Back to Directory
The Harding Group, Inc.

The Harding Group, Inc.

Reviews Summary

The Harding Group receives consistently outstanding reviews for their professional, responsive, and personalized accounting services. Clients praise their expertise in tax preparation, bookkeeping, payroll, and business advice, highlighting their attention to detail, reliability, and ability to simplify complex financial matters. Many long-term clients emphasize their trust in the team's guidance, noting exceptional customer service and a genuine commitment to helping businesses thrive. The firm is repeatedly recommended for small business support, with particular appreciation for their clear communication and tailored solutions.

About This Listing

Bookkeeping
Accounting
Business Consulting
Payroll
Tax Preparation
Tax Planning
Financial Advisory
Outsourced Accounting
Small Businesses
QuickBooks

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
Accounting
Business Consulting
Payroll
Tax Preparation
Tax Planning
Financial Advisory
Outsourced Accounting
Small Businesses
QuickBooks

Contact Information

Address

2028-B Industrial Dr

Annapolis, Maryland 21401

Visit Website Call Now Get Directions

Hours

Monday 8:30AM-4:30PM
Tuesday 8:30AM-4:30PM
Wednesday 8:30AM-4:30PM
Thursday 8:30AM-4:30PM
Friday 8:30AM-4:30PM
Saturday Closed
Sunday Closed

Customer Reviews

I cannot recommend them highly enough. I have been working with the Harding Group since starting my business in 2018. From 2 employees to 32 employees all these years later they have always given us stellar, personalized service. They understand how to tailor their services... to deal with me/us. No small feat. :-) Thank you everyone!

The Harding Group has been my company accountant and tax experts for 15 years. I can honestly say they are the most professional, competent, and dedicated company of any kind I have dealt with in a very long time. Customer service is obviously a prime concern for the Harding Group. It has been a pleasure working with them. I highly recommend all the services they have to offer. Great experience! Thank you Marla and team.

We have been a client of the Harding Group for over 25 years. The service received over this time period has always been very satisfactory. Of special interest is the effort demonstrated of keeping the client informed as to the progress of the tax preparation process from receipt of the tax data from the client through final execution. The service has always been very professional as well as friendly and responsive. Makes one feel that he is part of the involvement and not just a client number to be pro

Marla Harding and the The Harding Group have been my accountant and bookkeeper since 2011. As a small business owner I have relied heavily on Marla and her team to advise me and guide me as my business has grown over the years. Marla is very detailed oriented, responds quickly to all requests, gives honest and constructive advice/feedback and always guides me in the right direction. I view Marla as a true extension to my business and a trusted advisor who truly wants my business to thrive. I highly recomm

The Harding Group has been my business tax preparer for many years and I also can count on them for sound business advice. I sold my business to a former employee recently and I could not have done it without the guidance of Marla and her professional staff. These folks are top notch and I can?t thank them enough for the great service over the years!

Having been in businees over 20yrs; and using multiple accountants in the first 10, The Harding Group is the best. They handle everything from bookkeeping, payroll, and all taxes and returns. Highly recommend them!

Kara was great! She held my hand through the whole process and explained everything so well. She never had to say "I'll get back to you" because she always had the answers to my questions right away. I wouldn't think about using anyone else to take care of my taxes. Highly recommended!

Highly recommend for small business tax and company development support.

Marla and her team have done an absolute fantastic job for all the different returns they do for us yearly.....I had extremely bad experiences with 2 prior accountants......the feeling I get knowing that the harding group does our taxes correctly is irreplaceable security....you will be happy with your choice for choosing them

Great tax advice. They're very responsive! They helped me file my return and showed me how to save money by simplifying it.

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.

Skip to main Home Best CPA's Nearby Upgrade your plans English Avatar for Nico Bottema Welcome, Nico Bottema! Share Install the tag on your site to get access to all features, tools and the insights you need. It's fast and easy. Site ID: 6455700 Get started with the tag installation 1 Copy this code. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 Copy code 2 Paste the code into the of every page where you want to track user behavior or collect feedback. 3 To make sure everything is ready, verify that your code was installed. Verify installation OTHER WAYS TO INSTALL Install with a team member’s help Install on a platform Install with a npm package Explore the demo Take a tour of the product with realistic data to explore. Explore demo site Common questions View all Course How do I install the tag? Collect session data for replays, heatmaps, and on-site surveys by installing a unique tag on your site. Ready to add it? Follow the instructions in this 15-minute course. Article How do I know if the tag is installed correctly? Article Will the tag slow down my site? Suggested for you Enable 2FA now Two-factor authentication (2FA) adds an additional layer of security to your account. Popular shortcuts title Feedback button Capture feedback in the wild by letting users share it at any point title Set up a Net Promoter Score® survey Measure long-term customer loyalty and happiness the tried-and-tested way. title Exit-intent survey Capture feedback before visitors leave and reduce your bounce rate Get started Interviews (new) Get real time feedback at critical times, thanks to easy, in-depth recruitment and analysis. Create project Finish your installation Surveys Feedback button Dashboard Invite team members Integrations