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The Tax Gals

The Tax Gals

Reviews Summary

The overwhelming majority of reviews praise the service for its professionalism, efficiency, and affordability, with many highlighting timely filings, knowledgeable advice, and significant tax savings. Customers appreciate the friendly, thorough approach and often mention returning yearly or referring others. A few negative reviews cite unresponsiveness and errors, but these are rare exceptions in a sea of 5-star ratings commending the team's expertise and personable service.

About This Listing

Tax Preparation
Small Businesses
Individual Taxpayers
Contractors
State-Specific Experience
Bilingual Services

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

Tax Preparation
Small Businesses
Individual Taxpayers
Contractors
State-Specific Experience
Bilingual Services

Contact Information

Address

550 W Vista Way #100

Vista, California 92083

Visit Website Call Now Get Directions

Hours

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

Customer Reviews

The Tax Gals is the best tax preparation service! Terri has done our taxes for over 5 years and she has always done a fantastic job, very professional and accurate. We moved to another state and she still has done our taxes perfectly fine! Highly recommend the Tax Gals for tax preparation!

I left the necessary filing documentation during an in person meeting at the office. The meeting was only 5 days before the filing deadline so Yazuli and I agreed that filing an extension is realistic and handling the returns at the end of May will be what I can expect. I was told that the following day she would reach out if they need anything else. They did not reach out so I sent 2 emails, called the office and left a call back request with their receptionist and nobody replied until 2 days after the de

Terri is amazing!! I have been working with her for years and she is professional, always there, quick response, and support me with advice when needed. She has very reasonable service fees and I like how she always files my taxes on time!!

An excellent experience! Terri is knowledgeable, professional and caring. Discovered my last tax preparer (who was way overpriced, btw) could have done a much better job and saved me over $600. I'm so happy to be with Tax Gals now.

Terri and her team are extremely knowledgeable, Professional and friendly. She will work tirelessly to save you every penny on your taxes. She has been doing our taxes for 9 years now and I can't recommend her enough!

Have coming to see Terri the past 4 years. She is extremely efficient in preparing our taxes and very personable. She has helped us lower our tax burden substantially. Can?t thank her enough for doing our taxes.

I own a small business in San Marcos and this will be my second year with the Tax Gals. Terri and her team are amazing at what they do and work in a timely, professional manner. I am so happy and relieved to have found this group.

I've always personally done my taxes or used an automated, online service. I decided this year to compare the expected return/amount owed that an online service estimated to what a local tax preparation service comes up with. I thought they would be similar amounts, but they weren't even close! Terri from the Tax Gals saved me more money than I expected and has won my future business. I was absolutely blown away at how thorough Terri at the Tax Gals was. In comparison, the online tools that I had been usi

Sorry for the length of this review, but I want to make sure people know all the mistakes she made for my taxes, and yet, I am awaiting for my refund, after 6 months!! (and I hope this will be all) I love the slogan on their tax folder: WE DO IT RIGHT THE FIRST TIME Really??? Terri?s un-professionalism is 1,001 in the scale from 1 to 1,000! The worst is she WILL NOT OWN her mistakes. I started contacting her via text last year, October 2020, but she WASN?T NEVER AVAILABLE FOR ME! At the end she must have fi

Terri is very sweet and knows her stuff. Last year we used someone else for our taxes and we owed California but they didn't tell us why or how to change our withholding. Terri told us why we owed and how to change our withholdings. We'll definitely be going back next year!

Kassia helped me with my taxes after moving to San Diego and was very professional and made the entire process easy. I highly recommend them for your tax preparations.

Amazed! Overjoyed! Beyond impressed! Angeles did my taxes in less than 20 minutes. She helped me so much by finding things and understanding my unique job. I would recommend to all my friends and family!

I have filed taxes with them for 3 years and have really enjoyed my experience with them! Terri is incredibly efficient and a pleasure to work with.

Was referred to these gals by s friend! Great results and pricing. I will be referring them going forward! They really know their taxes!

Been coming here a few years now. Never any issues. They're very helpful!

Teri and her team are great at what they do. Very friendly and polite.

Wonderful! Fast, efficient and the cost was amazing. I will refer all my family.

An amazing service for any business. Thanks Tax gals for answering all my questions

Was very quick and easy fairly priced

Great service and fast

Great !!!! So fast and friendly

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.