*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.*
315 Montgomery St 8th floor
San Francisco, California 94104
Scott Porter has been doing taxes for me and for my family for the past few years. I feel so lucky to have found him. Dealing with Scott and his staff is a real pleasure. His instructions are always so easy to follow. Scott is not only friendly but also so knowledgeable. My family and I feel completely comfortable turning all of our tax work over to this company.
Scott is a fantastic accountant and expert at his trade. He helped our business maximize our savings each tax year. His uniquely friendly personality made our tax season a little bit better :) I highly recommend Scott and his friendly team for any Bay Area small business.
Scott has given us business advice and prepared the tax returns for our small contracting business for the past 10 years. His knowledge and expertise have saved us a tremendous amount of money over the years. We appreciate the way he and his staff will go out of their way to make filing our tax return as pleasant as possible.
Scott Porter has really helped Management Consulting Group (MCG) make more strategic decisions with long term planning concerning Real Estate Investments, Taxes and Applicable deductions. His entire team is attentive to our questions and concerns, and promptly responds to them usually the same day. They are always on top of their deliverable s and market conditions preparing our tax returns and preventing any unwanted surprises. Scott has helped me dig deeper and ask the right questions to make informed
Scott Porter and his team are extremely attentive to our questions and concerns, and promptly respond to them. They are always on top of issues to quickly resolve them and keep in touch, throughout the year, to analyze both personal and business conditions, to prepare for our tax returns and prevent any surprises. They always assist us with a courteous and informative perspective, allowing us to make the right and informed decision.
I was referred to Scott Porter by my sister and brother-in-law. What better was to get a referral than through your family.! Not only was I quite impressed with Scott and his staff, but I referred another friend to them. When it comes to taxes, you want the best. Scott Porter and his staff are very knowledgeable, patient, and professional. I hope he never retires because I plan on using him for a very long time! Tricia Jackson
We have been working with Scott for at least 16 years in both business and personal tax matter. We have found him extremelyknowledgeable in current tax law and have given expert advise on any questions we might have. His staff has always been willing to help when needing a form or have questions. It has been great to be able to hand over our financial matters to someone we trust.
Scott is an excellent CPA and a pleasure to work with. He always responds promptly and has my best interests at heart. I have been with Scott now for 7 years and don't foresee a move with my growing business because he can help me navigate the growth I foresee. I highly recommend Scott Porter, CPA.
We've engaged with Scott for consultation purposes, before taking some financial decisions. We had lots of concerns and lack of knowledge. Scott was super professional, helpful and pleasant. He did a great job in organizing lots of things we had in our minds and gave us very good tips.
Scott' has been proactive and timely in helping us with our personal and small family business taxes. He has also provided creative insights and stellar advice concerning various challenging financial transactions. I highly recommend his services.
I have been a client of Scott Porter, CPA for over 20 years. I have enjoyed and appreciated the fine service, advise and relationship with the firm. I have found them to be highly ethical. My inquiries through the years were always promptly handled and a response in a short period of time. Their input and advise have been greatly appreciated. I would not hesitate to recommend their firm to family or friend.
Scott is always very professional and offers excellent advice that is concise, precise and conservatively correct. His staff, especially Barbara is so courteous. The Porter group has handled my business and personal finances for close to twenty years and I wouldn't think about anyone else replacing them.
Excellent experience with Scott and his team. I live in Colorado and needed help with ?catch up? on inherited properties. He and his team are bright and very responsive. I have already referred some of my associates to the firm. Thanks team !
Not just an accounting firm, way, way more. Scott offers the advice that counts when it comes to a complete and big picture business structure, and as he says "it's not how much you make, it's how much you keep". We are a small company and Scott has helped us with understandable advice and guidance. We than our lucky stars we found him.
I engaged with Scott Porter, CPA a few years ago and I have not looked back since. Scott is very thorough, has a personal touch, and always seems to have the client's best interest in mind. I would highly recommend Scott.
Scott Porter CPA has been managing my tax filings for several years and has always been extremely helpful keeping me up to date with changes in the tax laws. Scott's team has always been professional, helpful, and organized.
Scott and Barbara from Scott Porter, CPA, were wonderful to work with! Between a mid-year, cross country move, the sale of our home-turned-rental, and the the opening of a business, they helped us navigate some confusing tax circumstances with ease and minimal stress for us! I appreciated their direct and concise communications, timely work, and the fact that I could always get in touch with them when I had a question.
Scott and his team (Barbara and Rachel) are a terrific group of people. If you have a small business and are looking for a great CPA whose whole team cares deeply about the wellbeing of your business, try Scott Porter.
We retained Scott Porter and his team in January to help with accounting expertise for our non profit. They have professionally answered every question and have gone above and beyond to help when needed. They are great to work with and always make time for us. I highly recommend them!
I'm very much looking forward to working with Scott and Rachel to help me keep my business organized. So far , the help I've received has given me piece of mind. This outfit is down to earth and easy to feel at home: even while talking tax and books. Thanks Scott and Rachel.
Scott and his firm have always been honest, informed and timely. I have been using his firm for 5 years and would recommend him to anyone who needs his planning and tax experience.
We appreciate Scott Porter and team's approach to our personal and business needs. Their work is streamlined, strategic and contributes to our financial success.
Scott is always thinking how best to serve his clients. In other words, extremely conscientious. Great person, as well.
We've had our taxes done by Scott Porter's team for several years and we are always very happy with them.
Great Service, allways timely, efficient, straight to the point, friendly and accomodating to your needs. I feel very thankful with Scott Porter's and Staff CPA services.
Scott and his staff are the best Very knowledgeable I am very happy with the services to date
Very pleased with the services from and level of skill demonstrated by the Scott Porter team.
Very professional and timely. These guys work their butts off every year!
(Translated by Google) Abundant Blessings ?? Excellent (Original) Abundantes Bendiciones ?? Excelente
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.