1212 Pacific Coast Hwy
Harbor City, California 90710
734 Bart Earle Wy Suite 204
Rolling Hills Estates, California 90274
3671 Newton St
Torrance, California 90505
28625 S Western Ave #11
Rancho Palos Verdes, California 90275
2106 Lomita Blvd STE 100
Lomita, California 90717
550 Silver Spur Rd Suite 350
Rolling Hills Estates, California 90275
501 Deep Valley Dr Suite 202
Rolling Hills Estates, California 90274
916 N Western Ave
San Pedro, California 90732
4131 W 239th St Unit 215
Torrance, California 90505
25500 Hawthorne Blvd #2120
Torrance, California 90505
25500 Hawthorne Blvd # 2140
Torrance, California 90505
2790 Skypark Dr Suite 210-#009
Torrance, California 90505
25550 Hawthorne Blvd STE 100
Torrance, California 90505
715 Silver Spur Rd STE 209
Rolling Hills Estates, California 90274
24050 Madison St
Torrance, California 90505
2790 Skypark Dr STE 200
Torrance, California 90505
4000 Palos Verdes Dr N #202
Rolling Hills Estates, California 90274
3855 Pacific Coast Hwy #12
Torrance, California 90505
24050 Madison St
Torrance, California 90505
27 Malaga Cove Plaza
Palos Verdes Estates, California 90274
28924 S Western Ave Suite 213
Rancho Palos Verdes, California 90275
608 Silver Spur Rd Suite 100
Rolling Hills Estates, California 90274
608 Silver Spur Rd Suite 100
Rolling Hills Estates, California 90274
2550 Vía Tejon # 3A
Palos Verdes Estates, California 90274
609 Deep Valley Dr Ste 400
Rolling Hills Estates, California 90274
25500 Hawthorne Blvd #1140
Torrance, California 90505
2601 Airport Dr Suite 380
Torrance, California 90505
25500 Hawthorne Blvd # 1160
Torrance, California 90505
25500 Hawthorne Blvd
Torrance, California 90505
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.