*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.*
999 Grant Ave #201
Novato, California 94945
Recently I refinanced my home with Pinnacle Home Loans. Admit that I'm a tough customer but that did not deterred Guillermo Chavez from providing excellent service from beginning to end. Guillermo's authentic people to people business style is consistent. He is personable, honest, and professional. He follows through, he returns phone calls within a reasonable time and is always prepared to answer those FAQs. And when the customer does not understand something, Guillermo has the right approach for explainin
Chris (along with Teresa) were great. They were on top of things, had good communication with regular updates, and gave us honest feedback on possibilities and support in going through the process on our own time as we tried to get the best rates, not necessarily on the fastest timeline (by choice). Would recommend and work with Chris and Teresa for refinancing again.
Chris and his team went above and beyond each step of our loan process. Our circumstance was not "traditional" but thankfully Chris was able to navigate though all of our potential road blocks and get us through to the end. We are so thankful for the knowledge (and persistence!) Chris and his team (hi Teresa!) provided us. I don't think we would have been able to complete the purchase of our home without them.
What fantastic service. Nicholas made the whole process feel like a walk in the park. He made himself available whenever we had a question or wished to talk through a concern. He demonstrated a deep knowledge across a range of products, suggesting only those that met our specific needs (which were somewhat challenging). Throughout the entire journey we felt confident we were in a safe set of hands, and would not hesitate recommending Pinnacle Capital Mortgage to friends and family alike.
Nicholas took our very complicated situation and created a life-changing refinance for us. He and his team worked diligently behind-the-scenes to make the process painless and simple on our end. He explained everything to our understanding as we went along. He was incredibly efficient and moved things forward very quickly, saving us even more than we expected. We are so grateful for the time, hard work, and effort Nicholas put forth for us.
We started working with Nicholas at the very beginning of our home journey - and it was a great experience. Partnering with Nicholas and Chanelle was one of the best decisions we made as we entered the very competitive North Bay housing market. Without their insight, communication skills, and wonderful personalities, we would have had a very difficult transaction with the mortgage company. Thank you so much for helping us purchase our dream Eichler home. Cheers!
From start to finish, my experience with Nicholas, Chanelle, and the entire Pinnacle team was easy and enjoyable. With professionalism and polish, they demystified the North Bay market for this East Coast transplant, and made an often overwhelming process seamless, even intuitive. With a poise that inspires my confidence and trust, they bring calm and clarity to the 21-day escrow process. In addition to being top flight professionals, they're also just good people. I recommend them wholeheartedly.
Reliable, trustworthy and extremely helpful. Worked with Lawrence from Pinnacle for our first home buying experience, they guided us every step of the way, helped us understand the process, and advised us on the action to get the best rates for the mortgage loan. Also helped us though our first and second refinance. Highly recommend
Chris Stewart is only Mortgage Advisor I will ever use while on this world. His patience and attention to detail are absolutely unapparelled in his industry. Always a pleasure to work with.
Nicholas and his team are competent, professional and efficient. We had an unusual situation and a short time line and our mortgage came though on the dot! We couldnt be more pleased, and we recommend Pinnacle Capital Mortgage without hesitation.
I have known and worked with Kevin for years. He has always been straight forward, honest, and diligent in his work. He is quick to respond and he also informs regularly where we are in a transaction. Kevin is a great resource for me and my family.
As first-time home buyers in an extremely competitive market, Steve expertly guided us during a complicated escrow period. His professional yet down-to-earth manner, 30-year expertise, and knowledge of country properties was a bonus for us. He generously gave time to hash details and patiently re-explained anything we missed. He errs on the conservative side, so no financial surprises in the end. Want someone knowledgeable and in absolute integrity? Steve is it!
Nicholas sets himself apart by making sure he truly understands all the details of your situation and then finding the course of action that most benefits you as a client. It's refreshing to work with someone who has such high knowledge and expertise. Nicholas is someone who doesn't just "complete tasks" and "check boxes," but provides a full "soup to nuts" service.
The easiest HOME purchase ever that I have; o course You need to do your share off home work too; they look for your best interest not the other way around, professionals, organized and always fun to work with them, great team work with: Kevin Rahill / Luis Romero . Always grateful for the accomplishment on getting my home on one month!!!
Purchasing a house during the first few months of the COVID-19 pandemic was a challenge in many ways but securing a mortgage loan was the most difficult. Not having had a mortgage for many years, I found the ?new normal? of that process flabbergasting and infuriating, but Deanna was able to get my wife and me through the process and help us get a very good interest rate and on time closing. I would recommend her to anyone needing help with mortgage financing.
Chris Stewart was very good. He was calm and reassuring. Got us a good rate, came up with creative solutions and overcame obstacles as they arose.
Chris Stewart goes above and beyond to help his friends and clients. He keeps current within his field and uses that knowledge to help people like me to secure a home mortgage. Grateful!
Mayra Calderon was fast, efficient, and very knowledgeable. We had certain circumstances that could have made it a challenge to get a new home loan but Mayra made it easy and not complicated.
Chris at Pinnacle did a great job for us. Got us a great loan, and made the process easy and straightforward. 10/10 would use again
Chris and his associates are timely and very detail oriented. Their team is always a pleasure to work with.
Leadership, integrity, and experience from start to finish upfront and behind the scenes the best in the west at all levels. Beyond pro level operations team!!
Chris is great to work with. He makes things as easy as can be.
Very open and transparent throughout the process. Felt like she managed the whole process, not just attend to my lending needs.
Excellent experience working with Aaron Knutson on getting my mortgage refinanced. Thanks.
Deanna Stein at Pinnacle Home Loans is amazing and I would highly recommend her for anyone in need of a loan!
Deanna is the best. I've done three mortgages and a refi with her.
Deanna was great to work with and helped me through the process.
Jimmy will do anything to help. He has a mega-bucket of patience??
Great great experience!!!!!!! There is no one I would rather work with than Mayra and her Team......
Marya is great at her job. Highly recommend.
Excellent work, delivered when others couldn't!
Don't trust these thieves.
Excellent service and great rates!
Good team, with great results.
Nevin was fantastic !
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.