Back to Directory
Schwartz Platz And Associates CPA

Schwartz Platz And Associates CPA

Reviews Summary

The consensus is overwhelmingly positive, with most reviewers praising the firm's professionalism, efficiency, and expertise. Many highlight long-term satisfaction, noting thorough, accurate, and timely service. The team is described as friendly, communicative, and highly knowledgeable, with exceptional customer service. A few mention specific help with complex tax situations or estates. The rare negative review cites unreliability, but the vast majority recommend the firm enthusiastically for both personal and business tax needs.

About This Listing

Bookkeeping
Accounting
Audit
Business Consulting
Financial Statements
Payroll
CFO Services
Tax Preparation
Tax Planning
IRS Representation
Sales Tax Compliance
Entity Structuring
Financial Advisory
Estate and Trust Tax
Forensic Accounting
Outsourced Accounting
Small Businesses
Mid-size Businesses
Non-profits
QuickBooks

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
Accounting
Audit
Business Consulting
Financial Statements
Payroll
CFO Services
Tax Preparation
Tax Planning
IRS Representation
Sales Tax Compliance
Entity Structuring
Financial Advisory
Estate and Trust Tax
Forensic Accounting
Outsourced Accounting
Small Businesses
Mid-size Businesses
Non-profits
QuickBooks

Contact Information

Address

730 Howe Ave #100

Sacramento, California 95825

Visit Website Call Now Get Directions

Hours

Sunday Closed
Monday 9AM-5PM
Tuesday 9AM-5PM
Wednesday 9AM-5PM
Thursday 9AM-5PM
Friday 9AM-5PM
Saturday Closed

Customer Reviews

My experience with Kathy, Leslie and Amanda has been nothing short of extraordinary. After a really terrible experience with another CPA, I felt pretty defeated. I reached out to Kathy to see if she would be willing to help me. She was kind, patient, efficient, informative, communicative and really helped put my mind at ease. I am so grateful that she was willing to work with me and I cannot recommend their team enough. Thank you so much.

I couldn't be happier with the service the team at Schwartz Platz & Associates provided. I needed to file a final estate tax return and they made it easy for me to upload documents to their secure portal. They were excellent at communicating and letting me know when the return was complete. Friendly, efficient and knowledgeable! Thanks for your great services!

Very pleased with their service. Contacted them late in the tax filing season. No hesitation accepting our request. Prompt preparation of our return. No problems whatsoever.

Great experience! Kathy helped me sort out some retirement account tax issues that another tax preparer had made mistakes on when preparing the previous year's tax return. Highly recommended! Fast, secure, and friendly service.

Amanda, Kathy and the entire office are great. I especially appreciate the strong communication skills.

I have been getting my taxes prepared by Schwartz Platz & Associates for almost a decade. Their team is extremely helpful, professional and efficient! Kathy prepares my taxes and is very informative about strategies for managing my investments. The front office staff is always extremely welcoming, offering water upon my arrival. I recently met with Kathy to discuss how to successfully leverage my rental property asset. She educated me (in layman?s terms) about the benefits & drawbacks to starting a 1031 Ex

Kathy Platz & Associates have been doing my personal & Corporate taxes for over 10 yrs. I have been very pleased with their professional tax services. Anytime that I have had questions about my investments (real estate/stocks), potential tax liabilities for both personal and business I call or go into the office. My questions are answered in detailed. Platz & Associates are dependable, and reliable for all your accounting and tax needs. Their services are second to none and they go beyond the call of d

We have been using Schwartz Platz and Associates tax services for years. Very happy with the service and advice we receive from this CPA firm. Shout out to Kathy Platz.

Schwartz Platz & Associates has been doing my taxes for 4 years now. They are very thorough & timely. I'm a procrastinator & they give me great service anyway. I never have to worry about the accuracy of their work.

