*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.*
10933 Trade Center Dr STE 100
Rancho Cordova, California 95670
Karen Dallas has been absolutely outstanding in helping me with my S Corp 401(k) plan delivery. She is incredibly thorough, responsive, and always timely in her communication. Her professionalism and attention to detail made the entire process smooth and stress-free. I truly appreciate her support and would highly recommend her to anyone needing expert guidance in retirement planning. Thank you, Karen!
We?ve had a great experience working with Nicholas Pension, and I especially want to highlight our consultant, Karen Dallas. She is always willing to help, consistently responsive, and incredibly knowledgeable. No matter the question or situation, Karen approaches everything with a positive attitude and a genuine willingness to support us. Her professionalism and dedication really make a difference, she?s been an absolute pleasure to work with. Highly recommend!
Nicholas Pension are very good at responding quickly. Heidi Keaton always picks up my calls and is always willing to discuss any questions and/or concerns I may have.
Leecea Johnson, my client service representative, is a very professional and friendly person, always responding in a very prompt manner to my questions and requests. Also, her patience in explaining details is commendable. It has been a pleasure dealing with Leecea over the last few years and, needless to say, I have been extremely satisfied with the service and assistance that Leecea has and continue to provide.
I am a physician and surgeon with an extremely high standard. I have worked with several pension plan companies in the past and have uniformly bad, if not disastrous, experiences. I started with NPC several years ago to rescue me from one such horrible experience. They completely overhauled and re-wrote and re-organized my plan which was totally necessary. Since then we have made some changes and updates and all of this has been done in a most comprehensible and understandable fashion. My contact at the com
My company has been partnering with Nicholas Pension Consultants as our 401k TPA for the past 9 years. They provide excellent plan administration support and superior service to our employees. Highly recommend their services!
Excellent service for small or mid-sized business. Nicholas Pension helped me design a 401(k) plan that worked well for both employees and the company's principals. I would highly recommend them, especially to businesses based in the Western U.S.
Nicholas Pension has been awesome since I move over to them. The amount of time collecting data to send them is minimal and always asked giving plenty of time to gather the info. All reports have been filed timely and accurately. An excellent resource.
I have to say that Nicholas pension is 10 stars. We switched to them years ago and having them in our corner has been amazing. My contact Megan is hands down the best in the business she is always there when I need an answer and checks in with me to make sure all is good. Thanks for being in our corner Megan and Nicholas pension you all ROCK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I have been working with Megan and Adam at Nicholas Pension on my defined benefit and 401K plans. Both of them are very responsive, knowledgeable and willing to help. It was a great pleasure.
Karly Montana, thank you so much for all the help with all my questions for never making me feel I'm asking the wrong questions. You have exceed all my expectations and more. The customer service I always received from You its more than 5 starts. Nicholas Pension is very lucky to have such a great employee like You
Most helpful, knowledgeable & patient Pension Consulting team I have ever worked with. The service is excellent and best of all they walk you through the process if you need step by step. Highly, Highly recommend Nicholas. Thank you so very much Megan & Donna.
Honesty, Integrity and Competence. They know their business well and follow up until everything is reported properly without error. I wholeheartedly recommend this firm for your compliance needs dealing with retirement accounts. Sincerely, Robert Pera President Roma Bakery Inc.
Nicholas Pension are timely and are a pleasure to work with. I am confident that they will do what is necessary to meet our 401k obligations.
Karly did a great job jumping in mid-year and making sure everything was taken care of and keeping us in the loop about what needed to be completed.
Wow. The team here is amazing. I?ve had the opportunity to work with them recently and was so impressed by how everything was handled. You?ll be in good hands here.
Tunie is exceptionally helpful and responsive; we appreciate the service she and her colleagues provide.
The agent who I worked with is knowledgeable and master in her field. She answers email quick with great patient.
I've been working with NPC since 2013 and cannot imagine a better and more professional partner for 401k. Thank you!
Excellent service, timely and complete work, always extremely helpful, and great to work with. Karen Reed is the best!!
Sandy and Adam have been very responsive and professional. Been a pleasure working with them. Anandhi
Worked with me to address all concerns and needs.
They make it easy! Thanks!
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.