Paul and his team are amazing. Honest accounting advice and quick to help you facilitate any issues that arise.

It started really good talking to Paul and then we paid a deposit and then things went quite. Reached out multiple times with no response or if I get a person, they would say someone will call back but nothing. read more

This place use to be good when Paul did taxes and cared about his business he started hiring family members that don't know what they're doing he has a guy there by Adam who has a attitude very rude you go to him for help. and he treats you as if the money is coming out of his pocket. He was supposed to complete my taxes instead he loss my paperwork didn't complete my taxes and then said I refused to do them. I tried emailing the owner Paul calling him and all I got was I found your paper work come get it. When there are sheets still missing after giving 15 years and referring so many people to this company this is what I got a go fuck myself attitude.. I will never and I mean never go back. This place isn't the same anymore. Don't waste your time here their rude now and they rush things they don't even try to help anymore. So sad. read more

Beyond disappointed. Very unprofessional. Was referred to them for our 2018 return, Met with Paul. He convinced my husband to set up a partnership because he claimed it was the best way to reduce his taxes as an independent contractor. Paid them a ton of money to do the paperwork. For our 2019 taxes we couldn't get an appointment time with them, excuse after excuse, went with another company so we didn't get penalized. That accountant passed away, so we came back for our 2020 return. We've been going back and forth since April with the Tax Strategies office, trying to complete our taxes. Wanted thousands of dollars in bookkeeping fees, we went through and did all the book keeping and sent them everything via email and their online portal. For the past month my husbands had the run around, leaving voicemails and emails just begging to complete the return before the extension due date. They have all our documents, person at the office keeps saying that we'll receive a call back. Today they schedule a 3pm call with my husband. Paul comes on, nothing he says makes sense, accuses my husband of telling him to do all the bookkeeping, we've never spoken to him this year and once we received a quote we immediately said we would work on our own bookkeeping. He said we told Justin to do it, we've never spoken to or emailed a Justin. Husband said if you've done the work then what do we owe, show us some proof you did any work... he back tracks, gets angry, finally says he doesn't want to do our taxes, 10 days before our extension is over. This guy talks a great game to get the grand to file your partnership/Corp/LLC etc (which you can do on your own for way cheaper) then screws you over the next year. Another family member had a huge screw up on his taxes in 2020 from this office, the friend who referred Tax Strategies to us no longer uses them because of all the issues she's had. My recommendation is to stay away. We were able to find another accountant today who has been a million times more helpful and charged a third of what Tax Strategies was trying to scam us for. I hope they get investigated by the IRS because something isn't right there. read more

These guys are quick! I've been totally disorganized and these guys helped clear my head! I was referred by my cousin... Can't beat it.

Tis the season. Tax season that is. You know what they say: death and taxes. Yep, it's a dirty job, but we've all gotta do it. Paying taxes may be the pits, but since you can't get out of it, the least you can do is find someone to make it all a little less painful. That's where Paul Vela comes in. This man is my tax messiah. Why, you may ask? Because he never fails to turn water into wine when it comes to my taxes. Having spent more than a decade working for the IRS as an auditor himself, he knows the tax ropes inside and out. He may not always tell you what you want to hear, but will tell you what to deduct that you didn't think you should (or could) and he'll advise you on what not to, even if it's totally legit, based on that year's red flags. His claim to fame? None of his clients have been audited on any of his tax preps. I shit you not. Not a one. So what does that mean for you? Two things: you know you're getting a top notch job with no shady business that'll come back to bite you in the ass later and he'll be the first to tell you if your taxes are a wreck and you're gonna get screwed. (True story, he turned away a couple of my referrals for that reason.) It took me too many years to learn that no matter how simple you think your taxes are, you're always better off paying a pro to do them for you. The small price of tax preparation is worth every penny when it means never thinking twice about a future audit or wondering if you could have gotten some money back that you didn't. Be warned, even though you may not like everything he has to say, (he tells it like it is), going to someone like Paul will make you want to refile all of your past year's taxes. He's that good. Waiting 'til the last minute to get yours done? Run, don't walk, to see them. Tell him Dawson sent you. He'll get you in for an appointment -- seven days a week during tax season -- then you can take me out to dinner with all of the money you saved. ';) read more

