Don't use this company. They have had my tax information for over a year and I still don't have my final 2021 Tax filing completed. They don't respond to e-mails, call their office and same lack of responsiveness. Several weeks ago we were supposed to have our final 2021 return still not yet despite numerous e-mails Don't use this firm. Buyer Beware. read more

Charlie is the best! She has been doing our taxes for years. I recommend Brown Armstrong to everyone. Very friendly, knowledgeable and professional organization you want handling your personal information, no matter big or small. read more

I had such a bad experience with them. I use them for 4 years paid so much money as their fee usually about $3,000.00 (we don't even have big business or anything , just two salary and small ranch ) but last year they almost double up their fee, closed to 6,000 I ask detail statement for the fee or at least explanation. They don't even bother to do that just charge me interest for unpaid fee. Our accountant was Chris thornberg/Charlie. read more

Unlike the previous reviewer who states he is a former employee of Brown Armstrong, my review comes from experience and the perspective of having been an actual client/customer. Our interactions were with Richard Halle, CPA , Principal and Diane White, EA, Shareholder in Training. From what can be determined from the Brown Armstrong invoice it appears that Rhonda Stefanik did most of the preparations. One of the attorneys handling my mother's Trust suggested Brown Armstrong do the Trust's accounting. After meeting and explaining the Trust's requirements, B/A advised the cost to do the accounting would be approximately $10,000. The actual cost was in excess of $30,000! For immediate payment in full, B/A took $5,000 off the bill. When it came time to close the Trust, B/A advised it would cost $2,000. Given they had done the earlier accounting, it seemed reasonable to believe they had a clear and accurate understanding of the time/effort necessary to complete the task. The cost to close the Trust was $6200.00! At no time were we advised or given the simple courtesy of notification that fees were escalating threefold. Brown Armstrong's position is- costs quoted are only "estimates." You would think if the firm is as experienced and qualified as they claim that "estimates" could at least be in the same ball park. It seems like actual costs are underestimated only to balloon after the prospect becomes a client. As a client, the best service that could have been provided would include realistic estimates of costs from the starting gate and work progress vs. updated costs to get to the finish line. In this way, there are no reasons for client sticker shock or necessary in-office charge-offs. To do anything less, leaves a client to believe that estimates of the billable hours "to get the job" were misrepresented or B/A had little grasp of the actual task for which they were hired. For the closing of the Trust, Brown Armstrong demanded "payment be received in full prior to releasing the tax returns and K-1s." This was a few days prior to the tax filing deadline and it left little time to attempt to work out the matter. The choice was, either pay escalated cost or have the inconvenience and time lost in filing for an extension. When the final K-1 and tax return were "released" and provided to me- of all things Brown Armstrong had made an error with my last name- and these were going to the IRS! Somehow, they listed my name as my former married name which I have not used in several years. Yet all correspondences, emails and formal documents going to and coming from Brown Armstrong for the past few years had always used my current and correct name. I was advised by Brown Armstrong that "It should not create any confusion with the IRS as long as your social security number is correct." It seems that either no one caught the inconsistency or no one cared enough to confirm which name was correct. It makes me wonder about the accuracy and attention to detail that was given to their work. I immediately checked to be certain that they hadn't made a mistake on my social security number as well. Lesson learned--- in engagement letter/contract, be certain it is noted that the "estimate" cannot exceed a certain cost without your knowledge and approval. Further, as costs escalate that you be informed of this and advised as to the reasons why. Bottom line--- don't believe lowball "estimate". Regardless of what Brown Armstrong quotes; TRIPLE the "quote" and you will be nearer the actual cost and can budget accordingly! read more

Brown Armstrong handles my personal and small business taxes. Specifically I work with Charlie McCarthy, CPA. They are professional and responsive, let me know tax implications of business decisions, and deal with my not so organized bookkeeping without judgment. One of these days I'm going to get them do my book keeping for me too! read more

Our relationship with Brown Armstrong began with the tax year 2003, the time we worked with a couple law firms to create two LLCs for doing business in California. The purpose of the LLCs was to purchase rental properties in Bakersfield. In 2003, our primary residence was located in the state of Washington but I largely traveled to Idaho for employment until retirement in 2010 and subsequent relocation to Bakersfield. Considering the fact three states were involved for a number of years, it made the tax returns more complex. Further, our business relationship has continued uninterrupted for a total of 14 years now with the 2016 tax returns being filed this week. During this time span, we have worked with both Diane White and Chris Thornburgh on various issues and consider their expertise nothing less than excellent. Besides the tax returns, we have also engaged the firm on some tax planning issues and to act as the liaison with the Franchise Tax Board on certain technical matters relating to the IRS code. We compile our business activities utilizing QuickBooks and turn over the records after year end for the proper review and adjustments per the IRS code. During the year, we occasionally run into some unique circumstances and contact them for the correct journal entries. As far as the personal piece of the tax returns, their Tax Organizer is comprehensive and easy to complete. It has provided us great comfort knowing the joint returns are done with the highest level of integrity and excellence. For their professional services, we feel the charges are commensurate with the quality of work being performed. Additionally, there are other advantages in dealing with an accounting firm the size of Brown Armstrong compared to a smaller one because the partners can better keep up with the nuances of the IRS code. The Federal Internal Revenue Code encompasses about 2.4 million words and the Federal Tax Regulations another 7.6 million words. In my opinion, a smaller firm simply does not have the resources to update themselves properly on all the issues and meet our expectations. read more

As a former employee of Brown Armstrong, I feel that I have an extra ability to examine their work and know how they perform. Regarding income tax compliance, as with many other larger firms, the price one pays may seem a bit high and not everyone needs the expertise of a large firm. That being said, Brown Armstrong does know what they're doing and whether you're working with Pete Brown, Burt Armstrong, Chris Thornburgh, Jay Porter or any of the other partners and managers, you should know that their experience with the IRS, Franchise Tax Board, and other government groups with which a person or business may need to prove their compliance, is real and their results will be accurate to your situation. If your tax situation needs more expertise than Turbo Tax, H&R Block, or any of those other retail tax firms may provide, then you may want to consult with the tax department at Brown Armstrong. As to their audit side, I must plead ignorance, as I am not familiar with their audit services. I can tell you though, that I wouldn't be upset if they became my current company's auditors. I think that the expertise of Burt Armstrong, Steve Starbuck, Andy Paulden, and their other audit partners is among the best in the area and quite possibly their individual industries. In closing, I would recommend them over and over again. read more

My husband and I have used Brown Armstrong for our yearly taxes for ten years. We've worked primarily with Chris Thornburg, CPA, as our primary accountant for our work and residential taxes. Being a property manager of a rental home, we've had very good success with Chris and her ability to help us understand and manage the yearly tax codes that apply to having a rental as a business opportunity. This year, we finally sold the rental property, sold our primary residence, and purchased a new home. Needless to say, it was overwhelming to learn that the capital gains taxes were going to be high and mighty from the rental home. However, Chris took many moments in time to help us understand the tax codes and how to account for responsible deductions. As a result, our capital gains taxes were reduced considerably yet responsibly. She completed our yearly taxes for employment and three residences timely. We have found all of the employees and associates at Brown Armstrong to be kind and very helpful. read more