*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.*
55 Hitchcock Way Unit 108
Santa Barbara, California 93105
If you like overpriced, inaccurate tax services, Rod is your guy! To top it off, he is rude and does not support his own clients when he DOES make a mistake. Got levied, lost tax payments, interest, IRS sending notices. It's been fun. Still trying to fix his mistakes two years later. Save yourself the headache and use an online AI tax service...
I will be referring Rod to friends and family. The customer service was impecable and services were done quickly. Pricing is just right. I dropped off w-2s this morning and Rod filed them by lunch. I wish I knew of SB Tax Pros sooner!
I am so grateful for Rod . I have known him for over a decade now . He is next level exceptional in his field . I highly recommend him .
I highly recommend against using SB Tax Pros. While Rod is a very nice guy, I do not believe he is a good CPA. He may be a good CPA for maybe the basic of basic tax needs, but not for anything slightly more complicated (stocks, crypto, backdoor roth IRA conversions, tax credits, etc). Firstly, when I sent him my tax documents, I also gave him specific instructions on what forms to fill out because my tax situation is a bit more complex than a typical tax payer. Not only did he not follow my instructions, h
So impressed! Rod is very knowledgeable and professional. I switched over to him this year because I had a bad experience with my previous year tax accountant and ended up owing a lot of money. I am going to have Rod review my 2021 taxes. But this year Rod made everything so simple and he also did my son?s taxes. So happy that I made this switch. He gave me very good advice and is very trustworthy!
I cannot say enough great things about Rod! I started a small brand marketing business in 2021 and wanted to be prepared for the tax season. I found SB Tax Pros in my search for tax professionals that could help me answer some questions. Rod was very quick to respond to my email. I reached out in September of 2021 so that I could make sure to connect with him before the busy tax period and he met with me and answered all of my questions. I am proud to say that was well prepared with all of my tax documents.
Rod is truly awesome! He is very professional and friendly. He made our tax experience smooth and easy. If your looking for someone you can 100% trust Rod is your guy. Thanks Rod for the great service, we appreciate everything!
Rod has been a blessing to work with!! He makes you feel really comfortable when dealing with your taxes. His knowledge and professionalism are top notch. He is also very efficient and provides these services at a reasonable cost. I recommend him to anyone and everyone!
SB Tax Pros are exceptional! Rod is friendly, knowledgeable and always makes sure that the process is smooth and easy to understand. Thank you, Rod!
We could not be happier with our experience at SB Tax Pros! Normally, doing taxes can be overwhelming and frustrating but Rod made the whole process seamless. His knowledge of preparing taxes and his professionalism far exceeded that of our previous tax preparers and he also provided us with really valuable information. He even advised how we can be more prepared next year. We will definitely be back and highly recommend SB Tax Pros!
SB Tax Pros is a great company to work with. Rod Gaete has been very helpful with my tax preparation the last few years.
I have never worked with a tax professional. In fact, before 2021, I had only ever filed taxes myself. This year everything changed. I was in a crisis, having started my own business in 2020, mistakenly missing a tax deadline to file on time due to pandemic related issues with family, and facing an unexpected burden of federal fees and documentation paperwork I had no idea how I would manage. Rarely do I utilize online reviews to find professionals who provide services such as this one. Despite being rec
Ultimate professional. Called around to a few CPA?s to help with my taxes from the past few years. Rod promptly responded and provided some of the best customer service I've ever had. He was patient, friendly, and most importantly knowledgeable! He's also a great family man which I really respect about him. Highly recommend.
Rod is amazing! I hate taxes, numbers and anything of the sort. I often avoid it altogether. This year I decided to face it and my friend referred me to Rod at SB TAX PROS. I went in dreading it! Rod was so nice and knowledgable. He almost even made it fun. He was very fast and able to help me get everything sorted for a reasonable price. Whenever I have any issue related to taxes, accounting etc I call or text him and he spends quality time helping me! Amazing. You need to use him. It feels so good not
I have been having getting my taxes done by Rod for about 10 years. Never a problem. He has included my businesses in the filings. He's not afraid to talk to the IRS. Very reasonably priced. I have also referred numerous people to him. He's done married, and single. GREAT WORK!
Rod has been doing my taxes for the last 6 yrs, he is accurate, fast and a problem solver. I highly recommend his service, he has given me peace of mind in an otherwise stressful time of the year!
If all taxes preparers were like Rodrigo No one will be stress when it is taxes season. He doesn't overcharge you, he is very fair in his pricing. Taxes are complex but he makes it very easy to understand. I give him five stars because he is the best in the entire Santa Barbara area, I even recommend him to friends in LA he did help in their taxes that's how good he is. Thanks Rodrigo for your excellent service.
Rod is the best, we wouldn't let anyone else do our taxes. He is fast, efficient and fun to talk to as well as reasonably priced. Rod definitely takes the stress out of taxes and my husband and I recommend him to everyone.
Rod is very knowledgeable and was able to do my taxes from 2 states with no issues. Fantastic service and the cost is unbeatable. Lowest I have ever paid to have my taxes done. Other places I have used have charged 2 to 4 times more for the same work.
Rod is an excellent tax accountant! He's been filing my taxes for almost 5 years & I've always been happy with his services. I highly recommend him!
I am so thankful I found Rod! After many years of searching for a knowledgeable, reasonable, caring professional to help me with my complicated taxes! Rod has saved me! He is smart and has been available and easy to get an appointment what, and he is fast and very knowledgeable. Thank you so much!!
Rod with SB Tax Pros is the only CPA I will entrust to do our taxes period. My wife and I have been using his services for years and he has always been honest and professional. Take my advice and hire him. Your experience will be a success and you won't be let down!
