Tax Preparers
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April 2007
I am looking for recommendation for a Tax Advisor. We run one small and one not-so-
small business and are looking to make some changes that will have definite fiscal/tax
implications and require some practical advice before we do it. The ideal person will be
someone with experience in working with Building Contractors & S-Corps.
Serena
Cathy Mu is the person to interview for your tax questions. She receives
rave reviews from her clients, and is always told she doesn't charge
nearly enough for the work she does. She has two offices, one in San
Pablo and one in Walnut Creek. (925) 979-
2378. Please be aware it is tax season, but she will respond as quickly
as she possibly can. Julie G
Feb 2007
Can anyone recommend a tax preparer on the Walnut Creek side of
the tunnel? We've never paid someone to do our taxes, but it's
now time.
Thank you.
Leslie
I think you could not do better than Michael
Schoenholz of Schoenholz & Spiegel. He is fantastic. Their office
is at 2033 N. Main St. in Walnut Creek. The number is
925-977-4000.
We have worked with Michael Schoenholz of Schoenholz & Spiegel
for several years now. He also handled my late father's quite
complicated trust and estate tax issues. I cannot recommend him
highly enough. He is kind, quick, efficient, easy to talk to, and
is so completely up to date on even the most arcane new tax laws
it is unbelievable. His office is in Walnut Creek, very near the
24/680 interchange.
We use and like Earl Yerina at what used to be AmEx Financial Services in WC; they
were bought by H&R Block but nothing has changed.
Nicole R.
March 2006
Hello,
My same-sex domestic partner and I are new to the area and are
looking for a tax or financial advisor. We want someone who's
familiar with the money issues around domestic partnerships,
who's friendly, who's relatively affordable, and who's accessible
to us in the East Bay. (We hope that's not too much to ask!)
We've seen previous recommendations for financial advisors in the
BPN archives, but they don't seem to directly address the
domestic partnership issue, which is the biggest one for us right
now.
Thanks in advance for any recommendations you can give!
Karen
Hi there-
we have just started using a cpa- her name is ellen abel. she is in the city but
we have found her to be very helpful both via email andd phone calls- she is
familiar with the domestic partnership world and has been helpful with us
regarding our new baby, the house situation, and a new business venture. I would
recommend her without hesitation.
Her website is www.cpabel.com
Good luck-
deirdre
Lois Leynse, EA at the Financial Fitness Center. Located on 27th in Oakland.
510
-653-1914. She's done our taxes and helped with other financial matters for 20
years. She and her very wonderful associates are experienced with financial and
tax issues with same-sex couples, small business, artists. I've sent many people
their over the years with no complaints.
Good luck.
Laura
I recommend Ann Valliant. She is a Business Operations Consultant, and she is
particularly knowledgeable about domestic partnership issues. Her number is
510-848-1516 or e-mail, ann[at]annvalliant.com
ernie
Jan Zobel is an amazing tax person who is extermely knowledgeable in same sex/
domestic partner issues. The problem is, she's VERY popular, very busy, and at
this point will probably not take you on for this year. Maybe if you're willing
to file for an extension 'till August, or maybe only for next year...
Her contact e-mail: ''Jan Zobel'' Jan[at]JanZtax.com
Good luck!
Naama
Although this recommendation may come a little late for tax time
(unless you have filed an extension, of course), I highly
recommend my accountant, Maria U. Ku, CPA. She is extremely
thorough and knowlegeable about all sorts of tax preparation
issues for small businesses, home businesses, as well as issues
re: your domestic status (single, married, domestic partnerships,
etc). Her phone is 510-531-6614. Email: maria.ku[at]sbcglobal.net.
Website: www.geocities.com/Maria_Ku_CPA. If you have any
questions re: her service, feel free to email me.
Kira
Jan 2006
My partner and I and our daughter recently relocated to the
East Bay from the East Coast. Can anyone recommend a great,
GLBT-friendly tax preparer who is knowledgeable about how to
file individual returns in a way that makes most sense for an
unmarried couple? Our situation isn't too complicated, but we
did buy and sell a house and one of us is self-employed.
Thanks.
Kelli
Christine Harkinson at 510-482-9729. I'm gay, she is not but I
and all my present and ex girlfriends use her. She is
reasonable, spends a lot of time talking to you without charge
and is located in Oakland.
LW
Yes! Try Gillian Herbert, 526-3888. She is friendly, efficient, a
good listener, smart, and a dyke -- what more could you ask for?
