Birnbaum Rick CPA

First Class all the way , I am very happy with Rick and his staff . He is the best more

I had Rick Birnbaum do my taxes as he was recommended to me by a friend. When I met him he was very personable. But when I went to pick up my return it was obvious that it was just a tax return mill. No one talked to be about my taxes. After waiting for about an hour I got to talk to an associate. In addition a year later the IRS sent me a letter stating that the sale of a home was not reported. It turns out that there was a simple worksheet that could've been billed out and included in my return that would've prevented the problem. But I guess it took too much time. He charged me $250 dollars for my original return and $200 to fill out the worksheet. I'm so glad I changed to a CPA who looks out for my best interests instead of trying to do thousands of returns with as little work as possible. more

I met Rick in 2003 and he was the one who opened my eyes about taxes. He found all the mistakes that my old accountant did, has been doing my taxes ever since, and I have never had one problem.\r We have to be personally responsible for what information we give Rick. If we give him a bunch of crap to work with, he will work with it but in the end it is us who sign the dotted line and have to be honest, truthful and responsible.\r Thank you Rick! more

I am not buying this negative reviews. Rick has done my taxes since 1998 and only 1 year (2004) was audited. and Rick take care of it yes I had to pay the IRS some my refund back but it wasn't so bad this guys who are complaining more likely they tried to screw the IRS if you are stupid enough and don't know your EIN number or you don'd read your taxes go to H & R block. Rick is very knowledgable. Unfortunately, his staff is just the opposite. if you need help you need to email Rick directly his staff sucks. Pros: Rick Birnbaum Cons: Employees more

Rick Birnbaum is a total fraud, he will do your taxes by making up numbers and in most cases not even taking the time to check the financial documents which you have provided him. He also has a nasty habit of disposing of tons of clients paper work (most of which contain private information) by simply tossing them in the trash without so much as shredding them. This man has no morals and most of the ""positive"" reviews which you read here are written by his own employees or fellow crooks for whom he comits tax fraud for. Cons: Everything about the man and firm. more

I've been a client of Rick's since 1984 and he has done a great job of getting me all of the deductions that I'm entitled to. I have been audited 2 times - the first time the IRS gave me a zero basis (apparently I bought a townhouse for free) and fined me for taxes on the full sales price - Rick represented me - the IRS corrected THEIR error and I even got more money back. The second time the IRS didn't give me credit for income taxes that I had paid - again, Rick represented me and the error was corrected.\r There's a saying - GIGO garbage in - garbage out - if these so-called disgruntled former clients gave Rick garbage then they are fully responsible for their errors not Rick.\r He keeps current with continuing education and completes the returns in a timely manner. Pros: Knows what he is doing! more

I was audited twice and watched by the government for years because of Birnbaum's mishandling of my affairs. Do not ever let him have an opportunity to handle your money directly or you just might find it missing! Cons: you will be sure to audited more

my dealings with rick have been nothing but a check up at a children's doctor. The man has a certain demeanor about him, no matter how bad u think u are off, he does this thing that makes u calm with in seconds. i saw a post about ""auditing"". I tell u this its almost offensive because rick is conservative. Thats why he is so great i don't think its in him to bend or break rules .the man will never tell u anything other than is going to be ok and not to worry . I really get upset at this yearly coment, Rick Birnbaum is a man that believe still does this job because of his obligation and relationships with his clients. since i met him i refer any one to him and believe me he never plays debt collector and he will never turn away a walk in customer. I have seen alot of accountants and this one is extraordinary any one that has an issue probably has and will always have issue this man just did 3 years and fixed a lump sum of money the irs was taking for a past llc i was the ceo of. mean i went to him confused didn't know where to start and he did what he always doesn't say to much ask you simple questions and always gives you his theory of the importance of making all the right moves to benifet from our irs infrastructure. If it wasn't for rick i would have to move this month and thats the truth cuz times are tough and no being in line and uncontrollable circumstances are a day to day thing I don't know anyone that doesn't use Rick why would u go anywhere else. for 100 plus dollars why should he even sped the time thats the mystery about taxman. 2 thumbs up. just Google birnbaum and 818 make yuor appointment for 1 month later its ok everyone waits happily Pros: man is a machine works around the clock for pennies i knoow Cons: getting an appoinmnet. but he will never leave u out to dry more

I have used Rick's firm for 5 years for my personal and business tax returns. For the first four years I would have given them a 5 star rating. However, they completely screwed up my 2006 taxes. They put the incorrect EIN number for my company, resulting in a large fine by the IRS. Rick was able to fix this issue so I went ahead and gave him the benefit of the doubt. When I filed in 2007, I wrote notes with the correct EIN EVERYWHERE in the documents I provided them. They still screwed it up, AGAIN. In addition, they have been receiving letters from the Franchise Tax Board for my company for a year saying that I owe additional money; they never let me know, so the fines and penalties just continued to add up. I have switched to a new accountant for my 2008 taxes, and spent upwards of $5000 to get the 2007 mistakes corrected and refiled as well as paying the additional penalties that the Government and California levied against me... I feel betrayed. Do not use Rick Birnbaum.... Cons: Unreliable and not accurate more

