*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.*
4950 Waring Rd STE 8
San Diego, California 92120
I used Svetlana for about 2 years. I appreciated her help for taxes but did not feel she was easy to reach for questions for how much her services cost. Her prices increased and I often felt I was bothering her with 1-2 questions throughout the year. My husband and I utilized her for tax help and financial advice for two years. While I was satisfied at the time, I?m now paying less and feel much more informed with another professional who we fit better with! She has also moved from San Diego to Florida, and
I had the pleasure of working with Taxlana, and I can't recommend her tax services highly enough! From the very first consultation, it was clear that she is not only incredibly knowledgeable but also passionate about helping clients navigate the often-complex world of taxes. She took her time to explain everything thoroughly and answered all my questions with patience and clarity. What sets Svetlana apart is her personalized approach. She tailored her services to meet my unique needs, ensuring that I got t
We've worked with Svetlana for 6 years now, and she's worth every cent. She's organized, professional, detail-oriented to the max! We're so glad we found her. She even helped us obtain a mortgage when we moved. She's incredible!
Shout out to Svetlana, taking care of my business and personal taxes STRESS FREE for the last 5 years. It's incredibly easy to work with her. She's always ten steps ahead filing extensions as needed, making recommendations, and protecting me from costly mistakes. Five more years!
Svetlana has been taking care of our taxes for 5 years now. She is FANTASTIC. She is thorough, efficient, and knowledgeable. Would highly recommend her!
Svetlana has helped us get through tax season for the past eight years. I am grateful for the time she takes to walk us through the options we have and also make recommendations on what we can do to set ourselves up for success the following year. We've worked with CPA firms and many experts in finance and taxation. We are fortunate to have landed with Svetlana. Professionalism, knowledge and trust are important factors when our finances are involved. Taxlana offers all of that and more. Taxlana has been an
I?ve had the pleasure of working with Lana from Taxlana for many years, and I can confidently say she?s hands down the best CPA on the planet! From day one, she?s been nothing short of exceptional. Her attention to detail is unmatched?Lana doesn?t just prepare your taxes; she digs deep to find every possible deduction, making sure you get the maximum benefit. She?s incredibly thorough and takes the time to understand your financial situation, ensuring nothing is overlooked. What really sets Lana apart is h
I have been searching for the right CPA for me over the last decade and have worked with many different ones and I think it's safe to say I've finally found the perfect one for me. Svetlana is hands on, highly technical, experienced, and takes a balanced approach in her tax preparation. She knows the tax laws inside and out, backed by experience and research. She is detail oriented, thorough, while still taking the time to explain and educate me on various tax topics. She even advised me on tax planning a
Svetlana helped us to file our taxes this year and I could not be more pleased with her services. She was very professional and knowledgeable while assisting us and provided valuable tax advice for the upcoming year. She also found some mistakes in my last year's return which I filed with another tax specialist, and I ended up getting a decent refund back. We would definitely use her services for the years to come!
One of my friends recommended this office to me. I called all day, and they finally texted me after 7 PM saying they do it for $3,000. Seriously tax return service cost that much?
The appointment was so easy! I love that you can be anywhere you want for it! The zoom call is perfect! Thank you for your knowledge and professionalism:). I will be booking an appointment next year;)
Svetlana has done my mother's taxes for a few years and I used her services for the first time this year for myself. Super organized. After sending her docs in advance, we jumped on a Zoom call and had my taxes submitted within about 40 mins. She is well versed in special circumstances like rental properties and homeowner laws. Got me a big refund. Highly recommend her services. She is great and affordable.
Svetlana has been doing my taxes since 2019, and I wouldn't trust anyone else. She knows her stuff and happily works with your unique situations. Highly recommended!
I am extremely satisfied with the tax services provided by Taxlana. She has been incredibly helpful, thoroughly explaining each step of the process and answering all our questions. Taxlana has managed our taxes for several years without a single issue. She is always punctual and offers valuable advice. Beyond her professional expertise, she is also a wonderful person. I highly recommend Taxlana.
I've been using Taxlana for several years. She's always given me great and accurate service. She's gets things done quickly, but takes her time to explain things. She also helps me remember to keep all my paperwork inline for my S-Corp and my LLC. Svetlana is a great Ally to have on your side if you're a small business owner like I am.
