*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.*
3521 N University Ave #200
Provo, Utah 84604
I was introduced to Marc through my father, Stephen R. Covey. Marc was my father's trusted advisor, tax planner, and estate manager for more than a decade. I've had several interactions with Marc while my father was alive and many more since his passing in July, 2012. Marc is fabulous to work with. He is honest and trustworthy in regards to his character and he's intelligent, knowledgeable and strategic in regards to his competence. I'm impressed with Marc's ability to think creatively and holistically when
We have had the privilege of working with Marc for many years and have found his counsel and advice to be invaluable. His creativity and ideas have been a great benefit to our family on multiple occasions. We appreciate his sensitivity to our needs and situation, as well as his ability to help us understand the complex legal aspects of planning an estate. We feel as though we have a personal relationship with Marc and the wonderful staff in his office, they are always very helpful and friendly. We have
I have been a client of the office ever since I moved to Utah, about 23 years ago. Marc was a young lawyer at the time and did very impressive work that earned my trust. Since then, I have done all of my family legal work including four trusts: one for me, my wife, my daughter, and a family education trust. I have also used Marc for a power of attorney, health care directives, and for every part of my estate planning. Marc has had my whole family in his office and my experience with him and his staff has be
Working with Marc Austin is always a pleasure. We leave his office feeling "How did we get so lucky as to find this attorney!" He is always entirely professional and at the same time sensitive to our feelings and concerns. The work he did for us recently was finished up in a timely fashion and to our total satisfaction. We would recommend him with complete confidence.
It was a pleasure having Marc and his associates assist with our planning needs. Everyone was so professional, cordial and accommodating. A complete package with both legal and accounting expertise. I would without question recommend Marc and his colleagues to anyone requiring their specialty.
I first became acquainted with Marc when he enrolled in my tax and estate planning courses at the J. Reuben Clark Law School. He was an exceptional student with extraordinary professional promise. In the years since, I have watched first hand as his early promise has matured into extraordinary prowess as a practicing lawyer. On numerous occasions, I have had the opportunity to consult with him on a variety of complex tax and business planning matters. Without exception, he has demonstrated the extraordi
Mark and staff have done a marvelous job. Their attention to details and following up on them is excellent. We appreciate them updating our financial details and bringing them up to date. We feel like our estate is surrent and in order for all of our heirs. They accomplished what we expected and are not disappointed in what they have done. We recommend them highly to anyone who needs similar counsel and advice. Richard and Denna Millett
We found Marc and his team to be both very knowledgeable and professional. They are very accommodating and desirous of taking the necessary time to make sure that everything gets planned and prepared properly. We appreciate the customer focus from both Marc and his staff.
I used to work in Probate and Family law back east in a very large firm in D.C. Marc' s work on our behalf was of highest quality and the follow-up with his 5 star staff has made everything easy for us and we could not be more pleased. FAST, THOROUGH, FIRST RATE, AND PEACE OF MIND. Sorry to shout, more like bullets about how 5 star Marc is.
I had the pleasure of working with Sarah Bytheway in Marc's office and I can't say enough about how great she has been to work with. I am POA on a relatives will and her service from beginning to end has been great. She is always there when I have questions to ask. Thank you Sarah!
Marc and his staff have been great to work with. Always knowledgeable and courteous, they've been a fantastic resource for helping me manage the legal and tax affairs of a trust.
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.