Best CPA's Nearby

CPA's in Oakland

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Renew Financial Group LLC

555 12th St #1650

Oakland, California 94607

0.58 miles
4 / 5 (86 ratings)

Rubicon Tax Relief | The Lee Accountancy Group

363 13th St Ste 300

Oakland, California 94612

0.88 miles
4.5 / 5 (77 ratings)
Tax Planning
IRS Representation
Individual Taxpayers
Complex Situations
State-Specific Experience

E&P Financial Solutions, Inc

8105 Edgewater Dr Ste 108

Oakland, California 94621

6.54 miles
4.5 / 5 (70 ratings)
Bookkeeping
Accounting
Business Consulting
Payroll
CFO Services
Tax Preparation
Tax Planning
Budgeting
Forecasting
Financial Advisory
Virtual CFO
Outsourced Accounting
Small Businesses
QuickBooks
GAAP Compliance
Remote Services

Upscale Tax Professionals

248 3rd St

Oakland, California 94607

1.14 miles
4.5 / 5 (57 ratings)
Bookkeeping
Accounting
Business Consulting
Tax Preparation
Tax Planning
IRS Representation
Financial Advisory
Small Businesses
High-net-worth Individuals
Individual Taxpayers
QuickBooks
Multi-state Experience
Remote Services

Better Taxes & Consulting LLC

7901 Oakport St

Oakland, California 94621

6.47 miles
4.5 / 5 (54 ratings)
Business Consulting
Tax Preparation
Tax Planning
IRS Representation
Financial Advisory
Small Businesses
State-Specific Experience
Multi-state Experience

Defense Tax Partners - Tax Relief Attorneys, IRS Audit Assistance, Free Consultation

1901 Harrison St Ste 1100

Oakland, California 94612

1.06 miles
5 / 5 (51 ratings)
Audit
Tax Preparation
Tax Planning
IRS Representation
Financial Advisory

760 Credit / Blu J Business Professionals LLc

nr 580 Freeway, 3230 Fruitvale Ave

Oakland, California 94602

3.77 miles
4.5 / 5 (44 ratings)
Business Consulting
Tax Planning
IRS Representation
Financial Advisory
Small Businesses
Startups
Individual Taxpayers
Complex Situations
Remote Services
Bilingual Services

San Antonio Community Development

2228 E 15th St

Oakland, California 94606

3.06 miles
4.5 / 5 (39 ratings)
Tax Preparation
Small Businesses
Individual Taxpayers
Non-profits

TVirden Tax Services LLC

1423 Broadway Ste 555

Oakland, California 94612

0.78 miles
4.5 / 5 (36 ratings)
Bookkeeping
Accounting
Tax Preparation
Tax Planning
Entity Structuring
Small Businesses
Startups
Individual Taxpayers
QuickBooks

Associated Tax Services

4443 Market St

Oakland, California 94608

1.99 miles
4.5 / 5 (27 ratings)
Bookkeeping
Tax Preparation
IRS Representation
Small Businesses
Individual Taxpayers
Complex Situations
Years of Practice
CPA License
In-person Support

ExecTech Management Consulting

1999 Harrison St #1800

Oakland, California 94612

1.09 miles
5 / 5 (21 ratings)

Modern Family Finance

1999 Harrison St #1800

Oakland, California 94612

1.09 miles
5 / 5 (20 ratings)
Tax Preparation
Tax Planning
Financial Advisory
Estate and Trust Tax
High-net-worth Individuals
Expatriates
Individual Taxpayers
Technology
Cross-border Taxation
Remote Services
CPA License

LampPost Planning

20 Knoll Ridge Way Suite 2

Oakland, California 94619

7.81 miles
5 / 5 (18 ratings)
Tax Planning
Financial Advisory
Estate and Trust Tax
High-net-worth Individuals
Individual Taxpayers
Insurance Agencies
Risk Management
Multi-state Experience