I don't know if she's taking new clients, but if not, she could
probably refer you. FYI, I didn't have as good an experience with
Jan Zobel, another lesbian whom you might get referrals for. She
lost some important stuff and charged for every little single
tiny phone call, so eventually I left and found Gillian.
anon
May 2006
I need serious financial help. I can't maintain a budget, I owe serious
backtaxes, and I am completely disorganized with financial matters--like
having my water turned over for not paying the bill, not from lack of
funds, just lack of time. I don't have credit card debt, but in my early
40s, I have no money set aside for retirement or my kids' college
education.
Part of my problems are attributable to being laid off for several years,
but more of it has to do with my compulsive spending (which is what I do
when I'm not doing compulsive eating!).
I am now self-employed and making decent money. I really feel this is the
time to make a change, like paying off tax debts (if I can figure out
what I actually owe). But I can't do it alone. It seems I need a
bookkeeper, a tax preparer, a financial planner, a tax attorney, and even
a therapist to help me figure out why I have this problem! Of course, I
need to have enough money left over to actually pay debts/save/etc.
This is all coupled with my fear of financial experts - I always fear
being judged.
Help! Can anyone make recommendations about any of the above types of
professionals? (And any other words of advice are welcome!)
Financially Incompetent
Hi-
We recently started having our taxes done by Lillian Lea, on the
recommendation of a close friend who sounds as if he has some of
the same challeges you do. She's been doing his taxes for a long
time, and we figured if anyone could be skillful and patient
enough with his tangled financial mess (including lots of back
taxes) we'd be glad to go to her too.
She's very down to earth, human, and extremely saavy in the
financial realm. I think she'd be a good starting point - have
her help you get the tax part of it under control, and then
maybe ask her who to go to for the next step. She has decades
of experience doing taxes for all manner of individuals and
businesses, in addition to being warm and easy going. Just don't
be imtimidated by the piles of paperwork on her desk - she
really is very well organized! Her helpers are good too, but if
you're concerned, I'd start with Lil herself.
Lillian Lea
1307 Solano (at Key Route)
Albany 526-2220
- anon (for the sake of my friend!)
Jan 2006
We need a tax preparer to do both our 2004 and 2005 taxes. We're pretty sure
that we are owed money for 2004, or at least don't owe, but never filed and
now need someone to help us deal with the consequences. Any
recommendations for a tax preparer who will help us back on track.
ready to clean up this mess
I have used and referred many a soul to Christine Harkinson in Oakland. She is reasonable, takes time to explains things and goes the extra mile. And if your busy like me, she even points out with stickies where to sign things. Silly but really helpful. She has been recommended here as well.
Her # is 510 482-9729
Lori
Tax preparer in for late filing or just filing. I highly recommond Mel Lee 510-763-1145. He has saved my family thousands of dollars. He knows the IRS Laws inside and out. He is not the cheapest, but I think he is the best tax person I have every dealt with. Best of luck,
If you want more information feel free to email me
joanne
I would recommend Diane Tyler of D.L. Tyler and Associates in
Oakland. She has been in the business for many years and is
committed to getting you the deductions that you are entitled to
and doing a professional return. Her website:
http://www.dltylerandassociates.com
Melanie
If you're looking for a tax preparer I recommend John Paul Cross, very reasonable rates. He will spend a lot of time with you and help you figure out what works best for you.
crystal
James Reiglehaupt Oakland Ca 510-893-0921
treesa
Feb 2005
I've looked in the archives, but didn't find what I was looking
for. I'd like to find someone to prepare my tax return - and
ideally he or she would work near my home in Albany. Does
anyone have someone they love in the area? Thanks,
Amy
I used to work for myself and my taxes were too complicated for me to handle. I
went to Peter Morfin, in Kensington. He is fantastic! He is a wonderful person, and,
more to the point, saved me a lot of money. His number is 525-4205.
nadja
My father is a retired attorney who has been preparing taxes
for a living for more than 10 years. He works out of his home
in Albany near the top of Solano, and has a lot of clients in
the area. His clients range from simple 1040 preparation to
those with Schedule C, rental properties, trusts, etc. His
name is David Lightner and you can reach him at 510 526-7101.
