*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.*
223 Thousand Oaks Blvd # 405
Thousand Oaks, California 91360
this is the worst tax firm on the planet. STAY AWAY. they screwed my business so badly right before the tax deadline. they never even recrorded my info or inputed me as a client. they ghosted me when I followed up for weeks. I got the run around that the person I worked with was no longer with them and the owner was in the hospital. They should not be in operation and I am left high and dry to figure things out all on my own. Shame on Premier Tax & Finance, Inc.
Caution you not to use them. After they failed to file my income correctly, they ended up costing me in large fees from the state. They refuse to rake responsibility and cannot produce documents they said they could, and made errors on the documents they did produce. Other people have not mentioned to me they think this place is very disorganized and no longer use them either. Beware. I will also have to likely make a claim in court against them now as well. Upon seeing their reply now below - they lie and
Barry and his team are AMAZING! Exceptional professionals who helped prepare my taxes for my LLC! Everyone on his team from the clerk (Henry) who physically came down to collect my taxes from the parking lot, so I could make my flight. Then his team who prepared my draft (Paul) and alerted me to an error I had on my invoices. Then Barry who quickly turned my review around and sent me email confirmations on the weekend! Such a dedicated group of honest, caring, and knowledgeable individuals (read the other r
I have always had very positive and engaging experiences with Barry Peters during tax preparation. He is professional, extremely knowledgeable, thorough and committed to delivering a quality product. He is a good listener and patient when responding to questions. He wants the whole story to effectively manage your taxes and other money concerns he is asked to address. Great work!!!
Premier Tax has helped us file our personal taxes the last couple of years. Premier Tax really makes it easy to upload all documents and they're super fast. They use a portal that you sign into to upload all documents. And you can access that portal to e-sign everything and access past tax filings and tax documents. I usually start uploading documents as soon as we have both W2s, and once I upload the last tax statement I receive (that I know of), they are about done with everything. I've communicated mostl
Barry is one of the best Tax Preparers who really cares. Besides having over 20 years experience, He truly wants to help people to succeed financially. He prepares taxes for personal & also for corporations. He continues to go the extra mile to make sure you're getting all your deductions He's a very nice guy too. He's not just into his numbers. He takes the time to get to know you and your family.
Barry and his team were amazing - really knowledgeable, honest, and caring. They got my returns done within a week due to a time crunch on my part - they have the expertise to handle lots of different tax scenarios including real estate and 1031 exchanges. Thank you!!
Barry does an amazing job. He worked with me very late hours to fit my schedule and get my Taxes done timely. A great person to work with. I highly recommend him.
If you have started a business and are new for filing taxes personal and business and don't know what to do then, this is the best place to go. Barry is awesome, excellent and very knowledgeable he will help you and answer any questions you have. Giving his great experience I couldn't have chosen a better CPA. I recommend him to anyone who wants taxes done the right way.
Premier Tax & Finance is one of the best in the game! I once read in Forbes Magazine that the entire U.S. tax structure is just a game set up for those that can afford to play it to their advantage. Well, I can't afford a lot but I know that Premier Tax & Finance has full knowledge & understanding of the rules of the game and that has made me very happy during my annual bout with the IRS. For the past number of years Barry has done my taxes and I have to say he is one of the most common sense, down to ea
Our company had a data breach and w2's were taken we were notified 8 days post intrusion Bary had me bring my papers to him 9pm... He had both state and fed efiled before the bad guys could do it this morning several others filed this morning too late already been filed by bad guys....THANKS to this gentleman I've been spared 6 months of problems getting it all fixed! And to boot he has the most awesome office dog ever! Thanks Barry!
Excellent professionalism, customer service and promptness. They are experts in the field and they are reliable. As a result, a daunting process for me became a breeze. What a relief! I highly recommend Barry and his team.
Barry is a magic man! He managed to get me a return on my taxes when I wasn't sure how I was going to pay anything after a rough year financially after the pandemic. I highly recommend him!!!
Premier Tax & Finance is hands down the best around and my family's go to trusted source for any and all financial matters. Premier Tax & Finance is not only highly knowledgeable about current personal & business/corp accounting, tax & finance laws, rules & regulations, but they are also willing to go the distance to make sure your needs are meet and you are happy with your results. I recommend Premier Tax & Finance to anyone, anytime!
A friend referred me to Barry and he has been great. Very responsive which I appreciate in a CPA as well as knowledgeable.
Premier Tax and Finance has effectively become Beyond Home Theater's CFO providing the company with advice and counseling in addition to completing all our filing and regulatory compliance. I trust them with everything.
Principal, B. Peters provided exemplary expertise and guidance. I definitely will be utilizing his tax preparation services in the future; good experience with a quality and competent professional.
Barry and staff handle my personal and business accounting and taxes. They are by far the best around and offer personal service. I would recommend them to anyone.
Barry is very professional and friendly! I've used his multiple times with nothing but great experiences, very detailed and helpful.
Personalized service, you're not just a number (pun intended). You will enjoy the calming approach in an otherwise intimidating industry. Barry, Beau & all. Thank you!
Barry is the best! Knowledgeable, professional, responsive.
Top notch all the way!! Knowledgeable, smart and honest!
Great staff and service
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.