Tax Ninja

363 17th St Suite 1

Oakland, California 94612

0.94 miles
4.5 / 5 (19 ratings)
CFO Services
Tax Preparation
Tax Planning
IRS Representation
International Tax
Small Businesses
Mid-size Businesses
High-net-worth Individuals
Startups
Freelancers
Individual Taxpayers
Non-profits
Real Estate
Technology
Complex Situations
Multi-state Experience
Cross-border Taxation
Remote Services
Years of Practice
CPA License

Vivian Chen, CPA / HCCPA, Inc

212 9th St STE 215

Oakland, California 94607

1.1 miles
5 / 5 (17 ratings)

Lula Financial

66 Franklin St 3rd Floor

Oakland, California 94607

1.02 miles
4 / 5 (20 ratings)

Alameda Tax Services, LLC

1423 Webster St

Alameda, California 94501

2.45 miles
5 / 5 (14 ratings)

Money Management International

1901 Harrison St Ste 1100

Oakland, California 94612

1.06 miles
4.5 / 5 (14 ratings)
Budgeting
Financial Advisory
Small Businesses
Individual Taxpayers
Non-profits
Remote Services
Bilingual Services

Freedom Makers

4096 Piedmont Ave

Oakland, California 94611

2.24 miles
4 / 5 (13 ratings)

Liberty Group LLC

411 30th St Second Floor

Oakland, California 94609

1.37 miles
4.5 / 5 (11 ratings)
Tax Preparation
Tax Planning
Financial Advisory
Estate and Trust Tax
High-net-worth Individuals
Individual Taxpayers
Real Estate
Healthcare
Technology
Multi-state Experience
Years of Practice
CPA License

Reap Legacy, Inc.

1901 Harrison St

Oakland, California 94612

1.06 miles
4.5 / 5 (11 ratings)

Bay Tax

3120 Telegraph Ave SUITE 3B

Berkeley, California 94705

3.45 miles
4.5 / 5 (11 ratings)

Jubilee Tax & Financial Solutions

330 Franklin St Suite 250

Oakland, California 94607

0.93 miles
5 / 5 (10 ratings)

Renew Group CPA Profit Improvement

2936 Domingo Ave

Berkeley, California 94705

4.18 miles
5 / 5 (9 ratings)
Business Consulting
CFO Services
Tax Planning
Financial Advisory
Virtual CFO
Subscription Pricing
Small Businesses
Mid-size Businesses
High-net-worth Individuals
Professional Services
Remote Services

Tiffany Groode Financial

1939 Harrison St Suite 908

Oakland, California 94612

1.08 miles
5 / 5 (8 ratings)
Business Consulting
Budgeting
Forecasting
Financial Advisory
Small Businesses
High-net-worth Individuals
Individual Taxpayers
Remote Services

TR Tax & Bookkeeping Services

2323 Broadway

Oakland, California 94612

1.08 miles
4.5 / 5 (7 ratings)
Bookkeeping
Payroll
Tax Preparation
Tax Planning
IRS Representation
Small Businesses
Individual Taxpayers
QuickBooks
Xero
Sage
Multi-state Experience
Remote Services
In-person Support

Boal Brian R CPA

317 E Oak St # 1

Oakland, Maryland 21550

2295.86 miles
4 / 5 (7 ratings)

In Touch Financial Services LLC

6465 San Pablo Ave # 1-1

Oakland, California 94608

2.81 miles
5 / 5 (6 ratings)
CFO Services
Tax Planning
Financial Advisory
Estate and Trust Tax
High-net-worth Individuals
Real Estate

Piedmont Avenue Consulting, Inc.

