*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.*
1100 Logger Ct building c suite 101
Raleigh, North Carolina 27609
Tom and his team have been exactly what we needed for our video production company. Tom really understands our industry and explains things in a way that makes sense. Whenever we have questions, they're quick to respond with practical advice. What I appreciate most is how they stay on top of deadlines and help us plan ahead, whether it's tax season or quarterly planning. They're genuinely helpful and knowledgeable, and I'm glad we found them.
Tom and his staff have been great to work with for my video production agency over the past two years. They are knowledgeable, kind, fair, and make sure their clients are well taken care of from an accounting and tax standpoint. I'd highly recommend them to anyone looking for a great CPA and/or bookkeeping firm for their business.
Bambi and I have had the privilege of working with Tom and his team for several years. Their professionalism, intelligence, caring, and helpfulness have been a source of inspiration for us. As business owners with three companies, Tom's advice has saved us thousands of dollars while also adding value to our businesses. His guidance has enabled us to develop personal and business financial plans for the future, and we are grateful for his unwavering support. Tom is always available to meet with us in person
Tom + Staff are fantastic people to work with. Highly Educated, trustworthy and personable - exactly what you want in a CPA. I was recommended to Tom through Dave Ramsey's endorsed local providers. I have a less common online business that generates income through YouTube + Podcasting streams. Tom was quickly able to set up a plan that I understood and put my mind at ease as a first year business owner approaching tax season. I now understand the workings of my LLC & how to prepare well in advance for tax s
Tom and his team have been great to work with. My wife and I were in a pinch to get a tax document completed and he called us back on a Friday afternoon and had a meeting set up for early the following week. We used him to do our taxes and advise us on different aspects of forming LLCs, setting up as S-corp, write offs, etc. He and his team take the time and really listen to us and come up with the best solution for our situation. I have referred my dad and a co-worker and they have both had nothing but goo
HORRIBLE CUSTOMER SERVICE. After doing our tax returns we had to schedule a follow up meeting with them via Zoom (which they told us would cost $200) to discuss several very important items that needed to be addressed. My husband and I had to take time off of work as well as schedule care for our 5 month old and after waiting in the zoom lobby with no response, they called 17 minutes after our meeting was supposed to start and said they were sorry but they needed to reschedule due to other individual tax re
Have known Tom for about 20 years. He and his firm have done extensive work with us with our Accounting that has saved us enormously. I've done business with him too as a hard money lender; real estate investor; etc. Most importantly, as our Accountant. In business, one needs a good attorney and cpa.....no doubt. I recommend he and his firm, highly, for your book keeping and CPA Services. When you call the office, Dee will get the call, please tell her hello from AC.
Tom, Scott, and the whole team are phenomenally talented. I gave them a disorganized stack of tax forms from full-time employment, a very complicated business I own, casino winnings, and every investment class imaginable, including cryptocurrencies. Somehow they handled these excessive stacks of forms professionally and promptly, making my life much easier. They will have my business every year from now on, no question about it! If I could rate them 10 stars, I would.
Thom Smith has been our CPA for the last several years. We have found he and his staff to be very knowledgeable, dedicated, professional, helpful, and friendly. They have helped us stay on track with regards to our taxes which in turn gives us the time to focus on growing our business. We are very grateful that Thom Smith is our CPA. He is the best one we have ever had.
Update: After using this group for 3 years I have been removed as a client. End of 2022, I closed my business, beginning of 2023 moved and had a child before corporate taxes were due and missed some emails from them due to the hecticness of moving, buying a house and having a child. I understand I was late on my corporate taxes but was told by the firm that they would submit "to stop the penalty from starting". This obviously led me to believe that the penalty would not occur and due to my first CPA submitt
I wholeheartedly recommend Thomas Smith CPA, PLLC Services to anyone in need of accounting or tax assistance. Their professionalism, knowledge, and dedication are second to none. With their help, what initially felt like an overwhelming task turned into a stress-free and successful experience.
Tom has been helping me for years with best practices in real estate ventures and other investments. He is extremely helpful, knowledgeable and really keeps up with the changes year to year, which helps save some hard earned funds!!
Tom has made filing with him incredibly easy for my wife and I. The process is smooth, simple, he answers every question that we ask, and he feels like talking to an old friend. Can not recommend working with Tom enough.
I will not use this company again they assured me they would file my return electronically as soon as I paid my invoice for their services which I did and when I checked the IRS website three weeks later I still didn?t have a status on my return so I called them back to make sure that they did file my return and they had NOT and they just nonchalantly apologized and said they were waiting on me for something but didn?t follow up. Then I asked for a receipt that they did file my return on Friday at 5:30 and
I would not use them. I went to use them and they were going to have me fill out almost 40 pages of documents to do my own taxes and then he was just going to check them over. I was not paying that price for me to do the taxes and him to check them.
Have worked with Mr. Smith for many years. He cleared my Dad's IRS issues and saved him quite a bit of money. I highly recommend him.
Thomas Smith is a great person and a hard worker we at panera bread are very greaful to know Thomas keep up the great work
Tom is a great help!
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.