When I was a first year resident of MA, having worked in two other states that year, and staffing events in NY while living in MA, my taxes seemed like a mess. Rich James sorted everything out and got me my refund. Phenomenal! Aside from being a great number-cruncher, he's also very personable. That's a wonderful quality to have since tax season is never fun. He asks thoughtful questions, makes sure you have all the papers you need, and is genuinely interested in helping get you the best refund possible. 5 stars all around! read more

Rich has been doing my taxes for the past 5 or 6 years. He's great, timely, professional and nice. Reasonably priced, too. I highly recommend them. read more

James Associates - Front door - Accountants Near Me - Somerville, Massachusetts

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I cannot recommend James Associates for accounting or tax related services. As a new business customer, James Associates filed my corporate federal and state tax returns so late that I was assessed over $2000 in penalties and interest. My W-2's were also provided so late that I had to file for an extension. The IRS code on the late issuance of W-2 forms allows for much higher penalties had they been informed of the late W-2 issuance. The late payment of the $456 MA corporate tax I incurred could have been avoided by informing me that the payment was due in March rather than waiting until October to tell me it was due. For reasons that are still not completely clear to me, after speaking with people in the MA DOR corporate and personal tax offices, I was informed that I would be required to file an additional Mass corporate return for the next year even though my returns were marked final indicating that I was ceasing business operations at year's end. When I mentioned this to James Associates they confirmed that I would need to file again for the following year even though I had clearly stated verbally and in writing well before the due dates that I intended to cease doing business in the current filing year. Because the Mass corporate return is derivative of the federal return I was obligated to do an additional federal and state return for the following year even though the IRS had confirmed that no additional return would be necessary. Realizing in March that James Associates was not going to issue my W-2 or have my corporate return completed in time to for me to estimate my personal tax liability, I dropped off a letter in early March requesting assistance on estimating my personal tax liability so I could avoid underpayment penalties. I got no response so I did my own W-2 and federal 1120S and provided those forms to H&R Block so they could estimate my tax liability. I also submitted my versions of the W-2 and 1120S forms to James Associates in the hope that it would expedite their completion of the filings. The filings were made 7 months later in the last week of the extension period for personal tax returns. The W-2 and 1120S filed were identical, from a tax perspective, to the versions of the forms that I had provided in March. Having incurred a significant number of business expenses in the year after closure I spoke to an IRS representative who informed me that the IRS would accept corporate expenses incurred after closure of the business as offsetting personal income. But they qualified this by saying I should consult with a tax professional. Reluctantly I called James Associates and asked if Rich James was in. The receptionist said he was and asked who was calling. I identified myself and waited much longer than it should have taken to transfer my call. The receptionist finally returned and informed me Rich was not in although she thought he was. I informed her that I had been advised by the IRS to talk to a tax professional regarding business expenses incurred after business closure related to my personal return and that James Associates was familiar with all of the information pertinent to this question. I never got a call back. Fortunately I was able to find a Tax office within walking distance of Davis Square who freely gave me advice on the above as well as how to get the business closed in the eyes of the MA DOR and on how to possibly receive an abatement on one of the penalties I was assessed. Finally I reached out to a friend who is a member of the Mass Bar Association who worked in his father's accounting firm when he was young. He advised me to request that James Associates provide me with information regarding their liability insurance policy so I could make a claim against it for the penalties and extra expenses incurred. I submitted this request in writing. After waiting several months with no response I finally dropped off a letter documenting my dissatisfaction and giving James Associates a chance to respond before I documented my experience on Yelp. Predictably I got no response. read more

Overall my experience at James Associates has been good. Rich handled my taxes the last couple years and always filed them within a week of my appointment with him. The main drawback is they have no electronic system so you have to bring in paper copies of everything and get the tax returns back as hardcopies. read more

Don't go here. I went in with a very specific question for my 2013 returns. The associate I worked with assured me that he was an expert in that specific subject matter and said he would take care of it. I had a pleasant first interaction with the accountant and I trusted him. He filed my taxes quickly and got my refund but he did not address the issue I had requested. When I called in and connected with the CPA he told me he would do an addendum on my taxes in the summer. I called between 15-20 times from June - November and he kept saying he would do it the next week. I finally gave up and I'm paying someone else to clean up the mess. My biggest gripe is that I was repeatedly told by the accountant that he would take care of it. And he never did. read more