3873 Piedmont Ave #2

Oakland, California 94611

2.05 miles
5 / 5 (6 ratings)
Business Consulting
Small Businesses
Startups
Restaurants
Hospitality
Professional Services
Law Firms

Essential Admin & Consulting

675 Hegenberger Rd Ste 280

Oakland, California 94621

6.29 miles
5 / 5 (6 ratings)
Bookkeeping
Business Consulting
Financial Statements
Payroll
Tax Preparation
Small Businesses
Individual Taxpayers
QuickBooks
Remote Services
Years of Practice
CPA License
In-person Support

Tax and Business Services of Oakland

1684 7th St

Oakland, California 94607

0.85 miles
5 / 5 (6 ratings)
Bookkeeping
Accounting
Business Consulting
Financial Statements
Payroll
Tax Preparation
Tax Planning
IRS Representation
Small Businesses
Freelancers
Individual Taxpayers
QuickBooks
Remote Services
Years of Practice
CPA License

Toni Rodgers Consulting

2323 Broadway

Oakland, California 94612

1.08 miles
5 / 5 (6 ratings)
Bookkeeping
Tax Preparation
Tax Planning
IRS Representation
Small Businesses
Individual Taxpayers
Complex Situations
Remote Services
In-person Support

Pan America - Latino Taxes Preparation

2648 International Blvd #110

Oakland, California 94601

3.43 miles
5 / 5 (6 ratings)
Audit
Tax Preparation
Estate and Trust Tax
Individual Taxpayers
Multi-state Experience

OSS Office Support Services

301 S Tubb St

Oakland, Florida 34760

2416.1 miles
5 / 5 (6 ratings)

Bay CPA Plus

1.18 miles
4 / 5 (6 ratings)
Business Consulting
CFO Services
Tax Preparation
Tax Planning
IRS Representation
Entity Structuring
Financial Advisory
Estate and Trust Tax
Small Businesses
High-net-worth Individuals
Real Estate
Professional Services
Complex Situations
Multi-state Experience
Remote Services

Tax Pros

4171 Piedmont Ave #210

Oakland, California 94611

2.31 miles
4 / 5 (6 ratings)

Mowat Mackie & Anderson

555 12th St #1200

Oakland, California 94607

0.58 miles
5 / 5 (5 ratings)
Audit
Assurance
Business Consulting
Tax Preparation
Tax Planning
Estate and Trust Tax
High-net-worth Individuals
Non-profits
Real Estate
Complex Situations

CBA Tax Service

6681 Foothill Blvd

Oakland, California 94605

6.27 miles
5 / 5 (5 ratings)
Tax Preparation
Tax Planning
IRS Representation
Small Businesses
High-net-worth Individuals
Individual Taxpayers
QuickBooks
State-Specific Experience
Local Tax Credits
Years of Practice

JEM Financial Group

3455 NE 12th Terrace #7

Oakland Park, Florida 33334

2573.54 miles
4 / 5 (5 ratings)

Matthews Financial & insurance Solutions

2100 Embarcadero E #105

Oakland, California 94606

3.01 miles
5 / 5 (4 ratings)
Business Consulting
Tax Planning
Entity Structuring
Financial Advisory
Estate and Trust Tax
Small Businesses
Mid-size Businesses
High-net-worth Individuals
Individual Taxpayers
Risk Management
Complex Situations

Cathy Root, CPA & Associates

1970 Broadway Suite 525

Oakland, California 94612

0.93 miles
5 / 5 (4 ratings)
Accounting
Business Consulting
Financial Statements
Tax Preparation
Tax Planning
Small Businesses
Mid-size Businesses
Startups
Individual Taxpayers
Non-profits
Real Estate
Bilingual Services
CPA License

Dorado Tax & Bookkeeping Services

2624 Fruitvale Ave

Oakland, California 94601

3.73 miles
4 / 5 (5 ratings)

Rehoboth Bookkeeping Services

4.31 miles
5 / 5 (4 ratings)
Bookkeeping
Financial Statements
Tax Preparation
Small Businesses
QuickBooks

Ultra Business Services

3803 Broadway

Oakland, California 94611

2 miles
5 / 5 (4 ratings)
Business Consulting
Payroll
Budgeting
Forecasting
Financial Advisory
Small Businesses
Startups
QuickBooks
Xero