Star
My husband and I used John Stephenson who co owns Just Taxes on
Fairmont Ave. just east of the intersection of San Pablo, on the
border between Albany and El Cerrito. He is excellent -- very
easy to work with and charges fair prices. We have had quite
complex taxes and he did well on them. He also helped me through
two audits when I owned my own company.
kathryn
I love my tax preparer. She is in Albany right across from
Sweet Potatoes on Solano. Her name is Susan Kopman. Her
number is (510) 526-8255. She has been doing my taxes for
years and is very knowledable and very reasonable.
Happy Tax Payer
I know a great tax preparer in Albany (or perhaps Berkeley) on
Solano Avenue near the New Pieces/Liu's Kitchen/Barney's
intersection. Whe've been using her for about 10 years and she
is wonderful! I don't know if she is taking on new clients, but
giver her a call and see (if not, I bet she could recommend
someone). Her name is April McMahon. She is at 510-528-2312.
- Very satisfied customer.
My wonderful tax preparer - Val Waltz - is not in Albany but is
in Pinole which is about 15 minutes away. She has gotten me
through tax season for about 20 years. She is knowledgeable
and has reasonable rates. I highly recommend her.
Val Waltz - 741-1737
Amy
For the person lookong for a Tax CPA in the Albany area, try
Ruth Rubalcava, CPA. She has been great to work with and has
clarified some difficult, sticky tax and planning issues for
me. Her tel # is 510/910-3222.
Veronica
Jan 2005
I'm looking for a tax preparer, it's that time of year again and my husband is a great procrastinator! Nothing too complex, but someone with experience with stock options would be useful. Previous postings are a bit dated.
Thanks,
Denise
I've been using Diane Sheilds in Oakland and think she's
amazing. She's honest, but we still manage to get a refund
every year. She's also a delight to work with. Her number is:
510-451-1926. Good luck!
Abby
We are currently working with James Rigelhaupt 510-893-0921 and
he is helping us settle an estate. He si doing the accounting and
the tax paper work. He has been very helpful explaining what we
can do for ourselves and save money or what he can do for us.
He has answered my questions promptly and even made copies extra
large so that my legally blind mother can see them
treesa
I recommend Creighton Lee. email: cleecpa AT pacbell.net phone: 510-
531-6873 We have used him for the past three years. My husband
has his own business. He works with a variety of different types
of clients (ranging all sectors). He is affordable and fair with
his prices (we never ask him what he will charge and never felt
that we got the short end of the stick).
Karen
Ruth Rubalcava, CPA, has given me really terrific tax advice on a
whole range of issues including real estate transactions, rentals,
retirement and how my tax status has been affected as a result of
having kids and cutting back on work. I recommend her highly. She
also has great communication skills. She works independently and
does not take on that many clients because she has 1 year old
twins. Her tel # is 510/910-3222. She is great if you can get her.
Amy
Aug 2004
My husband & I are self employed musicians/artists/technicians
with a complex tax return, & we're looking for a good tax
preparer. We're in Berkeley, but we'll travel to meet with
someone you've had a good experience with. (We've been working
with Tax Plus, in Berkeley, for several years now, & while
they're very competent, they're pricey, & don't seem to be up on
the latest/best info regarding musicians, etc.)
Ari
I can highly recommend tax accountant Ron Yee in Berkeley (843-
6511). We have been using him for many, many years to prepare
our tax returns and he is great at helping you finds ways to
save money, makes the whole process as pleasant as possible, is
the nicest person ever, and is very reasonable to boot. He is a
CPA that used to work for Bechtel and now has his own business
out of his home. We have referred many friends to him and they
all love him.
karen
Dennis Roberts at CheckMate behind Andronico's on University has
been doing my taxes for close to 20 years. I have recommended
Dennis to MANY of my friends and they ALL have had nothing but
praise for him. He's at 1405 Addison in Berkeley, 510-849-1555.
Burr
I highly recommend my accountant/tax preparer Aaron Nakahara in
Emeryville (510)653-3757. My husband and I are self-employed
in a partnership and Aaron has helped us with our taxes for the
past four years. He's extremely knowledgeable (although I
don't know how much he knows about musicians specifically),
always gives us advice on ways to reduce taxes, and is
available by phone to answer questions throughout the year.
His fees are reasonable for the excellent value he delivers but
he's not cheap.
Amy
March 2003
I've read the few recs on tax preparers on the site and find I
need add'l ones from a self-emplyed persons perspective (most
were for 'simple' returns not for self-employed/complex).