Tax Strategies - Tax Services Near Me - South Pasadena, California

Used this service for years. First with John , who was the nicest guy ever. Then with David, quick, smart, really kind. So John has sadly passed away. Now I find that David has left. Does anyone know where he went? read more

I was referred to Paul by a friend over 3 years ago and have been going here ever since. Great customer service, efficient and most of all professional. I highly recommend their services. Thanks to such an awesome team!!! Mike S. read more

Tax Strategies - Tax Services Near Me - South Pasadena, California

I have gone to tax Strategies for years and never had a problem until this year. I submitted my paper in the first week of April and have called several times and emailed several times asking what is going on with my taxes. They keep saying they will contact me when they are ready. I am getting very concerned that there is some shady business going on and it is really stressing me out. And now when I call it says they are of until June for their off tax season. I can not get ahold of anyone. read more

Referred my daughter & the guy that did her taxes never emailed them in October!! And they said he doesn't work there anymore!! Why didn't they check his work out!! My daughter found out in January when she didn't receive her stimulus! She called Tax strategies & Adam told her they'd be sending them out on January 28th & that they'd contact her when they send them & guess what...they never contacted her!! My daughter called, emailed them & they wouldn't respond so I did an unidentified phone call & finally an answer on February 5th. I asked the lady what's going on with my daughter's taxes & she said the IRS isn't accepting emails until February 12th! Why didn't Adam notify my daughter like he said they would!! I then asked to speak to Paul & he wouldn't come to the Phone!! They're hard to get a hold of & charge an arm & a leg to do your taxes!! This place was never like this. Adam appears to be very lazy & I guess Paul has enough clients that he can care less about losing customer's because he's lost my business!! read more

Stay away!!! Rip off!!! $400.00 to file single ahh no thanks. Should have know better not to go to a place like this with such minimal and unsatisfactory ratings. They never answer the phone. You have to wait days for a return call if they even decided to call you back on your first message to them. Worst tax man experience ever. You've been warned!!! read more

Did an amendment to my taxes (pretty basic) cost me $250... Tax Straegies tells me I owe about $1,100....Then when IRS tells me I owe an additional $6,000. it would take 3-4 calls to get a reply from them. then finally after 10 mins on the phone with the IRS they tell me what happen and why tax return was wrong. Tax Strategies, response was "oh I guess our computer didn't have that" be careful you can get the same results and customer service using turbo tax on your laptop for $20 read more

I agree with Yelper Dawson S. on Tax Strategies. She hit all the key points on this tax business. Our tax preparer spent a lot of time with us in making sure we included as many write-offs as possible (job-specific), while not going overboard as to flag us. After all is said and done, Paul Vela reviews and approves the preparation prior to you signing. This way he verifies that everything looks legit. Being that he worked for the IRS, we felt confident in his ability to make sure we're "good". His rate is definitely more expensive ($250 for married/filing as one), but it's worth it as his office would represent you in the event of an audit (which they, to this date, have not had an issue with). I would recommend Tax Strategies to those with more complex write-offs (job specific, home office, etc.). read more

This was my first year using Tax Strategies and I was pleased with their service. When I initially called I was able to get an appointment for the day I requested which was nice. They have a very helpful website and provide a checklist of items to make sure you bring to prepare your tax forms. One of the tax preparers inputs all our information and it is reviewed for accuracy by the owner Paul Vela. He was very helpful and even provided us with some "fun facts" and tips that could possibly get us more $$ in 2012. I will be a repeat customer! read more

I have been coming her since my 2011. I drive from Rancho Cucamonga just to get my taxes done (thank goodness it's only once a year). Dennise (with two N's) has been my tax specialist. She is very knowledgeable and experienced. Dennise takes her time explaining my return to me. The reason I keep coming back is because she answers my questions and addresses my concerns in a timely manner and professionally. Business must be doing well, as they just expanded their office. Paul the owner, is the best. They really know how to treat their clientele. I would recommend the Tax Strategies team for taxes any day of the week. There is a reason why they have 5 stars after 41 reviews!! Parking can get a little tight, so just a heads up! read more

