*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.*
3161 Solomons Island Rd Unit 1
Edgewater, Maryland 21037
I'm a small business owner who accountant shopped for quite some time, Joe & his team are phenomenal and so lovely to work with. I work most closely with Cathy - her knowledge, expertise, and ability to guide her clients is top tier! I have referred a few colleagues and friends to RCN who have also been happy with their experience. Highly recommend!
We had a great experience here. Will definitely use them in the future. Thank you Joe for your time.
Matt Costa / RCN are great to work with. Matt was very helpful and knowledgeable when helping me set up and pay taxes for my single member small business, and figure out downstream effects on my personal taxes. He's super responsive whenever I have a question. I highly recommend Matt / RCN & Associates.
RCN & Associates LLC is an amazing organization! We have had both our personal and small business taxes prepared by both Lauren and Bob for years now, and we have never had any issues at all! In fact, they go out of their way to make sure that we are doing everything right and we get the maximum refund available. They are always available for questions and are quick to respond. I can't recommend them enough. We will continue to use their services for many years to come.
I have been a client of RCN for about 4 years. Not only have they been a trusted advisor in a variety of tax and accounting areas, but they also helped my business secure critical government loans during COVID-19. Matt and his team are professional, responsive, and approach each client with an element of thoughtfulness and attention that you don't see often. I feel comfortable approaching RCN for just about any accounting related issue that my business may need and I highly recommend Matt as someone that wi
I found Matt from RCN about 4-5 years ago, he has been fantastic and I have used their services ever since. Matt has really helped me make sure my taxes are in order and really makes the whole process a breeze. I used to have to try to figure out my taxes and it was always such a pain but Matt and RCN Associates make my taxes easy and makes tax season not something I worry about anymore. I highly recommend their services.
Matt Costa and the team at RCN are fantastic. They are incredibly knowledgeable in business tax strategies, and also personal tax approaches. Matt and the team make themselves available all of the time, their responsiveness is unparalleled. I've had several accountants, and RCN has been the best by far.
I highly recommend RCN & Associates. They have helped me for more than twenty years. They are knowledgeable, professional, responsive and consistently provide excellent tax service. Over the past ten years, I have worked directly with Lauren. She is an essential part to the growth of my small business. I love working with her! Thanks RCN! Heather M. Bryant
I own a small business and have worked with Matt's team since 2018. They prepare my company's taxes as well as prepare our financial statements and my family's personal tax return. I would highly recommend Matt's team to any small business owner or individual in need of tax or wealth management assistance. They are professional, easy to work with, and provide us with tax strategies and management that help to make owning a small business easy and painless.
I very rarely ever post reviews for businesses but the services I was provided by Matt Costa and RCN and Associates certainly warrants it. Three years ago I was turned down by multiple tax accountants as a client as I was deemed high risk because of the investment strategies I use in emerging technologies. This was mainly due to the fact that the tax accountants during this time were not provided with proper regulatory guidance in these types of strategies due to the fact that this was an emerging market.
Matt Costa/ RCN is professional, thorough and reliable. He is very knowledgeable about Cryptocurrencies as well. He valued my opinions and taught me ways to simplify and organize my finances. Highly recommended.
I called the week of 10 April. This is tax season and I am sure a very busy time for CPAs. I asked if they were taking on new clients and the lady that answered the phone forwarded me to another lady that came across as in charge. I asked her the same question. Her answer was we are very busy with tax season -- we might be able to get you in around the end of May. I paused before talking as I was a little surprised that without any discussion on need, timeline, urgent or not urgent, etc... she went str
Great company to work with. Staff is super friendly, VERY responsive, and most importantly knowledgeable. Running a business takes up enough time; so having great CPAs you can trust is key to success. Highly recommend!
I can't tell you how much money they saved me with the IRS over the years. Bob and Lauren are the absolute best accountants I've ever worked with and I've owned multiple businesses over the past 35 years.
Very efficient!!! Cathy is unbelievable client services. Can?t say enough great things!!! I wasn?t sure at first with Joe, but after meeting him I walked away beyond impressed!
We have been using RCN for many years. The service they provide is phenomenal. I have recommended them to many of my client's.
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.