*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.*
215 N Arlington Heights Rd Ste. 107
Arlington Heights, Illinois 60004
I cannot give enough positive recommendations concerning this company of honest, genuine, conscientious, professional, dedicated individuals. Too many adjectives? NO, not enough! They have actually saved me a lot of money I didn?t even REALIZE I was entitled to! If you?re looking for a great group of people to handle your tax needs, LOOK NO FURTHER. Michaelides Consulting LTD should be your last stop. A BIG THANKS to ALL of you!
Peter and his team are the best in the business. Peter and his team helped my business out tremendously. I would strongly recommend Peter and his accounting firm.
I cannot thank Michaelides Consulting enough for your prompt processing of both our trust return and our personal return, especially in light of our upcoming trip. I am impressed with your firm?s professionalism, customer interface, and understanding of our needs. The client interface makes sending and receiving documents easy and safe.
We trust no one else with our finances and taxes. We have worked with Peter for over 10 years. Every interaction is professional, timely, and smooth. The ease and privacy of the client portal to upload documents on the website makes taxes extremely quick and painless. We could not be happier with Michaelides Consulting! Their expertise is unmatched. We recommend them highly.
We were completely clueless about how to begin sorting through everything in order to file our taxes. Peter went above and beyond, walking us patiently through each step of the process and answering every single one of our questions with calm, informative responses. When it came time to file again this year, we were better informed because of Peter's guidance from the previous year, but we had a bunch of new questions that cropped up. Peter personally handled all of our inquires in a timely and incredibly
Peter is one of the best - professional, smart and easy to work with. Highly recommended!
Peter and his team are absolutely outstanding, after a bad experience elsewhere they have gotten me back on track with estimates and bookkeeping. Service and communication are outstanding as well as value for the fees charged. I?m grateful I found them and will be a long time client.
I am greatly impressed with Peter Michaelides' care and attention to detail when it comes to providing CPA services to his clients. I have referred clients to Mr. Michaelides in the past and they have always had a positive experience. As a professional I take great care in who I endorse. I can say without reservation that I highly recommend Peter Michaelides at Michaelides consulting.
We have been working with Peter for over 5 years and are completely satisfied with him and his team. Peter is knowledgeable, friendly, and reliable. We live about an hour away from Peter but have no trouble connecting online and calling in when needed.
Peter is very knowledgeable about the tax changes and how to put more in your pocket! If you like many others are paying tax this year as opposed to getting money back, call him. Get some advise.
When I first opened my business I had know idea of what I was doing when it came to taxes and book keeping. I am so grateful that i was referred to such a outstanding accountant like Peter. His knowledge in the accounting field goes way beyond what I have ever expected that I would recieve from accountant.
I just switched to Peter and my experience so far is a world of difference. Peter is very knowledgeable and I appreciate all the work he is done so far.
Peter is a great guy and a skilled accountant. I recommend working with him!
Peter knows how to look beyond the obvious and come up with well thought out and thoroughly researched solutions to tax issues.
Hands down the best CPA offering the most professional tax consulting around translating to money you don't carelessly throw away
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.