*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.*
7548 Municipal Dr
Orlando, Florida 32819
You need to be careful with hiring this company. They are a scam. They are anti small business. They try to charge you for things that were not requested. We paid off the bill for their expensive $650 a month bookkeeping and that was the only service we were provided. Now they are trying to say we requested tax planning, and nobody got with us about tax planning and trying to bankrupt our business with a $4000 bill that is nonexistent. Please, if you are a small business, stay away from these crooks.
Thaney & Associates started helping me with my taxes when they became too complicated to handle on my own. They have done a great job walking me through everything and have provided me with tax saving guidance. Very happy with the value I received and will continue to use them.
I?m growing my business and Ed has been a great business therapist along the way. He has really helped strategize and strengthen my goals as well as assist with tax planning and payroll advice. I definitely recommend working with Ed and the team at Thaney & Associates.
Looked for a new CPA in Orlando and found Thaney & Associates. They were beyond prompt and were very patient with all my questions for my 2019 tax return. The virtual appointments they offered was refreshing with everything going on related to COVID. Would highly recommend them if you are looking for a team that offers more than accounting services.
I recently opened a small business and would not have had such a smooth process without the help and guidance from Thaney & team. From the initial call to several follow-up conversations and ongoing consultation, every team member was thorough and provided the best tips and routes to launch my business in the right direction. Sincere gratitude!
I had lunch with Ed Thaney and asked him for guidance on a merger between my company and soon to be another. He gave excellent tax advise and some great insight for the upcoming year ahead. I highly recommend Thaney & Associates.
A few years ago we started a business and taxes became a looming question. Scott provided us quick but thorough answers that made it so much easier for us to just focus on our business. Any time I have accounting and tax implication questions he?s on it. Great team to have on your side.
We used Thaney CPA to file our taxes this year and they were great. Scott was knowledgeable with foreign taxes and answered all our questions, highly recommend.
Very competent and knowledgeable. Able to help with complex taxes involving both personal and business accounts. Highly recommend
Very responsive, great service for business and personal!
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.