Teshima & Company

I have had my personal tax return done here for the past few years and have nothing but great things to say about them. They always answer the phone and respond to my requests right away.
They even helped me save a considerable amount on my yearly taxes by starting and S-​Corp.

I initially retained Ken Teshima to represent me in a challenging IRS audit. Ken helped me successfully work through that process, and saved me a significant amount of money. He prepared my taxes for years, ensuring no further audits. I have consistently been satisfied with the level of professional service and the billing practices. Ken has been knowledgeable about taxes and offered practical insights based on my business — and family — requirements. His staff has been helpful and courteous without fail and I would recommend him without reservations.

Still less one 1 star. In his response, Mr. Teshima himself stated that we went to him for accounting and tax. Not true. The only thing I asked his firm to do in 2013 was to file our annual tax returns.
Second, Mr. Teshima stated that his billing entries are «standard wording based on our billing software, & this description is standard in the industry.» If you are paying $ 200-​$ 300 per hour, wouldn’t you want to know what was done? I do. Moreover, I spoke with a few other CPAs and they are agreed that the lack of description is not «standard in the industry» and they can print out pages and pages of work to show what was performed for the fees charged.
I learned a very valuable lesson from this experience, that I was taken to the cleaner by this company. There was simply no «accounting work» done because 1) they cannot show me what was done and 2) I gave them a profit and loss statement that they used to prepare my taxes so I’m at a loss at to what accounting work was completed. If you are insisting that accounting work was completed, please let me know what was done and I will be happy to pay, don’t give me standard wording based on your billing software.
There are so many other Southbay accounting firms that don’t do this bait and switch practice.

Calculated my tax incorrectly and refused to take responsibility for it!
I came to this firm for my tax preparation a few years ago. They had a junior accountant did my tax return and looked over by a CPA. Three years later, I received a letter from CA franchise tax board for back tax and interest penalty. Contacted them, they initially said there’s nothing they can do or willing to do. I threatened to sue them, they came back with a small amount of money and wanted me to sign release for any other problem that may arise from their preparation. of course I didn’t sign it. They already miscalculated my state returns, who knows if my federal suffered the same.
It’s ok to make a mistake but one need to own it and offer to fix it. This apparently is not the firm that has that kind of honor.

The Staff, Very Professional, Accounting, Payroll Services, Booking Done for Our Company, Highly Recommend, This Office, Has A lot on Outstanding Track Record, With Us. Our Personnel & Business.

I don’t often write Unilocal Reviews but my experience so far with Teshima & Company has been so good that I felt compelled to let me opinion be known. I have a small/​medium sized business and for years I have been looking for a CPA firm that could provide more input than just complete my taxes. Unlike some businesses, I have been looking for someone that could really dive into my books and tighten them up. I have a pretty good business and it keeps me occupied for alot of my time. The acconting has been important but it hasn’t always gotten the attention it should have gotten.
When I first met Ken, I was feeling a bit of stress regarding the accounting. It had built up over the years. When I walked out of that initial meeting, I felt a sense of relief. I thought in meeting Ken and his company, i had found the solution for what we needed. They could do the standard tax accounting as well as dig through our books and make sure that we were doing everything in the optimal way. In addition, they would be able to provide intelligent, quality financial and business advising services.
That was a lot for a first meeting. I hoped I had not over estimated their abilities in my desire to find this type of service. Only time would tell. Now 3 months into the engagement, I can say its been everything I hoped it would be. They have drilled down into my books and closed out the previous year and got caught up with this year. Ken has also acted in the business advisor role and has given very insightful input which I have followed. We are in the middle of overhauling our books to make them more relevant and to allow us to use them more as a financial tool then a glorified checkbook. Since we have engaged Teshima and Co. I have much greater confidence in one of the most important parts of business which is finances and accounting.
Also, its not a one man show. Everyone I have met seems very competent. I can speak particularly to Keiko who is working directly on our account. She is very sharp. Our books and business model is somewhat complicated and she has had no problems understanding exactly what is going on and where the issues are that need to be addressed.
I would strongly recommend Teshima and Company to any business owner who wants to engage a CPA firm that can do more than just a cursory look at the books at tax time.

