*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.*
260 Buena Creek Rd
San Marcos, California 92069
When tax season comes around you want to find a professional, experienced, honest, and skilled EA to answer questions, prepare your taxes and provide peace of mind- Priority Tax & Finance- formerly known as Stevan?s Tax service are the most helpful and professional. I had the pleasure of meeting Stevan and his amazing wife Sara Kemp, I was impressed of how welcoming and genuine they are, however, what really stood out to me was that not only they will take care of your taxes in a timely manner but they also
We have been using this service for years. They have made such a huge difference in how stressful tax time is for us - things go so much more smoothly now! Any time I have a question, they answer it or let me know they'll research it and get back to me. These are HONEST and RELIABLE PROFESSIONALS. They are also just all around great people which makes working with even better. Sara does the books for my small business but never makes me feel like a "small client". They do great bookkeeping, take care of our
I have been using Priority Tax & Finance (previously Stevan's Tax Service) for many years and couldn't be happier with their service! They are easy to work with, thorough, efficient, reasonably priced and communicate well throughout the entire process. The turnaround time exceeds my expectation every year, and they are always available for questions. I highly recommend this business!!
We started using Stevan and Sara after a recommendation from a friend who also uses them. They are great and can't thank them enough. Had previously handled my own taxes via TurboTax but having access to a human who answers my really dumb questions with a fast response is great. Upload the documents, answer some questions, sign, and then filed. Headache/stress free and best of all it frees up time and worry about doing things on my own. Highly recommend and should have been using their service a long time
So incredibly grateful to have found Stevan and Sara at Priority Tax and Finance! They are beyond helpful and available for any questions we have regarding not only our taxes but bookkeeping and payroll for our business. We have used them for several tax seasons and it's such a relief to know everything is being taken care of by honest and skilled professionals. My husband and I highly recommend them to anyone we meet that is looking for an accountant.
Have used Stevan and Sara?s tax service for several years and have always had great service and communication during the process. All questions are answered in a timely manner and they also remind me to submit some additional data that may benefit my return. Although tax time is never my favorite, Stevan and Sara make it easy and painless.
We were trying to find someone for our taxes and it was extremely last minute and close to the deadline to file. After feeling a little defeated by getting a couple of "We aren't taking new clients at this time" I called and spoke to Sara and she was so kind and sweet. She did not promise anything, but said they would take a look at it once I dropped everything off. After meeting with her and giving her the documents, I couldn't believe how quick they were at getting started with the process and filing our
Stevan, Sara and Brett are awesome. They have been doing our taxes for many years now. Our taxes are very complex and Stevan often tells us our taxes offer challenges to him that keep him on his game. Priority Tax and Finance has navigated our taxes through 3 rental properties, inherited IRAs, 1031 exchange purchases, then later the sale of that exchange purchase, Vacation rental income, and stock donations to charities. We have given them many challenges and Stevan, Sara and Brett always come through w
Have trusted PTF with both my business and personal finances and taxes for over 5 years now. Totally professional and straightforward with a personal touch, they are impeccable with the books and always make me feel that I'm their most important client. The team at Priority Tax & Finance goes above and beyond and they know their business inside and out.
We had a complicated (to us) tax year and delayed finding our tax preparer. We were so thankful that we were referred to Priority Tax and Finance by our business partner. They we responsive, timely and reasonably priced. We were thankful that we were able to securely upload our documents and did not need to go in office. We will be back!!!
Stevan has done my taxes for many years. He's the best! His work is very professional. He's honest, hard working and will give you a perfectly packaged copy of your paperwork for your filing along with all you need to know to file your taxes. He does all the work for you. You won't go to anyone else once you've gone to Stevan for your tax filing needs!
This tax service has saved me thousand of dollars. I had been robbed by The Block for two years. Stevan helped me refile and get back over $1,000 Dollars in 2014. He does my business taxes also. I with him for life. His staff always return my calls. I call them for all my financial advice. Call them now.
I've used PTF for the past 2 years, and my husband longer than that. I used to be a turbotax person, but never again. Having a "tax guy" you can ask a random question in November is so useful and helpful. And PTF is so quick to respond! Can't say enough about them, I am very pleased with their service.
Stevan gets it done and Sara does an awesome job at customer service. New business name but have been using them for years!
A real pleasure to work with people who know what they are doing. Helpful, considerate, friendly and quick. These people make it SO nice to get through a stressful chore. We've been using this service for years and recently changed their name. Same great place, same great service, same great attitude.
We had a great experience with PTF. Stevan, Sara and Jade did everything for us on a time crunch and made sense out of our chaos. They are true pro's!!
We have used priority Tax & Finance for years. They are absolutely the best out there. We've moved and I still won't go elsewhere. They have the best customer service out there.
Awesome tax service. Stevan and Sara have really helped me with very difficult tax matters and are VERY reasonably priced.
I found them to be friendly and very helpful. They answer my questions no matter how dump it may be. Very nice people.
Service was secure digitally! Very polite and personal! Will definitely use their services again.
Friendly, fast and efficient. Highly recommend this place for tax preparation! Thank you, guys!
Great service and very reasonable price for tax preparation!
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.