*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.*
7142 S Beneva Rd
Sarasota, Florida 34238
Sarasota Tax Accounting was our accounting firm at THE SARASOTA COLLECTION HOME STORE for many years. This firm has the utmost integrity and professionalism in the business. Although we are not currently a client with them, we look forward to a time when we are able to resume our relationship. We highly recommend their services.
Lea and her team do an amazing job and have built a welcoming, family-like culture for their clients! Their dedication and professionalism make them a standout choice for CPA and bookkeeping services. I highly recommend them to anyone in need!
They are always there to explain everything and answer all questions. Very pleased with the service that we are receiving. I would not trust anyone else with our personal and business taxes.
The team at Sterling Tax & Accounting helped me and my company gets our finances together for filing our taxes. They were professional and very knowledgeable about bookkeeping and financial reporting. I will definitely work with them again and recommend them to anyone that needs help with bookkeeping consulting services in Sarasota FL.
I have been with Sterling Tax for many years now, and I just have to give them a huge shout out for doing such an excellent job with my taxes over the years. Lea is second to none. She is top-notch and an absolute professional through and through. I wouldn?t even consider going somewheres else. If you need a great accounting service definitely check her out.
Sterling Tax & Accounting's virtual CFO services in Sarasota are unparalleled. Their expertise and professionalism shone through in every interaction. Highly recommend their meticulous financial guidance for any local business seeking top-tier support.
We have used Sterling services for both our business and personal accounting needs. They stepped in and saved us when our previous accountant literally disappeared off the face of the earth just a few weeks before the tax deadline. Leah and her staff are extremely competent, helpful and professional. I would recommend them to anyone looking for a professional accounting firm
I have been using Lea and her team for over 4 years now. Her team is the most knowledgeable, organized, diligent and friendly group I've ever worked with. Sterling handles my personal and business tax and accounting needs as well as payroll. I couldn't be more pleased with her services. I would recommend Sterling to any individual or business searching for accounting or tax needs.
Lea Graf has assisted me for many years. She is always available, knowledgeable and comforting. I have had to ask her multiple questions about probate and business issues. I consider her a friend and a wonderful helping hand. Using her services has been a wonderful experience for me.
My wife and I have been clients of Sterling Tax & Accounting since 2015 for both our business and personally. I have worked with a few accountants over the past 35 years and have never been more satisfied with the quality of their tax and accounting services. Lea has been very helpful in answering questions about QuickBooks for my business and giving me tax advice when I need it, which I really appreciate. Everyone who I deal with at Sperling is very friendly and professional, which makes for a very positi
I've been using Lea and her team for 5+ years for my LLC, personal and wife's taxes. Sterling is very professional and expert on the Quickbooks cloud system and takes security of electronic documents, etc very seriously. They helped us when the IRS misclassified one of our quarterly payments and sent us letters saying we owed and had accrued penalties. Sterling made multiple calls to help straighten the situation out for us. While Lea has a team that handles the onslaught of business around tax time, she's
Look no further for outsourced bookkeeping services in Sarasota?Sterling Tax & Accounting nails it! Their expertise surpasses expectations, delivering personalized solutions promptly. Lea N. Graf and her team redefine excellence in tax and accounting services.
Sterling Tax & Accounting delivered unmatched tax resolution services in Sarasota. Quick, professional, and effective ? my experience surpassed expectations. Grateful for their expertise in navigating tax complexities, ensuring financial peace of mind.
Lea and her team have been instrumental in the growth of our business - I've used her services since 2014, and cannot stress how much time her and her team have saved me - both on business and personal accounting. She is extremely knowledgeable and organized, and I could not imagine running our business day to day without her team behind us! I highly recommend Sterling Accounting for anyone looking for any business or personal accounting help.
Seeking bookkeeping and accounting services in Sarasota? Look no further than Sterling Tax & Accounting. Their professionalism and customer-centric approach make them a top choice. Highly recommended!
Lea and her team at Sterling Tax and Accounting are beyond incredible! What they have done for our business in just a few months has completely revolutionized our business. Their customer service and professionalism are incredible and they are cutting edge! I could not be happier! You have to do business with them!
Lea and the team at Sterling are very courteous and attentive. Very skilled! I?ve been using them for over 5 years and they?re all the best in Sarasota.
