*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.*
2790 Coleman Glen Ln FIRST FLOOR
Santa Rosa, California 95407
I recommend Michelle and have sent several people her direction for Financial Services. She assists us with making financial decisions, purchasing life insurance, making investments and we even refinanced through Michelle several years ago to get a lower rate. Several family members also avail of her services. She is knowlegable, encourages her clients to share their dreams and goals and then assists in ways to realistically achieve these.
I have been Michelle?s client since 2015. I absolutely LOVE working with Michelle. She is a highly knowledgeable and licensed financial professional. Most of us have questions about whether we're managing our personal financial lives effectively and let's be honest - we were never taught these skills in school! Whether your challenges involve navigating student loan debt, job market volatility, and wages that don't keep pace with inflation, or high housing, healthcare, and childcare costs, or how to afford
My husband and I have worked with Michelle for a number of years. We left our previous financial advisor because of some misinformation. Michelle stepped in and corrected our issues, setting up accounts that better addressed our.needs and expectations. Over the years we have worked with Michelle to continually adjust our positions to reflect changes in our life-style and needs. We continue to see growth and stability in our investments. We are extremely pleased with our relationship and look forward
Working with Michelle has been such a God sent! Not only is Michelle EXTREMELY knowledgeable and professional but she is also very humanistic when it comes to helping people. She is not just a "one size fits all" formulated financial advisor; she TRULY CARES for all aspects of her clients lives. The way she respects and supports your decision making; allows you to feel safe and secure. She has a "women for the people" type attitude; which helps you to know you have a fighter in your corner. I thank God fo
Michelle has been extremely helpful to us. I really had no idea how to retire and take care of my finances. Michelle has been a godsend. I cannot say enough about how she has helped us manage our finances and keep us in excellent shape. Thank you so much, Michelle!!!
We have worked with Michelle for over ten years.We are very happy with the advice we have received. She is very attentive to her clients, and very knowledgeable. She helped us focus our financial planning, and we are now happily retired.
My husband and I used Michelle as our loan officer when we purchased our home and as a financial planner. She was amazing with both! She has an excellent work ethic, is conscientious and meticulous with details, easy to work with and an all-around pleasure! I highly recommend her services.
Michelle did an awesome job helping with our finances and debt she was very patient and Compassionate with such Knowledge To explain it to us in a way we understood. I will refer my family and friends to her without a doubt.
I am sooo glad I met Michelle. It's such a relief to find someone I can trust and turn to for help. She has provided great advice and support. She is very available and I feel that she really cares about people and is very genuine about helping them. I highly recommend her.
Michelle has been an exceptional resource for us. She is knowledgeable about her products, professional, helpful and fun. We are very happy with all she had done for us and our financial planning.
Over 15 years of working Michelle we have found her to be trustworthy, reliable and very responsive to our questions. She is in contact with us on a regular basis to review our accounts. We do recommend her to our friends and family for assistance with their financial planning.
Michelle and her team at Priamerica have helped us come a long way in planning for retirement in a short time. Her experience, and thoughtful planning for our family has been priceless She and her team are excellent with communication and keeping this family train rolling. Highly recommend to all our family and friends.
I appreciate how knowledgeable Michelle is about finances. She has helped me out quite a bit over the years and now she's advising my daughters! She's always professional and a real pleasure to work with.
I was referred to Michelle by my local union & when I made the decision to finally open an IRA I was extremely happy & pleased to have done it through Primerica & Michelle. She truly makes me feel like I've known her for a long time every time I speak with her & cares about my financial health. She provides me with all the financial advice I need to succeed. Can't thank her enough.
Michelle has worked with me for several months now dealing with some unusual transactions, but has been a rockstar throughout the whole process. Can't recommend highly enough, always quick to respond to messages, and when she doesn't know the answer to stuff herself has shown a wealth of connections to others who have been able to assist us. I look forward to continuing to work with her.
I've been a client with Michelle since 2016. She's helped me with my finances, and to retire. She's the absolute best, great with people. I always refer friends to her.
Michelle looks out for you and your family?s best interest. She is intelligent, strong willed, and caring. She will move mountains for what's right for you. Highly recommend her!
The time taken to explain every detail has helped me fe completely confident, regarding my retirement and life insurance goals.
I've known Michelle for years. She helped me with my mother's affairs and then my brother's. She's very knowledgeable.
This woman cares about her clients as much as family. I have interduced her to many of friends and family.
Michelle is great! She is knowledgeable and patient with all of our questions.!
(Translated by Google) I only have to thank Michelle for her kindness and good treatment, you are an excellent ?? insurance agent, thank you for your help, God bless you. (Original) No tengo m?s que darle las gracias a Michelle por su amabilidad y buen trato eres una excelente ?? agente de seguro gracias por tu alluda que Dios te bendiga
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.