Lisa C Silva, CPA - Taxes By Design

Lisa C Silva, CPA - Taxes By Design

Reviews Summary

The reviews overwhelmingly praise the tax professional for her expertise, professionalism, and responsiveness. Many highlight her ability to handle complex tax situations, save clients money, and provide clear explanations. She is described as knowledgeable, organized, and highly reliable, with excellent communication and turnaround times. Several reviewers mention long-term satisfaction and frequent referrals. A single negative review criticizes the office atmosphere and staff behavior, but this is an outlier among the predominantly glowing feedback. Clients appreciate her year-round availability and consider her services a great value.

About This Listing

Bookkeeping
Tax Preparation
Tax Planning
IRS Representation
Small Businesses
High-net-worth Individuals
Individual Taxpayers
Real Estate
Complex Situations
Multi-state Experience
Remote Services
CPA License

Who Can Work with a CPA?

Individuals seeking tax prep, retirement planning, or financial advice
Small business owners needing bookkeeping, payroll, or tax compliance
Freelancers and contractors with 1099 income or complex returns
Couples planning finances together or managing joint returns
Investors with capital gains or rental property income
Anyone looking for year-round financial guidance and peace of mind

*Note: CPAs may specialize in different areas. Be sure to check credentials and service offerings.*

First-Time Clients

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.

What to Know Upfront:

Documentation Bring your most recent tax returns, income details, and any financial concerns
Availability Appointments fill up quickly during tax season — book early if possible

*Note: Every CPA operates a bit differently. Don’t hesitate to ask questions before committing.*

What to Bring

Government-issued ID for verification
Tax documents (W-2s, 1099s, investment summaries, etc.)
Receipts or logs for deductible expenses, donations, or mileage

*Tip: Organize your documents in advance to save time and ensure accuracy.*

Preparing for Your Appointment

Write down any financial goals or questions in advance
Check if your CPA offers virtual sessions or document uploads
Bring a notebook or use a notes app for key takeaways
Know your deadlines for filing, payments, or compliance

*Note: Preparation helps you make the most of your CPA’s expertise.*

How to Get Started

Use our directory to find highly reviewed CPAs near you. Reach out directly to schedule your consultation.

Other Helpful Info

Many CPAs offer both in-person and remote consultations
Fees may be flat-rate, hourly, or based on service complexity
Some CPAs specialize in industries like healthcare, real estate, or tech
Check for client reviews and credentials (CPA license, EA, etc.)

*Note: Every CPA is different — take time to find one who fits your goals and style.*

Features

Bookkeeping
Tax Preparation
Tax Planning
IRS Representation
Small Businesses
High-net-worth Individuals
Individual Taxpayers
Real Estate
Complex Situations
Multi-state Experience
Remote Services
CPA License

Contact Information

Address

15325 Cll Enrique #1

Morgan Hill, California 95037

Customer Reviews

For over 50 years I've done my own taxes but this year there were some changes that felt like they deserved an expert and luckily I found Lisa on the recommendation of a friend. I found her to be easy to reach, responsive to my needs, friendly, professional and best of all, easy to work with. I felt confident that she understood our tax situation and pleased when she came up with an idea on how we could accomplish our charitable giving desires and also save on taxes. Lisa is a true professional who made m

Lisa has been incredibly helpful in preparing a tax strategy for our business and family. She is incredibly timely in her responses, clear in her communication, and thorough in her analysis. I would highly recommend her as I foresee working with her long into the future.

Lisa is great! She did my taxes this year and handled a lot of complex items (AMT on ISO exercises, investment expense deductions, K-1s, AMT carryforward, etc). Lisa is very responsive, and when I've asked her questions she's given advice that makes sense and clarifies things. Finally this year I miscalculated an aspect of AMT when I was considering a certain tax strategy, and Lisa ran a tax comparison that revealed the actual situation and saved me significant money on my taxes. I used a different chea

Lisa is an amazing professional and extremely knowledgeable in her field. She helps my wife and I with our personal taxes as well as our small business. She is extremely responsive and I consider her services to be a great value. We highly recommend Lisa and plan to continue using her as long as she remains in business, which I anticipate will be a long time. She is very organized and professional and I would encourage anyone looking for a CPA to give her a call.