I have had a relationship with this accounting firm for many years. They are very professional, efficient and VERY easy to communicate with. Their work product is outstanding and accurate, and I will continue to recommend this company to my friends and acquaintances. They are a joy to work with!

kathy is awesome!! Her office is always on top of things and the staff are super to work with. Very flexible with time availability and knows her accounting stuff! Kathy also does awesome retirement review of plans! You will not be disappointed with their services. Thank you always! Lisa

Kathy Platz has done my taxes for over 20 years. Before that, she did work for my mother for a long time. She helped me with the tax consequences of my mother's estate. Everyone is wonderful, caring, friendly and efficient. Thank for years of excellent service.

does a really good job. have been using them for years

By far the best person to help you with your taxes. Kathleen took great care with me to get my business taxes all sorted out. She is thorough and informative. Her customer service skills are extraordinary! I highly recommend

Kathleen Platz has been our CPA tax preparer for almost 10 years. She is thorough, prompt, professional, and always helpful with the tax questions we have.

Have been using Kathy and her team for years. From simple returns for my kids who are now out in the workforce to complex business returns for my businesses, SP&A has always been top-notch. Experts in their field, yet down to earth - a great combination as far as I'm concerned.

Fast, accurate, great advice - what more could you want in an accountant!

Kathy's professionalism, expertise, and attention to detail are second to none.

I began my personal and business accounting needs with Jack Schwartz in 1984 and have continued with Kathy (his daughter) to this day. Kathy and her staff have always given me the best accounting experience and results I could have hoped for. Timely, effecient, courteous, and friendly.

Great CPA service! Working with Leslie on our taxes was fantastic and super easy for us. Definitely will be using Schwartz Platz & Associates for all my future tax need

I use Schwartz Platz & Associates for my personal income taxes and they are great to work with. They are fast, detailed, and very personable. 10/10 would recommend them!

We have been working with Schwartz Platz and Associates for more than 20 years and value their knowledge and experience when filing our taxes. I would recommend them to any one who needs professional help with their taxes.

Kathy Platz takes skilled care of both my personal accounting needs as well as the non-profit that I belong to. She and her staff go above and beyond when responding to our needs. Thank you Schwartz, Platz and Associates.

Hi, I am very happy with the service that Schwartz Platz and Asso. has given to me. The only thing I think that could have been more productive is calling me to pick up the taxes. I don't know if they called.... if they did they did not leave a message. Next time I would like them to leave a message. Thanks

The firm is totally professional, dedicated and SMART!

I am so pleased with the quality of service, professionalism and courtesy this business has shown me. I've been with them for over 30 plus years and will continue to be into the future.

I give this business 5 Stars all day. Kathleen and the staff here is awesome. Greatest tax service experience ever. 2024

We have trusted and used Scwartz Platz and associates for years. They are always helpful and produce high quality work.

Friendly and helpful, very knowledgeable to help in anyway. Friendly and welcoming staff

Extremely friendly front desk staff. Very responsive tax staff. They do great work for a very reasonable price. Highly trustworthy as well.

Kathy Schwartz is a very experienced CPA. She will help your business save money and will give you a true assessment. If you are a small business, contact Kathy.

Kathy and her team are amazing with taxes. Every person who's worked with her is always satisfied and well taken care of.

Great firm! Very professional and lightning fast! I would highly recommend Kathy and her team for your CPA needs

I recently sought advisement on a specific tax situation. Kathy met with me next business day and helped answer my questions professionally and graciously. Would recommend 100%.

The hey have done my taxes for so long that I cannot even remember when in started with them. Love everyone there!!

Kathy and her staff do a great job on biz and personal returns! Highly recommend.

I've always had good experiences with Schwartz & Platz. They are very good at what they do. I have recommended them many times.

Kathy and her staff do a great job every year for me making sure I get all my refund back on time. Thanks

My family and I have been going to Schwartz Platz for years. Highly recommended.

Excellent and very knowledgeable staff! And always so personable when I stop by or call.

Kathy and her team are great!

People are friendly,kind and work hard!

Unreliable. Committed to make my return but never reached out.

Fast, efficient and responsive!!

Always patient with me

Prompt quality service!

Fabulous for years and years and years!

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.