*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.*
3838 Camino Del Rio N Unit 365
San Diego, California 92108
I have been working with Platt Wealth Management for many years, and I couldn't be more pleased with the financial guidance and expertise they provide. From the very beginning, Jeff Platt and his team took the time to understand my financial goals, risk tolerance, and long-term goals. Their personalized approach and clear communication have made managing my investments and financial planning a seamless experience. What I appreciate most is their ability to explain complex financial concepts in a way that i
I had an incredibly positive experience working with the Platt Wealth Management Team. I met with Curtis, a Lead Platt Wealth Financial Advisor and from the start, he was courteous, respectful, and most importantly, completely non-judgmental about my current financial status. I appreciated that he met me exactly where I was, with no pressure or unrealistic expectations, just a clear focus on helping me move forward. His deep knowledge of tax rules, saving strategies, and debt reduction techniques was both
After meeting with several financial advisory firms, my wife and I chose Platt Wealth Management and we've been very satisfied with our decision. As our financial advisor, Curtis has been an invaluable source of knowledge and guidance, always responding to our questions quickly and being the voice of reason. The financial planning service has been especially helpful, as we were uncertain on the exact way to structure our finances for our personal situation. Jeff?s expertise in investment strategies is excep
Curtis, Jeff and all the team at Platt Wealth Management are a pleasure to work with and consistently provide in with the information we need to feel confident in our investment plans. Curtis is friendly and approachable and readily shares his expertise in assisting us toward our financial investment goals. We highly recommend Platt Wealth Management.
Kai Kramer at Platt Wealth Management is fantastic. He makes sure I feel confident in both my investments and Platt?s overall strategy. He's incredibly responsive, flexible, and truly listens?adapting my plan based on my goals and needs. Highly recommend!
In addition to excellent portfolio performance, for us the main value in our PWM relationship is their continuing emphasis on addressing our personal goals and concerns, both at and between meetings. We always feel we're being looked after like family!
Curtis is well informed, patient, knowledgeable, thorough, and a great listener. He takes the time to explain and demonstrate the mood of the market,how to interpret the data and understand the market etc. I'm very confident that Curtis has my back with regards to my financial needs.
Jeff and his team have been a great resource over the years. They're knowledgeable, responsive, and always take the time to explain things clearly. I've appreciated their steady guidance and the trust we've built. Highly recommend working with them.
Jeff and his team have provided us with quick, attentive and friendly service for more than 10 years. Our results have been good and my wife and I can heartily recommend them.
We highly recommend Platt Wealth Management for all your financial needs. Personable, Educated and Accessible staff and great results. Couldn't ask for anything more!
PWM is very professional, knowledgeable and enjoyable to work with. Always available & prompt to respond to inquires related to investments/investment strategies. Would recommend to anyone looking for personalized, professional money management/investment advice.
Excellent service and appreciate Curtis' knowledge base about financial issues impacting us.
Our family had been with Jeff for 30 years now. Always great results even in the difficult times. His only goal is to make sure that your personal needs are met. By doing so, rest assured that you will continue to prosper in the years to come.
I highly recommend Platt Wealth Management. They have gone above and beyond with very personalized service. I appreciate their transparency and expertise in wealth management. We are already seeing a difference in our investments and we look forward to a very long and productive relationship with the PlattWM team.
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.