*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.*
18 S Water St STE 2
Wilmington, North Carolina 28401
I can't believe that I took so long to find THE BEST accounting company in Wilmington. Ray was great, all the girls in the office are very helpful, and I appreciate (I really do) that Ray actually works on my taxes himself, he sits for hours with me to explain and find the best way to do things. That's how I like to do business with my own clients too, so RJB is what I always looked for to help me with taxes and much more.
I?m incredibly thankful I was referred to, Ray! What stands out most about his work, is that he truly loves it! Which is shown through his, positive attitude and encouraging words! You are in very good hands with RJB!
Happy with return? Sure. Happy with level of "service"? NO. Drove two hours to meet & was rushed through meeting. No actual explaining or tax planning for next year. Had question on return two weeks ago & still awaiting response... Will not be returning. FRONT OFFICE STAFF IS WONDERFUL. They seem to do most of prep work.
Ray is incredible! He's knowledgable, personable, attentive and reliable. He delivers great customer service and truly cares about his relationships with his clients. He's not the CPA that just wants to do your taxes and never talk to you again. He advises and educates you on everything with the future in mind. I've used him for my real estate business in Wilmington for years and will continue to do so in the future. 5 stars!
Ray had been super responsive and attentive to our business accounting needs. We have monthly CFO meetings, and he properly plans a tax and business strategy to minimize our liability and ensuring our funds are used for items that enhance my business. I highly recommend him and his team at RJB!
Excellent service, very friendly! They?ve been doing our taxes for years!
Ray was a pleasure to work with. He answered all of our questions, very knowledgeable. Great office following all Covid rules. We felt very comfortable & safe. We are new to the area and we?re very pleased with Ray?s service. Ray definitely deserves a 5 star review. We Will be a repeat customer.
Someone on a local community page recommended Ray at RJB Tax Associates and I am SO glad they did! Ray has been nothing but a pleasure to work with. He has great, quick communication and is very knowledgeable. Ray made the dreadful process of doing taxes into a pleasant experience. I highly reccomend RJB Tax Associates!
Ray has been fantastic to work with and always looks out for your best interests.
Just had a very productive meeting with owner Ray Borges. We discussed retirement tax strategies and sole proprietor payroll withholding issues. I found him to be knowledgeable and a good listener. We finished with a concrete plan of action which I understood. The net result for me was peace of mind at a very reasonable cost.
Ray was a pleasure to work with. Very knowledgeable, and made what is usually a stressful time so easy. Three different locations so very convenient as well. Highly recommend.
Ray and Kelly have both been very pleasant to work with and have answered my questions about everything concerning incorporating my new business and other items of interest. I can ?highly? recommend RJB Tax Associates.
Highly recommend! Thorough, very knowledgeable, fair, timely, very reliable, honest, kind, reasonable fees, personable too! We use no one else for years now.
Ray and his team are GREAT and very helpful
Very knowledgeable, professional, personable. First year using. Will definitely be regulars with him!
Mr. Borges is very knowledgable and so very helpful. 100% professional! I wouldn't go anywhere else! Highly recommended!
Ray and his team are amazing. I highly recommend!
The customer service is outstanding. They have many locations and are kind and considerate.
Great Team and Great at explaining complicated tax policies
Trustworthy and professional.
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.