*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.*
7919 Darby Ln
Severn, Maryland 21144
Lisa has been our go-to for both our company and personal taxes, and this year, with the added business, I am absolutely turning to her again. She's not just reliable and helpful, but a true pro in her field. Her dedication and more make working with her a pleasure. In my opinion, she's worth every penny and more for the invaluable services she provides. I can't recommend her highly enough!
I have been going to Lisa to prepare my taxes for the past several years. I have been extremely happy with her professionalism being very thorough in putting all of my information into the tax forms. She knows what she is doing and when finished, she hands you a folder containing very detailed paper-work showing how the final outcome was derived. Well worth the expense for the accuracy. -Ted M
Lisa has been our trusted CPA for several years now, and I couldn't imagine entrusting our taxes to anyone else. Her meticulous attention to detail and dedication to ensuring that our taxes are not only accurate but also optimized for our benefit truly sets her apart. With her wealth of experience and unwavering commitment to ethical principles, Lisa consistently delivers exceptional service. I wholeheartedly recommend her to anyone seeking a reliable and knowledgeable CPA. Her services are worth every penn
Lisa and her staff were easy to work with. I had several questions going in and additional questions after my taxes were prepared. Lisa answered every question quickly and explained it in a way that was easy for a non-CPA to understand. Very professional. My last preparer forgot to submit my forms and I was penalized?.I did not worry at all that Lisa would ?forget? anything she is very thorough!
I first worked with Lisa five years ago after receiving a tax document I did not know how to handle. It was a relief to work with Lisa, she got me through everything smoothly. Lisa and her team are professional, knowledgeable, organized and have done a great job preparing my taxes. - Susan G
I met Ms. Ingram last year and in this short amount of time I can vouch for her compassion and thoroughness through personal experience. We met at the animal shelter, where she?s volunteered for over a decade, and her dedication to home animals truly shined. I was looking for a cat for my daughter and was completely new to this world. After visiting multiple shelters I was frustrated. The moment we met was instant relief to the process. She listened to our needs and circumstances (already having a dog and
I highly recommend the tax preparation services of Lisa Ingram, CPA. She has prepared my taxes for the last 13 years through my military tours and deployments, and now as a military retiree. Her business expertise and strong work ethic make her stand out among her peers. Thank you Mrs. Ingram.
Lisa and her team are professional and courteous. They did a great job with my taxes and understood the complexities of my personal situation I was going through. They showed care and diligence and have a long term customer in me for years to come. Highly recommend company!!
BEWARE!! I would never recommend Lisa as a tax preparer. I don't know tax law, so I hired Lisa to complete my taxes. I've been working with her for the last 4 years. To my shock, my state taxes are being audited. For 3 years, Lisa has submitted a pension exclusion on my taxes for my military retirement. There is no way I qualify for the exclusion because I'm employed. Lisa did not research the requirements for the exclusion or discuss them with me. Additionally, she took no interest in amending my 2
We were pleased that we went to Lisa D. Ingram for our taxes. She made sure we had all of our info together to ensure correct filing. She took time to listen to our concerns during the sometimes hectic process. Our taxes were prepared in just a few days after submitting everything. We actually came back to Ms. Ingram after trying someone different last year.
Besides Lisa Ingram being super friendly and personable, she is a great tax accountant. I was referred to Lisa by a family member and have taken my taxes to her the last two years and couldn?t be happier with the results! With the help of her team, she has a great attention to detail and helps me get the best return every year.
I worked with Lisa and her office for several years before moving out of state. She was by far the most organized, on-time, responsive accountant I have ever worked with and she took care of both my business and personal taxes. I haven't found anyone that holds a candle to her level of service now that I am living outside of Maryland and I have still needed Lisa's help on multiple occasions to deal with items from afar- she has always come through. Highly recommend her.
Lisa is very unprofessional and I had a horrible experience. After having my taxes for months and charging me for an extension (which apparently is standard procedure for her) she informed me she would not get my taxes done in time. She did not offer any referrals. When I went to pick up documents she told me she would not take advice from someone half her age and called me "a fat a**" as I walked up her stairs to leave. I am a mental health counselor and could not believe how I was treated not only as a hu
Fast, accurate & informative. I am confident our Personal and Business accounting needs are being fully met.
I don't know what that other guy is talking about but Lisa and her staff are wonderful! Lisa fixed a huge mistake that I made on my taxes. She is honest, Direct, to the point and affordable as well as professional.
Great experience! Lisa is very professional and fast. Dropped our paperwork off and in just a few days our return was complete. Lisa is knowledgeable and ready to answer any questions you have.
Lisa and her staff are very professional and helpful. She is very organized and your taxes are done in a timely matter.
Lisa is a lifesaver! She is very knowledgeable, responsive and friendly. She takes the time to explain everything and answer all questions you may have. I highly recommend her!
We have been coming to Lisa for years. She has always been direct with us and knowledgeable!
Local tax prep and c p a who's office is in the back of her home. Friendly and helpful staff. They prepared our state and federal taxes this past year and I will use them again.
I wrote a review of the terrible experience I had with having my taxes done here in great detail and it was removed so I will only share that what took well over a year beyond the extensions and result of penalties/interest, not to mention the undo stress the lack of communication the replacement preparer completed my taxes within 7 days, correctly.
Hi Lisa, I know this is random, but I was just thinking that although I never look forward to tax time, I'm very thankful for you and your special set of skills. You're like the Liam Neesan of Taxes!
Lisa was very helpful through the tax process and very patient explaining every detail!
Very helpful and informative staff! They take the time to work with you and are very thorough and pay attention to details.
A great service provided by a superfriendly staff. I will be going back.
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.