Ken Teshima and his staff helped me with multiple IRS issues including personal as well as business taxes. The one thing I like best is there responsiveness to emails and phone calls, they always get back to me asap!

I could not believe how I was handled here. I was referred to an accountant named Letty, who I had a 3pm appointment with. I was waiting until 4pm. The receptionist finally brought me to her office, and she was still on the phone. She did not greet me, she did not say hello, she did not shake my hand. What she did do was hang up, leave me in her office so she could go scan some documents, come back and make another call right in front of me. While she is on hold, she asks me if I brought my stuff so she could start entering information, WHILE SHE IS ON THE PHONE. She was about to multitask my tax return. When I got up to leave, she didn’t say anything. No attempt to apologize or stop me or anything.
I was hoping that when I came, I would have her undivided attention so that we could go over questions I had considering I was new to using a tax accountant and new to having 1099 income. My expectations could not have been more far off. I think I have had better service from a Verizon store, and that is saying a lot.
I understand that I was somewhat of a charity case because I was referred through one of her more important clients, but wow. Just because I was a small account does not excuse how incredibly disrespected I was. Waiting an hour after driving out from LA, skipping respectful formalities, and then starting a consultation on the phone. STAY AWAY FROM THIS PLACE.

I give a 4.5 star– this was our first time using Teshima services for tax year 2012 and very pleased with services provided for personal and our business returns. I would give a full 5 except the communication from a proactive side could have been a little stronger. Otherwise– I was very impressed on the professionalism and thorough service /​attention to detail. Ken himself appears to a person of character; pleasure working with him.

My fiancé and I went to Teshima & Company for consultation regarding a new build in Gardena. We wanted to know the tax implications associated with a new home buy. We spoke to Ken Teshima and had many question, which was answered throughly. We did not purchase the home but did find the free consultation extremely helpful. Would recommend their service and expertise.

I would of gave 5 stars if I would of had my 2011 tax return amended here but I didn’t. I can’t give a review of actual services but this is based on their exceptional customer service. So, I had an issue with the IRS recently based on my 2011 tax return. The IRS wanted some of their money back (over two thousdand dollars). I almost came to making out a check when I thought I should consult someone who has experience in this stuff. I didn’t know where to turn ‘tll I Unilocal’d a couple of CPA’s and Teshima & Co. came up. Although, before I made a consultation appointment for costs and info, I did call around to many others. You would be surprised how hard it is to find a free consultation these days. So, based on the reviews here I emailed Teshima & Co to make an appointment to review my case & they got back later that night. First when you come in, there is a lovely mild mannered woman behind the desk to greet you. She’s the sweetest woman and very soft spoken and she makes you feel very welcome. The office had a very serene feeling to it… almost zen like. I made it Ken’s office and he put me at ease by telling me this is something very simple to amend and it is a very common mistake when people do their own taxes via do it yourself software sites. He assured me that I would not have to pay the amount the IRS is asking. Although, this service is something he could provide and make sure this is taken care of the right way, I unfortunately could not pay the asking fee at this time. If it were any other time that I was employed I would of handed over a check but I couldn’t and had explained my financial situation to Ken. He didn’t make me feel I had wasted his time but he did explain the reason for the fee. I understood and told him I would need to look else where purely based on my finances but would keep him in mind in the future. When I do get back on my feet I would definitely will turn to Teshima & Co to handle future tax filings. I believe everyone should have a CPA to turn to after the age of 25.

My husband and I had some tax planning issues we need assistance with and we went to Teshima & Company after reading all the positive Unilocal reviews. Let me just say they did not disappoint. First, I was skeptical about the initial complimentary consultation since nothing is really ever free. However, our conversation with Ken was forthright, thorough, and his advice put our minds at ease. I would definitely recommend Teshima & Company.