The appointment for or taxes with Svetlana was comfortable and friendly, but fast and focused. I appreciate this approach. She made tax preparation a breeze for us, and we will continue using her services.
Absolutely amazing experience. Svetlana was extremely knowledgeable and made the filing of my taxes such a seamless process; she completed the returns while we were on our one-hour phone consultation. She was extremely kind and understanding of our situation and provided valuable guidance for our future tax returns. Will definitely continue using her services in the future, and I?m so grateful for having found her. Thank You, Svetlana.
We have worked with Svetlana for several years, and she continues to amaze us. She is 100% professional and thorough, especially with complex tax returns. She has helped us save so much in taxes, and she did the math and showed us how much we would profit from becoming an LLC. She also responded quickly when we needed a letter for a mortgage broker when we were buying a house. She is on top of it! We are so grateful we found her. We're never going near TaxUSA or TurboTax again. Svetlana is worth every penny
We have been clients for the past three years, and will be clients for life. Svetlana is absolutely wonderful, the definition of efficient. She answers every question, and is extremely pro active. I really appreciate how organized and meticulous she is, we always receive two copies of our tax return, on physical and one in the email, encrypted. We?re a military family and she has navigated us with ease year after year. I couldn?t recommend her enough!
I have been using taxlana for 4 years now and I must say that she is the most helpful person with regards to taxes. She is concise and clear. You can ask her anything and she is happy to help. I recommend her to anyone.
Svetlana is, by far, the best accountant we?ve worked with. We don?t have a very simple tax situation, but Svetlana was able to seamlessly walk us through the process, offer insights, and help us plan for the next year. She was very personable and genuinely a joy to work with (which is saying a lot coming from me because taxes aren?t necessarily my idea of a good time). 10/10, highly recommend!
Svetlana was nothing short of amazing! She set up my new S Corporation within 24 hours of our initial call. She is friendly, knowledgeable, professional, and super fast. If you need tax and/or corporate help, why not get the best? I highly recommend Taxlana for all your needs.
Taxlana has been consistently delivering exceptional work for over six years, and her track record speaks volumes about her expertise and dedication. Her extensive experience in the field of tax preparation has honed her skills to a level of excellence that is truly commendable. What's truly remarkable is that her work has consistently remained flawless over the years. Every document, every calculation, and every deduction she prepares is executed with meticulous attention to detail. This level of precisio
5 stars! Excellent service and communication! Svetlana is super efficient and knows her taxes! Very responsive and professional. Excellent communication. She has assisted us in organizing our small businesses and has offered excellent advice as to how we can track our finances more efficiently. We wouldn't dream of trusting anyone else with our taxes. So happy we found Taxlana!
Svetlana has handled my companies corporate taxes for years and makes the process as simple as possible. She is very organized and quick to reply to any questions or concerns. She also handles my individual taxes, making things extremely streamlined and efficient?overall excellent service and highly recommended.
Svetlana was thorough, efficient, extremely informative, and even helped me with actionable advice for maximizing my return next year. I had quite a few tax events in 2018 (home purchase, home sale, marriage..) and she was very responsive to my many questions leading up to our appointment to help me make sure I had all the right documents in hand for our meeting. She was also a true pleasure to work with. If you're looking for a tax accountant, you need not look any further!
TaxLana truly exceeded my expectations, managing to secure me a significant refund that I had previously missed when using TurboTax, especially during a time when I was grappling with the complexities of my partnership tax return. Here's why TaxLana stands out to me: My background includes stints at several major CPA firms as an IT engineer, where at two of those firms it was mandatory for us to undertake basic accounting courses. This was so we could competently direct any client with inquiries to the app
I finally found accountant I can trust. Svetlana is very knowledgeable and anytime I have a question or need something I can email her and she gets back to me promptly. She filed my LLC taxes for 2019 and made the switch to an S Corp so easy for my company. She is extremely quick and efficient with all of it. I highly recommend her!
I highly recommend Svetlana on any of your tax concerns. She is extremely helpful, knowledgeable, patient, and super friendly! We needed some tax advice and direction. She not only helped us to prepare our taxes in the best possible way, but also provided us with great recommendations on tax planning. Amazing experience. Svetlana goes above and beyond to deliver remarkable service and you will not be disappointed. Thank you again for all the help!
