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The Guardian CPA

The Guardian CPA

Reviews Summary

John is consistently praised as a highly knowledgeable, professional, and responsive CPA who excels at simplifying complex tax matters. Clients highlight his patience, clarity, and dedication to their financial well-being, often saving them money. His exceptional customer service, attention to detail, and proactive advice make him a trusted advisor. Many appreciate his ability to tailor solutions to individual needs, whether for personal or business taxes. His reliability, expertise, and friendly demeanor earn strong recommendations across all reviews.

About This Listing

Bookkeeping
Tax Preparation
Tax Planning
Financial Advisory
Small Businesses
High-net-worth Individuals
Individual Taxpayers
Real Estate
State-Specific Experience
Multi-state Experience

Who Can Work with a CPA?

Individuals seeking tax prep, retirement planning, or financial advice
Small business owners needing bookkeeping, payroll, or tax compliance
Freelancers and contractors with 1099 income or complex returns
Couples planning finances together or managing joint returns
Investors with capital gains or rental property income
Anyone looking for year-round financial guidance and peace of mind

*Note: CPAs may specialize in different areas. Be sure to check credentials and service offerings.*

First-Time Clients

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.

What to Know Upfront:

Documentation Bring your most recent tax returns, income details, and any financial concerns
Availability Appointments fill up quickly during tax season — book early if possible

*Note: Every CPA operates a bit differently. Don’t hesitate to ask questions before committing.*

What to Bring

Government-issued ID for verification
Tax documents (W-2s, 1099s, investment summaries, etc.)
Receipts or logs for deductible expenses, donations, or mileage

*Tip: Organize your documents in advance to save time and ensure accuracy.*

Preparing for Your Appointment

Write down any financial goals or questions in advance
Check if your CPA offers virtual sessions or document uploads
Bring a notebook or use a notes app for key takeaways
Know your deadlines for filing, payments, or compliance

*Note: Preparation helps you make the most of your CPA’s expertise.*

How to Get Started

Use our directory to find highly reviewed CPAs near you. Reach out directly to schedule your consultation.

Other Helpful Info

Many CPAs offer both in-person and remote consultations
Fees may be flat-rate, hourly, or based on service complexity
Some CPAs specialize in industries like healthcare, real estate, or tech
Check for client reviews and credentials (CPA license, EA, etc.)

*Note: Every CPA is different — take time to find one who fits your goals and style.*

Features

Bookkeeping
Tax Preparation
Tax Planning
Financial Advisory
Small Businesses
High-net-worth Individuals
Individual Taxpayers
Real Estate
State-Specific Experience
Multi-state Experience

Contact Information

Address

1408 Olive St

Santa Barbara, California 93101

Visit Website Call Now Get Directions

Hours

Sunday Closed
Monday 9AM-5PM
Tuesday 9AM-5PM
Wednesday 9AM-5PM
Thursday 9AM-5PM
Friday Closed
Saturday Closed

Customer Reviews

I have the pleasure of working with John and couldn't be more impressed with his exceptional service. From the start, his professionalism and attention to detail stood out. He took the time to understand my financial situation and provided tailored advice that would help me in the long run. John is not only highly knowledgeable about tax regulations and financial planning, but he also excels at making complex concepts easy to understand. He is always available to answer any questions I have, and his respon

John, was awesome for us. He went above and beyond for my multiple companies and personal tax returns. We had significant issues from the prior years taxes and previous CPA that he was able to figure out quickly and efficiently. Even we had multiple changes in bookkeepers he was able to help us. I have already recommended John to many clients and friends and will continue to do so. Also, probably most importantly is that he is proactive in helping us make decisions that will save us money in taxes well befo

John was very helpful and knowledgeable. He answered all of my questions regarding tax implications involving my LLC without any problem. Definitely looking to working with him in the future. Highly recommend!

John has been my CPA for a number of years now, and I have been extremely satisfied. He is patient, extremely knowledgable, and always looks out for my best interest. As someone in a service business myself, I recognize John's great customer service and integrity in fulfilling his fiduciary duties.

I was introduced to John by another business professional, who spoke very highly of his expertise and professionalism. During our conversation, John promptly scheduled a convenient time to discuss my questions and concerns. He is an incredibly knowledgeable CPA and helped me develop a solid plan for our future endeavors. I was thoroughly impressed by his ability to address all my financial and tax questions, then provide valuable insights. I would like to extend my sincerest thanks to John for his assista

John Duston has always been wonderful to work with. He is exceptionally smart and well versed. He also genuinely cares for his clients' best interests and I would highly recommend John to anyone looking for top not CPA services.

