*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.*
6303 Owensmouth Ave 10th Fl
Woodland Hills, California 91367
Shonty and his team are outstanding?professional, precise, and proactive. I fully trust them with my personal and business finances. Shonty delivers more than tax services?he provides real peace of mind. Highly recommended.
We have used Spatola & Company for our personal and business tax returns for many years now. Shonty is not only responsive but knowledgeable- our taxes are not straightforward as someone from another country. Would highly recommend.
Shonty is the best accountant in Los Angeles, and a great person to boot. He is fantastic for both personal and business accounting as well as financial planning services. Intelligent, calm and professional - exactly what you want in an accounting. His team is great too and they are super responsive.
Working with Shonty has been a breath of fresh air! I have had some terrible experiences with previous accountants but Shonty is not like the rest. He is kind and patient and is on-top of communication. I am grateful for him and his team!
Shonty rocks! I recently started a social media marketing company. Shonty quickly and effectively set-up my accounting, corporation, and tax preparation. He made it simple to understand and I am up-and-running headache free! I highly recommend him for your business or personal accounting needs.
I've been a happy Spatola & Co customer for over 10 years! Very organized and excellent communication.
Refreshing experience. I'm so glad I found Shonty, and I look forward to working with him for a long time. Shonty is competent, eager to share information, affordable, and ultimately he is someone that I trust. He helped me in a number of ways: business entity formation, handling stock options, planning for retirement. Highly recommend Shonty as a CPA or CFP.
Shonty is an absolute professional and exactly what you want from a CPA. Couldn't imagine a better experience. I'm going on 3 years with Shonty, and I've never been disappointed, but rather am reminded each year how much easier he makes my life. For someone like me, who is usually pretty daunted by tax season, he puts me at ease knowing that everything is going to be fine.
I can strongly recommend Shonty and his collegues at Spatola & Company. They make tax season bearable, explain complex matters very clearly and in a conversational manner and have a quick turnaround.
Great job and easy to accomplish. With very little input, Shonty did a great job on our mom's taxes.
This guy is simply an awesome accountant!! I had multi state filings and I basically brought this poor guy a couple boxes of poorly organized paperwork. He made things so easy for me, did what i consider a lot of extra work, and delivered better results than I ever expected! I called him too much, and he always got right back to me. I now have an CPA for Life!!
Excellent service and expert knowledge! Highly recommend them!
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.