*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.*
21255 Burbank Blvd
Woodland Hills, California 91367
Using Prep Tax Smart services for payroll and accounting. Fast, always on time, absolutely reliable!! All the questions answered, all the issues resolved right away! Looking forward to doing taxes for this year. Totally confident in Kate's professionalism and knowledge!
My interactions with Kate and Prep Tax Smart have consistently been fantastic! They have made tax filing a breeze - the easiest, quickest, and most convenient experience I've had thus far. Kate and her team possess exceptional attention to detail and vast knowledge on everything ranging from W-2s to LLC tax. They always ask pertinent questions, reassure me that they are meticulously examining my returns, and are extremely responsive to my inquiries and worries. The best part is that all transactions were ca
Using Kat's tax preparation services was a very wonderful experience. The entire procedure was easy and stress-free because to her experience, tailored approach, and excellent customer service. She made the most of my benefits by navigating the intricate tax legislation with ease. She conducted herself with professionalism and integrity at all times, and I heartily recommend using her services for a smooth tax filing process.
I recently used Prep Tax Smart to file my taxes and found the experience to be effortless, thanks to Kate, the CPA. I had been using TurboTax but decided to try out professional tax services this year, and I don't plan on going back. I highly recommend Prep Tax Smart if you want to maximize your tax filing results. Many thanks to the team!
For three years, Kate and the Prep Tax Smart team have served as dependable advisors and careful tax strategists for my family. Kate is easily approachable, responsive, knowledgeable, and meticulous in her work. I feel comfortable reaching out to her with any questions I have, and she even presents us with proactive ideas. Kate is dedicated to providing her clients with the correct knowledge and expertise. We appreciate their assistance and wholeheartedly endorse Prep Tax Smart!
Filed taxes with Kate this year the first time. She is so good at what she does, very informative and knowledgable about taxes! She also responds within a few minutes and provide with all information I need to feel financially safe. Highly recommend Prep Tax Smart!
I required the services of a CPA to deal with a tax return that was more intricate than usual. I must say, I'm impressed! Kate and her team processed my return at lightning speed and provided me with a clear understanding of my tax situation. The entire process, from our initial interaction to receiving a precise quote and submitting all of my documents, was effortless. I had no idea that tax season could be this easy. Without a doubt, I will continue to be their client! Maryna G.
It was great to cooperate with Kate who is the owner of Prep Tax Smart. If you are looking for meticulous attention to detail, expertise in various accounting aspects, proactive and accessible communication, this is the right way to find all of this stuff, working with Prep Tax Smart.
Let me tell you that I have been visiting this place for two years, and each time I arrive, I am received warmly and with great hospitality. The staff consistently offers me coffee or water, which helps me feel at ease and calm while getting my taxes done here. Their level of professionalism is excellent, and they are highly efficient when handling my taxes. Kate, in particular, is very professional and ensures that you receive the best service possible when preparing your taxes. I am eagerly looking forwar
I reached out to Prep Tax Smart via Yelp, and they provided me with very helpful guidance on a complicated tax question. Not only did Kate (their CPA) call me to discuss it - she did further research on the question and followed up. Knowledgeable, kind, courteous, and thoughtful! Many thanks for your help, Kate!
Smart tax prep was recommended to me by a friend for tax prep. Kate, CPA, to is very knowledgeable, takes her time to explain things and answer any questions. Highly Recommend!
I was initially hesitant about the ERC program. However, after conducting my own research and consulting with both my partner and accountant, it became apparent that the ERC program could offer substantial advantages to our business. The application process was straightforward, and after providing Prep Tax Smart with all the necessary documentation, we were informed within a week that our business was eligible for a substantial credit. I intend to recommend Prep Tax Smart to my friends and business associat
This year was my first time using Prep Tax Smart. I selected them as I preferred to have my taxes filed remotely. By using their secure portal, I uploaded all the necessary documents. After exchanging a few emails and phone calls, my taxes were filed in just a few days. Given the challenging situation of the times, their service made the entire process incredibly simple. I strongly suggest trying them out!
Prep Tax Smart was recommended by a friend, and I couldn't be any happier with their level of service. They walked me through everything which made me feel at ease. They also accommodated my very late request super close to the filing deadline. Highly recommend.
I have a growing small business.??What was once a very simple account has snowballed into a jumbled mess.??Prep Tax Smart team came to the rescue and got me back to a solid foundation.??I'm happy to have not only free time and peace of mind but extra cash in the business (my pocket) than before. Extremely happy that I've found these guys!
With Kate, taxes became a breeze! She pinpointed significant returns for me and her year-round availability is a major plus. Smart, friendly, and efficient.
I loved how easy she made filing my taxes this year. I was daunted by the new tax bracket but she really saved me money! Will definitely be consulting with this team again!
Prep Tax Smart helped me with my taxes last year. Will definitely be using them again. Highly recommend!
Kate made texes simple and fruitful for me. Always available and super efficient. Highly recommend!
Everything was super smooth. Got the taxes for my business filled. Would definitely come back next year
I highly recommend using Kate service for preparing taxes, she is highly knowledgeable and goes beyond and above to help her clients. Great 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.