*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.*
33920 US Hwy 19 N Suite 155
Palm Harbor, Florida 34684
We have used Lima and Associates LLC for our tax purposes for the last four or five years. We love how convenient their office is to where we are, and how accommodating the have been when we are out of state elsewhere. The practice is very professional, and they attend to every detail which we like a great deal. Additionally they help us plan for upcoming years, when we see that we may have our income increasing with additional investments being disbursed. This is very helpful in planning ahead. My complime
We have been using Lima & Associates for several years. My mother also went to them until she passed away. We are very happy with the service provided. I have worked personally with Barb Lima for several years for my moms taxes. She always responds to every email with a really quick reply. I really appreciate this. This year I have had the pleasure of meeting with Mohammed Jamil. He is very kind and professional. I am hoping he will be assigned to our taxes each year. Regardless, I have never had a negativ
I have had the pleasure of working with Lima and Associates for 5 years now to prepare my personal taxes. They have always been extremely professional and knowledgeable to all my queries of taxes and ramifications of financial decisions. This year, working with Mohammad was outstanding as he guided me through the differences in previous years filings vs. this year, and items to watch for in upcoming tax seasons. I highly recommend this organization to guide you.
I went to Lima and Associates and worked with Mohammad Jamil. He greeted me as a professional and spent time with me in order to properly prepare my tax return. He completed it in a timely manner and met with me to review the new return. I HIGHLY recommed Mr. Jamil and his Associates.
I found Lima and Associates to be friendly and professional. Mohammad Jamil prepared my taxes. I enjoyed meeting with him to review my taxes. He was knowledgeable and extremely helpful.
Always great help from Barb, Mohammad, Bonnie, and all the Lima associates. They listen, answer questions, and save us money! We highly recommend Lima and Associates. JP and JP
My husband and I cannot say enough good things about Lima & Associates! Barb, Tim, & their receptionist are amazing! They always answer their phone when you call & they respond to you by e-mail in a very timely manner! They are always polite, positive, reassuring, VERY knowledgeable, & most importantly confident. They know the tax law for business & personal taxes, no matter what your situation is. My husband & I made the switch from Turbo Tax (completing them ourselves) to using Lima and Associates last ye
Lima and Associates always meet or exceed expectations. Barb is primary on our account and she is amazing. Personalized customer service, always professional (even when we lack in that area sometimes). I would proudly and confidently recommend Lima and Associates for Tax and Operational Accounting.
I went to their website and filled out the "contact me" information. I took my time and filled it out w/ details on the services that I needed. That was a month ago. Not a single call back or email back. The least they could do was call me or email me back if we were not a good match. Please have some respect for your potential client's time.
Barb and Tim are personable and easy to work with. They provided excellent service for our business and personal tax preparation. Barb and Tim provided a detailed review of our tax liability. They ensured we filed the correct returns and did not overpay our filings. Will return for future prep service. Highly recommend for personal and small business tax preparation. Phil Mertz Partner Proforma Branding Solutions
Lima and Associates are friendly to deal with. Knowledgeable and accurate with their performance. They delivered on time and at a fair price. What more can you ask for? I made the switch and am glad that I did!
Great group to work with.
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.