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Updated 4 days ago, 12/10/2024

User Stats

443
Posts
611
Votes
Katie Miller
Pro Member
  • General Manager, Publishing at BiggerPockets
  • Denver, CO
611
Votes |
443
Posts

If you use a CPA or Tax Professional, how did you find him or her?

Katie Miller
Pro Member
  • General Manager, Publishing at BiggerPockets
  • Denver, CO
ModeratorPosted

How did you find your CPA or tax professional? 

If you haven't yet found a CPA or tax professional to help you save on your tax bill each year, would you want BP to help recommend a tax professional for you? We're here to help! 

Post your thoughts below 👇👇👇👇

A friend or another investor recommended them
I found them on BiggerPockets
I found them via online search engine (Google, Bing, etc.)
I met them at an in-person event or meetup
Other
I just want to see the answers so I can find my own CPA this year!

User Stats

204
Posts
90
Votes
Chris Picciurro
  • Accountant
  • Franklin, TN
90
Votes |
204
Posts
Chris Picciurro
  • Accountant
  • Franklin, TN
Replied

The best way to find a CPA firm is to ask your mentors who they work with.

User Stats

182
Posts
160
Votes
Troy P.
  • Investor
  • Baton Rouge, LA
160
Votes |
182
Posts
Troy P.
  • Investor
  • Baton Rouge, LA
Replied

I'm currently in the market for a Tax Pro that can assist with my relatively basic returns and continue to assist with a tax strategy moving forward.

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User Stats

3
Posts
23
Votes
Replied

I am actively looking for an REI-friendly CPA in Nevada and am struggling with where to look and how to know if they know what they are talking about. A BP-recommended tax professional in my area would be immensely useful!

User Stats

1
Posts
14
Votes
Replied

Looking for a CPA/Tax Pro in the Atlanta area as I am starting my investment journey.

User Stats

17,152
Posts
14,680
Votes
Chris Seveney
Lender
Pro Member
  • Investor
  • Virginia
14,680
Votes |
17,152
Posts
Chris Seveney
Lender
Pro Member
  • Investor
  • Virginia
ModeratorReplied

@Katie Miller

Referral - but make sure it’s a real referral not a “I heard”. It should be from someone who uses that person.

  • Chris Seveney
business profile image
7e investments
5.0 stars
15 Reviews

User Stats

264
Posts
135
Votes
Cliff Benner
Tax & Financial Services
Pro Member
  • Accountant
  • Denver, CO
135
Votes |
264
Posts
Cliff Benner
Tax & Financial Services
Pro Member
  • Accountant
  • Denver, CO
Replied

In College I worked for my Tax Accountant for 3 years until I graduated and got a offer I couldn't refuse. I do my own Bookkeeping for my businesses and my clients and recommend him as a General Tax Accountant. Right now my real estate portfolio is not big enough to justify a Real Estate CPA or Tax Accountant yet. 

Happy to recommend him if anyone is looking. Please reach out for his info. 

  • Cliff Benner
business profile image
Benner Stride
5.0 stars
2 Reviews

User Stats

191
Posts
43
Votes
Fulton Abraham Sanchez
Pro Member
  • Accountant
  • CPA Miami, FL
43
Votes |
191
Posts
Fulton Abraham Sanchez
Pro Member
  • Accountant
  • CPA Miami, FL
Replied

If you can find a referee then perfect. Otherwise, there are over 20+ CPA professionals/firms here in Biggerpockets specializing in real estate (key point). Location is not as important as most of them work remotely. Set up a few calls and see who is a better fit for you. 

Best of luck.

  • Fulton Abraham Sanchez
  • User Stats

    2,482
    Posts
    4,215
    Votes
    Jill F.
    • Investor
    • Akron, OH
    4,215
    Votes |
    2,482
    Posts
    Jill F.
    • Investor
    • Akron, OH
    Replied
    We're in a small town so we ask our bank loan officer who is involved in the community for a CPA reference. We're still using the company she recommended.

