Finding the right Certified Public Accountant for your personal or business finances is very difficult for you. Whether you need help with tax planning, bookkeeping, or financial strategy, a skilled CPA can save you money. A good CPA ensures compliance with state and federal laws. In this blog, we will share a complete guide on how to find the right CPA in California. We will also be going to discuss why Eric M Hunt is the best CPA company in California.
Why Do You Need a CPA in California?
Every state in the US has different tax laws, and here we are talking about California state. This state has complex tax laws, high-income tax rates, and strict business regulations, which are difficult to understand. So you need a skilled CPA who can solve all your problems. A CPA can help you in:
✅ Minimize tax liabilities with strategic planning
✅ Ensure compliance with state and federal tax laws
✅ Handle audits and IRS disputes
✅ Provide financial advice for business growth
✅ Manage bookkeeping and payroll efficiently
How to Find the Right CPA in California – Complete Guide
1. Determine Your Needs
Before selecting a CPA, firstly, you must identify the specific requirements that your CPA will fulfill for you. Your requirements can be like this:
- You need personal tax preparation help with complex tax situations.
- If you have a small business, startup, or corporation, you may need business accounting.
- If you need an IRS or FTB audit, then you will need audit representation.
- If you want to plan long-term wealth management, then you will need financial planning services.
2. Look for Proper Credentials
- Make sure your CPA is licensed by the California Board of Accountancy (CBA). You can verify their license here.
- If they are a member of the AICPA or CalCPA, that indicates their professional credibility.
- You can focus on their specialties, as some CPAs focus on real estate, healthcare, the entertainment industry, or tech startups.
3. Check Experience & Expertise
- You can check their experience and problem-solving skills.
- You can also look for client reviews and testimonials on Google business page, yelp, or LinkedIn.
- You can also check their case studies and success stories.
4. Compare Fees & Services
- You can select your CPA on the basis of charging free. Some CPAs charge per hour, while others offer fixed pricing.
- You can look for bundled services like (tax prep + bookkeeping).
- You can also check their transparency. You can ask if there are any hidden fees in the services, or you can ask for a clear breakdown.
5. Evaluate Communication & Availability
- You can evaluate your CPA on the basis of responsiveness, when you message them, they reply to you quickly or not, during tax season especially.
- Do they offer remote consultations or in-person consultations? If they offer both services, then it is good.
- Are they giving you proactive advice? A good CPA does not just file taxes; they also offer you tax-saving strategies. It’s your choice whether you want them or not.
6. Ask the Right Questions
Before hiring a CPA, ask:
✔ How many clients do you handle in my industry?
✔ What’s your approach to tax planning?
✔ Can you represent me in an audit?
✔ Do you use secure cloud accounting tools?
7. Consider Local vs. National Firms
- If you consider Local CPAs, they understand California tax laws better than any one.
- If you consider National Firms, they may offer more resources but could be less personalized.
Red Flags to Avoid When Choosing a CPA
🚩 Check their active license; you must verify their CBA status.
🚩 Check if there is any vague pricing or not. Hidden fees can lead to unexpected costs.
🚩 Check their communication. Poor communication can delay responses and filing delays.
🚩 Check their approach towards your needs. If they have a One-Size-Fits-All Approach, then you can ignore them. Your financial situation is unique, so your CPA should tailor solutions for you.
Why Eric M Hunt is the best CPA Firm in Los Angeles, California?
At Eric M Hunt, we provide the best CPAs to individuals and businesses in California. As we are a Los Angeles-based firm:
✅We offer Licensed & Vetted Professionals who have proven expertise.
✅ Our have Industry-Specialized Experts, whether you are in real estate, tech, entertainment, or healthcare.
✅ We have transparent pricing; we don’t have hidden fees.
✅ After providing a CPA, we ensure your CPA delivers results.
Conclusion
Finding the right CPA in California requires research, but you don’t have to worry. Our above-mentioned guide on how to find the right CPA in California will help you in every aspect. This guide will help you choose a good CPA who can help you lower your taxes, have fewer compliance risks, and have better financial health.
If you need Eric M Hunt’s help, we can streamline the process by matching you with a trusted CPA tailored to your needs. Ready to find your ideal CPA? Contact Eric M Hunt today for a free consultation!
