Back to Directory
Universal Agency Insurance and Tax Service Inc

Universal Agency Insurance and Tax Service Inc

Reviews Summary

The reviews overwhelmingly praise the service, with most highlighting excellent customer care, professionalism, and helpfulness, particularly for unemployment assistance, taxes, and insurance. Staff are frequently described as friendly, patient, and efficient. While the majority are 5-star ratings citing positive experiences, a few mention minor issues like pricing concerns or occasional inattentiveness. Translated reviews consistently emphasize good service and gratitude for assistance. Overall, the consensus is highly favorable, with strong recommendations for their attentive and reliable support.

About This Listing

Tax Preparation
Tax Planning
IRS Representation
Small Businesses
Individual Taxpayers
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
Tax Planning
IRS Representation
Small Businesses
Individual Taxpayers
Bilingual Services

Contact Information

Address

1426 Freedom Blvd STE 101

Watsonville, California 95076

Visit Website Call Now Get Directions

Hours

Sunday Closed
Monday 9AM-6PM
Tuesday 9AM-6PM
Wednesday 9AM-6PM
Thursday 9AM-6PM
Friday 9AM-6PM
Saturday 10AM-5PM

Customer Reviews

Did my taxes with Halondra she was very helpful and explained everything that we needed to know. Overall great experience! Will definitely be coming back to do my taxes!

Holondra was very nice and patient. She was able to help me with my unemployment which was something that I was stressing out about a lot I do recomend to come here my new happy place to come back ??

Great customer service in the Salinas office. Fiance got his taxes done for the first time will come back for more services.

As a good citizen of Watsonville, i would like to congratulate Universal Agency Insurance with this review for their awsome costumer service, professionalism, and great attitude. I recommend anyone to do their taxes here. Thank you maria for your service.

Phenomenal customer service, best prices around, and a genuine interest in helping however possible. Claudia at the salinas location was an amazing help, 10/10 would recommend

Great service from Claudia and Jazmin very nice persons I personally recommend them

Thank you Halondra for the great service as always. Very helpful and for the reminders and great prices. 10/10 Would recommend

Amazing service ?? the best place to come with any help you need!??

There customer is very good and they do as much as possible to make the customer happy

Great service and great people there always super helpful

Claudia was very helpful and nice! Very helpful!

(Translated by Google) They provide great service. A place where everyone can go and be well looked after. I especially like the way Claudia and Francisco treat me in Salinas. (Original) Atienden muy bien. Un Lugar donde todos pueden ir y seran bien atendidos. Me gusta mucho en especial como me atiende Claudia y Francisco en Salinas.

(Translated by Google) I always come here and they treat me very well, very good service, everyone friendly and efficient. Jasmine served me with excellent service. (Original) Siempre vengo aqu? y me atienden muy bien muy buen servicio amables y eficientes tod@s. Me atendi? jazm?n muy excelente servicio.

(Translated by Google) Very good service from the professional staff and a good price. First time here, and I'll be back and referring my family. (Original) Muy buen servicio por el personal profesional y buen precio. Primera vez y voy a regresar y a referir a mi familia.

(Translated by Google) Francisco is very patient and kind. He helped me and explained my coverage very well. Thank you, Universal Insurance. (Original) Francisco es muy paciente y amable. Me ayudo y explico mi cobertura muy bien. Gracias aseguranza Universal

(Translated by Google) Good service, they help with all the questions you have. Recommended (Original) Buen servicio ayudan con todo las preguntas que uno tiene . Recomendado

(Translated by Google) Jazm?n treated us very well, very good service, very friendly, always a smile when serving us (Original) Jazm?n nos atendi? muy bien muy bien servicio muy amable siempre una sonrisa al atendernos

(Translated by Google) Very friendly when assisting and quickly, very good service. (Original) Muy amables al atender y con rapidez muy buen servicio.

