*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.*
3411 N Kildare Ave
Chicago, Illinois 60641
I have been working with John Jones as my accountant and CPA for over 25 years. He is very knowledgeable, very easy to work with, offers great advice when needed and very dependable. He usually answers on the first call otherwise he will return your call promptly. I have recommended him to many of my clients, family and friends. Everyone is very pleased with his professional service and friendly nature..
My husband died last year with our taxes halfway completed. Someone recommended that I call John for help. He was wonderful and patient and worked with me to help me finish the job. This year I was confident in his work and asked him to do my taxes and I'm to receive a refund of nearly $4000! John also served as a consultant for an unusual real estate transaction. I'm very glad to have someone I trust to handle my tax needs.
I was in a time crunch and John responded quickly and professionally (despite the fact that I was not an existing client... in fact, John and I had never even met) John gave me excellent service at a reasonable price. He has adapted to the current situation by handling my accounting needs without in-person contact. Now I consider myself one of John's clients because I will definitely use his accounting services again.
John is an industry expert that ensures all details are properly reviewed. He is a true professional that diligently worked to meet requested timeline requirements within my project. I would recommend John and his Team manage any Tax/Accounting needs.
John Jones has provided excellent financial assistance to me and my company, Bill Peterson Productions, Inc for the past 25 years. John provides a wealth of information in the area of federal and state taxes in addition to advice on investments. I am grateful to John for his continued service and dedication in providing us the very best in financial advice and service!
In the spring of 2018 my personal and company accountant for over 27 years passed away unexpectedly. This happened at a critical time as I had just sold my business and needed quick financial and tax council both personally and professionally. I was fortunate to find John Jones who was able to quickly review my situation, make sound decisions and help me. His availability to assist me and his advice was extremely valuable. I highly recommend John for any financial or tax needs.
I have been a client of John Jones Inc. for over ten years and have found him to be a true professional, very knowledgeable, articulate and most of all patient. Our returns are very complicated and he always finds ways to better assist us with our returns. He is a very positive individual who has vast knowledge of Internal Revenue Rules and Regulations and understands how to implement them. BF and MAF
John is very knowledgeable and professional. Friendly personality, easy to work with. He is our accountant for over 20 years His advices are very helpful. I?m blessed to have him as my CPA.
John is a true professional, very knowledgeable, articulate and responsive to ongoing questions and concerns during the year as they occur. We are very pleased to have him as our CPA and would recommend him without reservation. BF
I have used John Jones Accounting services for years. John is knowledgeable, reliable, helpful and responds to my questions and inquiries promptly. All the hallmarks of a very good accounting professional.
John helped me through navigating the PPP loan process and was helpful in getting through the new tax laws for my move to North Carolina when he did my taxes. I highly recommend John. He is one of the best
John Jones is very professional and knowledgeable. I continue to use his services, because he is quick to answer all my questions in a timely manner. I highly recommend him.
I contacted John on February 23rd to ask for help with my taxes this year. I assumed my situation was somewhat complicated and asked if he had time for a new client. He assured me "sounds easy enough" and sent me a link to upload my documents that night. Over the following few weeks he asked for another document or two. I also added something in the middle of march. These were some additional expenses I thought could be written off. I added them all up and provided totals along with receipts apologizing fo
John has provided excellent tax services for many years. His expert knowledge and professionalism is why I will continue to use him for years to come. Thank you John!
John is the best we have ever found to do our taxes. He truly works for his customers. He is patient, fast, and affordable as well as professional.
John is a nice guy, honest, talented, and I'd recommend his accounting services to anyone.
I had numerous dealings with John Jones, and has had trust in him for over twenty years, ,and had very good results and responses. He is very professional, and would recommend him to anyone.
Very pleased with John's outstanding service for our e-commerce business. John is always responsive whenever we have questions related to accounting. Highly recommend!
I have used John Jones for many years and have found him to be very reliable and trustworthy. He is a knowledgeable CPA.
John is a very knowledgeable and professional CPA who has helped me with several of my businesses to reduce my taxes.
I have worked with John for a few months now. As a real estate professional, I am constantly seeking tax advice and he is my go it guy.
I can't say enough about the service that John has provided for myself and my company over the years. John has taken care of all my accounting needs for over 15yrs and I could not be any happier!! Patrick
I really enjoy working with John. He is very knowledgeable and is a great coach!
John is very knowledgeable of current tax code and communicates well during the tax filing process. Dan Stewart
He is the best CPA anyone could ever have. He is very friendly, down to earth and knowledgable.
John really helped my firm over the last 20 years. He is an expert!
I can?t recommend him enough! So helpful and knowledgeable.
Very professional, very prompt, very knowledgeable. Great interpersonal skills.
John is a great CPA.
Outstanding service for getting taxes done
Efficient, low key, no drama.
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.