TaxPlus and Associates

4100 Redwood Rd Ste 20A

Oakland, California 94619

5.63 miles
5 / 5 (4 ratings)
Bookkeeping
Tax Preparation
Tax Planning
IRS Representation
Small Businesses
Individual Taxpayers
QuickBooks

TaxHelpers - Tax Attorney

1300 Clay St Suite 600

Oakland, California 94612

0.64 miles
5 / 5 (4 ratings)
Tax Preparation
Tax Planning
IRS Representation
State-Specific Experience
Multi-state Experience

Turnstone Associates

4200 Park Blvd #521

Oakland, California 94602

3.41 miles
4 / 5 (4 ratings)

Eden Professional Services LLC (Tax Office)

218 International Blvd

Oakland, California 94606

1.71 miles
4 / 5 (4 ratings)
Bookkeeping
Accounting
Business Consulting
Financial Statements
Payroll
Tax Preparation
IRS Representation
Sales Tax Compliance
Entity Structuring
Estate and Trust Tax
Small Businesses
Individual Taxpayers
Years of Practice
In-person Support

Rheinheimer & Associates

646 Boulevard Way

Oakland, California 94610

2.64 miles
5 / 5 (3 ratings)

JUN LEE CONSULTANT LLC

101 Broadway

Oakland, California 94607

0.9 miles
5 / 5 (3 ratings)

Mathieu Accounting & Tax Services LLC

5441 NE 6th Ave

Oakland Park, Florida 33334

2572.26 miles
5 / 5 (3 ratings)

Edward Jones - Financial Advisor: Benjamin Blake, CFP®

5330 College Ave Suite 230

Oakland, California 94618

2.87 miles
5 / 5 (2 ratings)
Financial Advisory
High-net-worth Individuals
Individual Taxpayers
Remote Services

Financial Avengers

505 14th St #310

Oakland, California 94612

0.68 miles
5 / 5 (2 ratings)

Edward Jones - Financial Advisor: Guy Ben Ari, CFP®|AAMS®|CRPS™

1050 Marina Village Pkwy Suite 100

Alameda, California 94501

1.71 miles
5 / 5 (2 ratings)
CFO Services
Tax Planning
Financial Advisory
Estate and Trust Tax
High-net-worth Individuals
Remote Services

Inside Out Accounting, LLC

4096 Piedmont Ave #152

Oakland, California 94611

2.24 miles
5 / 5 (2 ratings)
Bookkeeping
Business Consulting
Payroll
Sales Tax Compliance
Financial Advisory
Mergers and Acquisitions
Small Businesses

HMS Consulting Group

3400 MacArthur Blvd

Oakland, California 94602

4.67 miles
5 / 5 (2 ratings)
Business Consulting
Tax Planning
Financial Advisory
Small Businesses
Mid-size Businesses
Large Enterprises
High-net-worth Individuals
Startups
Individual Taxpayers
Real Estate
Professional Services
QuickBooks
Xero
GAAP Compliance
State-Specific Experience
Multi-state Experience
Local Tax Credits
Years of Practice
CPA License

Taxpayer Advocate Service Office

1301 Clay St Suite 1540S

Oakland, California 94612

0.58 miles
5 / 5 (2 ratings)
Tax Preparation
Tax Planning
IRS Representation
Estate and Trust Tax
International Tax
Small Businesses
High-net-worth Individuals
Individual Taxpayers
Non-profits
QuickBooks
Xero
GAAP Compliance
IFRS Compliance
SOX Compliance
Internal Controls
Risk Management
Complex Situations
State-Specific Experience
Multi-state Experience
Cross-border Taxation
Local Tax Credits
Nexus Determination

