*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.*
14 S Pack Square Suite 503
Asheville, North Carolina 28801
Leah and her staff are a pleasure to have as part of our businesses and personal financial team. We have appreciated the firm?s attention to detail and quick responses to our accounting needs for several years. We feel like we have our own accounting department and partner who understands our businesses and what we need accomplished to grow and be on the best financial foundation, not simply a contracted service that does a single job a few times per year. Leah and staff genuinely care about their clients a
I have been working with Leah Noel for the past several years. I am a small-business owner and having a responsive, knowledgeable, and helpful CPA is absolutely critical to my business success. I am so thankful that I hired Leah when I did, because she has been there for me at times of growth as well as through the pandemic when my business faced unprecedented challenges. She and her staff answered countless questions for me as I navigated all of the difficulties as well as opportunities that arose during 2
My wife and I have used Leah?s services for over 10 years now. We both own our own businesses that are set up different and she does our personal taxes as well. We tried her out after a bad stint with another accountant that dropped the ball multiple times. Late filings and missed filings that were not noticed until months later and then all the fees to go with that. Plus they forgot to put our kid on our personal return. Needless to say we were ready for someone professional and competent to get us on tra
Leah Noel and her staff have provided professional, caring services in helping me through one of life's most unpleasant tasks - paying taxing. With her knowledge and expertise, she navigated all the arcane details to get me squared away. She especially knows how to help small business owners in their realm. I also really appreciate that Leah takes an active role in the Asheville community, volunteering her time and energy to make this a better place. I highly recommend Leah B. Noel CPA.
We have worked with Leah?s team on both our joint personal and corporate tax returns for several years now, and have had the absolute best experience. They found savings that previous accountants had missed, and respond faster than anyone we?ve ever worked with to questions that pop up throughout the year. Highly recommended.
I called Leah B. Noel, CPA, PC because she has excellent reviews. I was unfortunately unable to get an appointment with her because she has a robust clientele and the extension deadline is coming up. Nevertheless, the officer manager was so kind - their customer service just made me a future client for next year!
Leah and her staff are who we trust with the accounting for our non profit. At one point our board chose a fancy, high priced out of town firm, but as the CFO I was so happy to return to Leah Noel and her personal attention and care. Highly recommend.
For the last five years Leah & her team have prepared our business payroll, accounting, corporate tax filings, and personal returns. They are extremely knowledgeable, operate with integrity, and create useful reports (even during the tax season crunch!).
Leah B. Noel?s crew is the best financial team we?ve ever worked with! Beyond the excellent work, they are truly kind and loving people. Throughout Covid they have looked out for us and have provided us with thoughtful advice. All the stars and all the love for this team!
Leah has been our accountant and advisor since moving to Asheville8 years ago. We find her responsive, knowledgeable and we trust her implicitly! We highly recommend her services!
I have partnered with Leah and her team for a few years now. They handle my business payroll, accounting, corporate tax filing as well as my personal returns. I find them to be knowledge, proficient, efficient, and personable. I could not ask for a better accounting experience. Thanks for the great work.
Leah Noel is dependable and cares deeply for her clients. She has worked for years to give Asheville and Western NC a high-quality, personalized accounting service. She is a fabulous human being.
I have handed off a lot of my small business accounting over to Leah's firm. She provides a delightful out-of-sight-out-of-mind experience when it comes to the deviled detail work of my book keeping. Her scope of knowledge plus her collective staff are knowledgable, supportive and damn responsive to my concerns. I know she's got my back.
Great firm with excellent people! Highly recommend Leah B. Noel firm for professional accounting needs - great for small businesses and personal financial planning for tax and savings. Always quick to respond and transparent on details - which I am grateful for!
Leah and her firm provide exceptional service. They are a team of highly qualified, true professionals. We?re lucky to have them here in WNC!
Leah is very knowledgeable about taxes. She is very informative and helpful. Leah is a very hard worker. Would not trust anyone else with my money!
After many years of working with Leah B Noel, CPA, I?ve found her firm to be responsive, professional, and an asset to my personal & business tax preparation needs. Thank you Leah!
Leah and her team are awesome. They reapond to phone messages and emails quickly. Highly recommend!
Leah et al are rock stars! I?ve been happy with all their recommendations and advice over the last five years. Highly recommended!
Knowledgeable with family and small business taxes. The firm has been supporting my small business with tax preparation, book keeping, and tax planning for many years.
Leah Noel runs an excellent and very personable CPA firm - I highly recommend her and her team!
Great people, great work, great results. Thrilled to have this locally owned and woman owned accounting firm in Asheville!
Prefessionalism with a personal touch. They're a model for other firms to follow
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.