*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.*
910 NE Minnehaha St # 12
Vancouver, Washington 98665
My previous accountant quit doing taxes just after tax season started without notifying me so I had to scramble to find someone. I contacted my attorney who recommended four firms, one was Shields & since it is close to where I live, I picked them. They completed my return & even found a deduction that I had not received previously. They are even going to do amended return because of that missed deduction. I am very pleased with the service and will continue to use them in the future.
I work both in OR and in WA, and my company provides equity throughout the year, so my taxes are complex. The accountants at Shields have been dealing with my situation without any problem for several years now. Excellent work!
Really unhappy with the service here. Little to no communciation. The system is a mess and is not proactive or efficient. If you want someone that can actually sit down with you and help you through tax issues or coach on how to get the most out of your tax dollars, Wendy is not the person. She will also gaslight you and keep pushing your tax issues off and tell you something is missing but not tell you what exaclty. All the while she most likely does not have the ability to do what you asked for. I have a
Update 2025: Another year of great service from Wendy at Shields Tax. I have great confidence that my taxes are prepared properly and professionally. I highly recommend their services. Update 2024: I've been having my taxes prepared by Wendy at Shields Tax for almost a decade. I have always been pleased with the attentive, courteous and knowledgeable service given to me. Not only during tax season but on other occasions when I have had tax related inquiries. I would highly recommend their services.
I've been using their service for almost 10 years now. Extremely helpful and knowledgeable. Wendy has always been professional and great with us.
Travis has been so responsive and helpful! Would absolutely recommend him to anyone looking for help in this complicated world of taxes/personal finance......
This is my first year with Shields. They've been great. Set up was simple and straight-forward, they communicate regularly, and they respond to all my questions very quickly, They've given me a lot of peace of mind that I wouldn't otherwise have. Highly recommend.
Great meeting with Travis today. He was knowledgeable and extremely helpful with taxes for my family trust.
We opened our business in 1980 and accounted for everything by hand for many years (actually decades) until Shields Tax & CPA converted us to QuickBooks Online. I couldn't have done it without them. They provided training and have continued to provide ongoing support. Come tax time, they do a good, efficient job on our tax return. They are always helpful and quick to respond to my questions.
Did a great job onboarding me as a new client and filing my returns. Very easy to do business with.
Shields is great to work with! It is really nice to work with a firm that is so structured, professional and responsive. It was not my experience at our previous accounting firm so it is a big relief to have trust in who we have handling our business bookkeeping and taxes.
I have used Shields tax services for about 8 years and have always found their work to be top notch! Wendy is extremely professional, easy to work with and her knowledge of tax codes is excellent. I would highly recommend using Shields Tax services!
We are beyond grateful for everyone?s knowledge and efficiency at Sheilds Tax.. everyone is very helpful and we would recommend them for your tax needs!! Thank you !!
I've used Shields Tax & CPA for my taxes for a number of years.They have always been easy to communicate with and very flexible with my schedule. Wendy is wonderful ! I wouldn't hesitate to recommend them to anyone.
We're a small service-based business that moved from Hillsboro, OR to Vancouver, WA in 2016. We started using Shields Tax & CPA shortly after our move, and they have made our lives so much easier - I couldn't give them a higher recommendation! I use to spend a ridiculous amount of time preparing our business taxes, and I would always worry if I was doing them right or if I could have done them better. Handing all of that over to Shields has given me peace of mind and saved me several weeks worth of work
Wendy Falls at Shields Tax and CPA does an excellent job preparing our taxes. Wendy is responsive, knowledgeable, and friendly! I highly recommend this firm. (PS- my last name is Shields, but I am not related at all).
We?ve been using Shields Tax & CPA, PLLC for over 10 years for both our business and personal taxes. Travis and his team of professionals are top notch. I would highly recommend Shields to anyone needing a CPA or just for having your taxes prepared. Top tier service. Aloha!
The folks at Shields Tax have been handling my company and personal tax returns, along with my questions that seem to come up as situations evolve. They do a great job and they keep working to simplify the accounting and tax portion of my business and personal finances. Recommend them highly!
Very efficient and very professional! Took plenty of time to sit down with me, very helpful!
I've been going to Shields Tax & CPA for 8 years and it has always been a good experience. The staff are friendly. I usually meet with Travis and I've always been impressed with his kindness, knowledge and professionalism. I like the new location. I would recommend Shields to anyone in the area for tax help or book-keeping services. I will continue to use their services.
Travis and Ben are great assets to my small business. I've been with them for years. They respond quickly, provide great reports, and provide excellent and timely advice. If you have a business of any kind and size, contact Shields Tax and they will take care of you!
I've been using Shields tax for my small business for the past several years. They provide a wonderful service: prompt communication, easy system to upload shared documents securely, e-filing, smooth and secure messaging systems. Highly recommend!
My husband and I were trying to navigate how to start a new company and literally had no idea where to start. After meeting with Travis and Chad, we felt like they were interested in helping us. Every time we messaged Chad, he is very quick to respond and never makes me feel like i'm a bother. Chad explains everything to us so we can have an understanding of what will help our financial goals for our business. We are so happy to have hired Shields and look forward to working with them for a long time to com
We transitioned to work with Shields on the recommendation of a former employee of theirs about 4 years ago. We could not be more impressed with the quality of service we received for both our business and personal financial needs. We've worked with Travis, Wendy, and Angel and all have been wonderfully helpful with each interaction. Responses to our sometimes frequent and tedious questions were met with kindness and clear explanations. We've worked with other CPAs in the past but none have been as thorough
We are long term cutomers of Tax Shields services and can always count on the best recommendations and correct and quick services. There knowledge has helped us to make better decisions for our business and personal life.
