*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.*
1901 Harrison St
Oakland, California 94612
I can?t recommend Reap Legacy highly enough! She is incredibly knowledgeable, patient, and always takes the time to explain things in a way that makes sense. Her strategic guidance has given me confidence and peace of mind in my financial decisions. I truly appreciate her personalized approach and commitment to my long-term success. If you're looking for a financial advisor who genuinely cares, look no further!
I have been a client of Pat Kennedy Baxter at Reap Legacy, Inc for about 5 years. Pat is very knowledgeable and thorough about finances, and stays current with the changes in the financial market. She has been patient with me to ensure that I understood the different financial products and how each one operates. Additionally, Pat has been very instrumental in my retirement journey and ensured that I had enough money to retire. She also made sure that I placed lazy finances and put other investment products
I have known Pat Kennedy Baxter for at least ten years and have found my dealings with her on financial and personal basis have been very satisfactory. Her professional business advice in dealing with retirement planning has been most helpful. I have enjoyed her input on a personal level as well and have recommended her services at Reap Legacy to my family. I very much appreciate her calm demeanor in discussing business matters. I also admire her healthy lifestyle and being a top physically fit individu
I have been working with Pat Baxter for about 5 years now. She is precise, diligent, pleasant and extremely knowledgeable in her field. In addition, her executive assistant Tatiana Benjamin is also quite diligent and very pleasant to work with. No matter the time of year, Pat is responsive to my queries about my financial portfolio. I know I can always count on Pat to keep track of things. Ever patient, Pat breaks things down for me repeatedly over time and space, if need be. I feel as though she has my b
We have put our trust in Pat Baxter and the team at Reap Legacy for several years. Her expert guidance, insightful knowledge of financial markets, and active listening skills have given us complete confidence that our retirement plan is solid. We feel very lucky to have such a skilled and thorough partner in retirement planning.
It has really been a pleasure and honor to work with Reap Legacy, Inc. because Patricia Baxter is extremely interested in each person's investment. She makes sure that each person totally understands each investment. She is financially trustful, professional and knowledgeable. I have recommended her services to many of my friends.
Pat is kind and I always feel she listens closely to my concerns, details and general discussion. She has advised me for over 5 years. She helps plan for my financial future with an experienced and professional view that I greatly appreciate. Finances are an important personal topic and Pat brings a confidence I would not have doing this solely on my own. I highly recommend working with her and her assistant Tatiana.
At Pat Baxter's financial planning workshop, earning income off of growth on investment was our "light bulb moment" to that dreaded question..."Will we have enough money in retirement?!" We were short-sighted -- only looking at the funds we had up to that point. Unbeknownst to us, Pat showed us there are options to diversify investments to provide "income" during retirement and others you let grow to tap in later. Having Pat as our financial advisor with her vast investment knowledge and genuine care in o
I've known Pat Baxter most of my life, personally and now professionally as well. I know her heart and her passion for helping people understand and make the best decisions regarding their financial goals. I trust her. She is knowledgeable, experienced and steers her clients in the right direction for them, I would recommend Pat to anyone.
Pat is so good at explaining to me how my financial plan is working. She helped me retire so I could live my dream of working with horses. Thank you, Pat
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.