    User Stats

    1
    Posts
    14
    Votes
    Eddie Ray
    14
    Votes |
    1
    Posts
    Replied

    Im currently looking for a RE tax professional/preparer in San Diego, CA. Obviously they need to specialize in real estate rentals, holdings, and LLC.

    Any help and direction would be great! BP would be great too but I do prefer to work in person so hopefully someone local

    Eddie

    User Stats

    47
    Posts
    34
    Votes
    Keegan Wetzel
    • Realtor
    • San Diego, CA
    34
    Votes |
    47
    Posts
    Keegan Wetzel
    • Realtor
    • San Diego, CA
    Replied
    Quote from @Eddie Ray:

    Im currently looking for a RE tax professional/preparer in San Diego, CA. Obviously they need to specialize in real estate rentals, holdings, and LLC.

    Any help and direction would be great! BP would be great too but I do prefer to work in person so hopefully someone local

    Eddie

     @Eddie Ray I found a guy in San Diego that went to West Point and specialized in Real Estate - he has been great for me!

    User Stats

    281
    Posts
    133
    Votes
    Wesley I.
    • Investor
    • San Diego, CA
    133
    Votes |
    281
    Posts
    Wesley I.
    • Investor
    • San Diego, CA
    Replied

    Found mine while attending a real estate/small business tax conference.

    User Stats

    12
    Posts
    5
    Votes
    Replied
    Quote from @Cliff Benner:

    In College I worked for my Tax Accountant for 3 years until I graduated and got a offer I couldn't refuse. I do my own Bookkeeping for my businesses and my clients and recommend him as a General Tax Accountant. Right now my real estate portfolio is not big enough to justify a Real Estate CPA or Tax Accountant yet. 

    Happy to recommend him if anyone is looking. Please reach out for his info.

     When would you say it is worth it to have a CPA to work with? Do number, size, or area of investments owned play the biggest role in that decision?

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    User Stats

    264
    Posts
    135
    Votes
    Cliff Benner
    Tax & Financial Services
    Pro Member
    • Accountant
    • Denver, CO
    135
    Votes |
    264
    Posts
    Cliff Benner
    Tax & Financial Services
    Pro Member
    • Accountant
    • Denver, CO
    Replied
    Quote from @Luke Maas:
    Quote from @Cliff Benner:

    In College I worked for my Tax Accountant for 3 years until I graduated and got a offer I couldn't refuse. I do my own Bookkeeping for my businesses and my clients and recommend him as a General Tax Accountant. Right now my real estate portfolio is not big enough to justify a Real Estate CPA or Tax Accountant yet. 

    Happy to recommend him if anyone is looking. Please reach out for his info.

     When would you say it is worth it to have a CPA to work with? Do number, size, or area of investments owned play the biggest role in that decision?


     I would say once it can support paying the $2k-$3k a year for them to dig into just the real estate for you. Once I get to a point that it is making enough per month that I feel comfortable taking money out of the business that would be when I get to the point that it is worth have a specialist assist me in all deductions, credits, and future items that will help me to transfer from a W2 to working for myself fully. Then i would probably want a CPA firm that has specialist that know the state laws for my portfolio so I can benefit even more. Until then, the general Knowledge a tax accountant has on real estate will be sufficient for the price and benefit I get. 

    I think my personal guideline will be 10 properties, or $2k in cash flow a month. At that time, i will have the knowledge and network to expand and build my portfolio at an increasing speed and then it will be part of my growing pains for my business.

    I will most likely have that CPA do my returns for the real estate and then have my Tax Accountant still do my Personal, helps with Checks and Balance and cost savings.

    • Cliff Benner
    business profile image
    Benner Stride
    5.0 stars
    2 Reviews

    User Stats

    12
    Posts
    5
    Votes
    Replied
    Quote from @Cliff Benner:
    Quote from @Luke Maas:
    Quote from @Cliff Benner:

    In College I worked for my Tax Accountant for 3 years until I graduated and got a offer I couldn't refuse. I do my own Bookkeeping for my businesses and my clients and recommend him as a General Tax Accountant. Right now my real estate portfolio is not big enough to justify a Real Estate CPA or Tax Accountant yet. 

