San Diego Taxman

San Diego Taxman

Reviews Summary

The majority of reviews praise the service for its professionalism, expertise, and ability to simplify complex tax situations. Many highlight long-term satisfaction, with clients appreciating the team's responsiveness, reasonable fees, and stress-free experience. Several mention significant savings and personalized attention, especially for business or multi-state filings. A few negative reviews cite poor communication, billing issues, or unexpected tax bills, but these are outliers. Overall, the service is highly recommended for its efficiency, knowledge, and client-focused approach, with many loyal customers returning year after year.

About This Listing

Bookkeeping
Tax Preparation
Small Businesses
Individual Taxpayers
Remote Services

Who Can Work with a CPA?

Individuals seeking tax prep, retirement planning, or financial advice
Small business owners needing bookkeeping, payroll, or tax compliance
Freelancers and contractors with 1099 income or complex returns
Couples planning finances together or managing joint returns
Investors with capital gains or rental property income
Anyone looking for year-round financial guidance and peace of mind

*Note: CPAs may specialize in different areas. Be sure to check credentials and service offerings.*

First-Time Clients

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.

What to Know Upfront:

Documentation Bring your most recent tax returns, income details, and any financial concerns
Availability Appointments fill up quickly during tax season — book early if possible

*Note: Every CPA operates a bit differently. Don’t hesitate to ask questions before committing.*

What to Bring

Government-issued ID for verification
Tax documents (W-2s, 1099s, investment summaries, etc.)
Receipts or logs for deductible expenses, donations, or mileage

*Tip: Organize your documents in advance to save time and ensure accuracy.*

Preparing for Your Appointment

Write down any financial goals or questions in advance
Check if your CPA offers virtual sessions or document uploads
Bring a notebook or use a notes app for key takeaways
Know your deadlines for filing, payments, or compliance

*Note: Preparation helps you make the most of your CPA’s expertise.*

How to Get Started

Use our directory to find highly reviewed CPAs near you. Reach out directly to schedule your consultation.

Other Helpful Info

Many CPAs offer both in-person and remote consultations
Fees may be flat-rate, hourly, or based on service complexity
Some CPAs specialize in industries like healthcare, real estate, or tech
Check for client reviews and credentials (CPA license, EA, etc.)

*Note: Every CPA is different — take time to find one who fits your goals and style.*

Features

Bookkeeping
Tax Preparation
Small Businesses
Individual Taxpayers
Remote Services

Contact Information

Address

1733 National Ave

San Diego, California 92113

Hours

Sunday Closed
Monday 10AM-6PM
Tuesday 10AM-6PM
Wednesday 10AM-6PM
Thursday 10AM-6PM
Friday 10AM-6PM
Saturday Closed

Customer Reviews

I highly recommend The San Diego Tax Man for all your tax preparation needs! Even though I now live in Los Angeles full-time, I trust Mihn Tra and Dennis O?Connor completely with my taxes. Their remote tax preparation process is seamless, efficient, and stress-free. They are always responsive, professional, and go above and beyond to make sure everything is handled correctly. I wouldn't trust anyone else with my taxes, and I encourage others to have their tax preparation done by them as well. Outstanding se

Update: Nick's response to my original review just shows how little he knows or cares about his clients. In 2021, for which he completed our taxes (after an extension), we lived full-time in California. It wasn't until 2022 that we moved to Florida and insinuating that we were 'playing the system', just shows his lack of knowledge and general character. Other 'facts' listed in the response are nothing more than twisting what really happened. Simple fact is, based on our experience, Nick just rushes throu

San Diego Taxman has been preparing our taxes for a decade. We first went to Dennis when we lived in San Diego, and we love and trust SDTM so much that they still do our tax prep even now that we've moved out of state. Highly recommend their fast, affordable services.

SD Taxman will take good care of you! All employees are vetted and skilled, staying current with changing CA tax laws and ensuring each client is a priority. We file remotely and it is easy and secure. We have been clients for several years; Dennis and his team are top of the line and I highly recommend them to friends and family!

Every year San Diego Taxman has provided a great experience through its easy and convenient scheduling system, dependability, and awesome customer service. Patrick Carr has been my go to person for the past 2 years and displays a friendly attitude and knowledge while assisting me with filing my taxes. I?d definitely recommend this business to a friend and I, myself will be back next year.

