*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.*
3435 Wilshire Blvd #2330
Los Angeles, California 90010
Michelle helped me so much on how to gain control and understand my finances. I was never taught how to use and work with money growing up by my parents so I didn't really understand how to be strategic with how to budget, how to properly use credit cards, pay of loans or accrued debt, and save for the future. We went over everything - all my spending, charting exactly where I was overspending, truly understanding my relationship to money and finances. Michelle was so compassionate and supportive throughou
I went from Financial Survival Mode to Total Clarity & Michelle Helped Me Take total Control of My Money and My Life. Before working with Michelle, I was crossing my fingers and spending blindly. I had no control ? not over my money or my future. Every dollar felt like a mystery, and that uncertainty came with constant stress. I believed my financial situation was my fate. That belief kept me stuck. Then I started working with Michelle, a personal finance coach who completely changed my life. She's not
I met Michelle in September 2024, and working with her has been truly transformative. As someone with ADHD, finances have always been a struggle for me. When I left my teaching job in 2022 to start my business, my husband and I had no financial plan in place. I had tried countless budgeting methods, books, and financial tips, but nothing seemed to stick?until I started working with Michelle. Before Michelle, money was a major source of anxiety, and it often caused friction between my husband and me. We nev
I was skeptical about hiring a life coach, but when my therapist suggested it for my specific issues, I decided to finally give it a shot. That's how I found Michelle, and I'm so glad I did! Her story really resonated with me, and I felt comfortable talking to her. From our very first call, Michelle understood exactly what I was going through. She listened to my financial struggles and helped me map out actionable steps to overcome my biggest life challenges. Her insights were spot on, and she provided the
I was referred to Michelle via a friend and I cannot recommend her enough! When I came to Michelle I was in credit card debt, had no budget, and minimal savings. I felt out of control with my money and was stressed out to say the least. After one conversation with Michelle, I felt that she understood where I was coming from, with a non-judgmental perspective. In just a few sessions, we were able to cover so much ground and she gave me a foundation and the confidence to be in control of my finances. I am n
I had a discovery called with Michelle that absolutely blew me away. As someone who has worked at financial firms for the past five years and has a strong background in personal finance, I wasn't sure what to expect. Her advice in less than an hour completely changed my mind on what is possible for my financial future. In one jam-packed conversation, she expanded my perspective to consider the potential of owning a home, something I hadn't thought possible for the next five years. She explained in detail w
Where do I begin? Michelle is simply a gift from the Universe. She was patient, kind, understanding, and most importantly HONEST! She called me out on my stuff when I needed it and challenged me to follow my dreams in a way that made me believe that I can do it. Because of Michelle, I have quit my job and started the business of my dreams! She has made me believe that more is possible. She has given me great tools to track my finances, but that it just a bonus to all the other amazing things I have gained w
I cannot speak highly enough of Michelle and her approach to Financial Coaching. In just a few sessions, Michelle helped me organize and understand my financial life in a way that actually makes me look forward to looking at my monthly budget! Her positive and productive approach is both refreshing and empowering. I use the tools she taught me on a daily basis. Recently, I've lost income because of Covid-19. I reached out to Michelle immediately and she has helped me figure out a financial plan and recalibr
Working with Michelle is a life-changer! When I first started with her a few short months ago, I was not in a great place financially ? I was completely financially illiterate with my head buried a foot deep in the sand of money denial. I had some debt I needed to get out from under, I'm running a growing business and I had a lot of life transitions coming up that would require more financial finesse. With a ton of patience, kindness, coaching, teaching, and cheerleading, Michelle helped me develop a plan o
Michelle has been a God-sent to us. My husband and I have never been so transparent in our finances in the 7 years that we've been married. Thanks to her counselling and coaching, I truly do see a change in how we approach our finances and how that positivity has touched all aspects of our marriage. Communication and transparency is key and if you are having trouble (or maybe don't even realize there are issues) I recommend reaching out to her. What do you have to lose? Through this process I feel we h
Michelle Tascoe came and presented to our club, the Adelante Club, at Santa Monica College. We are a club that strives for student empowerment and improvement while raising awareness of the Latinx community. Michelle went above and beyond in accomplishing our club motto. She taught club members about different aspects of finance, such as money mindset, budgeting, credit and investing. She was very knowledgeable and engaging, our members loved her! We are very grateful that she came! Thank you, Michelle!
Intuitive, insightful, and a great listener. Michelle is an amazing coach and has an innate talent for caring and connecting with people. She is the perfect match for those who are looking to dig deep into themselves to discover who they really are and shine their newly aligned light on the outside world. Thank you Michelle!
Michelle is a miracle worker! I began my journey over a year ago knowing that my husband and I needed help getting back on track. We were making a lot of money, but we sprung a leak and we were hemoraging ! After a few failed attempts at self budgeting and actually being fired by a money manager that let us know we were " just too much" I read a mention of Michelle in a blog post. I cyber stalked her and reached out to see if she could help. My husband and I were complicated: two corps, self employed, incon
Dear Michelle, I find it necessary to publicly express my gratitude for what you have done for me. Next month marks a year that you have been working with me. Not only do I feel empowered to reach for the stars but I have developed the courage to face my financial challenges and not beat myself up because of my prior financial decisions. You have given me a safe place to open up so I may tackle one financial problem at a time, you facilitate this through your kind spirit. I trust you implicitly. Ther
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.