I am looking for additional ones -- a a preparer
who has enough breadth to handle complex personal returns,
organize household employees quarterly filings, and be very
proactive on advice about deductions and ways to optimize a self-
employed consulting business. I would like someone who has well-
developed methods and systems for collecting data, so that I can
learn to feed info in to him/her better each year and improve my
organization methods. Excellent verbal skills and ability to
explain are critical.
Richard Seiden (510-547-0331) is an accountant with a lot of
experience and knowledge in dealing with tax returns for
self-employed people. He will help you figure out every possible
deduction and, being an ex-professor, is an intelligent guy, We
have used him for years. It is also handy that he will come to
your house to do your returns - and he has a very fast turn
around time - usually gets them in the mail the next day. Not
sure what his going rate is these da
Anon
We use Mark Schisler in Oakland (Pleasant Valley Avenue)
Call him at 510-658-5600.
He does a great job with our return which this year includes
employment, self-employment, household employees,
K-1's, adoption, investments and rental properties. Yuck!
Plus, he helped me set up my bookkeeping system so that
it jibes with tax planning.
Good luck!
anon
We have a complicated return - because we have a mix of standard
employment, various consulting contracts on the side, outside
expenses, estimated taxes quarterly etc... This year, I gave up doing it
myself and going to HRBlock because I felt that I needed to be more
proactive/comprehensive/thorough about what I could do this year and
what I needed to think about better for next year. Through another
mom's group that I belong to, I found a CPA in Orinda who has been
really really wonderful. She once worked at a big firm in the city, but has
since hung out her own shingle. She is great and I would highly
recommend her. She has suggested things, corrected things, and just
been a pleasure to deal with. Her name is Marina Wright, and her
phone is 925/253-1445, and her email is MarinaWrightCPA at attbi.com.
Maryanne M
December 2002
Does anyone have a recommedation for an East Bay tax preparer?
The recommendations on the site are several years old.
Someone who can handle preparing personal tax returns, who
understands child-related deductions, is honest and reliable.
Also, any idea of the going rate for these services?
Mcgee's Tax Service in Lafayette was really great for us. We
previously had a less than stellar experience with a CPA, and
were therefore hesitant to let someone help us, but tax law is so
complicated, we needed expertise. A friend with a small business
referred us to Jeff McGee. He really, really helped and was
quite reasonable in cost. We're going back for more if you need
further endorsement. His number is (925) 299-1442
linda
Try Michael Alef on Vine Street in Berkeley. He's a CPA and has
helped us for several years. He's honest and reliable.
anon
We've used Peter Abel, on College Ave., the past three or four
years. He seems to be quite competent and knows personal income
tax laws well. He has typically charged us about $250 depending
on how complicated things are. His number is 510-420-8188.
Hannah
I highly recommend Maria Ku, C.P.A. (a Haas School High-Honors
grad! and my spouse)to assist you with any tax-related matters.
She has been doing taxes for many years, and opened her own
private practice 2.5 years ago.
Maria is very professional and reliable, has many local East
Bay clients with various child- and investments-related issues
that she's been successfully advising through the changing
tides in the economy. She has a lot of happy clients, and you
could talk to them if you wish.
Because Maria's own business still has some openings, her
professional rates are very reasonable ($55/hr) for her
extensive tax expertise. She is a licensed C.P.A. and a
community activist providing her pro bono professional services
to her public school and other local organizations. You can
visit her web site at www.geocities.com/Maria_Ku_CPA to learn
more about her background, services and local client base.
Please call her at (510) 531-6614 or e-mail her at
maria.ku AT sbcglobal DOT net
Marco
I have recommended several friends to my tax preparer and we all
can't say enough about him. I have known him for several years.
He is very nice, accomodating, up on the changing tax laws, will
explain things to you in a clear manner without making you feel
ignorant, and will work hard to make sure you get the most from
your return. He will meet with you in person, or in some cases
you can just send/fax him all your info and he can prepare your
taxes for you without even having to go to his office. Here's
his info:
Jim Sparkman, C.P.A
1155 Meridian Ave., Suite 204
San Jose, CA 95125
phone: (408) 265-8400
fax (408) 265-7191
email: sparkmanco AT sbcglobal DOT net
Angelica
January 2003
We're looking for an independent advisor/CPA/tax expert, and
nothing on the website seems to quite fit what we need -- or
perhaps we simply don't understand what it is that we need... We
have several long- and short-term financial goals, including all
the usual retirement/school fund/kid #2/travel issues (that is,
we have retirement and school funds, but they are likely not the
most elegant solutions). We don't necessarily want someone to
help us build a portfolio but more to tell us the tax
implications of particular investment vehicles. In addition, we
need tax advice for various kinds of activity -- *especially*
real estate investing (both home and rental property), as well as
small business activity. Lastly, we'd like this person to partner
with someone who can then take care of all our tax filing -- or
if the same person does all of this, then great!