(Translated by Google) Bad service. I told the lady not to order my taxis online, but she didn't pay attention. They're more busy with other things. I don't recommend it if you're a student. They charge you more. They don't care. (Original) Mal servicio le dije la senora que no asiera mis taxis en internet y no iso caso estan mas acupadas en otras cosas I dont recommend if your a student they charge you more they don't care

(Translated by Google) Excellent service (Original) Un excelente servicio

(Translated by Google) Very good service, all the girls are very friendly and have a very noble manner and are always willing to help. I recommend them. I had problems elsewhere with my taxes and they did not want to help me and at Universal Agency, not being a client, they assisted me and helped me solve my problem very quickly and efficiently. Thanks to Jasmin the agent across the street (Original) Muy buen servicio todas las muchachas son muy amables y tienen un modo muy noble y siempre dispuestas a ayu

(Translated by Google) Very good (Original) Muy bien

(Translated by Google) Very good Service, Thank you Halondra for always helping with anything. (Original) Muy buen Servicio, Gracias halondra por siempre ayudar con cualquier cosa.

(Translated by Google) I recommend them, very good service. They helped me with my policy to get me a cheaper and better payment than where I had my insurance before. They helped me with my license plates also getting a new registration. (Original) Se los recomiendo muy buen servicio. Me ayudaron con mi p?liza a conseguirme un pago m?s barato y mejor que donde tenia antes mi seguro. Me ayudaron con mis placas tambi?n a obtener un nuevo registro.

(Translated by Google) All the staff are excellent and very friendly, they give us a lot of confidence. Thank you very much for all your help and we wish you a Merry Christmas and a prosperous year 2023. Fam alba. (Original) Exelente todo el personal y muy amables nos dan mucha confianza muchas gracias por toda su ayuda y les deseamos feliz navidad y un pr?spero a?o 2023. Fam alba.

(Translated by Google) The girls helped me grab my itin for the first time. Thanks to jasmin for being so kind and helping me. Excellent service, I felt very comfortable in the office. Very good attention. (Original) Las muchachas me ayudaron a agarrar mi itin por primera vez. Gracias a jasmin por ser tan amable y ayudarme. Excelente servicio me sent? muy ajusto en la oficina. Muy buena atenci?n.

(Translated by Google) Very customer service and recommended help and attention, they have helped me a lot, especially Alondra, good attention (Original) Muy servicio al cliente y ayuda y atenci?n recomendable me han ayudado mucho en especial alondra buena atenci?n

(Translated by Google) Good place for help with your documents. They are very friendly here at the Salinas office. Thank you universal for your attention and help. (Original) Buen lugar para ayuda con tus documentos. Son muy amable aqu? en la oficina de Salinas. Gracias universal por su atenci?n y ayuda.

(Translated by Google) Well, they are very good people, very kind and they serve very well as it should be, very good work. (Original) Pues son muy buenas personas muy amables y atienden muy bien como debe de ser muy buen trabajo

(Translated by Google) A good service, I got my car insurance and they explained it to me and also helped me with a name change, thank you especially Maria (Original) Un buen servicio obteni mi seguro de auto y me explicaron y me ayudaron tambi?n con cambio de nombre gracias especialmente Maria

(Translated by Google) Very good service, all the staff are very friendly (Original) Muy buen servicio, todo el personal es muy amable

(Translated by Google) Good service, if you serve me well, Alondra, I liked it, congratulations. (Original) Bien servicio si me atiende bien alondra me gusto felicidades

(Translated by Google) Excellent service. I like them because they call me before my policy expires (Original) Excelente servicio. Me agradan porque me llaman antes de que mi p?liza se venza

(Translated by Google) Jazm?n is very kind and explained my coverage very well. He helped me with everything I needed regarding my insurance and registration. (Original) Jazm?n es muy amable y me explico muy bien mi cobertura. Me ayud? con todo lo que necesit? de mi seguro y registraci?n

(Translated by Google) Good service, the girls are very friendly, professional and always help me with what I need. (Original) Buen servicio las muchachas son muy amables,profecionales y siempre me ayudan con lo que necesito.

(Translated by Google) Excellent work, skill, respect and trust. RECOMMENDED. THANK YOU JAZMIN, MARIA AND CLAUDIA. (Original) Excelente trabajo, hamabilidad, respeto y confianza. RECOMENDADO. GRACIAS JAZMIN, MARIA Y CLAUDIA.

