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Updated 1 day ago, 12/10/2024

User Stats

443
Posts
610
Votes
Katie Miller
Pro Member
  • General Manager, Publishing at BiggerPockets
  • Denver, CO
610
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

4
Posts
0
Votes
Replied

The best way is to have the best firm with a reasonable rate and trust reviews. Something like this kind of forum that people could refer to would help.

Account Closed
  • Accountant
  • San Diego, CA
550
Votes |
1,250
Posts
Account Closed
  • Accountant
  • San Diego, CA
Replied

One thing i will add: Folks who find their accountant through referral need to be cautious. Be sure that person who referred you is in a similar financial spot / need. They could be sending you to someone who is not well equipped for your situation, even if they are great! 

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Account Closed
  • CPA
  • New York
157
Votes |
891
Posts
Account Closed
  • CPA
  • New York
Replied

Our extensive clientele base spans across the country, and while we may charge a minimum fee that may deter a certain percentage of prospects, we believe in emphasizing the value that a competent CPA brings to your investment operations.

With over 25+ years of experience serving in large middle market accounting firms, I bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to our firm engagements. It's important to note that our fees may be higher than some other CPA firms, but we firmly believe that the value we provide far exceeds the cost. A competent CPA can save you more money than their fee, making it a wise investment in the long run. I'm sure the other tax professionals in this forum can agree on this.

When considering a CPA or tax professional, it's crucial to find someone who aligns with your financial goals and understands the complexities of real estate transactions. I recommend seeking a professional who charges for the value they bring to the table. In my practice, I am committed to delivering exceptional service and leveraging my decades of experience to benefit my clients.

Account Closed
  • Investor
  • Oakland, CA
7
Votes |
18
Posts
Account Closed
  • Investor
  • Oakland, CA
Replied
Quote from @Rebecca E.:

@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.


 Hi Rebecca! I sent you a DM and would love to hear more about your experience

Account Closed
  • CPA
  • New York
157
Votes |
891
Posts
Account Closed
  • CPA
  • New York
Replied

Anyone still searching for a CPA? April will be here before you know it!

User Stats

6
Posts
1
Votes
Replied

I'm a travel nurse that bought a cash property in 2022, spent most of '23 doing Reno and repairs. Placed in service in November but no tenant until Jan. 

I hired a CPA referred by a RE agent friend of mine, but he's been less than great. Poor communication, a few mistakes on returns he's sent, and then worse communication after I mentioned these mistakes. Overall, I've lost confidence that he is doing a good job and wonder what else he has missed if I was able to catch the mistakes. 

Anyone know a good CPA that has experience in these areas?

User Stats

3
Posts
4
Votes
Kenneth Anguka
  • Rental Property Investor
  • San Pedro, CA
4
Votes |
3
Posts
Kenneth Anguka
  • Rental Property Investor
  • San Pedro, CA
Replied

@Kislay Shah I’m in need of one. Are you available or can recommend one? Thanks

Account Closed
  • CPA
  • New York
157
Votes |
891
Posts
Account Closed
  • CPA
  • New York
Replied
Quote from @Kenneth Anguka:

@Kislay Shah I’m in need of one. Are you available or can recommend one? Thanks


 Just reached out to you Sir. Thanks.

Account Closed
  • CPA
  • New York
157
Votes |
891
Posts
Account Closed
  • CPA
  • New York
Replied

To identify a proficient real estate CPA, investors should prioritize professionals with a proven track record in handling real estate portfolios, transactions, and tax planning.

Look for CPAs who stay abreast of evolving tax codes related to real estate and possess a comprehensive understanding of deductions, credits, and depreciation strategies unique to the industry.

When considering a CPA or tax professional, it's crucial to find someone who aligns with your financial goals and understands the complexities of real estate transactions. I recommend seeking a professional who charges for the value they bring to the table. In my practice, I am committed to delivering exceptional service and leveraging my decades of experience to benefit my clients.

Additionally, seek out testimonials or referrals from other real estate clients to gauge the CPA's expertise and reliability.

Account Closed
  • CPA
  • New York
157
Votes |
891
Posts
Account Closed
  • CPA
  • New York
Replied

Anyone still looking for 2023 taxes?

Account Closed
  • CPA
  • New York
157
Votes |
891
Posts
Account Closed
  • CPA
  • New York
Replied

Anyone still searching for a CPA? April 15th is almost here.

Account Closed
  • CPA
  • New York
157
Votes |
891
Posts
Account Closed
  • CPA
  • New York
Replied

10 days away! Anyone still find themselves needing help?

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User Stats

72
Posts
6
Votes
Matt Bontrager
Tax & Financial Services
Pro Member
  • CPA
  • Henderson, NV
6
Votes |
72
Posts
Matt Bontrager
Tax & Financial Services
Pro Member
  • CPA
  • Henderson, NV
Replied
Quote from @Ashley Stephenson:

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!


 Hey Ashley! My firm is mostly remote but some of my team and I are in Henderson, NV. I would love to connect. Fell free to message me! 

User Stats

4
Posts
0
Votes
Replied
Quote from @Elinore Aguilar:

The best way is to have the best firm with a reasonable rate and trust reviews. Something like this kind of forum that people could refer to would help.

https://www.biggerpockets.com/business/page/536

User Stats

1
Posts
2
Votes
Replied

CPA/Tax Strategist in Austin, TEXAS area? 

