*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.*
30950 Rancho Viejo Rd #100
San Juan Capistrano, California 92675
I've been a client of Prescott Tax and Wealth Management for over five years, and I can't recommend them highly enough. They've expertly handled both my personal and corporate tax returns, providing invaluable guidance that helped me prepare for purchasing my home. Their strategic approach to tax planning has not only saved me money but also set me on a solid path for future financial success. What truly sets Prescott apart is their unwavering commitment to their clients. They're knowledgeable, honest, and
I can't recommend Prescott Tax Wealth Management highly enough ? I'd give them 10 stars if I could!! Grant and Peter are truly in a league of their own. What sets them apart is their rare blend of deep financial expertise, unwavering integrity, and a genuinely heart-centered approach. As someone who hasn't always felt financially confident or informed, I was immediately put at ease from day one. From our very first conversation, they made me feel supported, never judged ? only empowered. They meet you exac
The Prescott team go above and beyond to service their clients. I have never been happier with a financial services organization. From bookkeeping to tax prep to payroll to managing my investment accounts and answering all my layman questions they do a great job - with real care and commitment from all members. Not to mention excellent knowledge and advice for my consulting business. I highly recommend Peter, Grant and the team.
I've been working with Grant, Peter, and the Prescott team for over 4 years now, and I couldn't be happier. I first came to them for help with my tax returns ? both personal and business ? which are pretty complex because of multiple real estate investments across different states and LLCs. What really stood out early on was how they took the time to walk me through everything in a way that made sense (thankfully no deep-dive CPA talk) and always looked ahead with solid planning advice. For example, they s
Peter runs a very shady and money hungry firm. My husband and I hired their firm starting two years ago to do our personal and business taxes. Before signing on I asked what his rates were and he said ?I cannot give you an exact as it depends on the work involved however my average corporate return runs about $2500.? Year one comes and my business return is we invoiced for over $4k. When asked why he said it was because it was his first year doing them so there were a lot of extra hours spent going over
Peter has been preparing my taxes and providing money management services since 2012, consistently providing excellent service, always gets back quickly. A very important part of working with Peter is his Risk Management tools which are used to measure how much risk you are willing to take in your investment portfolio. My financial situation has changed several times in the 11 years working with Peter (going from wage earner to consultant to full retirement) and my Risk Scale has changed each time and Pet
I have been a client of Prescott tax wealth and management for over 15 years and I have experienced nothing but the highest level of professionalism and expertise in all my interactions with them. Over that 15 years, I have recommended Prescott wealth management to numerous friends and family members. Additionally, all five of my children Use Prescott wealth Management for their tax and wealth management needs. Prescott wealth Management is a family run organization and understands family dynamics. They ha
I have been and continue to be a client of Prescott Tax and Wealth management for more than 20 years. We began our association around 2003 after my coming out of the dot com boom and bust of the Bay Area. I needed someone to manage not only my stock portfolio but to help provide a long term management focus for my overall future pension along with yearly management of my taxes. Not long after taking on my taxes I formed an LLC and engaged Prescott to support that business with their services. That busin
As a small business owner that incorporated at the start of 2022, Prescott Tax & Wealth Management helped me understand the different tax entities and feel confident with my decision to form an LLC. With very limited knowledge on my end, both Peter and Grant were extremely patient, helpful, and were able to answer all my questions with clear and concise detail. In addition to helping my business with tax planning, Prescott Tax & Wealth Management is helping me with both financial planning and retirement pla
I have been fortunate to work with Prescott Tax and Wealth Management for many years, and I can confidently say that their service is unparalleled. They handle both my personal and business taxes with an exceptional level of expertise and care, including partnerships, LLCs, real estate, and other complexities. Their deep knowledge of accounting is evident in every interaction. Whether it's navigating the intricacies of tax law or addressing specific financial concerns, their team always provides insightful
We've been coming to Prescott Tax & Wealth Management for 20 years and I've brought neighbors and friends in as well. Peter, Grant and the staff are great, and they deliver a really good mix of detailed knowledge and big-picture advice. When it comes to taxes and money, you need to work with people you can trust. I highly recommend them.
I have been a client of Prescott Tax and Wealth Management for over two years now and they have helped me a ton with both my business and personal tax and financial needs. I currently use them for tax preparation, bookkeeping, and wealth management and am so happy to have found them. Before coming to them, I wasn't sure where to even start. My online business has several multi state compliance requirements and to be honest, I wasn't sure I was filing correctly. They helped me get organized and implemented
I have been using Prescott Tax and Wealth Management services for approximately 3 years now and could not be happier. In the past I have filed my own taxes or have used other Tax professionals; I am continuously blown away at the talent and expertise that Peter demonstrates. He goes out of his way to provide the up-most best customer service, he taxes the time to sit and fully understand your unique tax scenario. I have even met with him on the weekends while my schedule was tight. He goes out of his w
I'm a small business owner and utilize Prescott Wealth and Tax for wealth management, accounting & payroll. They're fully integrated and have a sizable team that is friendly/knowledgeable; you can always get ahold of someone fairly immediately. Grateful to be so well taken care of.
We have used Prescott Tax and Wealth Management for our personal and small business taxes for several years. Peter Prescott's knowledge, abilities and years of experience give us confidence every time we meet. He also has a professional and efficient support network of employees in his office.
I only recently asked the Prescott firm to handle my taxes, investments and retirement - basically everything I have. (they don't do windows, however). That is a giant leap of trust, and I believe it was a good decision. They have been responsive, helpful and knowledgeable about any topic I requested. I would recommend them to anyone.
The very fact that Mr. Prescott took two years to respond to my review shows lack of evidence. In fact his retainer agreement asks clients not to provide adverse reviews on google! I have documented the failure of this office to work diligently to prepare my accounts several weeks prior but the staff and Prescott dropped the ball by endless errors including failing to account for correct expenses.m and holding my taxes hostage for $400 after I paid him $600 per hour. I terminated Prescott due to his endless
My wife and I have relied on Prescott Tax & Wealth Management for the past 18 years for all of our tax and investment management, and we have been very satisfied. Peter and his staff are highly trained and very professional and a pleasure to work with.
I've been dealing with Peter Prescott and his team for many years now. Peter is always extremely professional and his tax work is complete and on time. On top of that he's a nice guy and all the team at Prescott's are great to deal with. Highly recommended!
I have been working with Peter and his top notch team for about 13 years now. Could not be happier. As a small business owner I feel relieved to know that they have my back as I head into tax season. What a awesome group! I have recommended two of my friends that are also business owners, they are now part of the Prescott team as well.
I had a complicated tax year last year and unfortunately looked into doing business with these criminals. After wasting 3 hours of my time, I was able to get a better result from basic turbo tax. Further, they scheduled follow up meetings and charged me even more. Now, a year after I've severed this agreement, I got a notice of ?auto enrollment for next year?. I guess ripping me off for only a single year wasn't enough for them. Avoid these scam artists.
Peter and his firm are very knowledgeable, easy to work with, and pleasant. Our return is fairly complex and Peter is on top of it with great suggestions and valuable advice. Excellent accounting experience!
Mr Prescott was so knowledgeable and very personable. We highly recommend him!
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.