Robert G. Neumann, Accounting Services

2447 Santa Clara Ave #206

Alameda, California 94501

3.81 miles
5 / 5 (2 ratings)
Bookkeeping
Accounting
Financial Statements
Payroll
CFO Services
Tax Preparation
Tax Planning
Small Businesses
Real Estate
Restaurants
Professional Services
Manufacturing
Technology
QuickBooks
Multi-state Experience
Remote Services

Lars G Hansson

2159 Central Ave

Alameda, California 94501

3.48 miles
5 / 5 (2 ratings)

OnPoint Analytics

2000 Powell St # 860

Emeryville, California 94608

2.31 miles
4.5 / 5 (2 ratings)
Audit
Assurance
Business Consulting
Tax Preparation
Tax Planning
IRS Representation
Financial Advisory
International Tax
Forensic Accounting
Mergers and Acquisitions
Mid-size Businesses
Large Enterprises
High-net-worth Individuals
Government Contractors
Real Estate
Healthcare
Professional Services
Technology
Agriculture
GAAP Compliance
SOX Compliance
Internal Controls
Risk Management
SEC Reporting
Multi-state Experience
Cross-border Taxation

Noe & Co

8105 Edgewater Dr # 220

Oakland, California 94621

6.54 miles
4 / 5 (2 ratings)
Accounting
Audit
Assurance
Business Consulting
Financial Statements
Small Businesses
Mid-size Businesses
Non-profits
GAAP Compliance
Internal Controls
Risk Management
State-Specific Experience
Years of Practice
CPA License

First & Main Financial Planners: Financial Advisor - East Bay Area / Piedmont CA

235 Wildwood Ave

Piedmont, California 94610

2.76 miles
5 / 5 (1 ratings)
Business Consulting
Tax Planning
Budgeting
Forecasting
Financial Advisory
Small Businesses
High-net-worth Individuals
Real Estate
Professional Services
Complex Situations
Remote Services

Falcon Wealth Planning

1999 Harrison St #1800

Oakland, California 94612

1.09 miles
5 / 5 (1 ratings)
Tax Preparation
Tax Planning
Financial Advisory
Estate and Trust Tax
High-net-worth Individuals
Individual Taxpayers
Multi-state Experience
Remote Services

Ella Financial Advising LLC

5237 College Ave

Oakland, California 94618

2.74 miles
5 / 5 (1 ratings)
Financial Advisory
High-net-worth Individuals
Individual Taxpayers
Remote Services

ICA

2044 Franklin St

Oakland, California 94612

1.03 miles
5 / 5 (1 ratings)
Business Consulting
CFO Services
Entity Structuring
Budgeting
Forecasting
Financial Advisory
Mergers and Acquisitions
Small Businesses
Startups
Non-profits
Real Estate
Healthcare
Construction
Professional Services
Manufacturing
Technology

Topel & DiStasi Wealth Management

2907 Claremont Ave #111

Berkeley, California 94705

4.19 miles
5 / 5 (1 ratings)
Tax Planning
Budgeting
Financial Advisory
Estate and Trust Tax
High-net-worth Individuals
Individual Taxpayers
Non-profits
Risk Management
Complex Situations

Edward Jones - Financial Advisor: Corey M Hayashi, CFP®|CSRIC®

2413 Webb Ave STE D

Alameda, California 94501

3.75 miles
5 / 5 (1 ratings)
Financial Advisory
High-net-worth Individuals
Individual Taxpayers
Remote Services

Falcon Bridge Capital LLC

1999 Harrison St #1575

Oakland, California 94612

1.1 miles
5 / 5 (1 ratings)
Financial Statements
CFO Services
Financial Advisory
Large Enterprises
Real Estate
Technology
GAAP Compliance
SOX Compliance
Risk Management
SEC Reporting

Alan J. Statman dba Trust Matters

4096 Piedmont Ave #559

Oakland, California 94611

2.24 miles
5 / 5 (1 ratings)

