*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.*
1890 Northwest Blvd #240
Columbus, Ohio 43212
We were in desperate need of an accountant who could not only help us organize our books and file taxes but also implement strategies to save us hundreds of dollars. Ben exceeded our expectations! As a small business, he guided us in achieving our financial goals, teaching us how to stay organized and prepare for future tax seasons. His expertise and dedication made a huge difference, and we feel confident in our financial management moving forward. We highly recommend Ben for all your tax and accounting ne
I highly recommend working with Ben Schultz! His attention to detail is unmatched. I should?ve switched to him years ago as he pointed out things I did not know about that would have saved more during tax season. He is enjoyable to work with and easy to reach. A great guy who takes pride in his work. Definitely recommend. ??????- Update- multiple years into small business ownership and I could not be happier. Honest, supportive, and gives me excellent guidance for long-term financial success. You cannot fi
My husband and I were overwhelmed with setting up all of the necessary accounting for a new business. Ben guided us through the process and has been a great resource for us ever since we started working with him. Ben also handled our personal tax filing and provided us with very helpful tax advice. He's smart and knows all the details, and he's also easy to reach and happy to answer questions and explain his work. I'd recommend Ben to anyone.
If you are looking for the best CPA in Columbus, then look no further. Ben Schultz, CPA helped me get my business on the right path and helped our company save thousands of dollars in tax benefits. He also spent many hours getting my books in order so that my company was more organized. Ben gave me pointers on bookkeeping to run my business more efficiently and be better prepared for the next tax season. Call them today!
I used Ben for the first time this tax season and was very impressed with his tax knowledge. He really took his time answering all of my questions. He was very expedient in filing my return but was careful at the same time. I will be using his services again next tax season or for anything else that might come up in between. I consider Ben a great accountant but he also seems more like a lifelong friend looking out for my best interests. In addition, if you are reporting cryptocurrency gains Ben is highly
Worked closely with Ben from paying taxes to filing them. They're easy to work with, quick to answer questions and great at communication. They help ease any concern or uncertainty and let you know exactly what to expect throughout your tax process. For the small business owner or freelancer, they're very affordable to work with. Ben walked us through every step of the process, answered questions and helped us out. If you're in need of a friendly, Columbus local CPA. Give these guys a shot, you won't be d
Ben and his associates helped my wife and I file our personal taxes, and also helped us set up several business accounts. Ben gave us excellent advice to help us manage our tax liabilities, and has been a great resource with the ever changing tax code. He always makes himself available for questions, and was able to meet with us quickly. His office is also very conveniently located.
Ben is great! Very buttoned up. I can call him anytime with any questions about my business taxes. He has also worked on my behalf rectifying past tax discrepancies. He?s been wonderful to work with and would recommend him to anyone in Columbus.
I had Bernard Schultz handle my taxes recently and I could not be happier with service that he provided. He was able to take care of my return in a timely manner and I have the utmost confidence in the quality of his work. He is a very personable character and takes great pride in his work. Also, I found that the online portal made it easy, and convenient to upload all of my documents. There is no question that I will be calling him again next January for his services.
We had Schultz CPA prepare and file our family?s 2017 personal income taxes, and could not have asked for more from an accountant. Ben provided extremely timely and knowledgeable service the entire way. With a number of big life events that made our taxes more complicated than usual, every step was laid out for us which took all of the stress out of tax filing. We were even set up with our own personal, secure portal to submit our documentation which we found very convenient. No detail was overlooked, and w
Schultz CPA did an excellent job with my taxes (this year and historical). I have had numerous issues with the IRS for amending previous taxes to claim a homebuyer loan refund and utilizing this company's services has allowed me to recoup $4000 I wouldn't have been able to do on my own. Further, I have started a small business in which I have received guidance for estimated taxes to avoid future fees and adequately plan for this fiscal year. Further, I appreciate detailed instructions for exactly who t
My wife and I had Bernard handle our taxes this year. We had many changes in our lives in 2016 and were nervous about how they would affect our tax situation. Bernard was there the whole way to walk us through any changes, give us tips for 2017, and complete a very detailed review of our tax situation. He was always reachable, and would respond to emails in less then an hour. We both would highly recommend Bernard!
I have been filing my taxes with Ben for last 3 years. he is really great . He is very knowledgeable and highly qualified. I strongly recommend this for filing your taxes.
Aside from his expertise and guidance, you can tell Ben really cares for his clients. As a fellow business owner here in Columbus, I appreciate and want to highlight his commitment to customer service.
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.