(Translated by Google) In this office they treated us very well and explained to us calmly and in detail Francisco and Maria (Original) En esta oficina nos trataron muy bien y nos explican con calma y detalles francisco y Maria

(Translated by Google) The process was very fast and cordial. They resolved my doubts and found an option that suited me (Original) El tramite fue muy r?pido y cordial. Resolvieron mis dudas y encontr? una opci?n que me convino

(Translated by Google) Good service from Halondra, great help. Recommended place for everything, thank you. (Original) Buen servicio de halondra gran ayuda.para todo recomendable lugar gracias

(Translated by Google) Thank you for your service, it is always a pleasure to go and know that you can help me. (Original) Gracias por su servicio siempre es un placer de ir y saber que me pueden ayudar.

(Translated by Google) Good service, thanks to Mar?a, she helped me with my unemployment, do the verification, thank you for your help (Original) Un buen servicio gracias a mar?a me ayudo con mi desempleo hacer la verificaci?n gracias por tu ayuda

(Translated by Google) I like the service, the people are very friendly. (Original) Me guta el servicio la gente muy amable

(Translated by Google) Very grateful to the girls for always helping me with. Unemployment (Original) Muy agradecido cons kas muchachas por siempre ayudarme con. Desempleo

(Translated by Google) Very grateful to the girls at Universal, they make me feel like family and are always received with kindness. (Original) Muy agradecida con las muchachas de universal me hacen sentir en familia y siempre recibida con amabilidad

(Translated by Google) Very good, they have helped me a lot and it is appreciated (Original) Muy bueno me an ayudado mucho y se agradece

(Translated by Google) Thank you Universal team for your help, everyone is always so kind. (Original) Gracias equipo de universal por su ayuda siempre tan amables todos.

(Translated by Google) Many thanks to Maria V for helping me with the tax return, thank you!! (Original) Muchas gracias a Maria V de ayudarme con la declaracion de inpuestos gracias!!

(Translated by Google) Thanks to Maria for helping me make my appointment at the consulate (Original) Gracias a mar?a por ayudarme a hacer mi cita al consulado

(Translated by Google) They are very friendly (Original) Son muy amable

(Translated by Google) A good place to get coverage for vehicles (Original) Un buen lugar para obtener cobertura para los veh?culos

(Translated by Google) Excellent service (Original) Excelente servicio

(Translated by Google) Good service ?? (Original) Buen servicio ??

(Translated by Google) Friendly and attentive staff (Original) Personal amable y atento

(Translated by Google) Very kind. (Original) Muy emables.

(Translated by Google) Very kind (Original) Muy amable

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.

Skip to main Home Best CPA's Nearby Upgrade your plans English Avatar for Nico Bottema Welcome, Nico Bottema! Share Install the tag on your site to get access to all features, tools and the insights you need. It's fast and easy. Site ID: 6455700 Get started with the tag installation 1 Copy this code. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 Copy code 2 Paste the code into the of every page where you want to track user behavior or collect feedback. 3 To make sure everything is ready, verify that your code was installed. Verify installation OTHER WAYS TO INSTALL Install with a team member’s help Install on a platform Install with a npm package Explore the demo Take a tour of the product with realistic data to explore. Explore demo site Common questions View all Course How do I install the tag? Collect session data for replays, heatmaps, and on-site surveys by installing a unique tag on your site. Ready to add it? Follow the instructions in this 15-minute course. Article How do I know if the tag is installed correctly? Article Will the tag slow down my site? Suggested for you Enable 2FA now Two-factor authentication (2FA) adds an additional layer of security to your account. Popular shortcuts title Feedback button Capture feedback in the wild by letting users share it at any point title Set up a Net Promoter Score® survey Measure long-term customer loyalty and happiness the tried-and-tested way. title Exit-intent survey Capture feedback before visitors leave and reduce your bounce rate Get started Interviews (new) Get real time feedback at critical times, thanks to easy, in-depth recruitment and analysis. Create project Finish your installation Surveys Feedback button Dashboard Invite team members Integrations