This is my first time using a CPA. Despite this being a recommendation from a friend, he is not providing proof of timely mailing for extension of tax filing despite him stating differently in email. Multiple phone calls and emails were sent without response. please avoid this headache. Being chased by IRS is not fun and highly annoying. read more

Charles Swan is more than a tax preaparer, Hes honest, has guided me well in financial and tax planning last 20 years. I cannot reccomend anyone more. Its a blessing that he is able to accomodate new clients I think this is driven by his true intention of helping everyone. read more

It's disappointing when an educated, licensed professional doesn't own up to the responsibility of there role. My wife and I recently found out that Mr. Swan's firm did not file our 2017 form 1040 tax returns. We've received numerous letters from FTB and the IRS for failure to file. These letters included several thousands of dollars in potential penalties. All documents were submitted to Mr. Swan early and payment made as necessary for service. Despite several attempts to connect with Mr. Swan and staff, they have completely failed at any attempt to respond. Not a single reply by phone or email which is even more alarming than the letters received. Every attempt to resolve this matter has been motivated by us. Please note that this review is solely based on lack of professionalism. I would never refer or use this firm again. We also plan on taking further action via formal complaint. Hopefully Mr. Swan learns what it means to be a professional. read more

Charles Swan is very knowledgeable with taxes also he would give you advice if you let him know what are you working on. I am very happy to work with him on my tax 2022 and would continue for many years ahead. read more

If there was a ZERO star option, this place would have it! If there was a picture of unethical, ghetto, rude and immoral in the dictionary you would see this place and the tax preparer next to the words. Whether you are an individual or business needing tax preparation, please be wary of this place. I caution you, and the reasons why are: The preparer is an enrolled agent but tries to pass himself off as a CPA. The "house office" is very dirty, cluttered and the air is malodorous; very, very smelly. Down right disgusting! No one in the office knows what's going on. There is always a different "office girl" running around like a chicken head not knowing what to do. The preparer lacks professionalism and courtesy. He will use derogatory language in the presence of clients. If you are a female, you will be hit on by the preparer; refuse his advances; he will become very rude and snide. If you leave a message no one will ever call you back. If you have a scheduled appointment, you will wait in the "living room area" for over two hours. You will be talked down to, cursed and sweared at. The preparer is not abreast on current tax laws and codes; you will definitely have to file an ammended return if you have your taxes done here. You will certainly be over charged, fees range from $400 to $500 for simple 1040A/1040EZ returns. Unbelievable?? Try out his services and you'll find out but remember I did say... Please Beware!!!!!! NEVER, NEVER again will I have our taxes done here!! read more

I've been going to Cal Tax Service for nearly a decade. My taxes have always been prepared with that personal touch that is lacking in most tax preparation businesses. And that's something I truly appreciate. There is a lot of value in going to Cal Tax. Yea, the staff definitely has the knowledge and expertise that comes only from years of experience. But also, it's that personal touch and effort to learn how they can best serve each customer's specific financial circumstance that makes them an awesome organization to deal with. One of the things I enjoy most about Cal Tax? The staff. They are so friendly! Believe me, very few people enter a tax preparation business in a good mood - the staff totally recognizes this and works very hard to put you at ease. Coffee. Tea. Snacks. They have tons of refreshments available to patrons while they are waiting to be seen. Much appreciated I'm sure. Yes, during peak times in tax season, there very likely will be a bit of wait. That's why I've learned to schedule my appointments on weekends or early in the morning. Their weekend hours and ultimate flexibility is another one of the reasons why I return to Cal Tax year after year - and I make the trek all the way down from Oakland these days! On occasion, I've had to call about various matters, and never have I experienced any ineptness or rudeness from the staff. If for what ever reason they are unavailable to take your call at that moment, they do make certain to give you a call back. I have only been treated with the utmost respect at the office - by all members of the staff. You can always go to the sterile, corporate-run tax prep business around the corner. And be prepared to get just that - generic service. Cal Tax will continue to have my business - and the business of my many referrals - for years to come. read more

After a couple of years dealing with this office, our family has decided to no longer utilize their services. Even with appointments made, they were not adhered to; ever. Our time is just as valuable as this company. An email was sent with concerns about our electronic filing of income taxes was not responded to. We had to follow up, again. The lack of concern, responsibility, and seriousness when dealing with someone's financial reportings left us with feelings of helplessness and uneasiness. It is because of this that will go elsewhere and never rcommend this company. read more

This post i 1000% correct. If there was a ZERO star option, this place would have it! If there was a picture of unethical, ghetto, rude and immoral in the dictionary you would see this place and the tax preparer next to the words. Whether you are an individual or business needing tax preparation, please be wary of this place. I caution you, and the reasons why are: The preparer is an enrolled agent but tries to pass himself off as a CPA. The "house office" is very dirty, cluttered and the air is malodorous; very, very smelly. Down right disgusting! No one in the office knows what's going on. There is always a different "office girl" running around like a chicken head not knowing what to do. The preparer lacks professionalism and courtesy. He will use derogatory language in the presence of clients. If you are a female, you will be hit on by the preparer; refuse his advances; he will become very rude and snide. If you leave a message no one will ever call you back. If you have a scheduled appointment, you will wait in the "living room area" for over two hours. You will be talked down to, cursed and sweared at. The preparer is not abreast on current tax laws and codes; you will definitely have to file an ammended return if you have your taxes done here. You will certainly be over charged, fees range from $400 to $500 for simple 1040A/1040EZ returns. Unbelievable?? Try out his services and you'll find out but remember I did say... Please Beware!!!!!! NEVER, NEVER again will I have our taxes done here!! read more

I am a Silicon Valley sales professional that has been a customer of Cal Tax Service for over 17 years. The reason I have been a loyal customer for so long is because Cal Tax Service has delivered significant results for me. My taxes have always been completed on time, and I have received invaluable tax and other wealth creation advice from Cal Tax. Cal Tax has always treated me with the utmost respect and quality of service and my personal financial situation is better today because of Cal Tax. read more

My friend has been telling me to go to Charles for years. I finally scheduled an appointment and am SO happy I did. He was so helpful. Helps you with your finances, tax questions, spends SO MUCH time with you based on your concerns and goals. I spent over an hour with him and feel SO MUCH better about my situation. He's very thorough and explains everything so you understand what's going on and next steps. The entire process has been so positive. I highly recommend him to anyone who wants honest advice and help with tax preparation. Also, scheduling process was easy. Crystal is very professional and sweet!!! So relieved I came here to fix my taxes!! read more

Charles is amazing and knowledgeable with over 20 years of experience. He was extremely patient with me and made me feel very comfortable. I have recommended Cal Tax Services to all of my friends and family. I feel confident in my pursuit towards complete financial independence and entrepreneurship after completing my taxes with him. It absolutely pays to have Cal Tax Services help you with your taxes. read more

Unless you are looking to be scammed out of EVERYTHING you have, please NEVER do business with this man or his unknowledgeable "employees". They will make empty promises and false lease agreements. I look forward to seeing you all in court. read more

Karen L H expressed my feelings exactly in terms of financial principals offered by Charles as CTS. In addition he gave me great advice on the tools I needed to run my business more efficiently saving me valuable time and money. Thank you Charles for your expert advice and great job on my taxes! read more