I used this business for many years to process my tax returns without issue. A few years ago, my refund was held up for a considerable amount of time. It was well after the typical waiting period. It turns out that there was a mistake in the refund related to health insurance status. The problem is, all of the necessary information was provided to the person who prepared my taxes at the time of our meeting. In spite of this being entirely the error of Checks and Balances, I was left on my own. They told me that I would have to fight my insurance company and the IRS about the error that THIS COMPANY made. They made no effort to make up the difference in the refund which they screwed up due to their incompetence. They didn't even refund the fee that I paid them to process this return. I emailed the owner again requesting that he correct the mistake that his company made. He never even responded. Perhaps the most ironic thing about this encounter is that their motto is "The difference between accounting firms is how they treat their clients". I actually agree with them on this and for that reason, would never recommend this company to anyone who expects that a paid professional should be accountable for their mistakes. Accountability is not a word that this company is familiar with. This left a very bitter taste in my mouth and I have not used this company since. In fact, having asked plenty of questions previously, I know enough to take care of my taxes on my own, and in spite of not being anything close to a professional accountant, have not screwed my taxes up once. Save yourself a lot of hassle and money by NOT using this company. read more

I found myself looking for a new company to prepare my taxes this year. Unfortunately, I stumbled upon Checks and Balances. I have to say, this was the most horrendous experience I've had in a long time. I called to schedule my appointment and found the lady "Cathy" to be open to working with me. We discussed if it would be appropriate for me to sit with the owner or if she felt my initial needs could be sufficiently addressed by her. Ultimately, we both decided I would meet with her and schedule a separate appointment with the owner to address my more in-depth business questions. I explained the business I'm in and that I receive many 1099 documents every year. I also asked about the approximate cost for her to complete my filing. The costs she quoted were in line with other places I've worked with. Cathy suggested we schedule our appointment for 1 1/2 hours because I hadn't been there before and that I had numerous 1099s to work through. Everything was going perfectly. Upon arriving at the office, I waited for a few only minutes. Cathy opened her office door and basically told me to take a seat. No greeting whatsoever. I brushed it off, understanding that tax season is burdensome and stressful for everyone. Things were progressing, until she asked if I had bought or sold crypto currency. Actually, she said "you didn't buy or sell crypto, correct?". Once I told her I had, the appointment went down hill from there. I got the impression that she wasn't experienced in filing for people who have played with crypto. She began to present an increasingly unpleasant demeanor. She put earbuds in and listened to a video. I can only assume it was abut filing for crypto. Once she finished her video, she laughed really loudly, popped her earbuds out, and said, "that's interesting". We moved on... Once Cathy began to enter the information on my first 1099, she let out a lengthy sigh. She finished entering the first one and said, "well, there's one down". After yet another deep inhale she let out an even longer sigh of disgust. I finally had enough and asked if my taxes were going to be too much of a burden for her. Not answering my question, she asked if I wanted to take them elsewhere. I explained my interpretation of her demeanor and that I was getting the impression she didn't want to work with me. I reminded her that when we initially scheduled my appointment, I have 15-20 1099s. That was one of the main reason she booked me for an hour and a half. I have no idea why the appointment went the way it did. Someone with her obvious disdain for her work should find something more fitting to her personality. Perhaps not be in a position requiring civility towards customers, at the very least. Needless to say, I will never return to Checks and Balances. read more