*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.*
211 E Imperial Hwy suite 103
Fullerton, California 92835
James is the best. He's helped with my corporate taxes and personal taxes. I referred him to friends that moved to Austrialia and needed to continue to file taxes in the US and he saved them a lot of money. I recently inquired about his services regarding my mom's taxes since she retired overseas. James is the most honest guy, he looked over all of my items and gave me advice that was extremely helpful. I had prepared the taxes myself, but decided a professional was needed. James looked over my work, gave
James Johnson has been my trusted preparer for many years. I recommend to anyone.
WOW WOW WOW! We have a bit of a complicated tax return to keep track of. It is hard to trust someone. You definitely need to have someone you trust because it can make a difference in the long run of staying out of trouble and finding ways to save you money that you may not know about. We have rental property in another State, retirement, and we are Realtors in Orange County. James saved us from trouble down the road. Our past taxes were done by someone else and they missed something that will cost us
James has been my go-to tax specialist for years, handling both my personal and business tax issues. He has guided me through some very complex issues and countless basic ones (although they?re all complex to me), always with professionalism, patience, and courtesy. His experience and wealth of knowledge are apparent with every interaction. I don?t write many reviews for businesses, but felt compelled to share my feelings about James. He?s a genuinely good guy and very good at what he does. You can?t go wro
I?ve been a long time customer of James, the owner of this fine business. I can not recommend him enough. Both James and his tax professionals are knowledgeable, experienced, and put the client first. I have referred everyone I know to get their taxes done here! He has saved me, my family, and my business thousands of dollars! Five stars and two thumbs up.
The Tax Guy delivers the best tax experience I have ever had.? I have been filing with James for 5 years now.? He has helped me with my small cleaning business.? When I started going to him, I didn?t know how to keep records very well.? He walked me through what I needed to keep records of and how to do that at no extra cost.? He has also helped me out a couple of times in guiding me how to take money out of my 401k and to minimize the tax consequences.
Professional, friendly, knowledgeable, and eager to help. James is all of them. Seldomly in this industry do you come across someone as efficient as James. I highly recommend him. Reasonable fees, pretty quick turnaround, and consistently available for questions. Thank you, Jamees!!
I came to James 6 years ago. My books were a mess and my business was suffering. He helped me get them in order and helped me reorganize my business structure. Today my business is more profitable and more organized, and James was the one who helped me get here. He is the best tax person I have ever done business with.
My sister sent me to James.? I was unhappy with my last tax person and felt he wasn?t doing my taxes right.? I sat down and talked with James and he explained to me that I should be claiming all my school expenses.? I got more last year than ever before, and he went back and fixed my previous years taxes too.? He is the best. Highly recommend!
This cat has earned his moniker the tax guy. I left my previous tax guy because he did not know his stuff. All of the things my old tax guy did not know such as cryptocurrency and estate tax etc THE Tax guy knew inside and out. Not only did he know that stuff well, he was able to explain it in a way that someone as stupid as me could understand. We will see what the final output is but so far I have been incredibly satisfied. Great job James, keep up the good work.
We have used the Tax Guy for a couple of years now and highly recommend him. He's very professional and knowledgeable of the Tax laws. In addition he's very accommodating as we travel around the country. You won't regret using the Tax Guy.
Was looking for a new tax guy and the name caught my eye. It is a new office but James has been doing taxes for 10 years. He really knows his stuff and cared about doing his best. He has my bisiness for life.
The Tax Guy does an excellent job preparing and filing your taxes. They know exactly how to get you the most possible on your refund. Their customer service is excellent and their communication is first rate. I highly recommend!
I?ve been working with jimmy for years because he?s super knowledgeable and honest. He does a great job of explaining my taxes to me and always gets my returns prepared quickly. Jimmy is the best!
If you find better service you better let me know... The Tax Guy helped me so much. So patient and so so helpful, I know I am not the easiest of customers but its not my fault that tax system is such a mess. They are so smart and caring; I cant say thank you enough for helping me through all this madness and my family thanks you too!
James was very helpful with my concerns about how to report my 1099-DIV?s.
I've been using him for 9 years for my corporate and personal tax returns as well as using him for all of my bookkeeping. Always excellent, reliable service. Definitely recommend.
The team at The Tax Guy are amazing! I?ve got very complex tax filings in which they are quick and attentive to every detail ensuring great service a maximizing my refund! Thanks The Tax Guy!!
This was our first time using The Tax Guy and we were very happy. James was professional and answered all our questions. We'll be back next year.
I have been going to James for the last 6 years! He is amazing, knowledgeable and trustworthy.
James is professional, and honest
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.