*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.*
811 Washington St NW
Gainesville, Georgia 30501
UPDATE IN REPSONSE TO THE OWNER'S REPLY: Several claims made here are inaccurate. All necessary documents were provided. The ?key documentation? they say was missing was something I asked about before they started working on my return and got no response to. I uploaded it immediately after finally receiving an answer ? after the second incorrect return ? and it was never acknowledged or used. I only removed documents after formally terminating the engagement and revoking authorization to proceed. I was r
I have used them for the last 2 years and this year, I uploaded my information into their system as usual. I received an "in process" status but here it is April 15 and no one ever contacted me even after sending multiple messages. I was forced to file myself for an extension. I will NEVER use them again.
This firm is outstanding. I highly recommend them to anyone in need of professional tax services. They are knowledgeable, responsive, and provide excellent support throughout the often stressful tax season.
Shawn is so knowledgeable and helpful with my tax returns. This is my fourth year. So grateful my brother recommended The Buffaloe grope to me.
We?ve been trusting The Buffaloe Group with all our tax needs for years. They?re a fantastic team?knowledgeable and great to work with!
I highly recommend The Buffaloe Group, LLC. The service that I have received from Shawn Buffaloe and his team has been outstanding. I've chosen The Buffaloe Group to prepare my personal tax returns for the last couple of years and the process has been easy and the service is always friendly. Last year I received a notice from the IRS about a problem with a previous return. Even though the return was prepared by another CPA, Shawn took immediate action and got it resolved quickly. When I decided to start my
The Buffaloe Group was absolutely fantastic! My wife and I had been looking around for someone to prepare our taxes for us, and they exceeded my expectations. I had been doing our taxes on my own, and I always felt like I was doing something wrong. I walked into their office and it was quick and painless. Absolutely wonderful service, and pretty fantastic people! I HIGHLY recommend them to anyone looking for a CPA.
Mr. Buffaloe and his team are truly great to assist us with our tax preparation journey. Either Mr. Buffaloe or one of his professional team members would contact us and follow-up when we had questions or comments about our tax preparation services. We have been using The Buffaloe Group for the past three years, and we highly recommend them for individual or family tax preparation services.
I don't normally write negative reviews, but hopefully this one can save a business owner some time, money, and frustration. After hiring the Buffaloe Group to help us clean up our books and get our accounting on the right track, we soon realized that they were not helping us in the way that we needed after multiple conversations trying to explain the situation and getting assurances that they understood what we were needing to do. In the meantime, they filed personal tax returns and seem to have completel
We really enjoyed meeting Shawn today. He was super helpful with our new business setup. And he took the time to answer each question. Even when I asked it multiple times! We really look forward to moving forward with his help.
I can highly recommend the Buffaloe Group without reservation. Having been a client for several years I know first hand that they know their profession! Not only that but they offer their services in a warm, friendly environment and are always available to help. If you need the services of a CPA - you can't do better!
Saving money is the same as making money. The Buffaloe Group is saving us enough monthly verses the fees that our previous accountant was charging us to nearly pay our part-time employees salary. They have helped us with the filing and organization of our paper work to make it easier for them to process our data thus saving them time and us money. The staff is very personable and engaging making is a pleasurable experience when dealing with accountants has normally been a dreaded task. Highly recommend t
Shawn and Kelly are amazing! They exceeded all our expectations and will go above and beyond to help. We had them take care of our incorporation process and prepare our personal and business taxes and we will continue to work with them from here on out.
Great group, straightforward honest assessment, easy to work with and knowledgeable. Will definitely use again.
We do both our personal and business taxes annually with Shawn and Kelly Buffaloe. They answer all of our questions, and have great suggestions on how we can grow our business. A++
Highly recommended! They are so patient and helpful when I have faced various challenges in business and never left my side. I really appreciate it!
Very friendly staff and will go out of their way to help you I have known them for around 5 years and I have always been very happy with them you can't go wrong here
Great firm! Great people! Fair and knowledgable.
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.