*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.*
628 S Aviation Blvd
Manhattan Beach, California 90266
Been coming to Money Matters for the past 2 years. Everyone there is courteous and attentive. They're a small office but have great staff and quick service. Jamie (the manager) is so knowledgeable and quick to help! Thank you MM!
Dana and Jamie have been extremely helpful. I came to them many years ago with a mess of taxes from doing them myself. They can give you some great tips on how to organize and track your expenses depending on your situation and even helped me incorporate years ago. I will not be doing my taxes again, I spend my time tracking expenses and let them handle the complicated tax filing. Money well spent and highly recommend them.
We went to them last year and they were great. We had a complicated tax problem. A family member had died, we were responsible for filing their taxes, and also for their widow that he was in the process of divorcing. We don't know anything about taxes lol, so we really needed a professional. They got it done quickly, were available to answer our questions, and took the stress off our shoulders. We got it done over email instead of going to the office, which is great in a pandemic. Jamie was our tax preparer
Dana has been doing our taxes for 23 years. He's very pleasant to work with, he's contentious, and thorough. Some years we get money back and some years we don't but when we don't it's our own fault. He tells us what we need to do to make it right the following year. I can't say enough good things about him and Jamie, the office manager. They both go above and beyond. We've moved out of state and we now mail our tax info and do a phone appointment every year and sometimes even sooner if we have questions.
Professional, responsive, knowledgeable and prompt. Dana has been handling my taxes since 2004 including handling two levies from FTB, one from IRS, both mishandled by a law firm where I paid $5K to handle all my investments, house, filings etc. for 2000-2002 (years where double CapGains killed people with stock options and was a messy year) and they really messed up. He resolved it, won money back that was otherwise taken away, and continues to do a good clean job on my taxes at a very reasonable rate.
I am in the process of forming my company. MM had no problems taking thousands of dollars from me, then left me on my own. Even if they refuse to go to the office, they could work at home. Everyone has a telephone. I would NEVER recommend this service to anyone who is in their right mind. Thank God I didn't get my taxes done there.
Quick, responsible, up to date on changes/updates with govt rules and regulations. Everyone is very pleasant, knowledgeable, and efficient. I've enjoyed our relationship over the last several years. I give them 5
Very dissapointed - got no response to my email after 2 weeks and follow up email week later. If they didn't want to do my taxes they should just have said so. But keeping me waiting 3 weeks!!
Very nice group of professionals, but I wish they would stagger their vacation rather than having everyone take off at the same time. It makes it hard when you are trying to take care of business and no one is around to answer questions.
We have been using Money Matters for taxes for 13 years. They also helped me with filing to start me business. Trustworthy and helpful.
I have used their services for 20 years this year. I have never had a complaint. Very detailed and thorough, as well as professional. Thanks
The staff is kind. I would definitely return here for my tax needs.
They charged me $120 for literally 5 minutes that they spent to do my tax return. I could do this for free on Turbotax
I been having this people taking care of my taxes for over 20 years and they been doing GREAT
Very knowledgeable, extremely helpful, and reasonably priced.
Got all my taxes done in one hour.
Very attentive and helpful
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.