*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.*
27201 Puerta Real Suite 300
Mission Viejo, California 92691
Hetzel & Associates is one of the best firms in the business. When we first started our business journey, so many things were so unfamiliar and complicated to me. I knew from there that we needed to get a really good accountant. We have a friend in Mission Viejo who recommended them to us. We were told that they're excellent at what they do. I know how sometimes it can be so daunting to work on matters that involve taxes but Glenn?s team possesses this amazing ability to break everything down to you in the
I have looked into Hetzel CPA for my personal and small business tax preps, tax planning, and bookkeeping and I've been a satisfied and happy client for the last 4 years. Needless to say that I will continue to use their services. Allan in particular is a great person to work with! He's extremely knowledgable in his field of work and is responsive. It's been a headache going through several CPAs before we found what we were looking for here. I also appreciate their competitive pricing.
Allan and his team have been utterly phenomenal. I am a new business owner and Allan has provided such an amazing education on how to handle my finances in a sustainable and profitable way plus been prompt and responsive with any tax questions and filings. Highly recommend!
I was concerned that we did not receive a refund from the IRS as it wasn't showing in their system. Turns out that our tax preparer did not properly complete our taxes and they were out of reach, so I immediately looked for an accounting firm for help and Hetzel was recommended by a few people so I called them and I was redirected to Allan. It's been a few months now since I switched accountants. Allan is nothing but the utmost professional and efficient accountant and I really appreciate his service! Than
Allan and his team are incredible! I have never had any accounting team pay such close attention to my business and finances. Allan has been such an important piece to the success of my business, and he continually motivates me to find new ways to grow my business. If you are a business owner, this is the team for you! I have referred Allan to several of my fellow business owners, and we all love what we get with this firm! If I could, I would give Ten Stars!
I'm so grateful to have found Allan! His advice and expertise have been instrumental in helping my small business save money. As an influencer, I have very unique accounting needs, and he's one of the few CPAs who understands the ins and outs of my business. Highly recommend!
Allan is the best accountant I've had. We switched back to Hetzel when Allan returned and we've also referred many friends to avail of their services. They are extremely professional and passionate about their work, and I highly respect that!
Allan Bayer very graciously helped me with an ammended return, even though I used Turbo Tax this year to prepare my returns and not Hetzel & Associates. His help was very much appreciated. In addition, I've been very happy with the services of Hetzel & Associates in the past.
Allan and his team are phenomenal. Not only do they handle my personal accounting which allows me to not have to worry about missing any deadlines or leaving money on the table tax-wise, but also works with many of my clients in much more complicated and time-sensitive cases and every single one of them has had nothing but glowing remarks for his team which ends up leading to them referring me more business. Thanks Allan for making me look good!
I can fully say that Hetzel is a well established and highly professional in giving me advice considering my personal and business situation. Allen and his team are responsive and very easy to deal with. They have been nothing but fantastic throughout my journey and I highly recommend their services whether it's for your business or personal needs.
Signed up for a free consultation and did not go in with much expectations but I can truly say any expectations I might have had were blown away! Allan was not only super thorough but took the time to understand my short term and long term goals and how he can help me strategize with my taxes and financial planning. I look forward to working with Allan and his team.
A very knowledgeable and friendly group of CPAs. I'm happy I found Glenn and his associates to do my taxes and other accounting needs. They are personable and give high-quality service I can't see from my previous accountant. I highly recommend them to other businesses.
I can't speak highly enough about the skills of the accountants here! Allan Bayer is phenomenal; he's knowledgeable, professional, and prompt. I've referred several friends here who own small businesses and they're all so happy with his expertise!
Glenn Hetzel is the consumate professional among professionals. He offers many CPA services at a high end level of sophistication and expertise, with the ability to boil it down to a comprehensibility beyond most other CPAs and other lawyers. His communication skills and precise attention to details combine to make him stand out over all cpas an lawyers I have tried to work with. He is nit inexpensive, but you get much more than what you pay for. And he is trustworthy.
We were with Glenn Hetzel for 3 tax seasons but due to multiple displays of unjustified and unacceptable emotional tantrums by Allan Bayer, we decided to find a new CPA. Additionally, Allan threatened to put false information on our tax return and intentionally increase our tax liability when we questioned the additional $1400+ in surprise firm fees for charges that our new CPA says are unnecessary and excessive.
We have met at Mission Viejo Chamber of Commerce. Allan participated in Lunch n? Learn & Networking. Very knowledgeable and highly professional Allan is. It is always good experience working with Alan. Highly recommended!!!
Allan Bayer is a phenomenal CPA. He's extremely thorough and happy to explain anything that I have questions about. I also appreciate how early my taxes are done!
Working with Allan has not only saved me money but taught me so much about my finances. If you're wanting to grow your business give them a call today.
I highly recommend Glenn and Associates for tax preparation. They are a great team of accountants who were really helpful with my small business.
Allan is an amazing person to know. He is honest and extremely knowledgeable when it comes to CPA and Accounting.
Super easy to setup an appointment, super professional ad knowledgeable. He was able to answer all my questions and even offered advice on paths I could take to make my company my effective. Would def recommend !
Unfortunately I had to come back and re-do this review the company was acquired by a lager company. Customer service went out the window lots of communication issues and mistakes definitely not something you want to deal with when it comes to taxes or your small business ?. Learn from what I had to go through and BEWARE
My husband and I have both had a wonderful experience with this group. They are prompt to answer questions throughout the year which is greatly appreciated. I have and will continue to refer my friends and colleagues their way.
They are a very professional team, they can handle, advice and help with the domestic and international corporate taxes and what you need to do in a best efficient way.
Such a great experience working with Alan. Very professional, extremely knowledgeable, and understood the goals of my business. Highly recommended!!!
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.