Best Tax Man in San Diego, hands down! Has been helping me for years and does excellent work. He is quick, fun and provides beer while you get your taxes done. Go see Dennis & his staff, you won?t regret it.

I initially came to the San Diego Taxman in 2017 after having done them myself for years prior. I needed a little extra help back then and the team at SDT made it SO EASY that I continue to utilize their services. When I moved away from San Diego for a year, they were very helpful in facilitating my filing via email despite the fact that it was days before the filing deadline and I was freaking out because I had waiting too long/procrastinated/didn't want to go anywhere else! They are efficient, friendly, a

Dennis, Minh and the whole crew at SD Taxman are simply the best to work with. They have handled my taxes for the last decade and never disappointed. On time, efficient, excellent online system for submitting documents without ever touching a fax machine or stepping in their office if you don't want to. Well oiled machine. Highly recommend giving them a shot and going in to meet and consider their services. Cannot recommend highly enough. Plus you get a free beer! (Thorn Street Brewing)

I've been getting my taxes done at San Diego Taxman for several years now after I saw the great reviews online. It's been the best decision because Minh has completed my taxes each year in a timely manner and at a cost that is hard to beat. I recommend San Diego Taxman to all my friends and associates.

We've been getting our taxes done here for several years. The service is professional, prompt, and courteous. Dennis knows what he is doing and communicates clearly. He prioritizes our time and is comfortable with us submitting info to him in person or in a more convenient online manner. Five stars. We will be back again this year.

I came to San Diego Taxman through the recommendation of a friend. Admittedly I viewed a few negative reviews but trusted my friend so I proceeded to have them prepare my taxes last year.......very glad I did !!! My taxes are not straight forward and need to be completed by a professional. Dennis listed carefully to my situation and was able to complete my return professionally , in a timely manner and for a more than reasonable fee. Personally my experience with them indicates that the mediocre reviews I r

I absolutely love San Diego Taxman. These guys work hard and care about getting their client's tax done the correct way. They are super informative and direct and quick to response. They gave me a few pointers that helped me save money on my business and their price is super reasonable. If you're looking for the right tax preparer who knows there stuff and get it done, San Diego Taxman has your back.

Been going to SD Taxman for many years now, and referred at least 10 people. They make doing taxes much easier and don't waste your time. I like that they've gotten to know me over time and recommend things to do to help with taxes. Great advice and service. A+ all the way.

We have worked with SD Taxman for a number of year and every time it is quick and easy. Dennis is always willing to answer our questions, but also values our time. This year, we did the online finalizing, which saved us even a trip to the office. Great place and fair price.

San Diego Taxman was recommended to us by a friend and coworker. We have been going to San Diego Taxman for 4 years now and are always pleased with the professionalism and speedy turnaround for our taxes. The staff is friendly and environment is always inviting. Minh has done our taxes every time and we will continue to bring our business here. Thanks San Diego Taxman!

What can i say about the San Diego Taxman. I had always done my own taxes, well as you get older things get more complicated. so a few years ago I was about to jump out of a perfectly good airplane (skydiving) an my buddy tells me about the Taxman and said for sure go see him. So first time i have ever gone to see an account. its half way through tax season so everyone is super busy i showed up a little early and Dennis was like your a little early here take this and come back when your done, was a t

This group is top notch in doing taxes properly and efficiently. Their prices are very fair. I left TurboTax for good because of their deceptive pricing. San Diego Taxman will have to increase your tax preparation fee if your situation is more complex and requires more forms; but it?s all fair pricing. They have a CPA on their team so you can rest assured that they?ll do things the right way. When I left San Diego for Los Angeles, I tried to find a local tax office, but I couldn?t find anyone as good, so I

I have been working with Dennis at San Diego Taxman for over 15 years. They are always on the top of their game. It?s not just the once a year meeting. It?s an ongoing education keeping you up to date on new tax laws and ways to make the most of your money. I appreciate all they do and will be a loyal customer for years to come. Thanks SD Taxman

We needed a new tax person--we had been going to an older man for years, but he finally passed away. Panic! Found Dennis and his company and have been going to him for several years now. His fees are more-than-reasonable, and his service is quick and responsive. His staff is helpful and the work is exceptional. He has guided us through our transition from working full-time to retirement issues. We so appreciate that personal attention.