John has been excellent ever since I have started using him for my business and personal taxes. Always quick to respond to my questions, extremely knowledgeable, and best of all has saved me money on my taxes! Would highly recommend John to anyone looking for help with their taxes or anything financial!

Every year around tax time, instead of putting it off and bulding up a volcano of anxiety and stress, as I did for years, I get excited to get in touch with John. It's always an unbelievable experience in the best way! I have been privileged to work with John for many years and refer him to my closest colleagues and friends! John is brilliant, connected and beyond organized. I trust his judgement before my own. He takes the time to understand my business, my goals and helps me organize my financials in a

We were recommended by a close friend and local small business owner who mentioned John's attentiveness to details and good communication. My family experienced the same level of service, while most importantly saving us a good amount of money, including from previous returns.

John is fantastic! I have heard nothing but great things about him from a close friend so I reached out. We had a brief conversation about what I needed done and he delivered within 24 hours. He is super professional and seems to be very up to date on the everchanging tax laws. Thank you for taking on the work on such short notice!

John was extremely professional and helpful. I came to him for guidance concerning my LLC and the tax implications of converting to a Corporation, and he took the time to lay everything out very clearly. He listened to all my questions and made sure I understood everything he was telling me. Really glad I spoke with him, because I ended up realizing I could save a great deal by holding off on the conversion at this point. Thank you John, I look forward to working together in the future!

John was super helpful with my tax questions. He is knowledgeable, flexible and has a great attitude. I plan on using his services in the future as other needs arise.

John is extremely organized, knowledgeable, and thorough in his work. He is very professional and helped us understand the complicated nature of the applicable tax codes that applied to our return. I highly recommend Guardian CPA!

John has the heart of a teacher. Wanting to not only do great accounting work for you but help you understand the tax advantages that go along with your specific needs. Quality work at a great price!

John Duston's expertise and ease to explain complex tax topics are incomparable to any other CPA's I've worked with. His professionalism and patience to dissect the tax implications between real estate transactions and suitable corporate entities will help you avoid headaches and obtain big savings in taxes.

John Duston and his team do a great job of helping their clients! Not only did he do my taxes for me at a decent price, he also was very helpful, kind and answered all of my questions.

John was most helpful in addressing our very complex tax issues. He is knowledgeable, professional and very responsive. If that's the sort of CPA you are looking for, look no further!

If your looking for your taxes to be done right, look no further than John. He is by far the most reliable person I have found in the Santa Barbara area. Very Attentive, Courteous, Responsive and Reliable. Give him a try !

John is great to work with all around. He's clear, concise, and extremely helpful! I couldn't recommend him enough! All around great great service.

John is by far the best CPA I've ever worked with! Helped me out with a short timeline and a complicated return. I'll be referring him to everyone I know!

I found John to be very knowledgeable and easy to talk to. As a new business owner, I had a lot of questions and John took his time to answer my questions and provide some very helpful tips!

John has been great for my wife and I. Knowledgeable, friendly and helps us sleep better at night knowing that he's taking care of what makes us stressed. I wouldn't see anybody else.

I was introduced to John and had a pleasant interaction. He is professional and clearly states what is necessary for businesses to succeed. Thank you!!

Excellent service. Can't recommend this tax preparer enough. He helped me tie up a sticky tax mix of personal/business. Very easy to work with and very thorough.

John has been filing my taxes for 4 years now. He has always been very professional and a pleasure to work with.

Very helpful, friendly and trustworthy. Excellent service! Thank you John!

John was extremely helpful, knowledgeable and responsive. Really appreciative of the help he provided!

Very helpful and knowledgeable even with limited/confusing information from client.

Frequently Asked Questions

What qualifications should I look for in a CPA?

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.

How do I find a CPA in my area?

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.

What’s the difference between a CPA and an accountant?

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.

How do I know if a CPA specializes in my needs?

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.

Should I check a CPA’s reviews before hiring?

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.

How can I verify a CPA’s license?

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.

What questions should I ask during a CPA consultation?

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.

How much should I expect to pay for a CPA’s services?

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.

Can I work with a CPA remotely?

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.

How do I assess a CPA’s communication skills?

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.

What red flags should I watch for when screening a CPA?

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.

Should I choose a CPA from a large firm or a solo practitioner?

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.

How often should I meet with my CPA?

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.

Can a CPA help with both personal and business finances?

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.

What should I do if I’m not satisfied with my CPA?

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.