TL;DR: Accounting

TL;DR: Accounting

Reviews Summary

Most reviews praise TL;DR for their expertise, responsiveness, and professionalism, particularly highlighting their value for small businesses and therapists. Many appreciate their clear communication, tax guidance, and business advice. However, a few criticize recent issues with reliability, communication gaps, and unmet expectations, noting dissatisfaction with unaddressed errors or unfulfilled commitments. While the majority recommend the firm enthusiastically, some express disappointment over declining service quality or unresponsiveness in specific cases.

About This Listing

Bookkeeping
Payroll
Tax Preparation
Tax Planning
IRS Representation
Entity Structuring
Financial Advisory
Small Businesses
QuickBooks
Gusto

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

Bookkeeping
Payroll
Tax Preparation
Tax Planning
IRS Representation
Entity Structuring
Financial Advisory
Small Businesses
QuickBooks
Gusto

Contact Information

Address

508 Yale Ave N

Seattle, Washington 98109

Hours

Sunday Closed
Monday 9:30AM-4:30PM
Tuesday 9:30AM-4:30PM
Wednesday 9:30AM-4:30PM
Thursday 9:30AM-4:30PM
Friday 9:30AM-12PM
Saturday Closed

Customer Reviews

I've been with TL;DR for 5y (2018 to 2023). Until this last year, I was satisfied with their service -- they were prompt, efficient, and knowledgeable. Last year however, there was a tax discrepancy that would have cost me thousands of dollars, had I not noticed it myself. When I spoke with them, they did nothing to make it right (except describe potential ways they may improve in the future). This negative experience coupled with constant price increases with no additional services provided made me reconsi

I have been with TLDR for 5 years and was having a wonderful experience with them. I trusted them fully. Unfortunately, this year they have had multiple factors that have affected their business. After trying to be understanding of their complete lack of response to emails and follow ups from meetings they have now dropped the ball on getting my business set up for 2024. I am sad and disappointed but after months of giving them the benefit of the doubt and multiple follow emails (Oh and $250/month for no se

I have been a client of TL;DR for 4 years now and they don't disappoint! Toni and her team are responsive, organized, communicative and relational! In addition to providing clear, timely tax preparation services for me, they support me in analyzing and growing my business and planning for retirement. This is a company that is willing to educate and empower their clients and that is a high value to me!

Our group behavioral health therapy practice has grown to the point where we no longer had the resources or time to devote to preparing the required business tax returns in-house. I'm a CPA and so I'm very selective about who I trust to perform any type of accounting or financial service for my wife's company. After doing some extensive research I recommended we go with TL;DR and have been extremely pleased with the results. Everyone we worked with was extremely professional and knowledgeable. They also

My initial consultation with Khaled at tl;dr Accounting was a complete letdown. Despite a confirmed appointment, they were a no-show. This lack of professionalism and respect for my time is concerning. How can they be trusted with financial matters if they can't honor a simple commitment? I'd advise avoiding this company if you expect reliability and professionalism.

I have been and will continue to be a client of TL;DR. I love the service level provided. This year, in particular, I have received really great advice on how to better manage my books, budget and grow my business. 100% recommend!

Toni and her team at TL;DR are truly the best. Her team is very responsive and thorough in their work. Toni's tax return walk through is something I look forward to each year as it helps me better understand my current year return. In the past, I traveled a lot for my job. It's not always easy to find a team who can also manage out-of-state returns. Toni's team has had no issue with that. Thank you, TL;DR!

I have really enjoyed working with Toni and her team since opening my small business 2 years ago. They have been incredibly valuable in helping me understand and prepare for my quarterly and annual taxes, both for the business and personal returns. Toni is personable, friendly, knowledgable, and timely - all things I want in an accountant!

TL;DR has been working with therapists in private practice for years now, and while there was a little trouble at one point (business growing pains), the business is streamlined and responsive and exceptionally competent. The team understands the unique needs of our population, and not only does excellent accounting work, but also really digs in to encourage us to move towards better business practices, knowing that most of us never got much training on this end. Thanks, Toni, Becca, Nicole, everyone else!

Toni with TL;DR Accounting is absolutely amazing. Her answers to my digital goods taxation questions were clear and concise, not to mention very timely. I'd recommended her to my friends and family with no hesitation and know they'd be in good hands. She'll continue to be apart of my team for a long time.

A gem of an accounting firm. I liked how quickly they responded to my initial interest for our small business (despite being in the midst of tax season), and they took care of my accounting issues immediately and with great professionalism. Definitely recommend!

Great accounting company, highly recommended for small businesses. They make the entire process easy and keep you informed of what needs to be done. I have been working with Nicole Piele, one of their tax and accounting specialists and really appreciate her professionalism and clarity of her work.

Wow. Just wow. I cannot say enough good things about TL;DR Accounting -- this was the first year that my business taxes took less time than my individual, that I was sure I had paid the correct estimated taxes to the IRS, and that I approached the whole endeavor with confidence, clarity, and calm. This has never happened to me before (with taxes)!!!! Thank you so much -- I'm so glad I found you!

I love TL;DR! They are kind, responsive and great with helping business owners like me figure out their taxes. I couldn't do my work without them! Plus the do my personal taxes as well! Having everything in one place makes life easier.

A colleague of mine once described this place as "financial therapy for your therapy practice." Do your your family of origin issues include a taboo about discussing money issues? Would you like to increase your sense of efficacy in financial acumen? Did you know there's an accountancy firm that therapists actually buzz about in consult groups? Do yourself a favor and hire TL;DR.

I've been with Toni and her team for years and am so happy I found the firm. They make it all so easy for our family and business.

If you're looking for a tech savvy CPA who understands the latest trends, I would highly recommend TL;DR! They are efficient, fast, explain everything in a manageable way, and a GREAT price!

Great service. I have been using TL;DR for several years. Always responsive, accurate, helpful. I've never had a bad interaction with them.

She knows her stuff. As an independent business owner, trust is difficult to earn. Toni is one of the few who has mine.

They offer services they don?t provide. This is not an accounting firm - it?s a bookkeeping service.

If you're a new business owner and will have a lot of questions I suggest you work with another firm.

They are super knowledgeable, responsive, and great to work with.

HIGHLY disappointed with lack of communication and follow through!

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.

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