*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.*
555 E Clark Ave Ste D
Santa Maria, California 93455
We have been working with Premium Tax Source since 2016, and we couldn't be more pleased. Kathleen is incredibly professional and patient, consistently providing excellent service for both our business and personal tax needs. We highly recommend her to anyone seeking a reliable and knowledgeable CPA, tax professional.
Great experience, I have been going to Kathy for all of my tax needs for about 5 years now. Fast and efficient service. As well as fabulous customer service, as always.
Kathleen has done an absolutely incredible job helping me with my taxes. I had tried to do it myself previously and nothing made sense to me and I was completely lost. I reached out to Kathleen and let her know my situation and since day one she has been able to help me make sure my taxes are accurate and done correctly. I've recommended her to friends that have needed help with their taxes and I can't recommend her enough. She is incredible at what she does!
I worked with Kathleen at Premium Tax Source. She was kind, patient and incredibly helpful. Taxes can be a daunting, but Kathleen made the process seamless. She followed up with clarifying questions and held my hand through the whole process. Kathleen asked followup questions that helped me see I had more deductions that I did not originally know about it. I am so grateful for her service. It was a pleasure working with Kathleen and I will use her in the future for all of my tax needs.
Kathy has been doing my taxes for some years now and she makes the whole process stress free. She's always been super professional and super sweet. She communicates with me so well and I'm always in the loop of what's going on with my refunds and if she ever needs something extra from me, she notifies me right away. I'm so thankful for her and I wouldn't want anyone else to do handle my taxes! Love her!
I have worked with Kathy for many years and I know I can always count on her to prepare my tax returns accurately and timely. She is also very knowledgeable and stays on top of all the tax laws and changes (regardless of what State you're in). She has also been there to answer any tax questions I may have throughout the year. Highly recommended!
We highly recommend Premium Tax Source. We have used Kathy for 5 years and she is extremely responsive (including outside of tax season) and professional. She has answered every single question we have, and turns our paperwork around quickly. Couldn't ask for a better resource when dealing with something as important as taxes.
Having to file my taxes on my own was daunting at first, but thanks to Kathleen at Premium Tax Source I was able to get mine done stress-free and quickly. Any questions I had about areas I didn't understand she was able to answer in detail. I would highly recommend to everyone in need of a efficient and friendly tax expert.
I trust my taxes with Kathleen at Premium Tax Source. She's been professional, reliable and extremely responsive for several years. Highly recommend!
Kathleen is outstanding! She has the right combination of professionalism and patience. And she does a great job with my taxes!
Highly recommend her services. She was helpful, fast and very trustworthy.
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.