable and they explained everything regarding my tax return and investments. Couldn't have asked for a better consultation.
They were very friendly and professional. I recommend them to everyone i know. If you need you taxes done correctly and promptly by professionals they are the company for you.
Professional from the first time I met with them.. They understood what I needed and did a wonderful job at helping me to resolve some tax situations.. Highly recommended...
Lavin & associates are a great team, reliable, & very helpful. I rate them 5 stars & highly recommend their services!
This is an amazing company. Their service delivery model is unprecedented. Greatly satisfied with all their services. I would recommend them for any business or personal tax services.
I love this this company, I highly recommend them, if I ever had any kind of issue they have dealt with it in a fast and professional manner. I have always gotten great customer service and I have never had any issues, i highly recommend.
I LOVE Lavin and Associates! They are smart, fast and know their stuff.
Thank you for making this tax season smooth and easy!!! Great help, knowledgeable staff, and one on one care!!!
Really good team and very helpful with tax?s. They really are amazing
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.