So I set up my LLC through LegalZoom and got a "free" 1 on 1 call with a rep from 1.800.ACCOUNTANT as part of setting up through them. I just got off the phone with the rep, and now I ask you: Has anyone here used 1.800.ACCOUNTANT for their tax needs? Any good or bad experiences with them? I got quoted $1490 yearly cost plus a $30/mo retainer to have unlimited access to my personal real estate accountant. The sales pitch seemed like exactly what I need, by design I know. As a new LLC owner, I'm wondering if I should go that route, or if there is a better way to go instead. Any input is appreciated as we're trying to get everything with the business setup and rolling as soon as we can.

I have never used 1800Accountant, but I have successfully converted their former customers to my practice. They are incredibly expensive, my clients were never sure about what was going on, and they unnecessarily complicated reporting and transaction in order to (in my opinion) make it seem like the clients were getting value for their money. You're better off contracting with a CPA for your taxes and seeing if they also offer bookkeeping services or can recommend a reputable bookkeeper as well.

@Evan Bell Did legal zoom prepare your operating agreement as well. If not you will need one as when you apply for any kind of financing or purchase or sell real estate with an LLC they will need your OA. If the OA is nonexistent or done poorly your LLC is not properly prepared and the asset protection you thought you had is meaningless. As far as a CPA find a local one. You won’t get charged for questions.

1 800 Accountant is a real racket. Don't do it. It's a totally faceless experience and customer service is nowhere to be found. Not worth the price. Stick to a local CPA.

Such a helpful article. Thank you all for sharing your expierces.

This is a great topic. I used 1800Account for my business and was happy with them but they are a bit pricey in the long run but, I found their online system very convenient. Now that I brought my first rental property I was looking to see if they are equipped to maximize returns for real estste investors. When I asked about doing cost segregation for my SFR my accountant at 1800 actually sent me an article from Biggerpockets which was encouraging. I am still looking to see who offers the best value for the money 1-800 or another CPA firm.

I also set up my new corp and got a call from 1800acct pitch sale was great seemed like I had a great company working for me, after first phone meeting w my accountant I realize i made a big mistake , they tried to charge more for any variables I had , I got the year deal paid in full and they run away with my money they didn't reimburse a penny total ripoff guys!!! Please hire a cpa or even a regular tax service will do way better job than This scammers.

I JUST signed on a new client who is in a mess due to them. They got the tax prep for FREE for the services of LLC setup they got with legal zoom. Legal zoom DIDN'T file the 2553 to make them an S corp- (for rentals, which is a huge no). But told 1800 accounts they were an S corp. So 1800 accountants filed the client as an S corp- and an S corp doesn't exist. Didn't review the documents. Didn't check. Now they're ears deep in IRS notices requesting that 2553 to confirm S corp, but really....they shouldn't be an S corp at all.

I had an absolutely horrible experience with them, they're complete scammers. As a new business, I paid over $2000 for their services, in order to create a schedule c which could be filed as a dependent. I submitted all the information I was asked to and waited. As the tax deadline approached and my independents were getting ready to file, everything became radio silent. No matter how many times I messaged them explaining the urgency of the situation. They then finally turned in the schedule c over a month after the deadline, which I couldn't even utilize as my independents had already filed and would not go through the process of paying extra to their accountant to amend the filed taxes. I ended up paying over $2000 as a start up business with no income and not even receiving a final product which could be utilized. I then contacted them and asked for a refund, which they claimed to not be able to do because of their policy, which covers them and allows them to do whatever they want after the initial 30 days is over.

@Kenneth Garrett OA is in place as of the original post. We ended up finding a local CPA who we’ve been with ever since - no yearly fee, no monthly fee, no hourly fee. He charges a flat fee for tax prep and no fee for any questions that may arise. We’ve been super happy with him.

Anyone use 1800ACCOUNTANT??

Quote from @Lisa C.:

We made the move over to 1800ACCOUNTANT this year after being unhappy with our local accounting provider. We were nervous about signing up with a huge national firm as we are a very small home-based service business. Would we be just a number? Non-issue. Enrolling was quick and much more affordable than what were paying locally. We picked ala carte services we needed and then transitioned from QuickBooks to their ClientBooks platform. The syncing of our financial accounts and uploading cash receipts makes our contribution super easy. Two months later, the investment of time and money paid off in a huge way. Thanks goes to our dedicated accountant, Daniel Barakat, who patiently listened and then taught me how to categorize transactions (I am in sales, not boring math for darn sakes). After categorizing all 2023 transactions correctly, I went back to QuickBooks 2022 to compare and was instantly alarmed. Income was categorized in expenses and expenses in income. I found key input errors on two deposits which created over $20K additional income that wasn't caught. My first thought was this was the source for our 2022 tax returns! I messaged Daniel who jumped into gear and assigned us a Superhero service team (Daniel, Paul and Alaina). They asked questions our local firm did not. I re-categorized thousands of transactions and discovered missing items like equipment depreciation, which not only affects 2022 taxes, but will be valuable for years to come. The team worked tirelessly to get this amended quickly and most importantly, accurately for us. Bottomline was a 2022 tax savings (refund) and 2023 quarterly adjustments equaling over $13,000 that we were not expecting. We thought we were working with professionals before. We didn’t know what the real pros can do. Perform MAGIC! We are incredibly grateful and delighted to be working with them. No matter what size your business is, we strongly encourage you to consider this amazing pool of talented professionals.

No offense but your post sounds very advertisy and no way income and expenses were categorized opposite even so you didn't lose on the income because it would've negated the expenses and vice-versa.
Why would your bookkeeper add any equipment depreciate, this is your CPA's role unless that person was doing both. $20K additional income? how? it would show up somewhere on your books.

Considering this is your 1st post and it sounds too "positive" of a review

Anyone use 1800ACCOUNTANT??

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