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August 2024 by Synergist Trusted Advisors, LLC
James is a mess. This office is completely disorganized, always late due to procrastination, and files extensions on everything, despite having been provided all required documents and reports months in advance via his online portal.
In fact, on more than one occasion, Mr Ridout even failed to meet the extended deadline, costing us thousands in penalties and late fees. The first time he did it, he brushed it off, saying "it's okay because you get a one-time pass with the IRS" and he instructed me to write a letter to the IRS begging for our "one-time forgiveness" for his error. They granted it, but that used our businesses one "get out of jail free card."
This last time, he again filed an extension, even though he had all the documents early.... and unbelievably, he once again failed to file by the extension deadline! This time, we did not have that "forgiveness" option, and we have now received new penalties (9/20/24) for his errors. As others have mentioned in reviews, he refuses to take any responsibility for his errors or work to resolve them. This is affecting both our business and personal returns.
If you're looking for skilled and competent professional services that won't cause you problems with the IRS, keep looking. This isn't the CPA for you.
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July 2024 by ZS Thoughts
We hired this office to handle both personal and multiple business accounts. Despite providing all documents 3 months prior to filing dates, they STILL needed to charge us to file extensions so they would have more time. However, even after we paid for the extension, they STILL didn't file on time and we were hit with late fees and penalties on ALL the businesses! When we contacted James , rather than resolving the issue, he became defensive and started gas-lighting us saying it was our fault that he took 9 months to file our returns! This was just 1 of many red flags at this practice. If you need your taxes done right and/or on time, don't want to be left out to dry with unnecessary IRS debt, or deal with defensive, unprofessional, unqualified staff, I highly recommend that you try and find a competent CPA elsewhere.
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April 2024 by Mark
They screwed my taxes up with a sloppy mistake, and they had to file an amended return and it cost me a fortune. I’ll get the money back, but super inconvenient. I had to make numerous calls to the office and never once did the CPA himself call and apologize. I only ever got his assistant. I trusted them and provided them ALL the info they needed to file an accurate return. Super disappointed and they let me down.
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March 2024 by Eileen Campbell
Very helpful company. Everyone was so nice. Gave out free advice about when to take retirement.
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June 2023 by Connie Picouto
I have filed my taxes w James for the past two years and he has saved me money through his advice on my LLC setup and continued tax expertise. Very easy to communicate with, email always gets a quick response. There was a bit of misunderstanding on my part today and Erin very patiently explained everything for about 40 minutes. Her work ethic and help prompted this review as she deserves 5 star recognition! Glad to have found them.
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March 2023 by Chris Lemus
James and his team of professionals have been amazing from the start. Excellent service and definitely a time-saver for me and my business.
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February 2023 by Kevin M.
If I could give negative stars I would! Would not recommend him to anybody! I went to James to file my 2021 taxes and asked him just to double check my previous two years prior. He then sent me a bill and tried to charge me for filing 3 years of taxes. I then corrected the issue, paid him for my 1 year of filing and we were good. Fast forward to today when I tried to go in to file my 2022 taxes, he was telling me that I have unpaid dues that I never paid. As I tried to explain the situation to him and he seemed to get frustrated and said he doesn't welcome my business due to lack of communication. He never tried to contact me about any unpaid dues or anything himself, he simply canceled me as a client and never informed me of anything. Don't bother!
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February 2023 by Hearher B.
Great experience in every way. Erin is incredibly organized and James is a gifted Accountant.
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January 2023 by Nathan Quick
I have been waiting for over 8 months to hear an update from this office.I also do not even have a relevant profile of my name or current address on file with IRS because of the mishandling of information of this office.After doing multiple years of amended returns and writing checks for each year, I received multiple bills from IRS and this office did nothing except wanting money to file my following years taxes.
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October 2022 by Afshin Sajedi
I started calling few CPAs in Florida and no one was available to take my call except James Ridout CPA's office. Eren who took my call was very friendly and professional. She asked me a question, listened, understood my requirement and booked an appointment for me on Tuesday. I am very grateful for contacting James Ridout CPA's office.
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September 2022 by Euphie K.
Tried this company to calculate taxes for my small business. James is a great guy, and apart from doing his job, he also gave me a piece of good financial advice about my savings for the future. I'll definitely recommend him for personal taxes too.
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June 2022 by Nuclear Engineer
Quick, responsive and thorough. I had some tax related questions and got answers right away. Friendly office staff.
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January 2022 by Blue A.
I called to discuss if they could help me doing my taxes, and was told I would need to come in for an in person consultation. I asked if I should bring anything such as pervious taxes or incorporation papers and was told I didn't need anything and this would you'd be an initial consultation for them to learn more. They set me up for almost two weeks later, their earliest availability. Before hanging up I asked again, "are you sure I don't need to bring anything?" - again, I was told no. I arrived for my appointment and waited to see the accountant in their waiting area. He came out a few minutes later and escorted me to his office. I explained my situation, and how I'd need to do my taxes this year, and he said, ok let me see your paperwork. I had brought along a couple of documents, just in case. Apparently this wasn't enough. He told me "well without your papers I can't help you. I can't do anything for you." I explained I was told not to bring anything. He again repeated that without my paperwork he couldn't help and I'd have to reschedule. Then he kind of tossed the papers I had handed him, on the desk, towards me. He seemed frustrated? But imagine my frustration. He didn't apologize. He didn't seem sorry at all. It was almost as if I was wasting his time, when in reality they had wasted my time. It was a quick 2 minute exchange and I left. I obviously didn't reschedule.
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October 2021 by Cristian Consuegra
I met James when I was transitioning from a 9 to 5 job to owning a business. James has been very helpful and knowledgeable. I’ve worked with James now for 4 years and he takes care of all my business and personal filings. Great guy to talk to.
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August 2021 by Frank M.
I've relocated to Ft. Lauderdale a few years ago. I've had the same outstanding CPA Tax Preparer on Long Island since 1991 and decided to search Yelp to evaluate the reviews of the numerous CPA's near Wilton Manors which resulted in me choosing James Rideout because his reviews were very impressive. James and his Team are very experienced and friendly. My taxes were pretty extensive and diverse and I needed someone who would garner my confidence that they'd prepare them as accurately as possible, which they did an outstanding job. I've told them that I'm 100% satisfied and I'm really proud that I've found a lifetime replacement for my long time CPA friend up on Long Island. I definitely recommend James and his Team to everyone who may be reading this review in search of an experienced and friendly CPA.
