Smallwood & Company CPA PLLC

Smallwood & Company CPA PLLC

Reviews Summary

The consensus from reviews highlights exceptional professionalism, deep tax law expertise, and outstanding client service. Reviewers consistently praise prompt communication, clear explanations, and personalized attention for both personal and business tax needs. Many appreciate his ability to resolve complex tax issues, maximize deductions, and provide strategic financial guidance. His responsiveness, integrity, and dedication to client education are frequently mentioned, making him a trusted advisor. Small business owners particularly value his practical advice and proactive approach to tax planning. Overall, he’s highly recommended for his knowledge, reliability, and commitment to client success.

About This Listing

Bookkeeping
Accounting
Business Consulting
Payroll
Tax Preparation
Tax Planning
IRS Representation
Entity Structuring
Budgeting
Financial Advisory
Small Businesses
Individual Taxpayers
Real Estate
Healthcare
Construction
Manufacturing
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
Business Consulting
Payroll
Tax Preparation
Tax Planning
IRS Representation
Entity Structuring
Budgeting
Financial Advisory
Small Businesses
Individual Taxpayers
Real Estate
Healthcare
Construction
Manufacturing
QuickBooks

Contact Information

Address

3409 Veterans Dr

Traverse City, Michigan 49684

Hours

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

Customer Reviews

I have had trouble in the past with CPAs not getting back to me or even being able to contact them in a timely fashion. I?ve been with Paul Smallwood now for over 2 years and it has been a great experience. Paul is easy to communicate with and I have never gone more then an hour or two without a returned call or email! He also takes the time to explain things to me so I can learn how to better my business management, and plan for the future. He is very knowledgeable, and works with integrity. I highly recom

Paul was the professional CPA my wife and I were looking for when we moved to Traverse City. Very happy with his expertise and personal style. We would highly recommend Paul's services to anyone seeking tax prep assistance or any other CPA services.

Paul has help put my wife and I feel at ease about the side of our business we knew little about going in. We have learned a lot from Paul and he has help guide us on a path to the best potential for us financially! Since I have been working with Paul I have heard three people speak very highly of him after they found out we were working with him. Very comforting knowing We can get information in a timely fashion so We can make the best decisions for our business and personal finances!

Paul is a very knowledgeable accounting and tax professional. We have used his services for 4+ years and value his advice and counsel. Paul provides outstanding services, is very responsive to inquires with great follow-up. I would highly recommend his services to anyone seeking high quality small business and/or personal accounting and tax services.

I have been using Paul for both my personal and business taxes for several years now, and he has been instrumental in keeping everything organized and keeps me up to date on any change in the tax laws. Very professional and organized. I recently started using him to handle my payroll as well, and he does a way better job than the last company I was using, for a better price as well.

Our taxes were a bit complicated this year and we knew that we needed a professional CPA. I didn't know where to begin, so I headed to Google to search for someone. I came across Paul A. Smallwood CPA PLLC. I was very impressed with his rating and I stated to read the reviews. Immediately, I felt like he was the one; people commented on his dedication, communication, knowledge and professionalism. Now, I'm back writing my own 5 star review! From the first phone conversation to explain our situation to the l

I have worked with Paul in a non CPA capacity for several years now. While he is not my personal CPA, I wish he was! (I am committed to another firm.) I have listened to several of his presentations and he gets an A+ rating in my book on being extremely well informed on the tax laws. I personally know several of his clients and they would say the same. He is really "on top of it". I also admire his community involvement with local youth.

Paul has been my accountant for nine years. He has provided business and personal advice. No one knows the tax laws better than Paul. While no one likes paying taxes, Paul will dig for every legitimate deduction and keep you from making serious errors on your return. If you are concerned about the new tax code and how it may effect you, call Paul for a free consultation.

I have brought complicated tax scenarios to Paul over the years including issues with a non-profit organization and the advance planning and exploration of business entity formations from a tax perspective. Paul met my needs and exceeded my expectations. I would highly recommend him.

