*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.*
25 W Easy St #301
Simi Valley, California 93065
I cannot say enough about The Tax Defense Group!! They saved me over $70,000 from the IRS. Matt, Alberto, and the entire staff are uniquely trained to handle even the most challenging cases. This is not something you want to handle on your own. They are professional and the Real Deal-- believe me, it is the best decision I ever made! Thank you Tax Defense Group, you are the Best!!
When I first started using ?The Tax Defence Group? my husband had passed away (2016). My husband?s friend for some 30 years did our taxes, so I knew nothing about doing personal taxes. Well I ended getting myself in dire straights, so the Group took over and I am so glad they did. I've had no worries since then, 2017 till today. Matt Sitler explains everything before hand with a stern caring heart and Diane Rodriguez gets it done, I love Diane?s professional, caring attitude. I am 76 years old and high
I had started with this company quite a lot of months ago, and I hate to say it is an absolute scam. I was promised an offer in compromise from this company, and then they had changed their minds to a payment plan. I had paid my hard earned money to this company for nothing. Matt will not return my texts or my phone calls. I had asked them to stop payments and they said it's up to management. No one has returned my calls from management, despite the numerous efforts I had made to make contact and get an exp
I needed help with both the IRS and state for back taxes. I remembered a commercial about Tax Defense Group and immediately called. They went to work right away for me, fought for every single dollar, and negotiated an outcome I only dream about. To say they went above and beyond is an understatement. I know they spent HOURS on hold with the IRS and state. To this day I use them every year to do my taxes and I am VERY PLEASED! THANK YOU is not enough! You cannot go wrong calling them!
i started with this company sometime early last year and have since stay with the company. Their team and customer service has been nothing but helpful through it all. I came in pretty deep in owing on my taxes, after acouple phone calls and meetings with the owner himself Scott, guided me on where i should be and do with my situation and made it pretty clear on how they would fix the situation. This tax defense group are no joke i couldn't thank them enough for getting me out of the mud and saving my compa
We have been using The Tax Defense Group for a number of years now and they have always been knowledgeable, professional and kind throughout the entire process. That is a combination you don't come across very often in times like these. Simply the best! Regards, Leonard Castillo and family
The Tax Defense Group has went above and beyond when it came to helping me get out of trouble with the IRS and saved me thousands of dollars in the process. Matt has always treated me as more than just another number and been fantastic to deal with
To the entire tax defense group team, specifically that Matt, Sittler Delilah and Ann, thank you very much for helping. Keep me focused on what was important. Thank you for being patient and explaining the documents so clearly my family appreciates all of you. We highly recommend TDG.
We have been with Matt and the Tax Defense group goin on 3 years. They have been with us every step. They are very helpful and quick to get back to us to answer any questions.
Matt was fantastic at communicating on our IA progress and tax filings! Their office kept things simple and moved with efficiency! Thanks for always taking care of us!
These guys are the real deal. Great work and took care of business. They saved me over $100,000. I highly recommend them for your tax issue needs.
I was in a tax debt situation a few years back and the tax defense group negotiated with the IRS to almost eliminate my tax debt. They represented me well and they are very professional. They do my taxes every year now. Thank you to the tax defense group!
Save your money the actual IRS is more helpful than they are. worse customer service. they are quick to get your business and money promising they can help. but they are not helpful, it was a waste of time and money.
Thanks tax defense group, Jessica Leiva help me with her high skills, very professional,with my taxes issues, I recommend them to perform all about tax services .
I wanted to thank Matt and Scott for providing a great service. Thank you to The Tax Defense Group
(Translated by Google) Be careful people with this second office that helps with your taxes, I hired their services and the truth is they are not professional at all, they only look for your hard-earned money and they charge a lot for their services, when you need them and you call on the phone they do not answer you and they do not return your call either but it is not the day they charge you because then they do call you. I had problems with them and they did it to me once when they didn't answer me when
(Translated by Google) Be careful with this company, they only steal your money with false promises. (Original) Cuidado con esta compania solo t roban tu dinero con falsas promesas.
(Translated by Google) I'm very happy with the service they provided. I couldn't even sleep from so much stress, but now I'm getting my life back. I highly recommend them. Thank you for the offer they made me. (Original) Estoy muy contenta con el servicio que me brindaron . No pod?a ni dormir de tanto stress pero ahora eh recuperando mi vida,Los recomiendo mucho gracias por mi oferta que me hicieron .
(Translated by Google) They just wasted my time and didn't do anything they told me to. They just made me spend $4,600 with them. I should have paid that money to the IRS. In case you're trying to give it to them, don't waste your time with them. (Original) Nomas me hicieron perder el tiempo ni hicieron nada de lo que me dijeron nomas me hicieron gastar con ellos 4600 dlls que ese dinero mejor lo ubiera pagado al irs. En timas de d?rselos a ellos enverdad no pierdan su tiempo con ellos
(Translated by Google) This company stole my money. I asked them for help a year ago and they were giving me so many excuses that they could help me with my IRS problem. I only owed them a year and they encouraged me to help me. They charged me for the work in advance and never did anything. They just ROBBED ME. (Original) Esta company me robo my dinero les pedi alluda ase 1 a?o y estuvieron Dando tantas excuses que podian alludarme con my problema de IRS nomas devia 1 a?o y me promotion alludarme me cob
(Translated by Google) Unsatisfied, now the ARS is charging me double. I called them and they charged me another $300 to open my case, only to tell me that it would be better to make a payment plan and to help me it would be another $500. You go to them thinking they are professional and honest, a big disappointment. (Original) Insatisfecha ahora el ARS me esta cobrando el doble les llame y me cobraron otros 300 dolares para habrir mi caso solo para decirme qu? mejor haga un plan de pago y para ayudarme se
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.