Everyone at San Diego Taxman has always been extremely helpful. When I started using them I had just started a new business, worked as an independent contractor, had a rental property, and then I got married. Dennis does it all and was understanding and helpful along the way.

We have completed our taxes with Minh at San Diego Taxman for three years, and we have had a fantastic experience this far. The staff are organized, efficient, affordable, and they even helped us out with the IRS mid year when we had forgotten to declare some additional income. We recommend them to everyone in any tax situation!

I have been using SD Taxman to prepare my taxes for the past 4 years. My family doesn?t have a complicated tax situation, but their service is definitely still a value, ensuring we maximize our return and don?t make mistakes. Their setup allows me to upload all the documents in advance and then go in for an appt to double check everything face-to-face. It?s quick, painless, and they always have good advice.

Been using Patrick at San Diego TaxMan for the past 6 years now and it?s a professional service being provided by good people! Every year, I?m pleased with my return and I know that I?ll always return here to get them done. He?s fast and flexible with his time which helps me as as busy as I am. Communicates affectively and makes me laugh. Good dude overall. Give him a shot if you need a tax man!

My parents and I have both been going to Dennis for years now, so this review is long overdue. He?s fast, professional and smart?he makes sure to let us know how to tweak things for the coming year in order to lower what we owe. His prices are fair, and I prefer supporting a local business vs using a larger firm or online service. Overall I highly recommend!

Been getting taxes done by Dennis for over 5 years now. Always am surprised about how painless and hassle free tax season is now. He is always so helpful and able to answer any questions I have. Highly recommend for those looking for someone to make filing taxes easy.

Dennis and his team at San Diego Taxman have been doing our taxes for years and has always been very professional, efficient, thorough, and reliable. We are confident each year our taxes will get done correctly. There is no other tax preparer we would take our business to. Rachelle

I have been using the Taxman's service for almost a decade. I have never had any issues with my taxes and I have always had the highest returns using his service (single and married). I have always recommended his service to friends, family, and military service personnel. He has given discounts to military. He has been very professional when I had to meet in person. Your time is precious and he will save you time and money. The Taxman has made my yearly tax experience an easy worry free one. You won't be d

Great to work with! Dennis did our business and W2 taxes, organized our accounting and made it very comfortable every step of the way. He makes tax time a breeze. We look forward to using him next year. I highly recommend Sam Diego Taxman

This is my 3rd consecutive year using San Diego Taxman and I'd have to say I'm never disappointed with the service. The communication is prompt and the information provided is always spot on. My only advice, reach out to them sooner than later because word's out about how good they are. Huge shout out to my guy Patrick Carr!!

San Diego Taxman has been doing my taxes for over 13yrs these guys are great and highly recommended. Dennis assisted me with an audit in 2007 I never left him. Thanks again you guys are awesome!!

This is my 5th year going to Dennis at San Diego Taxman and I honestly look forward to seeing him every year. He is knowledgeable, friendly and most importantly he is very considerate of your time. I appreciate that he always reaches out ahead of time to clarify any additional questions or items he needs. Most of our appointments have been under 20 mins which I really appreciate. At the same time I never feel rushed or that I can't ask all the questions I have. He takes as much time as you need and no more

My husband and I have been going to San Diego Taxman for 5 years now (this will be our 6th). Having opened businesses over these years, our taxes have grown in complexity. They have always been professional and efficient. We also trust that we are getting excellent guidance on minimizing our tax burden in an ethical way.

I have been using the SD Taxman team for years and can honestly say they?re the best! From the time I started as a w2 employee decades ago, through the formation of all my present businesses; the SDTM team has been vital in navigating me through all my tax needs. Through their knowledge and expertise, they?ve saved me thousands of dollars and sleepless nights. You will also appreciate their professionalism, yet still very welcoming feel. I ?? suggest the SDTM to anyone looking for their tax solutions team.

