*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.*
3101 Ocean Park Blvd Ste 100
Santa Monica, California 90405
I've been working with Orbel for three years now and have enjoyed an excellent experience with him. I was looking for an accountant who I felt confident could address all the potential complexities of paying taxes as a newcomer to the States, and Orbel has been consistently helpful, knowledgeable, and detail-oriented in this regard. He has completed my tax returns in a timely fashion with no issues. He has also made himself available to answer any questions I have throughout the year. Great communicator, hi
We had the pleasure to work with Orbel and highly recommend Oracle Tax & Accounting. Orbel was super detailed and went above and beyond with his due diligence to review prior taxes which we filed on our own to make sure we had clarity and understanding and took the time to explain in depth all of our novice questions. We look forward to working with Orbel again.
Orbel has been great to work with. We worked with H&R block before, but after a bad experience we transfered to Oracle Tax and Accounting and we've had a much better experience. Communication is great and receiving a personalized service is great.
As a gym owner, managing the books and staying on top of business taxes can be overwhelming. This year, I had the pleasure of working with Orbel from Oracle Tax & Accounting, and I couldn't be more grateful for his assistance. Orbel went above and beyond to clean up my financials and ensure my S corp filings were not only accurate but also optimized for my business needs. His attention to detail, coupled with his patience in explaining complex tax scenarios, made the whole process seamless. It's clear that
I switched to Oracle Tax & Accounting this year and was very pleased with my move. Orbel was very helpful in addressing my tax situation, which had recently gotten more complex. I plan to continue coming back for my tax needs.
I found Oracle Tax & Accounting online and have been working with them remotely for 2 years now. They complete my tax return quickly giving me plenty of time to prepare my finances before the tax deadline. Also, on multiple occasions they have scheduled ad-hoc calls to educate me on the details of my tax return allowing me to navigate my tax liability more efficiently in future years. I highly recommend them to anyone!
I have been doing my taxes here for the last couple years and it has been a breath of fresh air working with Orbel. Communication is prompt, they?re understanding, and constantly looking for possible options to help your tax situation. Excellent service
We highly recommend Oracle Tax and Accounting. They helped us turn our growing franchise company with several markets into a financially accurate, strategically positioned company that has new access to credit lines, good tax planning, and opportunities for growth we didn?t have before. They are highly knowledgeable, responsive, pro active and a pleasure to deal with in all ways. We will be changing permanently to this firm and that says a lot. We were with our prior firm since 1997 - and switched because
Ironically enough, we found Orbel on Upwork and he has been a treasure for our business. Aside from the expected bookkeeping and tax prowess, he is so kind-hearted and hard-working. I feel like I have a brother CFO who has our back and for this, we are so grateful. As a part of the small business world at organizations such as the Women's Business Enterprise National Council, Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Business and sitting on the California board for the National Association of Women Business Owners, we hav
I have been working with Orbel for a while now. He does an excellent job, which is way better than higher-priced firms that charge exorbitant fees. I will continue using Orbel for the foreseeable future.
Orbel has been an absolute pleasure to work with. Ive been using Oracle's services for over a year now - they're always super solid.
Orbel is awesome! I contacted Orbel when I had problems reconciling my taxes (moved, sold a house, worked at multiple jobs, etc.) Orbel took everything in stride and got everything in order very quickly. He was very responsive, and he was always quick to answer my questions. I really appreciated his patience and his thoroughness. Highly recommend his services.
Orbel is amazing. He's responsive, thorough, and has a calming demeanor. He actually responded to my initial inquiry on a Sunday! Can't recommend him enough.
We have been working with Orbel for a year now. He?s bookkeeping skills are great! He cleaned our business?s books and has been keeping them updated ever since. We highly recommend him!
Our small business needed last minute help with our taxes last year. Orbel was beyond patient and really helped guide us through the quagmire. We 100% recommend Oracle Tax & Accounting!
We?ve been working with Orbel for a few months now for our bookkeeping and tax needs. He?s been really helpful and always ready to help with any questions we have.
I have worked with Orbel for a while now, and I?m really enjoying his experience, availability and communication skills. Highly recommend.
Orbel offers the explanation to me, a newbie to American tax, without charge.
Had a great experience with Orbel, he was really 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.