If I could give zero stars, I would. Avoid this accountant at all costs…read more
My family hired William Mease of Master Accounting and Tax Service to help with my elderly mother's taxes. She is in her 70s, has dementia, and needed a professional who could patiently and competently navigate the process. Instead, we encountered an accountant who was lazy, dismissive, and shockingly unprofessional.
From the very beginning, Bill failed to read or absorb the information I provided, forcing me to repeat myself multiple times. Rather than listening or problem-solving, he fired back condescending emails filled with attitude. At one point, when pressed for guidance, his response was: "There is nothing further I can do for you. You will need to find a tax preparer that doesn't know what they are doing in order to get the return filed. Good luck!"
That's right -- instead of doing his job, he essentially told my family to go hire someone "who doesn't know what they are doing" if we wanted the return completed. What kind of professional speaks to clients like this?
This wasn't a one-off slip in tone -- it was a pattern of arrogance, laziness, and outright neglect. Bill showed zero compassion for my mother's condition, no willingness to problem-solve, and no respect for our time or circumstances. He seemed more interested in blaming us than actually providing solutions.
An accountant's role is to help clients through complicated situations, not abandon them when things aren't simple. Bill made it clear that he doesn't have the patience, professionalism, or empathy to handle real-world clients with real-world challenges.
Prospective clients: take this review as a warning. If you entrust your sensitive financial matters to William Mease, expect rudeness, blame-shifting, and zero accountability. There are plenty of capable, compassionate accountants in Arizona -- do not waste your time or money here.
EDIT:
I appreciate that Mr. Mease took the time to respond, but notice what he doesn't do: he never denies sending the unprofessional tirades I quoted above, including telling my family to "find a tax preparer that doesn't know what they are doing" and ending with "good luck!" That's because he did say them, in writing, and his response here conveniently sidesteps his own words and tone.
Throughout this entire process, my messages to him were cordial and respectful, even as I had to repeat myself multiple times. His replies, on the other hand, were consistently dismissive, combative, and unhelpful. The problem wasn't that he insisted on accurate information -- any competent accountant should. The problem was his failure to communicate, failure to read the documents provided, and his repeated choice to lash out with condescending emails instead of guiding us toward solutions.
Professionalism isn't just about refusing to "compromise integrity." It's also about having the patience, empathy, and communication skills to work with clients in difficult situations. Bill demonstrated none of these qualities. His responses showed the emotional intelligence of a toddler -- reactive, defensive, and incapable of constructive dialogue.
So yes, I absolutely stand by my original review: if you're looking for a professional who will handle your financial matters with competence and respect, look elsewhere.
