*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.*
413 SE Main St
Simpsonville, South Carolina 29681
I have been using TurboTax for the past 10 or 15 years. I started my filing using TurboTax's "experts" this year. However, it was clear they didn't have a good understanding of the factors impacting my return. I decided I would get a second opinion and I am very happy I did. Stevenson saved me a lot of time, money, and frustration. I will absolutely be using them going forward. I highly recommend them.
I?ve been filing my taxes here for a while and never had a problem. However, today when bringing in needed forms the person preparing my taxes proceeded to ask what did I do with money I withdrew from my 401k and HSA (as if I was a child). Baffled but kept my composure as I felt that was none of her business that?s between me and the IRS?file the forms needed pls.. so I can receive whatever I?m going to receive.
I have been using David and his Team for years. They are professional, courteous, thorough, very helpful and timely. I will continue to use them in the future.
This year was my first time using Stevenson Tax & Accounting but I had a great experience and received a quick return for more money than I thought I would get. They helped get me squared away on a rental property I own as well. They are very knowledgeable and friendly. I will continue to use this company every year.
Stevenson tax accounting service is great. David has a sense of humor and was referred to me by Mr. Morton.
David is amazing. He has prepared my taxes for years and I am extremely satisfied with his services and price. I had some IRS tax issues that he was able to resolve with in Offer in Compromise. David handled the task with amazing results. I can't thank him enough for the effort and support in getting it all cleaned up and allowing me to move forward in life. Thank you David and the entire staff on a job WELL DONE!
My wife and I have used the services at Stevenson for multiple years. We have fairly complicated tax situations and annual returns; without question these guys always take care of us quickly and accurately. I feel comfortable asking any question I might have as they?re always willing to help us. They always go the extra mile to be accessible and make sure we understand everything. Without a doubt my family will continue to use them for many years in the future.
I had an unusual situation with the Social Security administration department related to my most recent tax return. I was resigned that SSA was correct and would accept their notice of reduced Monthly SS. But just to make sure, I went to David and had him review their findings. He grasped the situation quickly and showed me where the Social Security administration was calculating my information incorrectly and NOT in my favor. With this information, I returned to Social Security and showed them the calcul
Ricky has been a fantastic resource for me and my family. We have had Stevenson prepare our taxes the last three years and every time the service is stellar. We like them so much that we continue to use them even though we don?t live in the local area anymore. If you are on the fence, just go ahead and get Ricky and the staff to take care of everything for you.
My husband and I had our taxes filed through them last year. We were unsure with some of the filings made pertaining to a small business but assumed they knew what they were doing. When I was concerned about specific papers filed no one returned my calls for a week until I finally reached out to the owner who was as misinformed as the person helping us initially. We just now found out that most, if not all of our tax papers filed last year were filed completely wrong resulting in lost returns and unnecessar
I was recommended by a friend and have to admit that i was highly impressed with the service and time that went into my taxes for the money. Not only did they do a good job putting my mess together, but they found a flaw in my 2010 returns that I got a cool $1,000 back for! Final 2011 return was 88 pages so yes it was a mess but they put it all together. Now I am 100% confident that they can handle complicated returns.
Our first time experience was professional, thorough, knowledgeable, and we'll be a return customer next year. Thanks David Stevenson!
Excellent and fast service! They were a huge help! Highly recommend!!
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.