    Happy to recommend him if anyone is looking. Please reach out for his info.

     When would you say it is worth it to have a CPA to work with? Do number, size, or area of investments owned play the biggest role in that decision?


     I would say once it can support paying the $2k-$3k a year for them to dig into just the real estate for you. Once I get to a point that it is making enough per month that I feel comfortable taking money out of the business that would be when I get to the point that it is worth have a specialist assist me in all deductions, credits, and future items that will help me to transfer from a W2 to working for myself fully. Then i would probably want a CPA firm that has specialist that know the state laws for my portfolio so I can benefit even more. Until then, the general Knowledge a tax accountant has on real estate will be sufficient for the price and benefit I get. 

    I think my personal guideline will be 10 properties, or $2k in cash flow a month. At that time, i will have the knowledge and network to expand and build my portfolio at an increasing speed and then it will be part of my growing pains for my business.

    I will most likely have that CPA do my returns for the real estate and then have my Tax Accountant still do my Personal, helps with Checks and Balance and cost savings.

    Do you have cost segregation, or anything like that on any of your properties?

    User Stats

    264
    Posts
    135
    Votes
    Cliff Benner
    Tax & Financial Services
    Pro Member
    • Accountant
    • Denver, CO
    135
    Votes |
    264
    Posts
    Cliff Benner
    Tax & Financial Services
    Pro Member
    • Accountant
    • Denver, CO
    Replied
    Quote from @Luke Maas:
    Quote from @Cliff Benner:
    Quote from @Luke Maas:
    Quote from @Cliff Benner:

    In College I worked for my Tax Accountant for 3 years until I graduated and got a offer I couldn't refuse. I do my own Bookkeeping for my businesses and my clients and recommend him as a General Tax Accountant. Right now my real estate portfolio is not big enough to justify a Real Estate CPA or Tax Accountant yet. 

    Happy to recommend him if anyone is looking. Please reach out for his info.

     When would you say it is worth it to have a CPA to work with? Do number, size, or area of investments owned play the biggest role in that decision?


     I would say once it can support paying the $2k-$3k a year for them to dig into just the real estate for you. Once I get to a point that it is making enough per month that I feel comfortable taking money out of the business that would be when I get to the point that it is worth have a specialist assist me in all deductions, credits, and future items that will help me to transfer from a W2 to working for myself fully. Then i would probably want a CPA firm that has specialist that know the state laws for my portfolio so I can benefit even more. Until then, the general Knowledge a tax accountant has on real estate will be sufficient for the price and benefit I get. 

    I think my personal guideline will be 10 properties, or $2k in cash flow a month. At that time, i will have the knowledge and network to expand and build my portfolio at an increasing speed and then it will be part of my growing pains for my business.

    I will most likely have that CPA do my returns for the real estate and then have my Tax Accountant still do my Personal, helps with Checks and Balance and cost savings.

    Do you have cost segregation, or anything like that on any of your properties?

     Not at the moment, I will one day do cost segregations on my properties and get into that, but that is probably going to be about the time that I look into getting a CPA for Real Estate. 

    I see the benefits in it, but not at my current position, I have lots of losses currently and do not need that benefit right now. I need to learn acquisitions and financing before I want to get into Cost Segregation. Once I get better at purchasing and adding to my portfolio, I know I will have the knowledge to be able to survive without needing the benefits of cost segregation. Allowing cost segregation to be another growing pain and benefit to getting better at real estate investing without feeling overwhelmed. 

    • Cliff Benner
    business profile image
    Benner Stride
    5.0 stars
    2 Reviews

    User Stats

    4,256
    Posts
    1,441
    Votes
    Julio Gonzalez
    Pro Member
    #3 New Member Introductions Contributor
    • Specialist
    • West Palm Beach, FL
    1,441
    Votes |
    4,256
    Posts
    Julio Gonzalez
    Pro Member
    #3 New Member Introductions Contributor
    • Specialist
    • West Palm Beach, FL
    Replied

    BP has a lot of great CPAs on the platform that you'll see answering a lot of BPers questions. I've heard people have had a great experience working with them! @Ashish Acharya @Michael Plaks

  • Julio Gonzalez
  • (561) 253-6640
  • User Stats

    5
    Posts
    7
    Votes
    Emily Palma
    • Property Manager
    • United States
    7
    Votes |
    5
    Posts
    Emily Palma
    • Property Manager
    • United States
    Replied

    Im searching for a general tax pro in CA that is familiar with taxes for a timeshare management business.