I called Paul, as my current tax professional keeps speradic hours during the non tax season . I needed some help and advice and right away . I was upfront about my situation and explained that I have a tax person but that I needed some basic advice, instead of being put off or requiring a visit to his office, he jumped right in to my situation . He was extremely generous with his time and brought up several things that could benefit my small business and taxes overall .. He advised me to look into a few o

Paul is a 5-star CPA. We shifted to his services and have been impressed by his responsiveness and his ability to quickly understand what we need. He's super sharp and we highly recommend him to our colleagues.

Need an expert? Look no further that Paul. He has the skill to set up your business to maximise your tax savings using his well earned business experience. I was so impressed by his constant learning of the in's and out's of the ever changing tax laws. He will save you money by avoiding legal pitfalls that most business fail to see.

Paul helped us get our taxes in order after a previous CPA left us with a mess. He was great to work with, knew his stuff, and prompt.

Paul is helpful, patient and really knows his stuff! He helped me straighten out a tax mishap and have continued to use his services. I would recommend him to anyone needing personal or corporate accounting services.

Paul is knowledgeable, up to date with the ever-changing tax laws, very prompt with responding to questions or concerns. I?m a small business owner who likes understanding the accounting aspects of my business, Paul is very willing to help me to understand. I really appreciate that.

Paul knows what he is doing, hands down. He not only resolved a income tax issue for my elderly mother after selling a business, he got the penalty for filing late reduced substantially , thank you Paul

I needed expert help and Paul was exactly that! He wrote and spoke with the IRS about an issue affecting my income that was incorrect. He?s both professional and personable. Highly recommend.

Paul has been our CPA for several years now. I refer my friends and clients to him on a regular basis. He is a true professional who cares for his clients.

Paul is a friend and valued professional advisor. I've know Paul for over 15 years. He is well seasoned and I value his opinion.

His honesty and straight forwardest is much appreciated when doing your personal or business taxes. He will tell you like it is and look out for what is best for you. Thanks Paul!!

Paul really knows his stuff AND just as important, knows how to educate the customer as to how to proceed. The only people I wouldn't recommend to Paul are the people who want to do do something shady. He doesn't do that.

I have used Paul for my business taxes and as referral partner over the years and have been extremely happy. I would highly recommend Paul.

Paul is very professional and looks out for his clients. Being a small business owner he has helped me tremendously! Mike W.

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.

Skip to main Home Best CPA's Nearby Upgrade your plans English Avatar for Nico Bottema Welcome, Nico Bottema! Share Install the tag on your site to get access to all features, tools and the insights you need. It's fast and easy. Site ID: 6455700 Get started with the tag installation 1 Copy this code. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 Copy code 2 Paste the code into the of every page where you want to track user behavior or collect feedback. 3 To make sure everything is ready, verify that your code was installed. Verify installation OTHER WAYS TO INSTALL Install with a team member’s help Install on a platform Install with a npm package Explore the demo Take a tour of the product with realistic data to explore. Explore demo site Common questions View all Course How do I install the tag? Collect session data for replays, heatmaps, and on-site surveys by installing a unique tag on your site. Ready to add it? Follow the instructions in this 15-minute course. Article How do I know if the tag is installed correctly? Article Will the tag slow down my site? Suggested for you Enable 2FA now Two-factor authentication (2FA) adds an additional layer of security to your account. Popular shortcuts title Feedback button Capture feedback in the wild by letting users share it at any point title Set up a Net Promoter Score® survey Measure long-term customer loyalty and happiness the tried-and-tested way. title Exit-intent survey Capture feedback before visitors leave and reduce your bounce rate Get started Interviews (new) Get real time feedback at critical times, thanks to easy, in-depth recruitment and analysis. Create project Finish your installation Surveys Feedback button Dashboard Invite team members Integrations