I work with Patrick on my taxes. He?s both very knowledgeable and super friendly. He?s given me peace of mind through a few moderately complicated and stressful tax situations, and been easy to contact even through the pandemic. I definitely give my recommendation to him and San Diego Taxman.

I?ve been a SD Taxman client for 4 years and I couldn?t be more pleased every year. Dennis is patient with me and my questions and explains the tax implications of my choices. I?m also very happy with the price of their service since every year I leave my tax appt thinking about how thankful I am for their service.

We've been using the Taxman team for several years, now, and we have had a great experience. With complicated issues like maternity leave, clergy pay, student stipends, etc... it has been a breeze (on our end) to file our taxes. They are reasonably priced and always quick, kind, and helpful.

San Diego Taxman (specifically Dennis) has been doing my taxes for 5 years, now. I am active duty military, divorced with shared child custody, home owner, and I have a few additional supplementary income streams. SD Taxman fully understands all of the ins & outs of my unique income / tax situation. For a VERY FAIR fee for their personalized services, They help me capitalize on my situation and maximize my annual tax return, And completely remove all the stress, uncertainty, and guess work of ?tax season?.

Excellent service. I work in Real Estate and doing my taxes can be complex. I completely trust Dennis and his team and have referred many clients, friends and family to them over the years. They are very reasonably priced as well and extremely knowledgeable.

I have been going to Dennis since 2012! He has always been honest, ethical, efficient and responsive. I've asked him complicated questions over the years and he always takes the time to educate me on the costs and benefits of all of my choices - I wouldn't go to anyone else. Go to Dennis. He's the best.

We are ecstatic about finding San Diego Taxman and his great team! You will not regret this... and you will learn a LOT! I think of taxes as boring, complicated, frustrating, and unpleasant. Well, guess what? Dennis is completely correct when he says his team makes the whole process fun. Yes. I said it. It was actually FUN this year. And we will be loyal clients as long as he is in business.

Ive been going to the San Diego Tax man for years, he?s is not only good at his profession but is an interesting character. Everyone I know who goes to Dennis is happy with both the personal and professional relationships they leave with. Not to mention the Tax perpetration.

Very professional and knowledgeable. We?ve been coming to San Diego Taxman for about 4 years now and have always been happy with our tax preparation. We?ve never had a single issue. Dennis O?Conner is awesome. Thanks

2016 was a complicated year. I had a 1099, became a student, and changed my employment status at my regular job. Dennis was a wizard. He was a very knowledgeable guy who saved me almost half of what I thought I was going to have to pay. The whole process was quick and painless. I was expecting to be there for a while but he got everything done in less than 30 minutes! The secure file sharing system they have in place probably had to do a lot with that so Dennis was able to review all my documents before I s

Dennis, Minh & their team have been handling our biz taxes now for the last 8yrs. They?re knowledge & style proves they are able to help business owners handle their due diligence in a casual, fun, & professional environment. All while ensuring the best for their clients financially, while making sure they meet the correct standards. Wouldn?t go anywhere else!

Patrick is a god sent! This is my second year going to him and definitely not my last. Patrick is super friendly and informative. Great environment and energy at the location. He was even able to assist me with amending my 2016 taxes and I wasn't even a client in 2016. 10/10 overall experience!

I would like to preface- I have been using SDTAXMAN for over 5 years. I have had wonderful experiences up til this year.... This year I went back to SDTAXMAN for my taxes. I moved to NJ, and still used them for a number of reasons. I like what the owner has done for the community, they had offered great service, and being an SD native, I want to support local businesses. My taxes aren't that difficult. We aren't a business with multiple revenue streams, amortizing real estate or assets or anything. Everyth

The SD Taxman has been my tax accountant for 5 years for both my business and my personal tax and planning needs. He and his staff are knowledgeable and attentive. Easiest 5 star rating ever!

San Diego Taxman is the absolute best at what they do. Always professional, knowledgeable, helpful, and prompt. They have been doing our taxes for years! Thank you SD Taxman!

