*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.*
1165 Cedar Shoals Dr
Athens, Georgia 30605
I was recommended by an acquaintance to hire Kelli to help me with my tax return. As an immigrant that still own a business in Europe I am required to submit a lot of complicated forms. Kelli Thompson was outstanding in helping me navigate all these concerns and made sure that everything got done before the deadline. I cannot recommend her services enough!
I've worked with Kelli at Turner & Patat for over 5 years now on both business and personal taxes. I'm always so impressed with her speed, accuracy, and helpfulness! Kelli has handled complicated tax matters, fixed my mistakes, and flawlessly handled my bookkeeping. I met with her just last week for a mid-year check in - I couldn't run a business without her!
We?ve always done our own taxes but last year we lost my father in law. We decided it was best to use a professional for the taxes so we wouldn?t mess anything up. We reached out to get an estimate on how much it would cost to get his personal taxes done for 2020 and were told to send stuff over so they could give us an estimate. We were very clear from the start that knowing how much everything would cost would be big for us. We sent over what was needed and waited. As we went through the process we asked
My husband and I have used Turner and Patat for several years for our personal taxes, and we have had nothing but wonderful experiences with them. They always make sure we have exactly what we need and follow-up with anything that looks different from previous years. Recently I became self-employed, and Kelli Thompson has been with me every step of the way through the process. From helping to me to determine whether I could/should start my own business from a tax-standpoint, to making sure I am withholding
I have nothing but great things to say about my experience with Turner and Patat! Their team is extremely professional and the turnaround time was so quick! I?m definitely planning to use them again in the future. I would highly recommend Eddie and his team to anyone who is need of help filing and managing their taxes.
I had a most unusual and difficult tax case, as a veteran who was owed a sizeable refund from the IRS for incorrectly taxed disability payments from over 15 years ago. Kelli Thompson did a fantastic job of handling my case! She was steady, smart, kind, and capable. She took over the onerous job of contacting the IRS, managed all the little details, and was great about communicating with me. I couldn't recommend her highly enough!
My husband and I are very pleased with the service we have received from Turner and Patat over the last several years. Our taxes have been precise, the customer service has been helpful and courteous. I highly recommend this business.
Turner & Patat have worked with our businesses for many years, and have never failed to impress with their professionalism, courtesy, and hard work. I could not recommend them any higher.
Have worked with them for several years on tax preparation. Very responsive, knowledge, and reasonably priced. Would highly recommend!
The team is super helpful and responsive; we've been grateful for all of their hard work!
Great service! Very responsive and timely as well as most pleasant.
Good work and service, just very expensive compared to other local services.
Wonderful Person and Group.
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.