*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.*
515 Marin St Suite 414
Thousand Oaks, California 91360
Tax time is always a chore, yet Jeff's assistance makes tax prep super easy. He always responds promptly and his online tax prep/filing application is very customer friendly and easy to use. We appreciate Jeff's guidance and support. My wife and I are happy to have Jeff as our tax advisor.
Jeffrey was an.absolute pleasure to work with in the establishment of my Estate Plan. He is extremely professional, knowledgeable, responsive and experienced in the field. He listened carefully to my thoughts, offered me sound advice and I am 100% pleased with the end result of my Estate Plan. I highly recommend him to anyone needing legal assistance in the establishment of their Estate Plan.
I can't say enough about Jeff's expertise and his skill sets in handling a wide variety of IRS issues. His work is always punctual and extremely accurate. I would highly recommend Mr. gillingham's services based on his insight and expertise in handling our corporate and estate tax issues. His expertise and the precise work Jeff has produced for our company over the last several years has been extremely valuable to our organization. Dean@ Proodos
Jeff personally went over my 2024 tax entries and called me to review. He found a few deductions I had missed and ended up saving me several thousand in taxes. Jeff was timely and easy to work with. My returns were completed very early and at a personal level I needed. I hope to do business with Jeff for years to come.
Very knowledgeable and professional. I felt completely at ease and Mr.gillingham explained everything to me and my son. I left his office fully understanding the choice I made. Thank you again.
Jeff was great. He was able to zero in on the issues around my circumstance. It was outside of his area of expertise, so he promptly referred me to someone who could help. Look forward to working with him again in the future.
Jeff was very through with explaining our tax questions. Very easy to understand and we left knowing that we went to the right person to do our taxes. Next Jeff will be helping us with updating our estate trust. We look forward to working with Jeff and hope to have a long-term relationship. Michael & Coleen McIntyre
Jeffrey is always efficient, kind, and great to work with. I go to him for legal and as a CPA.
I was very pleased with my appointment with Jeffrey T. Gillingham. His approach was professional, friendly and informative. He answered my questions and clearly communicated his advice. I look forward to further establishing a relationship with this firm.
My 2021 taxes were especially complicated due to my sale of a house that year. I knew I was going to need someone with added expertise in real estate as well as being a CPA. Jeff was recommended to me by my financial advisors, Ascent Wealth. While I was concerned that an attorney might be intimidating, I was in for a nice surprise. He is very patient and kind and truly wanted to help me in navigating these waters. Jeff is also an excellent responder and always got back to me promptly with answers to my many
Jeff is super friendly, easy to talk to, knowledgeable, and finds all the ways I have overpaid on my taxes!
Our appointment with Jeff started on time and we covered all the questions prepared in advance. We look forward to working together updating our living trust and understanding future tax liabilities.
I found Jeff Gillingham on the internet as I was researching for assistance as executor of what turned out to be a rather sizable and complicated estate going through probate in Texas. At every stage of our interaction he demonstrated extraordinary patience and interest in the smallest details of the case, as well as a willingness to undertake whatever research was necessary to ensure that the substantial and intricate tax obligations were met with specific attention to the legal ramifications as well as t
Jeff Gillingham was incredibly professional, thorough, and patient with my mother, sister and I. He listened to all of our concerns and spent as much time as we needed to answer our questions. He made sure my mother was comfortable with every aspect of her Estate Plan. She feels very confident in the work Mr. Gillingham has provided. I recommend him highly!
Jeff had been instrumental in helping with legal guidance and financial guidance. He is fair and genuine with his work. He really does his research and is very easy to communicate with. I have never had someone provide such excellent customer service. I will continue to return to Jeff for business in the future.
Jeff takes time to answer all questions, is very knowledgeable with his law and CPA background. He offers excellent advice (which left me with more cash flow monthly) and I highly recommend him to anyone. He does my taxes--very glad I changed to his service!
Using Jeffrey Gillingham as my tax attorney has been a pleasure. He is very knowledgeable and experienced. Jeff has made dealing with my tax concerns and issues an easy process. He gets results!
My first meeting with Jeff found him to be quite intelligent, a great listener, quite detailed and through. We will work with Jeff for our tax needs and estate planning. Looking forward to a long relationship.
I have worked closely with Jeff over the last 2-3 years and have always found him to be extremely responsive, courteous and highly professional. Moreover, his acumen as a financial and legal expert allows him to lend prudent counsel. I would strongly recommend Jeff's expertise and look forward to our ongoing association
Jeff is great to work with easy going friendly and knowledgeable. I felt he really cared about doing a fair and honest tax return for me.
I will never go anywhere else for my taxes and bookkeeping again! Jeffery's immense amount of knowledge, paired with his ability to communicate with his client makes him my "go to guy" when it comes to law and business. I look forward to a long and fulfilling relationship with his law office.
Jeff did an excellent job explaining retirement account tax issues to me. I've worked with him in the past as well, on a trust setup.
Jeff Gillingham, CPA has provided and continues to provide my clients with an incredibly high level of service and professionalism. My business clients continue to seek his help whenever it comes to any of their tax and accounting needs. Highly recommended.
When It comes to contractual agreements, I always get nervous that I will overlook something. A friend recommended that I go to Jeffery with all my future contracts to assure that they were kosher. My mind is at complete ease now! Jeffery is patient and breaks each part of the agreement down so its simple to understand. Thank you, Jeffery!
Jeffrey is a very well educated, CPA and his knowledge in Tax Law makes him even more valuable He is also very responsive to my calls and emails in a very fast and professional way
I knew from my initial consultation that I was in good hands. Jeff was extremely professional and was very quick to Get started not to waste anymore time. I'm updated continuously and always know where we're at.
Great stuff! Sat with me until I understood what changes I needed to make to ensure my business is in compliance and I'm not overpaying for taxes. He explained everything in a way I could comprehend. Thank you!!
Helps with our accounting. Knowledgeable and professional, would recommend services.
Feel very confident Jeff will do his best for me. Very personable. Felt relaxed
Jeff was very knowlegeable, and did his utmost to reduce my tax liability. I will use his services again
I had a great consultation with Jeffery, he was very personable and explained the process very thoroughly. I look forward to working with him!
Clear, concise, complete delivery of services in a most professional and friendly way. Highly recommend.
Professional, knowledgeable, honest service.
Very professional and definitely knows what he's doing. I trust him completely with all my tax needs.
I came to ask some specific questions for my business and came away with much more. Very knowledgeable and helpful.
Personable, friendly legal services. Flexible with scheduling appointment meeting times.
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.