Paul is great!!!! My husband and I were referred to him by another client of Paul's and, after being royally screwed by another tax preparer, we were very skeptical about trying someone new. When I first arrived, I noticed how organized Paul's office was. That right there made me more comfortable about making the switch (previous tax person was so disorganized and had a bunch of clutter all over her office). Aside from being organized, Paul just keeps it real and is straight up about everything. He took a look at mine and my husbands past tax return and after about one minute found about 10 red flags and was not surprised at all that we had been audited. He also explained our entire tax return to us BEFORE he filed it, which I was very surprised by since that had never happened to me before. I was not left in the dark like with my other tax person. After all was said and done, I feel extremely confident that not only were my taxes prepared and filed correctly, but also that I will not be getting audited again (trust me, it's not fun). One last thing, the $250 fee that Paul charges is NOTHING!!!! Seriously, my other tax person would charge up in the $400's, but when it came down to her helping me back up my tax return (that she filed for me, literally) she was no where to be found. Thanks you Paul Vela!!!! read more

Paul was great. He is very professional and really cares about his clients. I had a tax situation with the IRS for 2006 and 2007 and Paul really took the time to help me figure out a solution with my taxes. I called him on April 12th and he met him on April 13th which was a Sunday and prime time tax season. He's flexible and cares about his clients, and he has a vast range of tax knowledge. I am grateful for his help and service and highly recommend him. I work in the real estate industry and I am a business owner in the tech world. I can say he's one of the best in taxes, he knows his craft inside and out and is very professional. -David read more

I have come to Tax Steategies for 6 years and I always leave happy! I've been screwed over before and Tax Strategies swooped in and they are my heroes every tax season. :) It's actually enjoyable because Paul and Denise take the time to explain everything, and they seem to really love it! I will come here forever and ever. read more

I've been coming to Paul for over 4 years and he's been helping me by doing my taxes. His team is very professional, they always answer all my questions. I truly recommend them 100% -Angel De La Rosa, A happy customer read more

Very professional. Dennise has always been very professional and has always assisted on getting the best refund better. My tax refund has tripled since I've been here. I would recommend this to everyone just like I have to all me family. Thank you Dennise!!! read more

Tax Strategies - Very professional! Thank you Dennise!! - Tax Services Near Me - South Pasadena, California

If you are looking for good quality Tax Services you've got to come here. I have been a customer for over 5 years now and have always been satisfied with the services. Paul Vela and Associates is your go to tax service. read more

Paul's an old buddy from Cathedral and I value his tax services. He's built his company from scratch and many people depend on him, keep trucking! read more

HORRIBLE SERVICE. Paul was rude, condescending, disrespectful and aggressive. He yelled at me during a scheduled appointment, was negligent with my business and caused me to pay penalties for not filing for an extension, and was overall careless with my time and my business. I won't be returning or giving them any business, and I would never recommend them. read more

Excellent Service, The girl Denise Martinez is a beast!!! She got me my own corporation same day with a very creative name!!! Very excited to come here again. Friendly environment, everyone's so helpful!! Recommend for anyone doing their taxes. read more