    If anybody has a referral, I'd greatly appreciate it, or if you are a tax professional yourself, please reach out.

    User Stats

    3
    Posts
    0
    Votes
    Replied

    Your real estate is part of your tax return. It isn’t separate unless they are in a corporation or partnership. I am a real estate tax strategist 

    User Stats

    623
    Posts
    455
    Votes
    Stephen Keighery
    Wholesalers
    Pro Member
    • Rental Property Investor
    • New Orleans, LA
    455
    Votes |
    623
    Posts
    Stephen Keighery
    Wholesalers
    Pro Member
    • Rental Property Investor
    • New Orleans, LA
    Replied

    @Katie Miller I found mine at a local REIA. BP listing real estate friendly CPAs is a good idea though.

    • Stephen Keighery

    User Stats

    1
    Posts
    0
    Votes
    Replied
    Quote from @Chris Picciurro:

    The best way to find a CPA firm is to ask your mentors who they work with.


    Great advice for setting yourself up for success.

    User Stats

    11
    Posts
    2
    Votes
    Ifeanyi Onyeonwu
    Pro Member
    2
    Votes |
    11
    Posts
    Ifeanyi Onyeonwu
    Pro Member
    Replied

    Yes i looking to do taxes in austin tx 

    one on Pp llc and personal taxes

  • Ifeanyi Onyeonwu
  • User Stats

    93
    Posts
    58
    Votes
    Rebecca E.
    • Wisconsin: Eau Claire and Rapids
    58
    Votes |
    93
    Posts
    Rebecca E.
    • Wisconsin: Eau Claire and Rapids
    Replied

    @Katie Miller

    I came here because I just had my yearly with my new accountant. I've gone through 4 different ones in the past 4 years and I've finally found a good one.

    I had recommdations from people who didn't do real estate, terrible. I used one frequently discussed in BP, TERRIBLE AND EXPENSIVE. Now I found one that specializes in real estate investors that was recommended by an online mentor. This one is good.

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    User Stats

    1
    Posts
    1
    Votes
    Replied

    Hello. I recently bought my fist long-term rental and I am currenty in the market for a CPA who specalizes in REI. I am in the St. Louis area and would love to find someone local, but any other recommnedations would be greatly appreciated as well. Thanks in advance.

    User Stats

    16
    Posts
    17
    Votes
    Oscar Meneses
    • Investor
    • Miami
    17
    Votes |
    16
    Posts
    Oscar Meneses
    • Investor
    • Miami
    Replied
    Quote from @Katie Miller:

    How did you find your CPA or tax professional? 

    If you haven't yet found a CPA or tax professional to help you save on your tax bill each year, would you want BP to help recommend a tax professional for you? We're here to help! 

    Post your thoughts below 👇👇👇👇

     @Katie Miller hello!  I´m an out-of-country investor looking for help with my legal and tax structure.

    Since I´m just starting out, I need help with the basics: setting up the LLCs that we will use (looking to invest in different states), getting an ITIN, opening bank accounts, and identifying the tax strategies that we will employ for the deals we want to make.

    I appreciate your recommendations.


    User Stats

    443
    Posts
    611
    Votes
    Katie Miller
    Pro Member
    • General Manager, Publishing at BiggerPockets
    • Denver, CO
    611
    Votes |
    443
    Posts
    Katie Miller
    Pro Member
    • General Manager, Publishing at BiggerPockets
    • Denver, CO
    ModeratorReplied

    @Oscar Meneses Check out the BP recommended tax partners here! https://www.biggerpockets.com/... They are all fabulous and can help you :)