*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.*
1211 Granary Ave
Bellingham, Washington 98225
I got connected with Shay James through the Bigger Pockets website. I sold an investment property and needed tax services for estimating my capital gains tax liability and for my overall tax projection for the current year. From the get go, Shay was extremely professional and easy to work with. She walked me through the tax projections and the entire process for making estimated quarterly payments to the IRS (she even made a personalized video). Lastly, her tax advice on how to plan for taxes going forward
I met Shay several years ago through personal circumstances and was blessed to discover what an amazing person she is. Since then, I've had the opportunity to have her do some tax work for me and in turn, it has been my immense pleasure to work with her on a few projects. I have complete confidence in recommending Shay for any of your business challenges, financial management and tax planning concerns.
Shay has been essential to my financial success for over a decade. Currently, I rely on her comprehensive expertise in financial planning. In the past, she has helped me to navigate the tangled weeds that are tax preparation for the self-employed. Although Shay?s clientele includes business owners with needs far more complex than mine, she remains highly engaged with me as her client. She is immediately responsive to my questions and she maintains an elephantine memory for all the details of my financial l
Wow! Where do I start?! Shay has been a life saver for me! She's not only made sure that all my financials are in order, but she was a pleasure to work with too! Shay is extremely knowledgable in her field, and is able to give clear cut answers for any complicated situation. She is diligent, motivating, and has become someone I can confide in for all my tax and filing matters. I?m in the real estate industry and it?s nice to know that she works with a lot of real estate focused clients, which makes me
Shay has been and crucial part of our business and personal finance journey. She has the professionalism and expertise in both financial coaching and Accounting. Our business and personal finances would not be where they are today if it wasn't for Shay. Being a small business owner is not easy and previously having a CPA that I only saw once a year was just not cutting it for us. Shay has been instrumental in the growth of our company. Her advise and work ethic are top notch. I feel so lucky to have f
Shay is someone I'd recommend to anyone looking for a talented CPA. She fights for her clients - I know because she often reaches out to me in order to provide feedback on how products like QuickBooks Online, can better help her clients. She's a great partner and passionate about helping small businesses succeed and I'm proud to be associated with her.
I engaged Shay to help me bring order to my personal finances.After owning my own business for a couple of years, I needed to better understand how to control my spending. Shay met with me to help me not only grasp the concepts, but also implement them. As someone who suffers from ADHD, money management was always a challenge. Shay helped me address that and deal with it, as well as set up a money management system that has helped me improve my net worth by 40% in the last year alone. She worked the math w
Shay is fabulous! My wife, DeeDee, and I have been seeing her for a long time. We generally see her every 2 or 3 weeks. She is that important to us. She has helped us with the mechanics of becoming debt free. She helps us break through some of the thought processes that tend to defeat our success. She has given us tools for our success: You Need a Budget is an online computer program that has been indispensable for us. Her manner is always encouraging, never judgmental. See Shay today for your futu
Shay is efficiency, personified. She helped me organize my business finances and set up budgets so that I felt in control at all times. Not only is she extremely knowledgeable but she's willing to teach her clients so that they can understand the processes and reasons why, and every time I left her office I felt a weight lifted off my shoulders. Recommend 100%
Shay is really professional, helpful and thorough! She is also really tech savvy making everything efficient and streamlined! Happy she was recommended to me by another small-business owner! And top of that she is just a really nice person supporting small-business owners!
I would highly recommend Shay James! She is professional and very knowledgeable. She is a business owner as well so she understands the unique needs of a business and advises accordingly. She has not only done an amazing job with our taxes, she has helped our overall business immensely.
Using Shay as my CPA has taken a significant amount of stress off of my plate as a small business owner. She is knowledgeable and direct. I always feel confident that my taxes are in the best hands!
Shay is wonderful and extremely helpful. She is timely, responsive, organized and very good at reminding her clients of important dates and deadlines. I would highly recommend her.
On our first call, Shay answered all of my questions in the first 15 minutes! I couldn't believe how efficient our meetings were. I highly recommend Shay for small business consultation!
Shay James is one of the finest, most respected and talented individuals I know. She has helped me tremendously with my business accounting needs.
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.