Svetlana is a highly organized person with strong accounting skills. We are so happy we found her, she helped us setting up our LLC and prepare our tax returns. She is always making the best recommendations for our business structure, I strongly recommend her services.
Svetlana, prior to deadline, started politely reminding me that we were running out of time and squeezed me in to her crazy busy season crunch time. She emailed prior to appointment with tasks for me to complete and files to bring but with customization unique to my situation. She remembers everything and asks questions related to stuff we only briefly talked about. It?s pretty impressive when you realize she is doing this with many clients all the time. Watching Svetlana work is awesome, she is so fast at
Best tax attorney I have ever worked with. Just met her. Referred from friend. Can tell she is extremely bright and honest. Is really looking for ways to help as she goes through your taxes. And only took an hour. Saved me $12-$15k/mo compared to what I worked out in TurboTax. 100% will recommend again.
Our family has used Taxlana (Svetlana) for the past several years. She is always incredibly thorough and does a great job with our taxes every year. We never have a doubt that our family will be taken care of and our affairs in order. We are so thankful for Svetlana and would recommend her to anyone!
I started a new LLC in California and was almost completely lost. Svetlana brings years of experience working with entrepreneurs like me, and was worth the fee I paid her many, many times over. On top of all that, she's timely, considerate, and an all around pleasure to work with. She also helped me file as an S-Corp which saved me a ton of money. 10/10 would recommend.
Svetlana has been doing my taxes for the last few years and has been doing an AMAZING JOB! Very knowledgeable and makes everything simple and easy to understand which I really need when it comes to taxes. Highly recommend!
Taxlana has saved us time and again. Her advice eventually made it possible to purchase our house. She is efficient and responsive. Such a great person to work with!
I love working with Svetlana. She's so knowledgeable and really has your best interests at heart. She's completely helped me organize my business and I would be so lost without her. Highly recommend.
We have been working with Lana for a few years and she is excellent. She has been very diligent in guiding us through our taxes and also helps us walk through the different options we will have to get the most out of our return. There is a good guide on how to be prepared with the right documentation before the appointment so that most of the work is one pretty fast. Even though we have moved out of San Diego, we continue to work with her remotely and there has been no difference. I would strongly recommend
We have used Svetlana as our tax accountant for the last few years. She is knowledgeable, conscientious, always prepared, and extremely pleasant to work with. My husband and I highly recommend her.
Svetlana is awesome! I learned more about taxes in one hour with her than I have my entire life before that. She is extremely knowledgeable about the current tax code, and she had great answers to all of the questions I asked. There's nobody else I'd rather have handle my taxes than Svetlana.
I really loved working with her for the first time this tax season. Svetlana is ethical and knowledgeable. She is excellent at what she does. I thought I could never replace my first accountant I loved so much, but I think I finally found one! Thank you Svetlana!
I had a not-so-great accountant for the last few years. Svetlana really helped sort things out and will definitely chose to continue working with her.
So thankful I met Svetlana. She is super knowledgeable. I feel confident I'm doing everything I can for myself and my business. If I could give more stars I would.
I have been a client of Taxlana for a few years and can only say positive things about her. This time the entire transaction was completed in a matter of a couple of hours via emails from the comfort of my home. Thank you and look forward to working with you next year!
Svetlana was wonderful to work with. She is very professional, thorough, and detailed. I would highly recommend her for tax services!
Being new to San Diego this year I wasn't sure where to go to have my taxes done. Doing some internet searching brought me to Taxlana, and I'm glad it did. There's a reason why she has so many good reviews. She was more than knowledgeable, timely and incredibly nice. Great experience and we'll be back next year.
I am grateful I found Svetlana, her advice was spot on, and with her support I was able to waive accumulated penalties, which I neglected to pay on time, and this save me about $14K. As a first time business owner, this was an incredible relief. As of now, everything stands corrected. Thanks, Svetlana!
Svetlana was able to provide very clear answers for all of my small business tax questions. Having little knowledge on where to start and finishing the consultation with a clear direction and understanding of each tax related situation I am working through as I get started was very helpful. Highly recommend Svetlana for any accounting questions and services!
Consulted with Svetlana on whether my LLC should take the form of an S Corp or a C Corp. Her input was nuanced and informative. I have no complaints.