While I ended up getting a decent refund, a third of it was eaten up by accountants fees. This was my first time going through an accountant (I'm a new business owner) so maybe I wasn't sure what to expect, but I was definitely made to feel unimportant after 2 months of waiting for my taxes to be completed. I met with Charlie several times in order to get everything sorted out, and handed everything over to them in mid-February. I run a small business (myself and a few contractors) and it took them so long to process my paperwork that we had to file an extension! In the end I paid nearly $1,000 for my business and personal taxes, which will leave about $2,000 left from my refund. Likely a worthwhile trade since they no doubt used every deduction / work around possible, but it was frustrating to feel like I wasn't important because I was so small. If that and the fees don't bother you, then go for it, because these guys know all the tricks to maximize your refund. read more

Very fast and professional, extremely easy to talk to and gave me fantastic information, I personally went to Charles and all I can say is he knows his stuff, I left a very happy read more

I've gone to James Associates for the past 3 or so years and always have a great experience. I'm always able to make an appt at a time that works for me and Ray James is always super friendly and helpful. My taxes aren't very complicated, but he gets them done very quickly. I appreciate being handed back everything I need including an addressed envelope to pay the MA tax that I owe. I'd recommend Ray James. I have a few friends who go to him, too, which is how I ended up there. read more

Last year, I went to HR Block and was thoroughly discusted by their lack of knowledge and ability to grasp the fact that I've never lived in Virginia, so I wanted to try a "little guy" this year. HUGE MISTAKE. I briefly researched James Associates online prior to going in for tax services. They weren't my first or second choice, but I needed to get my information to the government in a timely manner. Yelp had mixed reviews about James Associates, but I risked it anyway. They were able to see me immediately when I called to make an appointment and I went in to meet with Richard H. James for tax advice. He didn't attempt to find me any write offs, available credits, or work expenses. When I did my taxes online prior to seeing James Associates, I was able to claim my schooling, several work expenses and medicial expenses. Richard didn't ask me any questions or help look for any ways I might get back a little money. When I pressed him to actually do his job, he simply said I didn't qualify and scoffed a little bit that I would even think I qualified for any tax exemptions. He made me feel extremely inferior due to my profession and the number of odd jobs I've had over the past year. I felt incredibly uncomfortable and embarressed about myself. Richard did my tax returns( all seven of them) in twenty minutes without looking for any little helpful kick backs, and I was dismissed. I went in to pay for his "services" three days later and when I went to sign my LEGAL DOCUMENTS, not only was my name wrong on my personal copy, but it was incorrect on EVERY SINGLE LEGAL DOCUMENT being sent to the IRS. Example: if my name was John Smith, my tax documents read Joey Smith. Not correct at all. I quickly asked him to correct this error and made a little joke about my name being correctly spelled on every single tax return in my file. Why didn't he bother to look over these more thoroughly? Yet another example of him not taking me seriously. He bumbled around and printed me out another copy for my to sign. I asked him if all the other documents being sent off would infact bare my CORRECT name. Richard quickly said they would and I could tell he just wanted me to leave. Greaaaaat customer service, pal. When my returns came in the mail, guess who they were addressed to? Joey Smith (example, remember :D ) I could not have been more annoyed. I paid over $150 for this jerk's services and he messed up my name on two separate occasions. I emailed him and demanded an explaination. I received no response. I deposited in the checks via the ATM so that a teller wouldn't deny me. I learned that you can apparently deposit any check you find since the ATM isn't capable to varifying your name! Anyway, I was extremely disappointed with James Associates pretty much from beginning to end. From the jaded tax advice to the impersonal customer service and finally, the lack of ability to get my name straight on LEGAL documents. I would recommend going elsewhere without any hesistation. read more

Woohoo ! As good as it gets!!! Honestly, I don't think you can find friendlier more efficient people than you can with James Associates. I honestly can tell you how great Stephanie and Charlie have been to me over the years. I purchased a restaurant over 2 years ago, and let's just say it had its issues so to speak... Anyway, after sitting with Charlie and dealing with Stephanie every issue was quickly resolved. I can't recommend them enough.... Great people and a great location if you want to eat your face off at the highland kitchen..... read more

I have been working with Rich for five + years. He is pleasant and easy to work with. My taxes are simple but he does a great job and the price is good. The hours are very good, comparable to an HR Block type place. read more

Rich is terrific to work with-- I find tax time's a lot less stressful since I've started coming here. Highly recommended!!