Rod is a true professional, I've been going to SB Tax Pros for over 10 years, he is so attention to detail that I refer my personal clients to him as well! Thank you Rod and I love your new office. Jose A
If I can give this place a zero it is a complete scam they stated they return the refund back to the irs it's people waiting for months even a year for there money and even the irs states they haven't received there check, I am a strong believer in suing people for more than what they take, I haven't received mine or an update and since I have gave it till the 2nd as of tomorrow and there's no update like the irs asked me too, it's time for a huge lawsuit, you guys need to start taking legal action that's t
This was a very good experience. Rod helped me so much. I had needed back taxes & current Taxes taken care of.He did this in 1 1/2 hr. I recommend this office and this accountant Highly. I felt comfortable from the start with Him
SB Tax Pros have been doing my taxes for over 15+ years. Rod does all my family members taxes Its amazing, every year I hand him my file and a few questions and I know everything is going to be OK in trusted hands I can trust. Thanks again SB.Tax Pros
Rod took his time, worked with me and explained all the aspects of business and what I needed to do to improve my business and grow my business in the future he was outstanding. I HIGHLY recommend ROD for personal and business strategies ? that will profoundly move you in a direction that is SUCCESSFUL !
Rodrigo was awesome! He helped me understand everything I didn't understand about filing for my stimulus and he did it all for a great price! I would recommend him to anyone looking for help concerning their taxes or stimulus.
I had been avoiding doing my taxes for years. Each year my anxiety would build. A good friend referred me to SB TaxPros. Within minutes of meeting with Rod Gaete at SB TaxPros all that stress was lifted! I am so impressed with the professionalism and friendly honest service! I am 100% confident I will turn to SB TaxPros for all my tax needs year after year.
Rod Gaete is a excellent tax pro at doing my taxes and the price for doing the taxes is a excellent price he let's you now when you will get your taxes back to you in 2 weeks you will get them back to you. I will go back to him to do my taxes every year The price is a reasonable one you will pay for your taxes please go to Rod Gaete and do your taxes
Rod has been very informative and helpful! I would highly recommend him to anyone I know. Professional, friendly, and experienced. Happy to have found someone so reliable.
I have been a client of Rodrigo for the last 6-7 years, he has exceptional customer service and goes over and beyond for his clients. He is honest and very thorough, I highly recommend Tax Pros!
I have been going to Rod for years! He is great, super fast, responds right fast and has great communication and so nice! Thanks for all your help!
Mr. Gaete is a thoroughly knowledgeable tax consultant/preparer. He guided me successfully through some complicated tax issues. Regardless of your income, I highly endorse and recommend Rod Gaete for any and all of your tax issues/situations?.
Rod has been doing my taxes for years now. Simply put, he's very good at what he does. 5 stars.
Hi Rod. I met with you during the last month of July 2019 and we discussed and agreed that you would prepare my 2018 tax returns. Per our conversation, I emailed to you my previous year returns on July 31. I received no response from you. On Aug 6 I sent another email to you requesting confirmation of the previous email. I received no response. I regret having emailed to you such sensitive information and never would have done so, had I known that the information would not be used for the purpose we agreed
After my taxes were filed, I had questions and needed more help and they didn't respond to my text messages or return my calls. He didn't follow through with commitments he made and he completely ghosted when I needed help. I paid over $600 and he was completely worthless.
I went to Rod today with my daughter and he was very patient and took great care of us! He is so knowledgeable and experienced, I highly recommend him!
I'm glad I have found Rod. He is very helpful and knowledgable in his work. Gaete is patient and attentive to detail. Thank you!!
VMy experience was that the tax professional (Rod) was courteous, professional and expedient with very reasonable pricing. I am most grateful to him.
I've been going with rod for my taxes for the past 4 years he is awesome I recommend him.
Rod is the best! He's always professional and gets me my maximum refund. Thank you!
Very professional, fast, and friendly. Overall a great experience. Willing to walk you through the process and answer any questions. Would recommend to anyone who wants to make sure their taxes are done right.
Professional, Helpful, Informative, & Accommodating Excellent Customer Service & I felt like Rod Gaete Was genuinely concerned about my family getting the maximum benefit! We are So GRATEFUL!!!
Rods awesome! Very helpful, and knowledgeable. Definitely recommend him ??
Rod is very quick and professional. A++ Highly recommended!
Very happy, so glad my friend referred me will be using sb pro taxes again will definitely tell my family and friends to use sb pro taxes????????
Great customer service and great value. Rod is sharp, friendly and reliable.
Love Rod! Very professional, very helpful, all around great guy!
Best CPA in town, I've been using SB Tax Pros for over 10 years!
FAST, ACCURATE, PROFESSIONAL the best tax company I have ever used, with a great user friendly website. Thanks
This place is amazing they sorted out two years of my tax problems And made a deal with the IRS it took so much stress out of my life I can't recommend this place enough I would give it 100 star rating if I could
Had a great experience here. Sb tax pro are professional and very knowable.
quick service always attention to detail. SB Tax Pro will do the best to help you.
Very nice, respectful, quick, and efficient. Would definitely recommend!
Really helpful and efficient. Solid service at very reasonable rates.
Fast and easy process, great job Rod!
Great to work with and fast turn around! Highly recommend!
Super efficient super easy! Highly recommended.
Great service! Friendly and professional.
(Translated by Google) Super good service, any question answered immediately and friendly treatment. (Original) Super buena atenci?n, cualquier pregunta te resuelve al momento y un trato amable.
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.