*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.*
4540 Kearny Villa Rd # 114
San Diego, California 92123
RJ is a pure pleasure to work with. The confidence he fosters in conversations and his keen insights into complex matters sets him apart.
R.J. Kelly is truly one of a kind. He is the perfect combination of head and heart, professionalism, compassion and integrity. I highly encourage other business owners to take advantage of his expertise in so many areas: From wealth creation to distribution, from business to personal financial planning, and from tax mitigation to creating a true lasting legacy, R.J. Kelly is the best.
Working with RJ and his team has been a blessing for myself and my family. As a real estate investor, I look for value and seek to capitalize on what I have while focusing on future growth. RJ came to the table with a myriad of options and took the time to narrow down our focus to the one (and best) solution that would have the most positive impact for my goals financially & otherwise. I could not be more satisfied with my experience working with the Wealth Legacy Group. I will work them again and highly re
R.J. has helped me and my family tremendously in reviewing and analyzing everything we have accumulated over the years, His expertise and knowledge have been invaluable in helping us make plans on how to extend our inheritance to future generations as well as making a philanthropic impact. In addition to being a financial advisor, he is also a great friend. He not only takes the time to understand the financial aspect, but also takes the time to understand the family dynamics and individual personalities. I
RJ Kelly and I have know each other for over a decade, and I have come to appreciate the value of his experience and how he artfully integrates that in his analysis and advice to his clients, associates and friends. RJ assisted one of my closest friends about ready to realize a significant asset sale. RJ turned this infusion of cash deposited to a bank account to a life changing capital event that significantly increased the resources available to fund education, travel and charitable goals for my friends
It is always a pleasure working with R. J. Kelly of Wealth Legacy Group! Assisting clients, he listens to understand and to help them develop a clear-cut plan for the future. He is a strategic thinker and keeps the needs of his clients at the forefront. I'm always impressed at his organized approach to discovery, strategy and implementation, and I feel confident that clients feel safe in his and his team?s care.
I would highly recommend the services of RJ Kelly and his company. Since my wife and I are entering retirement years we wanted help with how we could pass on our life's work to the next generations in our family. Not only our material assets, but our family values and lessons learned as well. This was a mammoth task we'd never done before so I searched numerous estate counselors and came across RJ Kelly. He promised he could help us in all that we wanted to achieve. And he has done just that at a fair
RJ got me $3.2M life insurance policy for our SBA loan. High integrity, easy to work with, and great expertise. Highly recommend RJ and his team.
I've had the good fortune to know R.J. for over twenty years. I met R.J. in 1998 shortly after the sale of my first company. I've sold two others since. With each successive business exit R.J.'s guidance has become more and more important. He's patient with his clients, but he's willing to kindly and respectfully push when necessary to ensure his clients benefit. He does it with data and with wisdom - the latter best acquired through years of experience through many market cycles. It's obvious R.J. is
RJ Kelly leads a very talented and responsive team. They have a wealth of experience and a customer-centric approach that really works for me. They care about their clients and focus on their needs. I highly recommend them
A Legendary Legacy R. J. Kelly is genuinely interested in your well being. I know that may seem like a stretch, especially if you have never had the privilege of meeting and communicating with him, but please consider how he has encouraged, challenged, counseled, taught, strengthened, advised, coached and pro-actively collaborated with multitudes of people, yet still makes time for you. It is his passion, his calling, his joy, and his legacy! The life and legacy of R. J. Kelly and all that has been done t
It was great to know from an expert that the corporate structure I set up a zillion years ago was good. The binder it sits in is about 3 inches thick. Desiree was able to assess the mass of information very quickly and ask me a number of questions. She gave me additional things I could do to improve the functionality and tax benefits of my business. Things I have implemented and work for me today.
rj is a total professional. he really knows the complexities of his business and has the common sense to call on experts when he doesn't know the answers. he never lets ego stand in the way of providing his clients with the best answers for their questions. alan nevin
?I have worked with, collaborated with, and have known R. J. almost two decades. R. J. is the consummate professional who always strives to put the client first and constantly exemplifies the highest degree of integrity in everything that he does. It does't hurt that R.J. is also a brilliant advisor! I highly recommend R. J. for your consideration. You will not be disappointed.?
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.