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Lowe's Tax Preparation and Financial Counseling

Lowe's Tax Preparation and Financial Counseling

Reviews Summary

The reviews overwhelmingly praise the tax service for its professionalism, efficiency, and affordability. Customers highlight the provider's deep knowledge, prompt responses, and ability to simplify complex tax matters. Many appreciate the calm, friendly demeanor and personalized attention, with several noting long-term satisfaction. The service is consistently described as reliable, thorough, and stress-reducing, with strong recommendations across the board. A single outlier mistakenly rates the service poorly despite positive comments.

About This Listing

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.*

Contact Information

Address

187 Calle Magdalena

Encinitas, California 92024

Visit Website Call Now Get Directions

Hours

Sunday 9AM-7PM
Monday 9AM-7PM
Tuesday 9AM-7PM
Wednesday 9AM-7PM
Thursday 9AM-7PM
Friday 9AM-7PM
Saturday 9AM-7PM

Customer Reviews

Craig Lowe is fantastic to work with, and I cannot recommend him highly enough. Craig is responsive, thorough, efficient, and knowledgeable. He has done a fantastic job on our taxes and was incredibly helpful in offering advice on the best way to file this year now that we are married. The whole process end to end is intuitive, easy to navigate, and painless (not a word often associated with taxes but with Craig it truly is!). He is priced incredibly fairly for the level of service provided. He is kind, hon

Craig was great. Helped my husband and I with our business and personal taxes, my senior mom on hers, and our 19 year old daughter with hers. We're all happy with the service we received. Craig is patient and positive, and easy to work with. Very responsive. Thanks Lowe's Tax Prep!

Craig is an incredibly kind and knowledgeable professional who has a genuine passion for accounting. This made him the perfect fit for me since accounting is my Achilles? heel! He takes the time to thoroughly answer all questions, generously shares advice and recommendations, and never makes you feel rushed. It?s clear he truly enjoys helping others. On top of that, his services are affordable, making the entire experience even better. Thank you, Craig!

Craig is a superstar and has done a fantastic job with my taxes the past 3 years. He is quick, professional and trustworthy. Highly recommend!

I?ve worked with Craig for many years. He?s fast, knowledgeable and very friendly. He?s prepared my taxes and helped me with financial planning. I highly recommend!

Craig is knowledgable, professional and a superstar when it comes to taxes and accounting. It was a pleasure to work with Craig and he always answered my questions promptly! I would highly recommend Craig and you will be extremely satisfied with the results.

Craig is very professional, knowledgeable, and offers up very good advice. He makes tax time far less stressful.

I finally found someone to handle my taxes that I can actually talk to and ask questions while I'm preparing things for my business. Caig answers right away or gets back to you quickly.

Mr Lowe tax service was outstanding. I will use him again next year.

Started working with Craig on our taxes in 2017, and I'm glad we found him. His calm demeanor and thorough understanding of tax law keeps tension low. And his financial guidance has us approaching retirement in a good position. I highly recommend Craig Lowe!

I'd had a major life changing event and needed a tax person to help me and was so fortunate to have Craig Lowe referred to me. He is professional, knowledgeable, and took care of everything. I am so happy to have found someone so competent.

Craig Lowe has been my tax prep and financial counselor for years. He is affordable, efficient, knowledgeable and pleasant to work with. I can?t recommend him highly enough!

Craig Lowe is proficient and reliable. He provides calm support for an otherwise anxiety provoking process of doing taxes. I appreciate his sound and solid advice.

Mr Lowe was knowledgeable and very helpful. He took the time to answer our questions and thoroughly explain our return. We look forward to working with him next year!

Mr. Lowe is fantastic.! Did my return same day and did it perfect! He is the smartest taxguy ever!

Craig is a problem solver, would highly recommend his services, for anyone that needs to file a tax return.

Mr. Lowe is beyond knowledgeable and up to date on all tax laws. My husband and I highly recommend his tax preparation services.

I highly recommend Craig Lowe. He is highly knowledgeable, proficient and affordable. Plus, he is a genuinely nice guy.

Craig is very thorough and has been helping me with my taxes for several years. Highly recommended!

Very efficient and knowledgeable I highly recommend this business

Highly recommend. Fast and efficient service.

He is great at his job and is affordable and very friendly I'd recommend him to anyone

Been using Lowe's for years. Always very reliable and efficient.

Lowe?s Tax is awesome

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.