Account Closed
  • CPA
  • New York
157
Votes |
891
Posts
Account Closed
  • CPA
  • New York
Replied

To identify a proficient real estate CPA, investors should prioritize professionals with a proven track record in handling real estate portfolios, transactions, and tax planning.

Look for CPAs who stay abreast of evolving tax codes related to real estate and possess a comprehensive understanding of deductions, credits, and depreciation strategies unique to the industry.

When considering a CPA or tax professional, it's crucial to find someone who aligns with your financial goals and understands the complexities of real estate transactions. I recommend seeking a professional who charges for the value they bring to the table. In my practice, I am committed to delivering exceptional service and leveraging my decades of experience to benefit my clients.

Additionally, seek out testimonials or referrals from other real estate clients to gauge the CPA's expertise and reliability.

Account Closed
  • Accountant
  • San Diego, CA
550
Votes |
1,250
Posts
Account Closed
  • Accountant
  • San Diego, CA
Replied

The best way to find a CPA or real estate-focused accountant is to checkout who is posting in the tax forum all day helping folks :) 

User Stats

26
Posts
5
Votes
Andrew Abeyta
  • Accountant
5
Votes |
26
Posts
Andrew Abeyta
  • Accountant
Replied

As an REI CPA in CA, I would say doing due diligence in vetting their firm's reputation. Being completely transparent - any CPA can use tax / legal jargon to make a "great sounding sales pitch", but if their firm has a reputation of low-quality client service and higher than market CPA fees, it's likely not a fit. REI is demanding; the relationship with your REI CPA needs to be symbiotic.

User Stats

1
Posts
1
Votes
Replied

Hi Everyone looking for a CPA in CA that understands cost segregation, offsetting of w2 income through active short term rental partcipation etc.  I have 3 properties and currently looking to sell one.  Thank you!

User Stats

2,250
Posts
840
Votes
Bill Hampton
Tax & Financial Services
Pro Member
  • Tax Strategist, Financial Planner and Real Estate Investor
  • Atlanta, GA
840
Votes |
2,250
Posts
Bill Hampton
Tax & Financial Services
Pro Member
  • Tax Strategist, Financial Planner and Real Estate Investor
  • Atlanta, GA
Replied

@Hansen Tong

I recommend finding an accountant that specializes in real estate taxation. You may want to consider working with your accountant remotely to expand your options.

I would also recommend looking for a tax strategist who is willing to work with you throughout the year, not just when preparing your tax return. You want an accountant that can help you strategize and who is responsive when you want to know the tax consequences of the decisions you are making throughout the year.

Good luck in your search.

  • Bill Hampton
  • 404-482-3170
business profile image
Hampton Tax and Financial Services, LLC
4.8 stars
86 Reviews

User Stats

72
Posts
6
Votes
Matt Bontrager
Tax & Financial Services
Pro Member
  • CPA
  • Henderson, NV
6
Votes |
72
Posts
Matt Bontrager
Tax & Financial Services
Pro Member
  • CPA
  • Henderson, NV
Replied
Quote from @Hansen Tong:

Hi Everyone looking for a CPA in CA that understands cost segregation, offsetting of w2 income through active short term rental partcipation etc.  I have 3 properties and currently looking to sell one.  Thank you!

Hi Hansen, would love to connect. We currently work with many clients who do Cost Segs and using that STR loophole! Rob Abasolo, the cohost of BP is actually one of our clients. Feel free to message me directly!

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
Quote from @Sudeep Raj:

CPA/Tax Strategist in Austin, TEXAS area? 

@Sudeep Raj, Hi. There are a few CPAs active here in these forums. Make sure to reach out to one with real estate experience as location is not an issue these days. Preferably contact us by e-mail as we are not allow to self promote. 

  • Fulton Abraham Sanchez
  • User Stats

    175
    Posts
    207
    Votes
    Brian M Sweeney
    • MBA, CFP®, EA
    • Columbus, OH
    207
    Votes |
    175
    Posts
    Brian M Sweeney
    • MBA, CFP®, EA
    • Columbus, OH
    Replied

    The most effective way to find a professional team to work with is to interview a few to find one that can work with your situation. You also want someone or a group that are not only knowledgeable but are timely & have good communication skills. You can find these people in many ways. There’s no right or wrong answer. 

    Account Closed
    • Accountant
    • San Diego, CA
    550
    Votes |
    1,250
    Posts
    Account Closed
    • Accountant
    • San Diego, CA
    Replied
    Quote from @Troy P.:

    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.


     Gotta find someone with pricing that can serve basic returns! Many pay to much for their needs as they go for high profile CPAs who are targeting working with "higher profile" clients. These folks wont tell you not to pay them massive fees! 

    User Stats

    28
    Posts
    16
    Votes
    Tanner Bellamy
    Tax & Financial Services
    • Accountant
    • Southern California
    16
    Votes |
    28
    Posts
    Tanner Bellamy
    Tax & Financial Services
    • Accountant
    • Southern California
    Replied

    Become members of groups of like minded people, just like BiggerPockets, and use their network and referrals. Then interview a few of them and ask them if they have ever used strategies that you are interested in and clients that have had success with it. 

    You may have trouble finding accountants that want to be interviewed. I know I have worked with some that find it almost as an insult. But do what makes you comfortable. It is your money that is on the line. 

    There are many tax professionals in this group that are experienced in the RE field!

    • Tanner Bellamy
    business profile image
    Bellamy & Associates
    5.0 stars
    19 Reviews