*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.*
2890 Pio Pico Dr Suite 203B
Carlsbad, California 92008
Sylvia and her team of college and financial advisors is an amazing team of people! Our family is so grateful to them. My daughter landed at #1 State School for the Architecture Major as a very pleasant surprise :))! SoCal College Planning team helped us to navigate smoothly through the current super competitive environment, from the college list selection and finalization, through careful assays review to the understanding of financial opportunities. Sylvia is knowledgeable, professional, concise and very
Highly recommend SoCal College Planning and Sylvia! Navigating the FAFSA and CSS Profile felt overwhelming, especially given our non-traditional family situation. The more I researched, the more confusing it became?until I connected with Sylvia. She was incredibly knowledgeable, patient, and solution-oriented, helping us secure an amazing financial aid package from my daughter?s dream school. Throughout the process, I truly felt like she had our back and took the stress out of something that initially felt
Sylvia is one of the most generous and knowledgeable professionals I've encountered. She provided valuable, no-obligation guidance to help my family navigate the process of seeking financial aid. Her expertise in college planning is evident, and I look forward to working with her in the near future!
I highly recommend SoCal College Planning. Sylvia has been helping my family (two sons) with Fafsa for the past 5 years. Our financial situation has changed over the years due to divorce and a change in assets. She has been extremely knowledgeable and diligent navigating through these issues while filing for financial aid. Without her guidance we would?ve accepted what was given without question. While so many people in the business don't fully understand the rules, Sylvia stands out as an expert in the fie
Sylvia and her team delivered what they promised! Our family is forever grateful and extremely happy!! Thank you! We'll be using you the next 3 years as well.
We used this service to help my daughter with college essays prep and overall guidance. The service is great and fair, totally worth the money spent. My daughter just got admitted to her dream school!
Sylvia and So Cal College Planning were a lifesaver! Sylvia takes the time to get to know her clients/students and really connect with them. She was able to guide our daughter through the process and she is now enjoying life at her "dream" college. She will help you wade through all the applications and simplify the whole experience and save your sanity. We could not have done this without her guidance. We highly recommend Sylvia - you won't regret it.
Sylvia worked directly with me as a entering college freshman to appeal my financial aid and helped facilitate conversations with the financial aid office. I decided to use her resources after not being able to communicate with the financial aid office in a way that would help me appeal my EFC. However, I was able to get substantially more financial aid than before, and I am very glad I was able to use Sylvia?s services. Would highly recommend!
I sat on the free seminar with Sylvia 2 years ago when our daughter was a freshman and got really good information to prepare for the college finance application process. Now that she is a junior, we met with Sylvia virtually for a free consultation and she was so helpful and answered many questions. We appreciated her honesty in letting us know our potential for getting our daughter grants and/or scholarships and the challenges we will face. Highly recommend SoCal College Planning.
I highly recommend SoCal College Planning. Sylvia and her team have been amazing to work with during this very important and confusing time. The support, information and guidance has been invaluable. I highly recommend using her services to get you and your student through the college application and financial aid process.
SoCal College Planning was incredibly helpful throughout the entire process of applying for college starting with applying for financial aid. They were always there to answer questions, and they did so promptly. We were blown away by the financial aid award, and our son getting into an incredible UC school! We are so grateful for the great resources, info, personal coaching, and assistance for every step of the way! Last thing. Sylvia Caruthers is super nice. Not only is she professional, but she's just ver
My family and I found Sylvia through one of her workshops and have worked with her for 2 years now to apply for my financial aid. I'm a first generation student and it can be confusing so she has been super helpful in explaining how everything works. My first year there was an issue with my FAFSA not wanting to process but she was quick to help and handled everything. SoCal College Planning has helped me have one less thing to worry about.
Sylvia and her team have been a huge benefit to our family over the past several years, first by helping navigate the complexities of the college selection process and then by continuing to provide timely advice. She really took the time to get to know our family and customize her services to meet our needs. Having the experience of SoCal College Planning in our corner made a big difference for us, in part because it's reassuring to have a neutral third party to bounce issues off and to encourage students a
My only regret is that we didn't find Sylvia earlier! Sylvia has amazing knowledge of all things college--and offers all of it generously. She taught us so much is such short time, making it pleasurable and fun. ("Fun" & "finances" have never been spoken of together by me--must be Sylvia's magic.)
Sylvia has done an exceptional job of helping both of our children. We are truly grateful for her expertise, kindness, sense of humor and vast knowledge of FAFSA, college apps, the financial aid process and all the other details involved with preparing for, being accepted to and sending a child to college. She has an A+ rating from us, and we highly recommend her to anyone interested in hiring the best college planner ever!
I have been coming to SoCal College Planning for the FAFSA process since freshman year and I am graduating four years later, this May! I really don't know what I would have done without Sylvia and her team! She was such an amazing help for the past four years! She made herself available with any questions I had and was able to help me through a confusing appeal process as well as regular FAFSA craziness!
I recently attended Sylvia's zoom seminar. What an eye opener. There is so much to know about the college application process as well as the financial funding. I learned you need to start early and do your homework. Keep track of every deadline. I would definitely recommend to all who don't know where to begin in his/her child's college planning.
Navigating your child thru this system can be intimidating. Sylvia's honest insight and experience made us feel like we were in the best of hands immediately. My daughter is on to the next chapter in her life, and I feel like a hero.. All credit goes to Sylvia's hard work in our behalf to which we will be ever grateful. Thank you Sylvia ;)
SoCal College Planning and Slyvia Caruthers have been there every step of the way to guide us through the complicated process of trying to apply for state and federal grants and aide for college. I knew that it was going to be a difficult task, the government has a way of making everything harder than it should be. However, Sylvia and her staff guided my family through the process and maximized the amount of money that we received through state and federal grants. The cost of SoCal's service is a fraction o
Great experience. Went to two free sessions and was able to get a ton of information and questions answered. Was very impressed with Sylvia's willingness to help even if she realized you may not be looking to purchase the service. I would recommend her to others looking for help as she is interested in your situation and not just selling you something.
I found the college planning webinar and subsequent consultation very informative and helpful! I appreciated Sylvia's presentation style & felt her communication was direct and clear. I recommend her webinar to any parent and/or family beginning their financial aid journey!
Sylvia made us feel very welcomed & answered our questions. We felt no pressure to use her services; and she was super helpful/knowledgeable. Thank you for your time and professionalism. Will recommend her to all our friends.
I been telling other people how Silvia helped us last year with the scholarship applications! As first time college parents we had no idea on how to do all the part work but finding College planning we realize is the best investment for our children! I been telling other people including strangers I met at the store, fair including Legoland!
It's worth every penny to let SoCal to help you with FAFSA application and help your kids getting to the right school. It's great service and I am very happy. Thank you very for your suppor
Our session with this organization was very informative. The person we spoke to was very personable, helpful, and easy to understand! I would recommend this group to anyone who is in need of any help in regards to college planning and help with understanding how to earn scholarship/grant money amongst other things as it has helped me tremendously.
Our son is living his dream, by attending USF. SoCal College Planning helped us with enrollment and student aid. Don't think we could have done it without their help.
I learned a lot about financial aid which was helpful.
Great presentation. Learned so much. Thank you Sylvia.
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.