*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.*
101 Lucas Valley Rd suite 384
San Rafael, California 94903
Amy was a champ every step of the way. We had a complicated process and she patiently and with great tact, tenaciously made it all work out. Even at the signing I felt she was in our court explaining every little question I had. So real, so personable in a quiet solid trustworthy way. 10/10 recommend
Amy Yamamoto is the best hands down. This is our now our second time working with her and I cannot say enough about how strategic and hard working she is. Super fast to close with the most competitive rates, anyone who has the opportunity to work with her is very fortunate!
I had the privilege of speaking with Amy Yamamoto. Amy took the time to actively listen and understand my needs. What set her apart was her unwavering commitment to provide me with honest and transparent information. Her expertise and genuine concern for my situation was so refreshing. I couldn't be more grateful for her guidance. I Highly recommend!
Amy Yamamoto is an incredible mortgage broker! I highly recommend her if you need one! She is communicative, prompt, and thinks outside the box to help with even the most difficult situations. Give her a call!
Amy Yamamoto is extremely professional and knowledgeable. She is also very personable and always looked out for our best interests. We chose Amy over other mortgage brokers because she was willing to take the time to thoroughly explain every aspect of the loan process and different types of loan available. It was clear that her priority is to help her clients and not simply close a deal. She made the loan process much less stressful than it could have been. Amy followed through with every step of the p
As first time homebuyers, my partner and I were very green to the world of home loans. We were so lucky to be introduced to Amy by our real estate agent. She made what could have been a confusing endeavor as streamlined and stress-free as possible. My partner and I both felt very supported throughout the whole process, as Amy meticulously explained everything we needed to know, answering our many questions, and helped us anticipate each step. We've learned so much and feel empowered as new homeowners throug
When I was about to buy my first house, my sister gave me Amy Yamamoto's info. My sister learned about Amy after having a bad experience with someone else; her boss then told her about Amy. Now I understand why my sister was so enthusiastic about Amy. I've used Amy several times now (refinancing for the other times), and it has always been a great experience. Amy explains everything clearly and describes what will happen next. She lets you know the options, and the pros and cons of each option. She not only
Our search for a new home went on for well over a year and under Amy's guidance, we were prepared with per-qualification at every step. Both of us are entrepreneurs, so when we got down to the real application, the mortgage qualification procedure became quite complex - with lots of detailed questions. We are so grateful to Amy who gave full attention to detail and anticipated every question in our application. We got a 30-year fixed mortgage at an excellent rate. Closing and everything went amazingly s
Amy Yamamoto was most helpful! Although we're deciding to find a suggested Credit Union that can offer a better rate (and unfortunately don't work with brokers, otherwise we would use Amy!), I would recommend Amy for her prompt & professional response, and warm & friendly tone in our email communications!
If you are looking for a hard working, honest mortgage broker who will find the best product for you, look no further ! Amy helped me to finance my primary residence and my investment property with reasonable payments and terms. Last year when interest rates declined, she suggested that I refinance my primary residence. It was a great suggestion - my mortgage payment was reduced by $1000 per month. She is always watching the rates and reaching out to her customers as rates change. If you want to start
I was recommended to Amy Yamamoto at Nor Cal by several of her satisfied clients as the go- to person for all things mortgage. Not only does she have a wealth of information on the state of the industry, but as a leader in her organization, she has access to many different rates and programs and fast tracking the finalization process. I have consulted with her several times regarding refinancing and purchasing investment property. She presented the pros and cons for me under the conditions at that time ulti
If I could give Amy Yamamoto 10 Stars, I would! Not only in she smart, honest, and a pleasure to work with, but she is tenacious at solving potential problems that can pop up at any time during the escrow process. My problems came up right away on the first day but Amy said I think we can make this work--but this is what we need to do. I was actually turned down twice before by other lenders. She knew exactly how to proceed, who to call, and what I needed to do. Ultimately she was able to help me fix t
Amy is sharp as a tack, a whiz with numbers and a natural problem solver! She is also professional, kind, patient and calm which is so helpful as home buying can be a very stressful time.
Amy is extremely knowledgeable and very pleasant to work with. She patiently took her time explaining a variety of options to us. I highly recommend her!
I am a colleague who hears feedback from lots of people who refinance with Amy. I have never heard a negative comment. In fact people all say things that inspire me to give Amy- like service.
Great service from Amy Yamamoto from start to finish; they were able to beat my regular bank in terms of rates and amount. Highly recommend!
We have worked with Amy for years as we finance, and refinance our home. She is a professional gem
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.