The reorganization of this company has destroyed my high opinion of this company. My taxes were handled poorly, lost in the shuffle. Then, when finally completed, I owed for the first time in 28 years. I told them I didn't have the funds and needed to file for delayed payment (which I did)...they took their fee and submitted my checking account for FULL PAYMENT of my tax bill! My checking account is hugely negative today and now I cannot pay my other bills that are due now. Very disappointed in this company

I'm always shocked by Dennis' ability to get higher tax refunds than I've ever received. When I did taxes on my own I always owed a few K, now I'm getting back over 10 K every year and I'm telling everyone I know to go to him. This is the best tax service in the Milky Way Galaxy.

I have been going to San Diego Taxman for years. Dennis has always been friendly, thorough, and his price is unbeatable. Will be using San Diego Taxman next year and so should you. Cheers.

My family has been using their service for a while now. Probably 5+ years. They?re quick, very knowledgeable, attentive to details, and professional and friendly. As a bonus, we always get a free beer at their affiliated Thorn Brewery. Their price is very reasonable. I?d recommend them to anybody.

As a self employed person, taxes are always a confusing part of the year. This year I was super late but they were accommodating and helped me make the deadline. The process was made easier with their clear communication and their digital filing system making it easy to securely send and receive documents without having to visit their office.

We've worked with San Diego Taxman for more than 10 years. They have always answered our questions in a timely manner and have always taken care of our tax needs. 10/10. Highly recommend!

My family have been filing our taxes for 2 years with Taxman and it?s been a seamless experience. We moved to a different state, but we still be doing our taxes with Taxman this year. Having 2 kids it?s really convenient of doing it online and the prices are definitely lower than any other big companies.

I've been doing my personal and business taxes with San Diego Taxman for over 10 years. They are consistent with their service, turn around time and pricing. I highly recommended them.

Been with SD Taxman/Dennis for almost 20 years. I have been pleased with the knowledge and service levels. Highly recommended if you are looking for a knowledgeable and honest tax service.

Nick Mascetta has been doing my taxes for a few years now, and I am so thankful for him. This used to be a really stressful task that I dreaded, but Nick makes it so easy on me. He is patient, makes everything simple, and is willing to answer questions and offer his expert advice. I sometimes wonder how I went years doing my own taxes ... never again! He not only saves me the headache, but also much more money than I anticipated too. Amazing!! Thank you!!

Doing my 2020 taxes with San Diego Taxman was the worst tax preparation I've ever experienced. My preparer, Patrick, made countless mistakes. Most of the mistakes I caught during the review process, but one I did not catch (he did not include my S-corp 401k contribution even though I gave him that information). When my financial advisor caught the mistake, I asked Patrick to correct the error. In response, I got an aggressive response back from Nick that was both inaccurate and unprofessional where he accus

We've been using San Diego Taxman for years and love the service. Their new digs on a sweet block in Barrio Logan make the experience even better. Highly recommended.

I have been doing both my personal and business taxes with Dennis for several years now. Always fast, easy and economical. I appreciate that you can book online, and they always reply quickly. Highly Recommend!

Was referred to SD tax man from a trusted friend and am SO GRATEFUL!! I have been working with Nick Mascetta for the last 2 years. Nick is kind, patient, extremely responsive and is a true tax expert!! He helped me save a tremendous amount this year! Thank you, Nick.

Patrick Carr is great and a fine accountant. However, the administrator is rude, berating, unhelpful and dismissive. I priority mailed tax information and 1099 on June 30 and they were delivered on July 2. Our taxes are not complicated. I emailed business because they do not answer the phone nor are you able to leave a voicemail. I was told in a rude email that they didn?t have my documents and to stop asking them and they would get back to me in 24 hours. I waited three days and sent another. Same d

Pat is the guy to go to here! He took care of my taxes quickly and was easy to talk to. If you want fast friendly service without any issues come here and see pat. Im forsure coming back next year!

We have been coming to Dennis for over a decade! He is thorough and efficient, plus all of his staff know what they are doing and that helps make it a smooth process. We couldn?t have asked for a better tax man!

I hired this company to file my taxes. I paid their fee and the franchise tax for my company (which was only a few months old and had made no money). I then received a notice from the IRS stating that we needed to pay late penalties. I tried reaching the team (over 10 phone calls and 4 emails) with absolutely no answer. They will not answer to explain exactly what is going on or how this happened. At the time of filing, I was only informed of their service fee and of a franchise tax (both of which I was pre

Dennis is the man! The tax preparation process is very simple and straight forward with San Diego Taxman and the entire staff is very knowledgeable. I wouldn't get my taxes done anywhere else :)

Have used San Diego Taxman for several years (including some complicated, multi-state, multi-event returns). They're always prompt, courteous, and helpful. We are repeat customers for a reason!