Lea inherited my business account when our previous accountant retired. At the time we were in the midst of a protracted dispute with the IRS. Lea and her team took on the issue along with our regular business. She was patient and dogmatic in her communication with the IRS and ultimately successfully resolved the matter. I cannot fully express my gratitude and relief. Their office has continually impressed me with their knowledge, professionalism and high level of customer service. I highly recommen
Lea and her team are professionals and will equipped to handle every one of your accounting and payroll needs. They have done a great job for me over the years and are highly sophisticated. Strongly recommend!
Lea and her team have been with me since day one of starting my business and I couldn't be happier with the services they've been able to provide. I can't put a price on the peace of mind I get from knowing that my payroll, bookkeeping, and tax preparation are in good hands which allows me to focus on the day to day operations of my business. I can't recommend Sterling Tax & Accounting enough.
It is such a relief to have an excellent CPA partner, they are up to date on all facets of my business and are very quick to respond. Their systems used for payroll, communication etc is excellent and very secure. I highly recommend and have to several others. Brian
Excellent experience with Sterling Tax & Accounting. Everyone in the company has been very helpful, and I depend on their help. Very helpful during and after the Covid-19 Pandemic and navigating the PPP loans. They make my job so much easier, and truly that is why I love this company.
We love Lea! She solved our problem in 5 minutes while QB online tech support couldn't resolve our issue inside of a 1 hour tech support session. Lots of value!
Sterling Tax & Accounting handles several companies for us and they are prompt, knowledgeable and excellent to work with. They are extremely professional and efficient and I'd highly recommend them to anyone looking for accounting/bookkeeping for their firm.
Looking for CPA accounting in Sarasota? Sterling Tax & Accounting is the answer! Their responsiveness and dedication to clients set a high standard. Smooth bookkeeping and tax services?I'll be back!
We tirelessly searched the entire country to find the perfect fit of small firm service, with big firm capabilities. Sterling was the best choice for all my companies and recommend them very highly.
Lea and her team are phenomenal! She's my go-to for both business and personal finances, and even helps with day to day accounting work & strategy. I'm 100% confident in her work, and recommend her to anyone!
Could not recommend a better firm for a small business. Leah and her team are very knowledgeable and easy to work with. They deliver the tax savings that they promise. Can?t ask for more.
Lea and her team are very knowledgeable and organized. They use up to date methods to deliver your accounting needs to you in the most easy and efficient way. We use her for Quickbooks help and training, monthly books, tax preparation, and much more. She is always there to answers questions I have that arise during day to day bookkeeping.
Sterling is a 5 star firm! As a business owner, we needed special attention and solutions and they provided us with above and beyond service! I would recommend them to anyone.
Sterling Tax & Accounting does an amazing job for us taxes, business advice, bookkeeping, payroll and more. Lea Graf and her team are top notch, knowledgeable, and professional. Thank you!
This accounting group is phenomenal! Their attention to detail and level of communication is fantastic! You can feel comfortable and secure in Sterlings hand!! Highly recommended!
Working with Lea and her team is a delight. I'm a small business owner and she helps me with my bookkeeping, business taxes, and personal taxes. I highly recommend working with her!
Lea is incredibly knowledgeable and easy to work with. She makes what I feel like must be the most terrible time of year ever (tax season) seem a little less unbearable and daunting for managing my business and personal needs.
I have saved many many dollars in taxes by utilizing the strategic expertise of Lea Graf and her team. It took years for me to find this group. I am very grateful!
Great company. Very patient and understanding. Knowledgeable and professional. I recommend Sterling Tax & Accounting to everyone.
As a small business owner, I love working with Lea and would highly recommend her. Great to work with, and very knowledgeable.
Conscious , concise and accurate. For both my personal and business taxes, Sterling Tax always delivers on-time and within budget.
Lea is thorough, professional, gracious, knowledgeable and on time! I highly recommend her services.
Great experience, wonderful feedback, could not be any happier with Leah and her staff.
They are very thorough, organized, and professional I highly recommend.
A bit pricey and may be too much tech use for older patients that do not navigate "Smart Vault" document system.
Excellent customer service! Very professional! Best I have ever had!
Great peace of mind to have such a diverse group of professionals taking care of all our tax concerns.
Lea and her crew at Sterling Tax and Accounting are the BEST!
Lea Graf and her team are outstanding in there service
Great team with thorough knowledge of the tax codes.
Fantastic customer service! You guys are the best!
The team is always professional, quick and accurate.
This firm keeps me out of trouble with the federal and state tax authorities
Lea is very responsive, professional, and helpful.
Amazing accountants. Highly recommend them!
Very professional and polite.
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.