We have had nothing but good experiences with Angel from Shields. This is the second year of her doing our taxes and I have so much confidence now that my estimated tax deposits will be accurate. This has always been a struggle in the past with other vendors. The people at Shields are proactive, helpful, and creative in meeting our needs and I have a much faster completion speed for getting our taxes filed. On top of all this, Shields helped us be more efficient so that the work required from us to get
Shields and Tax does a first rate job and they give us great service. They're also personable. We would definitely recommend them.
Travis and Ben made me feel very at ease and listened to my concerns without judgment. I left feeling empowered, grateful for tools and support. Would highly recommend them for help with any personal or business financial questions or goals.
Have had Shields do my taxes for a number of years. Easy to work with, answer questions and get it done in a reasonable amount of time. All I can say is that it will be a good experience.
This was our first year with Sheilds Tax and CPA for individual tax preparation. Wendy did an excellent job, was communicative, and finished the return in a timely manner.
Shields had some of the best tax experts I?ve ever worked with. I have an extremely complex tax situation and they are always able to clearly and concisely answer all my questions while submitting all documents accurately and well ahead of deadlines.
We can not say enough great things about Shields Tax & CPA, they saved us $16,000 by correcting errors from our previous accountant! Not only did they save us a lot of money they continue to help us understand our business better and are coming up with ideas for us to implement to continue growing our business. They are truly here to help and take the time to make sure all our questions are answered.
I have known Travis for quite a few years now. Since I have had my company, he has been the one I have gone to with both my personal and business taxes and other business questions. Shields Tax & CPA have been very responsive to my questions and are extremely competent in their expertise. Travis especially has always been there with answers to my various questions, and I seem to have quite a few twisters in my situations.
Great communication and timely response to questions and a quick turnaround of information and needed guidance. Highly recommended! Wendy does a great job for us!
I have used Shields Tax & CPA for years. They have always treated me right and helped me with all my federal and state tax needs. They have a great team and I highly recommend them!
Started using Shields for our taxes after another prominent CPA in Vancouver made the same major mistake two years in a row. We have great service, especially with Angel. Thanks so much!
I made an appointment with Shields to get some tax and finance questions answered. I was told that my appointment would be with a CPA and they would be able to answer any questions I had regarding the matters. My wife and I were there for about an hour and a half and although the ?Tax Professional? was able to answer some of our questions, there were many questions left unanswered. After we got home we researched some of the answers that were given to us only to discover they were not correct at all. I then
I have been with Shields Tax & CPA for a handful of years. Awesome Tax service and information provider each year. I highly recommend Wendy Falls.
Shields Tax and their tax specialist Angela have been really great!! We've been to so many tax people other the years and no one ever helped us as much as Angela does. She has really steered us in the right direction and explains everything very well! Thank you, Angela!!
After dealing with a shady ?CPA?, Travis and his team are a breath of fresh air. Easy to work with, reliable and generally good people.
Love working with the whole team at shields tax Cpa! Angel and Kandi have made my life so much easier and taken away all the stress that is typically associated with Book keeping and federal and state taxes. If you need a Cpa and a bookkeeper I highly recommend both Angel and Kandi.
Honest. Reliable and Dependable the entire Team Our family has utilized their services for many years .
Always enjoy working with Wendy. She?s been very helpful in answering all my tax questions. We appreciate her knowledge and expertise!
Very detailed very thorough very affordable. Travis is amazing. Responds promptly to emails and is nicely accommodating. I?ve had a great experience here thank you all.
Excellent service, highly recommended. We have been with them for almost 20 years and have always been super satisfied with their work.
Had an appt. Had to change the appt a few hours later due to a change in my work schedule. No one called me or replied to my e-mail to acknowledge the change.
I think there have been a couple of bumps along the way but they've been doing my taxes for years and are always friendly, knowledgable, and committed to accuracy and honesty.
Travis understood our needs, discussed options, and was very attentive to what we said and wanted from him. He gave us a timeline for completion.
First time having my taxes professionally prepared. Worked with Angela who was super helpful, professional, and knowledgable. Will definitely be returning next year!
Has totally made my life a lot easier and the people that work there are wonderful very good environment. Couldn?t imagine using anyone else?s service but there?s
The service I received at Shields Tax Service was prompt, and efficient. I would highly recommend them to anyone.
Great! Working with Shields Tax & CPA totally took my business to the next level. Highly recommend.
Wendy & James are exceptional
Not cheap but very thorough and will follow up with any problems until they are solved! I have been with them for many well over 20 years.
All the staff at Shields Tax & CPA, PLLC have been a tremendous help. I would recommend them to others.Thank you.
$700 for my return last year. This was without a CPA! Horrible experience. Don't bother going here. Plenty of other places who are more professional and do a better job for less money.
Always so helpful. Ms Wendy has been taking care of my needs for years!
Great service, as always. Wendy is fabulous!
A business I can always count on to do their very best for me every year since 2016
I love these guys. Always on the ball. Couldn't run my business without them and they're all great people!
Great advice and everyone I've delt with has been very professional. Thank you!
This is a great place to do your taxes! Very helpful and knowledgeable.
Quick and correct. Thanks
Fast and accurate tax preparation. Would recommend them as they are true professionals.
Excellent work. She made things easy for me.
Great customer service and fantastic job on our taxes!
A Happy client for 43 years!
Wendy is outstanding!
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.