I just recently decided to start my own business, and in trying to find the right CPA to help me with all aspects of that business, I tried getting referrals on who I should talk to and meet, from friends and friends-​of-​friends. After a few disappointing meetings with potential CPA’s, I decided to do my own homework and look at Unilocal and BBB for feedback. I found Teshima & Co. here on Unilocal,made an appointment to meet with them, and after speaking to their senior CPA Ken Teshima, it was a no-​brainer on what I wanted to do. From the receptionist, to the marketing director, to my personal CPA, professionalism doesn’t lack when dealing with Teshima & Co. I will definitely be helping to spread the word.

I have been doing my personal taxes with Teshima & Company for over 5 years now. I recently started my corporation and the entire accounting process was an easy transition as management was very patient with explaining everything, leaving me with no questions or concerns. Recently, I thought I was going to be late in filing my corporate return, but come to find out, my account manager automatically filed the extension for me before the deadline at no additional charge to make sure I didn’t get penalized. This type of proactive management is the kind of value I can appreciate.

After reading some great reviews about Teshima & Co I decided to have my taxes done by these professionals. They have great pictures of their establishment and it does look very professional upon arriving. The secretary seemed very personable. All seemed great, but not everything that shines is gold. The lady I spoke to about picking up my tax return today was not there. So no one to answer my questions about my Income tax returns. Well, I can’t say no one cause the secretary tried. She also tried to correct the typos (more than one) with whiteout. And that’s why Teshima & Co receives a one.

I am a start up business establishing an LLC and was referred to Teshima & Company through my Legal Zoom account. I was impressed with the quality of service I was given and the immediate care.
After my conversation with Ken, the manager I spoke with, I felt like there was a direction and path that was drawn out for me. It felt like the weight of the world fell off my shoulders and all the answers were just handed to me.
The entire experience was so easy and well thought out, I didn’t even have any questions. Teshima and Company has it all, even after my conversation with Ken, they had a specialist follow up and contact me letting me know that they are available to answer any questions if any arose. I highly recommend this firm for any of your accounting, financial, consulting needs.

Despite the gradual economic improvement over the past year, professionals at all income levels want to retain more earnings and keep it away from the government. Nobody enjoys paying taxes.
Therefore, it makes total sense that studies show over 60% of Americans utilize a CPA firm for filing annual taxes.
Many people are OK with pre-​packaged tax software like Turbo Tax, but this really depends on your financial situation. Turbo Tax to me is a «set-​it-​and-​forget» device which works well in college. As circumstances become more complex, you need to do your research and shop around for the right CPA firm with the right team and right expertise.
But you can stop shopping with Teshima & Company.
Finding the right CPA firm is CRITICAL not just for maximum tax savings, but to identify a long-​term professional relationship for personal and business finances.
The team at T&C, their expertise, their values, and customer service are off the charts. No need to take my word for it though. Just visit their website and contact them directly to speak with the President Ken Teshima himself for a FREE consultation.
This level of interaction should blow away any potential customer. He has provided our team with sound insight and has taken the time to follow-​up prior to any services or contracts being exercised.
If you have done enough research of CPA firms, this kind of courtesy and due diligence does not happen. Our team has interviewed plenty within San Francisco.
I am assuming you are reading this review due to your need for a CPA firm like T&C. Speak with their team and you will understand the difference. Don’t be skeptical just based on the look and feel of their website. Granted, it may not have a lot of «flash» like the typical investment banks, but their building in Torrence is definitely nice (refer to posted pics). [Note: Web-​site soon to be updated] Furthermore, their services speaks for themselves.
Ken and his team have taken the time to understand our situation and we look forward to their continued guidance.

Switched to Teshima & Company after a bad experience with another CPA. Very competent staff and knowledgeable in all areas. They are currently involved with my payroll, quickbooks, personal and business finance and tax preparation. Would highly recommend.