Svetlana is very knowledgeable and patient, she walks you through every step of the tax return process. I will be using her services again.
Always a pleasure to work with Svetlana. Very professional, easily explains things that seemed complicated at first. A perfectionist in her area of expertise, which makes us feel confident that things will done in the best way possible.
Svetlana is best at her job! I rely on her not only for my family?s tax filings but also for getting her expert opinion on Businesses
This is the second year having both personal and business taxes prepared. I appreciate Svetlana. She's very professional; and her turnaround time is impressive.
I have been using her services a few times already and have always been pleased with her professionalism and responsiveness. I would highly recommend Svetlana for anyone looking at hiring a reliable tax consultant.
My wife and I have used everything from TurboTax to HR Block. Our taxes started to get a bit confusing so we decided to seek out someone new to help us out. Easily the BEST decision we made was going to Svetlana (Taxlana). If you want your taxes done right (personal or business) - she's your person. Hands down.
Svetlana was extremely helpful and was able to answer all our questions in the 1 hour consultation. She was very personable and I highly suggest using her for your tax consultation purposes!
This was our first year using Taxlana services to file and it was seamless, professional and efficient. We will be using her again next year!
It was great working with Svetlana. She is very knowledgeable and in just an hour conversation with her I was able to save more on taxes than anticipated. I highly recommend!
I would highly recommend. I have been using Taxlana for several years now and have the same great result. She is super friendly and proficient. I love her casual low-stress office environment.
Taxlana is amazing! Extremely helpful, she answered to all my concerns and gave me many advises on how to solve my situation. I couldn?t ask for better! I would recommend her to anyone!!
Svetlana was great, she handled my filings (4 years) in less than 2 hours, I will definitely be using her services again. Thankyou!
Very pleased that I chose to use Taxlana as my small business CPA. She was efficient, pleasant to work with, diligent in researching and explaining somewhat unique tax issues for my business. And all of this at a very, very good rate (substantially less than the other small business CPA quotes I received).
I appreciated the fact that Svetlana was extremely detailed and really gave us an honest review of our taxes. I will definitely be using her again! THANK YOU!
Lana is incredible, even though I waited until the very last day to file she made an early morning appointment and in less than a half hour she finished. Even better news I'm getting back money from both the IRS and the state. I'm sixty eight and have owned my own business and she is the best that I have ever used. Sencerily Frank Cardo
I started my business at a young age with little to no guidance. I was just figuring things out as I went. That didn't go so well. I was refered to Lana by a friend about 4 years ago and she has been a savior!! I call her an angel because she has guided me in the right direction to getting on track for a financially stable future and saving me literally thousands of dollars a year. I am SO grateful for her!
Excellent, Prompt professional service. Wish we would have found Taxlana sooner. If you need tax service, they are AMAZING! ??
Svetlana is extremely knowledgeable. She is professional, easy to work with and a great advisor.
Svetlana did an incredible job communicating & providing advice. Will definitely use her again in future years.
Best place to go for your taxes if you?re a business owner. Svetlana is top notch.
Svetlana is awesome - very timely, calming, and knowledgable. I recommend her highly!
Taxlana is the best!! We are very happy working with her on our annual tax! I would give 10 stars!!
Svetlana is very professional CPA. She does high quality job.
She used to be very good, but now has heavily jacked up prices, even more than some large tax offices. Service and responses have degraded accordingly. Had to change CPA.
Taxlana has been accountant for years. Great service for very reasonable prices. Could not be happier with the results.
A pleasure working with Taxlana, very detailed analysis of tax situation and great advice for future planning.
Always a great experience working with Taxlana! We will certainly be coming back next year!
Very helpful and professional. Its our third year and we are very happy with the service.
She's changed my finances for the best! Can't recommend her enough.
Very knowledgeable and efficient. We will return next year.
Not only she's smart she's fast and she's the best!
I highly recommend Lana. The consult was very professional and useful.
Professional tax account and great customer service. It made the process much easier
Excellent service and very professional. I would recommend to my friends.
This is a great place. Very professional and knowledgeable.
Fast, and friendly service. I will definitely be a returning customer!
Awesome experience. Very fast and efficient!
Excellent service provided in a timely manner.
Perfect, as always!!!
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.