I've been using these guys for years, initially stumbling upon them at a desperate moment. They were incredibly easy to work with, provide consistently excellent services that allow me to feel secure that my taxes are being handled properly. And, they're great people, fun to work with.

I've used the San Diego Taxman for the past 5 years and could not of been happier. Dennis always has time to answer a quick question and as far as taxes go the process has been pretty painless

I have bee Mr. O'Connell 's client almost for 14 years. I have nothing to say but that he is very smart, intelligent & down to earth. He loves to help you as much as legally possible. He us a person I trust& have no plan to stop having him as my CPA.

Every year we receive a consistently professional and troublefree tax return. Even more complicated cases were done in one go. I would definitely recommend! Of course grab a refreshing beer from the thorne brewery on your way out.

Dennis is the man! I seriously LOL when I think back to the time that I used to do my own taxes. Tax season is no longer a stressful time of year thanks to Dennis and his team. Absolutely worth every penny!

We have been using SD Taxman for a number of years and we won?t go anywhere else! Professional, helpful and always efficient. You can?t go wrong!

Dennis has done my taxes now for the last few years. Prior to that I would do my taxes myself, and usually end up screaming at my computer for hours while I tried to figure out Turbo Tax or some government e-file form. My last visit, I was in and out in less than half an hour.

The best taxman in the world. Period. I tried a couple other guys in town, paid through the nose for simple mistakes on their part, and finally found Dennis & crew. Saved me thousands over the years.

The most professional and fast turnaround of any tax service I have used. My entire family uses San Diego Tax Man. Excellent service.

I love Dennis! He is very efficient and knowledgable. I've never had a better experience with a tax accountant and go back year after year!!

Dennis is smart enough to handle my complex tax return, and principled enough to not gouge his clients. Way better than the high priced tax preparers downtown in their high priced offices. Thank you Dennis!

Dennis has been preparing my taxes for the last 8 years. I highly recommend this tax preparation business. Definitely 5 STARS.

Highly recommend! Patrick was very helpful and wonderful to work with. I had a bunch of unique questions + things to deal with, and Patrick handled everything for me perfectly. Thank you!

Have been going to Dennis for years. He's prepared and has me in and out in no time. Always happy to answer questions and so worth not having to sweat and dread screwing up my taxes and leaving money on the table.

We have used the services of San Diego Taxman for many years and we have been totally satisfied and have recommended him to many friends over the years.

Seriously the best service I have ever had. We have been using SDTM for the last several years and could not be happier!! Always prompt, courteous and knowledgable... I wish there were six stars!!

Timely, competent, and personable. And all this at the most reasonable price we've experienced. Glad we were introduced to San Diego Taxman 3- years ago!

Professional and convenient. We moved across the country and continue to use San Diego Taxman for our annual tax preparation.

Quick and honest tax man. We've done our taxes with them twice and they've made it an enjoyable, quick, and worthwhile experience. Even easier than the online stuf...SDTaxman rocks!

Dennis and his team have served us faithfully for over 5 years, saving us thousand of dollars we would have thrown away. His process is simple and the results are impressive.

Frequently Asked Questions

What qualifications should I look for in a CPA?

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.

How do I find a CPA in my area?

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.

What’s the difference between a CPA and an accountant?

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.

How do I know if a CPA specializes in my needs?

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.

Should I check a CPA’s reviews before hiring?

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.

How can I verify a CPA’s license?

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.

What questions should I ask during a CPA consultation?

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.

How much should I expect to pay for a CPA’s services?

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.

Can I work with a CPA remotely?

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.

How do I assess a CPA’s communication skills?

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.

What red flags should I watch for when screening a CPA?

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.

Should I choose a CPA from a large firm or a solo practitioner?

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.

How often should I meet with my CPA?

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.

Can a CPA help with both personal and business finances?

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.

What should I do if I’m not satisfied with my CPA?

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.