*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.*
74040 CA-111 suite C
Palm Desert, California 92260
My husband and I had an amazing experience at M & J Tax Services! We had a not so great experience last year, so we were a bit wary of going to someone new. After a bit of research, we decided to reach out to Mike at M & J and honestly, we will continue to go to him for years and years to come. He was able to get us a refund that we were definitely not expecting and made our day. I will definitely be going back and recommend that everyone go to M & J tax service for their tax preparation.
We had a wonderful experience at M&J. Joel was outstanding in working through our taxes. Very thorough and explained what was going on the whole way. The office was very family friendly which made our appointment even better since we had to bring our three kids. I highly recommend this business for anyone looking for a professional, personal and reasonably priced tax service.
It was a pleasure to work with Mike and Joel. They made it easy and seamless to have my taxes prepared. More importantly, my taxes were done fast and with the greatest refund possible. I would recommend them to anyone Thank you to the team at M& J
Mike, Joeli and Joel are very experience and will get you the most out of your tax return for a fair and manageable price. The offer a 20% off coupon also. I won?t go anywhere else to get my taxes done, they have earned my loyalty. I?m a very happy client!
Joeli, Joel and Mike are total pros. M&J Tax is a solid business and did my taxes last year with the utmost professionalism and integrity. I am self-employed and they have helped me organize my monthly expenses and deductions by category. I am extremely happy and will use their services again this year!
We needed last minute Notary services and Joeli was able to fit us in immediately. She was incredibly thorough and helpful with the whole process including pointing us to the nearest FedEx dropoff. Would highly recommend!
I prepared my taxes yesterday with Roya at M&J and she was a pleasure to deal with. I had to file a few years to catch up and she made the whole process very easy.
They were the nicest people. they got me right in and got my taxes done and I was finished and out the door in about 30 minutes. I use one of the coupons from the value pack mailers that come out for a discount on my tax preparation. I would definitely recommend them to everyone.
Thorough and Accurate I had a great experience at M and J Tax Services! I will definitely be going there again next year! Their professionalism and knowledge of tax preparation has made my experience stress free! Thank you M and J Tax Services!
Mike and Joeli are experts who are focused on high quality and personal service. Their offices are professional and private. They offer warm, friendly, and responsive services. Their bookkeeping and tax services are excellent.
Great experience every year. Quick and to the point. Thanks you!!
My experience with Mike and Jolie could not be any better. Efficient, professional, courteous, friendly its Almost unbelievable how great the service is here they handle not only my taxes but also some book keeping but I recommend my entire group of friends and family to go here and anyone looking for the best possible service along with efficiency
Our previous accountant retired and they referred M & J tax service to be our new accountants. Very pleased with the professionalism of the whole staff at M & J! A true blessing
DISHONEST FAMILY !... They advertised a car for sale on Craigslist last week and said the ( only reason ) they were selling it was ,.. They had a death in the family a inherited another car --- That the car for sale was fine -- NOT SO -- The ( entire family ) was there for the sale which was weird -- like they were Helping the Young lady MISREPRESENT the car -- Major Trans leaks and oil sensor problems --( Gee do you think they might have noticed trans fluid on there driveway every day ? ) I am no
Friendly, knowledgeable, reasonable rates and excellent customer service. So glad I finally found someone who truly knows what they are doing and treats me like I know what I'm doing.
Great place to get your taxes filed. Mike and Joeli are the best in what they do!
I was very pleased with the work Bonnie did for me.
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.