We are a retired couple with a duplex in Boulder Creek. I haven't done our taxes in a few years and the wife finally pushed me to call carpe diem. The gentleman there is very nice, but we didn't feel he took the time to understand who we were and where we were coming from. He chatted with my wife for some time, but mostly talked about himself. He made some assumptions about how we wanted to handle the duplex, which were wrong. He seemed to think we were much wealthier than we actually are. At some point he apparently triggered some deep feelings she had, but he did not seem to notice it care. She cried all the way home. After we got home, we consulted AI. It turns out that we needed a different kind of tax person, if we even need one at all. AI was able to put us on the right track. Thank you, Gemini . That's about it. I don't like confrontations so I am still in contact with this man, but the wife says just pay him for the visit and cut our losses. read more

Robert Arne, owner of Carpe Diem, prepared our tax returns for the first time this year. He was recommended by a friend whose tax he has done for several years. We were very happy with the service Robert provided and will definitely use his service again. We got an appointment right away and he completed our returns and filed them electronically within a few days. He was thorough in asking for all of our information so that we didn't miss any possible deductions. The entire process start to finish was the most painless tax prep experience I've had in years. His price, I feel, was very fair. Our return is about medium in terms of complicated, with a few rental properties and to be honest he could have used that to bump his price. He didn't do that. I don't know Robert yet but I have the feeling he is above board and honest in his financial dealings, just had the impression he isn't someone who gets every penny he can in an exchange. His office is in his home and his home is on a remote road in the Santa Cruz mountains. We only needed to make one trip there as he was very willing to do everything electronically after the initial visit to meet each other. read more

Robert Arne is an exceptional professional, and a pleasure to know. He is diligent and timely, careful and thoughtful. In addition to keeping books and preparing tax returns to a high standard, he also contributes high quality articles to the local newspapers which do much to advance the understanding of his neighbors to a broad range of financial matters. He is also a very nice man, well read and charming. A gentleman. I recommend him highly. read more

Robert has been so helpful to me. When I needed help with estimating my taxes he first told me what to do and then, when I was still confused, he had me visit with him again and he actually did the work for me, without asking any extra fee. It's wonderful to have a tax person who is so caring and so helpful. read more

My lifelong accountant passed away a couple of years ago leaving me with no one to turn to for tax preparation. I tried a couple of local accountants, but was not satisfied with their work. A friend recommended Robert and I called him immediately because I had a very stressful IRS situation that needed immediate attention. It involved purchasing bitcoin in 2021 and then selling it in 2022 when the bitcoin market collapsed. The company I was dealing with back then went out of business so no records were available. Robert was able to talk me through how to find the documents needed and then put everything together to file the amended return the IRS was requesting. I couldn't be more satisfied with his professional manner and performance. I will definitely continue to use his service in the future. read more

Robert prepared my mom's estate taxes over the last 5 or 6 years and did a great job. We had a complex mix of assets and interests among the siblings and Robert navigated all of it for us. It was great having someone so knowledgeable and responsible doing this work. Highly recommend Carpe Diem Financial! read more

I was recommended to Robert by a good friend and I'm overjoyed that I made the switch to Carpe Diem tax services. The quality of service and professional exceeded my expectations. Robert answered all my questions and concerns and made me feel comfortable and up to speed. I have a 990 tax filling which is quite complicated and Robert was impeccably qualified to handle all aspects of this filling. This is my tax service from now on...thank you Robert! read more

Robert helped me file my self-employment tax return a couple years ago when I was starting out as a musician. He was a tremendous help and source of knowledge, and readily helped file supplemental forms when the IRS asked (I was at a loss trying to understand the IRS's complicated verbiage). If you're considering a financial advisor, tax preparer, or mortgage broker, go with Robert before he gets fully booked with clients! read more

I came to Robert a few years ago. I was freshly made the trustee of my father's affairs. Robert's help with navigating these new challenges was invaluable. He is fast, precise, and personable. All tax and estate professionals should treat their clients as well and grant them such peace of mind. read more

Robert Arne is experienced, efficient, and wonderfully helpful. He is good at explaining complicated issues clearly. He has years of experience. To my delight, he is also remarkably well read and willing to discuss things as broad as history, and foreign relations. He is currently writing a book on China which may be inspired by his remarkable did it to China, Tibet, and beyond. Highly recommended. read more

I have known Robert Arne personally for over 30 yrs and worked with Robert on my mother's tax returns for the past three years. Mom's tax picture was complicated with corporate and sole proprietorship income, as well as trust issues. Robert worked hard to understand mom's situation and assure that we got the taxes right, saving us money and streamlining mom's tax situation. Robert was also quick to offer valuable tax planning advice outside of the work on the return. Robert is fun to work with and passionate and knowledgeable about his profession. read more

I have worked with Robert since 2016. He was in charge of a difficult and complex tax negotiation and settlement for a family member that resulted in an unexpectedly favorable and fair outcome. He is very knowledgeable, thorough, effective and professional in his efforts. He is also very sensitive to individuals challenges to understand and deal with tax issues and has a very compassionate approach with his clients. He is enjoyable to work with. Without reservation I can recommend Robert to appropriately address tax and financial issues, resolutions and planning. read more