HFG Advisors

2936 Domingo Ave #1

Berkeley, California 94705

4.18 miles
5 / 5 (1 ratings)
Tax Planning
Financial Advisory
Estate and Trust Tax
High-net-worth Individuals
Multi-state Experience

Edward Jones - Financial Advisor: Christopher Lightner

1150 Ballena Blvd #100

Alameda, California 94501

2.75 miles
5 / 5 (1 ratings)
Financial Advisory
High-net-worth Individuals
Individual Taxpayers
Remote Services

LineUp CPAs

363 13th St Ste 200

Oakland, California 94612

0.88 miles
5 / 5 (1 ratings)

Dennis N. Middleton, CPA

5959 Estates Dr

Oakland, California 94611

3.95 miles
5 / 5 (1 ratings)
Tax Preparation
Tax Planning
IRS Representation
Estate and Trust Tax
High-net-worth Individuals
Individual Taxpayers
State-Specific Experience
CPA License

Tounger John S CPA

585 Mandana Blvd # 10

Oakland, California 94610

2.34 miles
5 / 5 (1 ratings)

John W Brooker & Co CPAs

7677 Oakport St # 300

Oakland, California 94621

6.09 miles
5 / 5 (1 ratings)
Business Consulting
Tax Preparation
Tax Planning
Small Businesses
Individual Taxpayers
Remote Services

ECR Income Tax Services

3848 International Blvd

Oakland, California 94601

4.24 miles
5 / 5 (1 ratings)

Mark Dinkel

411 30th St

Oakland, California 94609

1.37 miles
5 / 5 (1 ratings)

Always Gaines Consulting LLC

1901 Harrison St Ste 1100

Oakland, California 94612

1.06 miles
5 / 5 (1 ratings)
Bookkeeping
Accounting
Business Consulting
Financial Statements
Payroll
CFO Services
Tax Planning
Entity Structuring
Budgeting
Forecasting
Financial Advisory
Virtual CFO
Outsourced Accounting
Small Businesses
Startups
Non-profits
Real Estate
QuickBooks
Internal Controls
Risk Management
Remote Services

Tax Services Plus

2224 Sixth St

Berkeley, California 94710

4 miles
5 / 5 (1 ratings)

Right Revenue LLC - Tax & Accounting Firm

501 W MacArthur Blvd

Oakland, California 94609

1.7 miles
5 / 5 (1 ratings)

BRADFORD TAX SERVICE

1300 Clay St Suite 669

Oakland, California 94612

0.64 miles
5 / 5 (1 ratings)
Bookkeeping
Payroll
Tax Preparation
IRS Representation
Small Businesses
Individual Taxpayers
QuickBooks

OBA Tax Consulting

1415 8th St

Oakland, California 94607

0.5 miles
5 / 5 (1 ratings)
Business Consulting
Payroll
Tax Preparation
Small Businesses

CBA Tax Services

2818 Rawson St

Oakland, California 94619

5.3 miles
5 / 5 (1 ratings)
Tax Preparation
Tax Planning
IRS Representation
Small Businesses
High-net-worth Individuals
Individual Taxpayers
State-Specific Experience
Multi-state Experience
Local Tax Credits
Years of Practice

Adelante Capital Management

1101 Marina Village Pkwy

Alameda, California 94501

1.68 miles
5 / 5 (1 ratings)
Business Consulting
Financial Statements
Tax Planning
Forecasting
Financial Advisory
International Tax
High-net-worth Individuals
Real Estate
GAAP Compliance
Risk Management

Ainer & Fraker, LLP

7677 Oakport St # 1060

Oakland, California 94621

6.09 miles
5 / 5 (1 ratings)
Tax Preparation
Tax Planning
Estate and Trust Tax
Real Estate

Shani Shania & Associates

580 Grand Ave #214

Oakland, California 94610

1.92 miles
4 / 5 (1 ratings)

Heartland Payment Services

1 Airport Dr

Oakland, California 94621

7.71 miles
4 / 5 (1 ratings)

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.