So Many Choices, So Few Brain Cells Left
I would highly recommend Ken Rosen in Walnut Creek (with
Brockstein and Rosen 925-930-8108) who has been my tax advisor for
almost 10 years and my husbands for longer than that.
I feel he is quite knowledgeable on a broad base of financial
matters and that he has really championed my goals.
He is more than capable of doing all that you require.
Deborah
I would highly recommend California Accounting Center, Jay R.
Shah CPA and Principal for financial advice and tax preperation,
he sends out a quarterly newsletter with great tax tips. You
can e-mail www.calaccountingcenter.com or call him at Phone #
510-625-7933.
Andrea
We've been going to Peggy Hall for our taxes for a number of
years. She works out of her house in Moraga and can be
reached at halloftaxes at yahoo.com. Feel free to tell her that
I recommended her.
jamie
February 2000
I heartily recommend Jan Zobel for tax preparation. She is efficient and
organized. Her rates are reasonable and she is very flexible given our tax
status as "unmarried" parents of two dependents, all in the same household.
She works with our individual circumstances to get us the possible outcome.
Jan has an office in Montclair and in San Francisco and can be reached at
510 482 1015. Seth
I wanted to give you the name of my tax preparer, whom I have been using
since 1992. Her business, called "Just Taxes," is located at 6327 Fairmont
Avenue, across from the El Cerrito Post Office. Her name is Janet
Blackburn. Her telephone number is: 528-8299 or 528-8328.
She has always provided me with fast, accurate, and reliable services.
Try her out! I've only had good experiences with her.
To the person looking for a financial services person in the Albany
area, I would like to recommend John Stephenson. He is an excellent tax
accountant, although I don't know if he does any financial planning.
His number is 528-8299. His office is located on Fairmount Avenue, just
down from the El Cerrito BART station (almost at San Pablo).
(he's at Just Taxes as
well).
Carl
I can highly recommend Ron Yee, CPA. He lives in Berkeley and makes house
calls! I no longer dread tax time. He comes over, and does everything right
there on his computer. He is proactive in helping to figure out if there are
ways to save money, and he is super nice, and patiently answers questions. I
don't know if has any particular expertise in dealing with gay/lesbian
families,
but you could ask him. His phone # is 510 843-6511. You can tell him that
(I also think he's very reasonably priced although I don't have a lot to
compare to)
Karen
Sheila Khalov in Oakland is recommended for tax returns. Her business is
called
Many Happy Returns and is on College Ave. Maggie
I highly second the recommendation of Sheila Khalov in
Oakland, near the Safeway on College & Claremont.
Linda
April 1999
Our tax preparer is great! She's very efficient, and nice besides. My husband
used to work with her and can vouch for her high professional standards. Her
name is Maria Sohnlein and can be reached at (510) 799-3304 (her home phone, so
call at a reasonable hour) or sohnlein at pacbell.net.
Laurel
December 1998
My husband and I have gone to Feiner Tax Service in Berkeley (on 6th Street
near Dwight) for years, working with Gary Feiner. He's good. Phone
510-549-2226 .
Bonnie
Sept 1998
I highly recommend a tax preparer that I have used for years: Peter Morfin,
in Kensington, ph: 525-0814.
Peter also provides financial consulting. He has been a therapist for
years, is intelligent, knowledgeable and funny. My husband and I met with
him to plan our financial future and found his unique blend of skills
extremely helpful.
Kathy
We have a great tax accountant, Valerie Schieber, in Emeryville who
also came to us highly recommended. 510-644-1236
Andrea
March 1998
Kelvin Brown & Associates/Brown's Tax Service in Pinole is great! They are a
family run buisness and are very friendly, professional and helpful. They are
at 1279 San Pablo Ave in Pinole. Their phone number is 724-8787. They also
have an office in Concord - 2291 Pacheco Street. phone 685-8500.
Heather
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