we have been using ALA Bookkeeping for the past couple years. Linda and her staff have been great!…read more they are quick to respond to questions and Linda is very good at what she does. I would definitely recommend their services! - Erik

DO NOT USE THIS BOOKKEEPING/ACCOUNTING SERVICE. Owner Linda is not properly registered with the…read moreCalifornia Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA) as an accountant. Linda is rude, talks over you when you are trying to tell her something. The whole experience was a disaster. I asked for a refund, she refused.

Our 2022 taxes had become incredibly complicated and I didn't feel comfortable trusting my tax…read moresoftware any more. After searching for a local professional and then double checking on Yelp, I reached out to Effective Tax & Accounting Services and had the pleasure of connecting with Belinda Tarlach. From our first phone call, I knew we found the right fit. Each complicated question was smoothed out with a thoughtful conversation and next steps where needed. She has set up a great process for all our work to be done online. I was very comforted by the clear checklists, timelines, and expectations for us and her. We moved this year and the process didn't change. We wholeheartedly recommend her services. She is an excellent partner for this very stressful and unfortunately necessary task. We have trusted her for the last three tax seasons and we will continue to do so as long as she'll have us as clients.

I had, what I thought was a quick tax question, and called and talked to her about my situation…read more Belinda advised I contact my brokerage for the answer I needed. To my pleasant surprise, she later gave me a call back to follow up and gave me some advice. For her to look into it after my call and to follow up as a courtesy shows her level of commitment. Thank you Belinda!

My tax returns have been handled by Annise Brokstein for over 10 years. As my finances became more…read morecomplex during that time, she was there for me with her considerable expertise and knowledge. Her prompt responses to my questions all year long (even during her busiest months) are valued and appreciated. She always responds. I look forward to our annual meetings in her office, where I never fail to learn something new. My highest praise for this woman and her firm.

I met Annise Brokstein in very difficult times when I thought everything was lost. Annise took the…read moretime to listen to me and the issues that I was facing. After my first meeting with Annise, I immediately knew that I not only came to the right office but to the right person. The way in which Annise explains things are easy to understand, you immediately know that she is well prepare and the awards and certificates on her walls speak for themselves. Before coming to Annise, I looked and talk to many CPA's but no one was really concern about my financial needs and in the situation that I was facing at the time, other than another client and many wanted large deposits in advanced. Annise took me in as a new client knowing my financial situation and the risk that she was taking with me and needless to say, I am still her client after 7 years and I look forward to many more years to come. There is no one day that goes by that I am not thankful for what she has done for me and the fact that she is my CPA and financial advisor. For what it is worth; take the time to think what your CPA is doing for you other than planning and preparing your taxes and take the time to spend 20 minutes with Annise Brokstein. The difference is in the financial and emotional results.

Cathy Root is a highly skilled, experienced and responsive Oakland-based CPA and tax advisor…read more Definitely 5 Stars.

Cathy and her team are friendly, responsive, easy to work with, and efficient. Highly recommend.read more

The first time I met Tracy, I knew that she was the perfect tax and business advisor for me. Tracy…read moreis knowledgeable, engaging, and very straightforward. She listened to my concerns, what I want to build, and then created a priority list that made it all digestible. Her personality and down-to- earth demeanor make her relatable and feel like you are talking to a family member who wants the best for you. I look forward to working and learning with Tracy.

Tracy is very knowledgeable. She did a great job filling our personal and business taxes. She is…read moreresponsive and reliable. She also has deep knowledge of how taxes work and stays up to date regarding changes. I will definitely be returning to her! Thank you Tracy!

My wife and I have been working with Natalya the past 5 years and she's been awesome and great to…read morework with. It was important to me to establish a relationship, and not just a "transaction" - so I value the professional relationship we have had with Natalya over the years. Natalya has worked on our personal tax returns and the ups and downs of multiple business tax returns over the years. As needed, I've also reached out to Natalya (she's also a Lawyer along with being a CPA) regarding topics that require a lawyer - and she always refers me to another lawyer in her network accordingly if it's not within her area.

My husband and I needed a accountant/tax lawyer to help us with a tax return that was flagged by…read morethe IRS. I found Natalya on YELP and called her office. Within 24 hours her office set up a ZOOM call with Natalya. She explained her process and fees upfront. She was able to find the mistakes that were made and is now reviewing another return to make sure we don't receive anymore letters. Her work ethic is amazing and she is both professional and friendly. I 100% recommend her for any tax needs.

Chere' has been an absolute pleasure to work with. I'm new to bookkeeping and needed some…read moreassistance with Quickbooks clean up and proper transaction labeling. Chere' jumped right in to assist. She is easy to communicate with, incredibly knowledgeable about bookkeeping and expert level with Quickbooks. She is trustworthy and and respects the role of consulting in a confidential environment. I highly recommend Focused Business Solutions/Chere' for bookkeeping needs and consultation.

The ladies at focused biz elevated our companies admin and contract process. They help with…read morecustomer billing communication when needed, they understand the different industries they work with and are so responsive. Highly recommend.

Had some concerns in regards to my annual taxes. Zula was so kind and understanding. Nabil was…read morequick and overall gave a great experience. I plan to use them for any future needs and refer friends . Thank you EBA!

Terra and East Bay Accounting are caring and professional in every respect. I had a difficult…read morepayroll situation with immediate deadlines, and Terra stepped in and did an amazing job. I can easily tell she cares about her clients and is able to navigate through any problem - especially in difficult situations. I have no hesitation in recommending Terra and her team for your taxes, bookkeeping, and payroll. 5 stars!