Paul Vela cancelled our 1st appointment the night before, gave wrong tax advice, left nasty voicemail. This whole thing happened in March. I was referred to Paul Vela. The night before the initial appt, he called to cancel and asked me to email him 2 years of tax return + 2013 forms and to make another appt. I said ok but I'm still awaiting some forms so I could not email him right away. Made another appt. 2 days before it, Paul's assistant called asking for the email of our tax history. I told him we were still waiting for a few items, which we should have 1 day before the appt, and apologized for not able to send email first, and that we do not expect Paul to complete our tax right away and we are fine filing for extension since we've filed for extensions in the past few years anyway. We had no control over when we would receive all tax forms from other partner and trust accounts. The partner and trust accounts needed to complete their tax first, then they would be able to give us our tax forms. The assistant said ok, see you in 2 days. Then the night before the appt, Paul left me a nasty voicemail: "This is my company, I have rules, you did not do what you said you would, I'm not going to go distress myself, it's best you find another accountant." Wow, doesn't he know that he is in the professional service industry?! I understand he could be annoyed that we could not email him prior to meeting him in person, but we explained / apologized, plus we said we were not in a rush. I am also ok with him not wanting to taking us an a new client due to the complexity and we usually do not receive all forms until March. However, it is NOT ok to leave nasty voicemail. Especially when he demonstrated last minute planning by cancelling us the night before the initial appointment. He also gave wrong tax advice. I asked: for our rental property, which we lived in 2 years out of the past 5 years as primary home. When selling it, is the cost basis the market value when we moved out, or the original purchase price? Paul replied the purchase price. I later researched, the correct cost basis is the market value when we moved out. I would have let this go and not write this review if his voicemail was more like, hey we tried to work with each other but due to the delay, i'm no longer able to help you due to capacity, best of luck, etc. But he was very accusatory. I was very surprised at this experience since my friend likes him a lot and reviews here are mostly great. Hope you have better luck with him. read more

I've been using tax strategies for years and have never been disappointed! They are quick and great at what they do. I relocated to Anaheim, which about 3 times as far to reach them, but I still make the trip every year. Paul and his group are the best! read more

I've been coming here for a few years was referred to Paul by my parents. He's very helpful and knowledge in all tax services! Would definitely recommend him to friends & family. He's pretty great. read more

I've been coming to Paul for the last three years and he's great! Everyone in the office is friendly and helpful! I refer friends and family always. read more

Nancy at the front desk is extremely friendly. Been going to Paul the CEO for 5 years. Much more professional and knowledgeable than H&R Block. Friendly staff and great environment. Highly recommend. read more

Referred by a co-worker after having a terrible experience with my previous tax preparers I had been going to for fifteen years. Paul prepared my taxes, looked at the filing for the year before and showed me all the errors that had been done incorrectly . I have been coming back for three years now and highly recommend the professionals at tax strategies.one satisfied client! read more

Paul is a great tax guy, which is why I have been a customer of his for a few years now. Every year I am able to make & keep my appointment with Paul win zero problems. All the staff at Paul's office is very helpful. Paul always takes the time to sit and explain in detail all the numbers and is eager to answer any questions I have. Before I was referred to Paul, I knew somehow my previous tax guy was not doing enough for me and I am gald to have been referred to Paul. All in all, I highly recommend Tax Strategies services. I always recommend Paul to people when the tax season comes around but some people seem to be afraid to try something new. Good luck! :) read more

Fast, efficient services. I've been a customer fur over 10 years and I always get a refund. Yay. I get to go on vacation!

We were referred to Paul from a coworker and now we've been with Paul for approx 6yrs. He is always very thorough and explains everything. He has given us great advice for our business and for the future!! We are grateful for his wonderful service! Staff is always very courteous:) read more

I've been coming here for 6 years and get great service and very professional. You won't regret coming here.

By far the best tax service I've ever been to. Paul & his staff is very professional & friendly. They are awesome & very good at what they do.I highly recommend this place my whole family comes here & all the people I have recommended them are happy and satisfied with there services. A big thumbs up read more

2013 was my first time using their services after being referred by a friend, excellent customer service, extremely professional. I worked with Paul and he took some time educating me on how to properly itemize yearly expenses. Being young and single, you need all the help you can get. Thanks guys! read more

Awsome place to come by do your taxes! Very clear about the whole process and clear about the subject. I come to many places every year. For once I found a place I look foward to come back too every year read more

This place is great! It's my third year here and I plan to keep coming back. Everyone is very nice and thorough and I definitely trust them with my taxes each year. read more

Excellent services. Everyone is great.... Exceptional team. I've been doing my taxes here for the past 4 yrs and never had issues.

Paul and his team are great, I drive 85 miles just to have his team do my taxes for last couple of years! Highly recommended!