*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.*
956 Walnut St Ste 200
San Luis Obispo, California 93401
I would highly recommend Mr. Gottlieb for any estate planning needs. I consulted Klaus about asset protection for a trust I administer and found his research, legal analysis and advise to be top notch. He is thorough, very knowledgeable and responded in a timely and professional manner to calls, emails and was a pleasure to meet with regarding the legal guidance I needed. He follows through, asks questions to insure he has all the pertinent information he needs and leaves you knowing you have worked with a
I live in Cambria and found that working with Klaus just down the road in Cayucos was an extremely convenient option. In addition, he was receptive, professional and tailored the trust to my specific needs (I have a disabled family member and he was very knowledgeable in how to set the trust up with specific attention to this). This was my first home and trust, and he made the drafting process very easy (I was quite intimated)! I was pleased and impressed.
I must admit, creating a family trust has been on my to-do list for many years; it's something you know you need to do but it is easy to let it fall to the wayside. We finally made it a priority to get it done and it feels great to know there is a plan in place should life not go as expected. Furthermore, it can be daunting to find a legal professional you trust. What sets Klaus apart is his thoughtful, thorough approach. He took the time to understand our unique family business needs and developed customi
Very impressed with Klaus? vast knowledge in the world of estate planning! He does not just pump out a generic trust and send you on your way like other lawyers I've dealt with in the past. His knowledge of all of the intricacies of that world and his ability to find custom solutions that truly meet the needs of his clients and puts them in the best situation makes him someone I will continue to recommend all over town!
My wife and I needed to update and make some revisions to our existing trust. With his thorough knowledge of trust law, Klaus presented various options, clearly describing the pro?s and con?s of each. We then selected a direction in which to proceed and were provided rough drafts by email. After studying the draft we decided to go with one of the other options he had presented. The clear and lucid explanation of his original presentation gave us the confidence that we understood all the options well eno
I found Klaus through a collegiate recommendation. He was very attentive and detail oriented. Our estate is complicated as my spouse and myself come from different countries. We have relatives with complicated needs. Klaus was upfront and proactive in finding solutions to our needs. We fe secure and confident that our family will be able to manage in the event of our passing.
My wife and I met with Klaus Gottlieb to help us with what seemed to be a daunting task, a Living Trust. We felt very at ease as Klaus went over our estate with us and the process to provide our family a better future. All our questions were answered by Klaus during the meeting and of course any questions afterwards were answered promptly via email. We appreciate Klaus? professionalism and he made our family responsibility of having a Living Trust stress-free. Klaus is very knowledgeable and we highly recom
I'm a certified registered nurse anesthetist and my colleague recommended Wealth Care Lawyer company to help make a new trust and will post my recent divorce. They were efficient, timely, and very knowledgeable. Also the price is very fair, considering a lot of us have a complicated financial portfolio. I sincerely recommend this company to help with estate planning, trusts and wills.
I needed to get my estate in order and after contacting Klaus the stress of this was gone. He is so knowledgeable and a kind empathetic person. He makes you feel so comfortable and helps you to understand the whole process in a professional and kind way.
He helped my family set up a trust for our mother. There were multiple assets and accounts that we had to identify and transfer into the trust. He guided us through the process and that was very helpful. I feel great about recommending him.
Klaus really took time to listen to my concerns and explain things I didn't understand. He was very professional, diligent, and made me feel comfortable and confident through this whole process .
I really enjoyed working with Klaus, he was thoughtful and made sure he got the details correct for my living trust and estate planning documents. Five star service
Easy to work with, paid attention to detail, offered solutions, and explained things. Very happy with his service
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.