*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.*
538 4th St
San Rafael, California 94901
Ryan and Jada helped me to refinance and set up my mortgage loan in less than a month. They worked extremely quickly, were very professional, went above and beyond to find me the best deal given my unique circumstances: I had taken time off work, and had originally purchased my home in cash. I would recommend them to anyone who is looking for a team with good connections, high communication, and sincere care to help you achieve your financial goals.
We had an incredible experience working with Ryan L., our amazing mortgage broker, and his fantastic assistant, Jada S. Ryan guided us through every step of the home buying process, making it smooth and stress-free. His expertise and commitment were evident as he helped us close at record speed with no hassle. We truly appreciated the white-glove service and competitive rates he secured for us. Ryan is a top-notch professional, and we can't recommend him and Jada highly enough for anyone in need of a mortga
Ryan and Jada were absolutely amazing to work with and made purchasing our first home a breeze. We had a shorter close than usual and they powered through everything with professional enthusiasm. Highly recommend.
My husband and I were lucky to have Ryan and Jada. Every move has been hectic, from researching to closing and purchasing our home, but we made it through with their help. Thank you, Ryan and Jada!
Ryan and Jada Sanders were an exceptional team! They were easy to work with, very communicative, well-informed, and made the house buying process so easy for us with minimal headaches. I would recommend Ryan and Jada to transact and be your loan advisor for everyone that is buying a home in the Bay Area!
Ryan helped us buy our first home and was an absolute pleasure to work with! His assistant Jada is amazing and takes care of things timely and accurately. Ryan makes himself available whenever you have questions or short notice requests. As a first time homebuyer it can be daunting and frustrating at times. Ryan made time to educate us, and helped us to understand all the nuances. They both went above and beyond to get us into a home. Will definitely be using them for future refi and home purchases! Thanks
This was my first time purchasing a home. At first I wasn't sure it was a good idea. I reached out to Ryan to see what I'd qualify for and we discussed the pros and cons of buying versus renting. I never felt pressured to buy a home. After much reflection I finally decided to go for it and made an offer, which was accepted. Ryan was very helpful and a total pro. He really went above and beyond. I'll definitely be sticking with him whenever I refinance and will recommend him to anyone I know who's buying a h
Excellent. Trustworthy. Not pushy. Let me take my time to do my own research to become comfortable. I give Ryan and Jada my highest recommendation.
I have nothing but good things to say about Ryan Lugbauer and Pro Mortgage! Ryan was responsive, professional, and did a great job of communicating via email and text what was going on throughout the whole mortgage process. His assistant Jada was amazing and was always on top of all of the details, and made things go like clockwork. I would highly recommend Ryan Lugbauer when you're looking to buy a new home or refinance your existing mortgage!
Ryan's team was all around amazing to work with. As a first-time home buyer they educated me on the entire mortgage process step-by-step. During a year where rates in 2022 were rising, he was able to help me get the lowest rate possible. His team was professional, diligent and overall a pleasure to work with. I will be working with them in the future when it comes the time to refinance. I highly recommend.
Ryan Lugbauer is a responsive and professional individual. He is very patient and diligent in providing clients with lending information, especially thorough to first time homebuyers, who for the most part require allot of hand holding. Ryan is the most responsive Agent I have worked with, making himself available even after hours - we all know that questions or issues do not limit themselves to working hours - Ryan is always there for his clients and the Real Estate Agents he works with. In short, I wo
Ryan has been my contact for mortgages. We recently used his services for a new home purchase and the process was seamless. My brother also refinanced his property and reduced his interest rate by 1%. He's very personable and will definitely use him again for another purchase.
Ryan and his team have been rockstars for us through several refinances and purchases over the last many years. Ryan is knowledgeable, professional and very hands on. No hard sales, only strong customer service and excellent communication from start to finish.
Ryan and Jada are the best!!! They are so kind and pleasant to work with. And get the job done !!!
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.