I went to James Associates for the past two years after they were highly recommended by a coworker, and I was very happy with their service. They asked the right questions and found write-offs I wouldn't have thought of, which led to a bigger return. Their service was friendly and quick. This year I was pressed for time and didn't think it was worth the effort to travel to Somerville, so I went to a local H&R Block. What a mistake! They charged over $400 for my joint return with a small business, where James Associates had only charged $275 last year for the same thing! I thought James Associates was a good deal before, but I had no idea just how good it was! read more

Rich James has been doing my taxes for a few years and has helped me through some complicated returns. Never had an issue with quality or response time. read more

Great business to associate with, have a family atmosphere, served my company for over 16 years.

Rich didn't even file our taxes or provide us with follow up about when to come in and sign. After one year of trying to communicate our status with him, he told us that he didn't file and still had the audacity to charge us $250. I don't know how these guys are in business. Terrible service and reckless practice. Do not use! read more

Ive been going to Rich for years and he is GREAT. I am clueless and a spaz when it comes to this stuff and he has been such a great helping hand. I now live an hour away but still travel to have him do my taxes because I trust him to do it right - cheers~ read more

I've had my taxes prepared by James Associates for 22 years. Every year I receive prompt service and precise preparation. I trust Charles Sapochetti and he's never done me wrong- as others have stated, I find everyone at James Associates to be personable and attentive. I, too, wouldn't go anywhere else and I am thankful to have found such a trustworthy business to represent me. Highly recommend.. read more

I reviewed James Associates in 2011. I've been a client for more than 15 years, except for a brief 2 year period when I gave my taxes to a 'friend' who opened her own accounting business. How to lose a friend .and. get my taxes erroneously filled out. I read Bim E's review, and felt I had to respond. This person said she had SEVEN returns filled out, in TWENTY minutes (highly improbable!), and it cost her over $150. Seriously $150, and she's complaining about cost, and service? If you took 7 returns anywhere it would have cost double or triple... Well, I'm not an accountant but something about that story doesn't add up! I'll repeat what I mentioned in earlier review - James Associates rates are conservative. I am self-employed and own three investment properties. I am happy with the service I receive, and I know I would be paying double anywhere else. James Assoc. can count me in as a client for as long as I remain local! read more

We've been going to Richard for several years now. Began seeing him due to several years that weren't filed. He was so understanding of the causes and he let me know it wasn't at all unusual. Such relief was beyond my imagination. He had them prepared and we worked through the system and everyone couldn't have been nicer. He's done them ever since. His fees are excellent! read more

I needed a gift tax form completed for 2016. I called James Associates and made an appointment to see one of their accountants. The appointment went amazing! They took down all my information and said the gift tax form would be completed in a couple of days. Sure enough, in a couple of days my form was ready for pickup. The price was reasonable and the form was detailed and completed correctly. They gave me a copy to send to the IRS in a ready to go envelope and my own copy to keep. The quality and service of this place is top notch and the process is so easy. The form was detailed and 100% correct. Thank you so much!!! I will be using your services again in the future. read more

I started going to James Associates last year and it was definitely the best choice that I could of ever made. I was always going to a friend of the family thinking I was doing the right thing. Well after going to Ray he made me realize why people actually enjoy doing there taxes every year. Having a five year old daughter who wants everything I really know now that I made the best decision. I can't wait until tomorrow to get my taxes done with Ray. The whole staff reaches out to make sure that you feel super comfortable they beet any tax prep place ever imaginable. read more

I have been going to Ray James since my early teaching days 1967. Warm and friendly, honest and capable, my husband and I put our trust in James Associates. read more

The best. This is my fortieth year and never been disappointed. The consummate professional with a human touch and a Somerville guy to boot!

I called the office, and spoke to someone briefly about whether I needed tax preparation. They were knowledgeable, direct, and courteous. Impressive for a first-time client call in the heat of tax season! If I decide to get my taxes done, I'll go here. read more

James Associates completely messed up my tax returns, resulting in 3 years of IRS assessments, and a bank levy that left me broke, resulting in losing my apartment. I have been paying the IRS for years, and still maintain a considerable debt, as a result. AVOID THEM AT ALL COSTS. read more