Lisa is extremely professional and very knowledgeable! When I first had her do my taxes I was a MESS! I had been audited and I owed back taxes to the IRS. I went to Lisa scared and confused. Lisa was kind hearted understood my situation and handle all my IRS issues and needs. Since then I ALWAYS get a tax refund! I call Lisa often through out the year with my small business questions and she there to pick up the phone even if it a Saturday NIGHT! I have referred Lisa to many, many people in my network and a

Lisa has prepared taxes for several of my accounting/bookkeeping clients over the last few years and she does a thorough, accurate and complete job every time. Her rates are very reasonable and her turn around time is EXCELLENT. She responds to emails and phone calls quickly and gives complete explanations when needed. She is a well educated and highly experienced professional who cares about her clients, always giving them useful and encouraging advise.

Lisa is amazing! She has been doing my personal and business taxes for a few years now and what a difference. She explains everything so clearly and is always available for my questions. I consider her a true partner in my business. I can't recommend her highly enough. Thank you Lisa!

I have been working with Lisa for a few years. She is very easy to work with, professional, and responsive. She makes it a point to really understand your business and make suggestions to improve your tax filing. Being a CFP, I understand a lot about taxes, but wouldn't begin to do them myself. I appreciate the relationship and am confident she's doing the best she can for me.

I met Lisa after using someone else to do my business tax returns for a couple years. Lisa has saved me sooooooooo much money, time and stress. She is knowledgeable, organized, smart, creative, and amazing. I have referred a number of my clients to her. She has also done excellent work for them. I know when I refer her someone she is going to do a great job and have the knowledge for whatever weird tax situation they are going through. She has helped me with SEP IRA questions, RSU issues, corporate returns,

Last year I spent a good amount of time looking for a new CPA for our business and personal taxes. I looked over Lisa's website and I liked her experience AND that you could meet with her for a free consultation. After our initial consultation, there was absolutely no doubt in our mind about working with her. She is friendly, extremely knowledgeable and will answer almost any question without skipping a beat. I highly recommend her. She is worth any and all her fees. Seriously, don't think twice and book an

Lisa is an exceptional service provider that truly cares about her clients and combines her knowledge, skill set, and industry experience to get results. I have directed my own extended family to her for all of their tax/accounting needs because I trust that she will take good care of them.

Lisa is highly responsive and has been the best tax pro I have worked with. She has helped me through my company's acquisition and many other complex scenarios. Can't recommend her enough!

I have used Tax Pros for over 5 years and have to say I have never worked with a CPA as good as Lisa. I have referred multiple friends and businesses to Lisa because of her professionalism,quality work and most of all her knowledge about tax laws. I am a customer for life.

Went here yesterday and the atmosphere was very unwelcoming.its a door in the back of a shabby building. The woman that answered,I told her hello I'd like to file my taxes.oh should I make an appiontment.she was like um ya.then another woman came out.looked me up an down and siad ohhh no where not taking no new clients til April 15. Like what? Very unprofessional and judgmental in my opinion.one lady siad yes the other siad no.id recommend ditching this shabby tax place.and they did not have masks on! Healt

Lisa is amazing! Very professional, affordable, and she?s always available throughout the year for questions I may have. Definitely the best in the area.

Lisa has done an excellent job for us for years, we highly recommend.

Frequently Asked Questions

What qualifications should I look for in a CPA?

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.

How do I find a CPA in my area?

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.

What’s the difference between a CPA and an accountant?

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.

How do I know if a CPA specializes in my needs?

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.

Should I check a CPA’s reviews before hiring?

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.

How can I verify a CPA’s license?

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.

What questions should I ask during a CPA consultation?

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.

How much should I expect to pay for a CPA’s services?

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.

Can I work with a CPA remotely?

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.

How do I assess a CPA’s communication skills?

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.

What red flags should I watch for when screening a CPA?

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.

Should I choose a CPA from a large firm or a solo practitioner?

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.

How often should I meet with my CPA?

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.

Can a CPA help with both personal and business finances?

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.

What should I do if I’m not satisfied with my CPA?

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.