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!

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.

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

I spoke to Chika on the phone regarding my issues with my taxes for 2016 and 2017. Chika was…read moreincredibly pleasant on the phone and immediately followed up with an email and invoice with instructions on how to get my documents to her. I really appreciate her punctuality and kind attitude. My only issue with this particular service was the fee she was going to charge me: $750 for 2016 and $650 for 2017 taxes! After our call I did some research and called several tax services in the Bay Area, and every estimate I received I was quoted under $350. I felt like I was being weaseled and that made me question many other things. $400 difference is ridiculous! I have no doubt that Chika is incredible at what she does. Based on how quick she was to respond to my inquiries I am sure she gets things done and can meet deadlines.

Chika has been doing my taxes for about seven years now. Even after I moved out of California, I…read morestill go back to her because I have never met a CPA so effective and dedicated at what she does. I still remember when we started; she helped me go from owing taxes every year to collecting refunds every year. I'm happy to leave this review, as I'm happy with her services.

Had some back taxes to do a while ago and Will took care of it quick and easy…read more This year it was a quick extension while I was working to get all my forms in. I like how I'm able to scan and email (or in my case share a OneDrive folder) of the collected forms and W2s and he can take it from there. Invoicing is clear and straight forward with itemization, a bit more expensive than the HR Block I used to use but a lot more convenient and helpful from my viewpoint. You get what you pay for as the saying goes. Always fun and friendly to talk to and he helps to lay things out clearly and offers some great advice.

Gamarra Tax Services was an amazing help and support during a tax crisis. He gave us guidance…read morealong with a wealth of knowledge to help us through the process. We always felt supported because of his attention to detail, problem solving, and explaining everything throughout each step. An added bonus is his calming effect! I highly recommend using Gamarra Tax Services and would definitely return.

This is a long overdue review! I hopped online looking for Arlene's/Kirsch company to send her link…read moreto someone and Yelp popped up- I can't believe I never left a review! Arlene has been our CPA for upwards of 20 years- we have a small business, rental properties, and generally live life with all its tax implications, and Arlene is always there to sort it all out for us! She's passionate (about taxes, blows my mind! ), patient in explaining it all, and we really like her as a human being (yep, CPAs are humans, too!). She's funny and engaging, not required skills but makes writing the IRS those checks somehow a little easier. If you're lucky enough to make it on her clients list you won't be disappointed!

Arlene was great to work with. She was patient and took the time to explain things to me since…read morethis was our first year filing long form. She certainly made a lot of the anxiety surrounding tax preparation go away.

Patricia is a pleasant and knowlegable CPA. I feel very comfortable working with her…read more I am an office manager/bookkeeper for a non profit organization and whenever I have an accounting question she is always available. I would recommend her highly.

Patty Wintroath is the VERY BEST! She is patient, accurate, and forgiving of silly financial…read morelapses, in addition to knowing everything there is to know about taxes and anything else to do with income and money. I do not know what I would do without her expertise -- I don't even want to think about doing taxes myself.