I've been a client of Rick's for 9 years and after reading these reviews it really seems like some people are being a bit harsh and most of the complaints appear to stem from the 2004 tax audit. Some things to consider:\r
\r 1) 2004 was a massive tax audit year. I personally knew over a dozen people that were audited that year. Not all Rick's clients, not all in Los Angeles, but nationwide. For all of us, it was our first year being audited and that strongly suggests the impetus for the audits was increased pressure to generate more Gov't revenue and not shoddy tax prep work. \r \r 2) Rick was able to reduce the tax payment for the 2004 audit by 85%, free of charge to me. Do I wish it were 100%? Sure, but Rick has always done a wonderful job keeping my initial payments lower than expected, so I wasn't disappointed. \r \r 3) I have always been able to see Rick for appointments. Not always right away, but within a week or two. That said, you can't expect a long meeting in late March or April, and you have to be flexible in your scheduling, but I have never been turned away. I work in an industry where busy practices often defer visits for months, so I don't expect to be seen right away. I have received replies by email as well. \r \r 4) Every year Rick is able to minimize my tax burden well beyond what I would expect. Except for 2004, I have never been audited and I have never seen an outrageous claim or deduction on my returns.\r \r 5) Who cares about his staff? I don't hang out at the accountant's office. I couldn't care less if they gossip. The waiting room is and should be tiny in an accounting office, so I don't really see why this matters at all. They call me when my return is ready and either mail it to me or have it ready for pickup when they say it is. \r \r 6) 4 stars because 5 stars means perfect and perfect is impossible in a supremely busy practice. I have and will continue to refer my friends to Rick Birnbaum. Pros: He's a great accountant. Cons: He's got alot of clients. more

I have been a client of his for 10-years or so. Rick and his staff do a great job and I trust him completely. Overall: very pleased with the service - I recommend him to all of my family and friends. I will not go anywhere else for my tax needs. more

My wife and I have been with Rick Birnbaum for over 25 years and not once have we had a single problem with Rick or his office. We were referred to Mr. Birnbaum under difficult circumstances. having left our previous accountant where we were being audited by the IRS. After several weeks, a few meetings, and many phone calls Rick and his office straightened out everything to our complete satisfaction. That was a long time ago and we have grown with Rick and his Tarzana office. Twenty-five years later, and we couldn't be happier! Anyone who really knows Rick knows this, too. Rick is a good man and a great CPA! Anyone writing anything else is straight out of Aesop's Fables ... sour grapes! Here's to another twenty-five years with Mr. Rick Birnbaum ... should we be so lucky! Cheers, Michael K. in Long Beach, CA Pros: Kind, caring, courteous service. more

Rick's done my taxes for 6 years. I have been very satisfied with the service he's provided and I recommend him without reservation. \r \r In addition to returning all phone calls and emails, Rick also assisted my wife and me in setting up a legal structure to support my wife's new day care business. \r \r FWIW, I was audited once due to an IRS error (2005)--in the end, I owed nothing, and Rick's office handled the issue professionally, thoroughly, etc.\r \r He's clearly busy, but has always gotten back to me... I can see where someone who needs a lot of handholding might get antsy. \r Pros: A real expert & trusted advisor Cons: Busy office more

Rick Birbaum has been my accountant for the last 20 years, and I hope he never retires. About 15 years ago, I was audited once. I did the preparation work and Rick met with the IRS. We won. The audit was caused by a deduction that I claimed so it was my fault. The process was not at all painful. I would ask the complainants in these posts to examine their own roles in their tax issues. As a business administrator, I am very demanding and critical but I know that my taxes have been accurately and properly prepared for the past 20 years, as have those of some highly qualified individuals, including investment bankers and mathematicians, I have introduced to Rick. None of them have been audited and there have been no complaints.\r \r I have also worked in the now defunct Birnbaum and Glucksman. Birnbaum carries the weight of the entire practice on his shoulders and this is most apparent from January 2 to April 15. He works 15 to 16 hours a day. Truth is, his office is an unceasing whirl of motion to complete all the tax returns, and calls, depending on the timing of and the reason for them, often do not get returned until after April 15. The clients are well taken care of because Rick automatically files extensions for the regular clients who cannot get in to see him by April 15. I filed extensions for the past two years, and find it so much more relaxing to work with Rick later in the year. I liked his ex-partner, David Glucksman but there is no doubt that Glucksman's demeanor - rude, abrasive, confrontational, loud and demanding - was no asset to the firm.\r \r I have come to know Rick as a decent, quiet, caring and unassuming gentleman. It is true that he sometimes does not convey all the minutia when explaining an issue but his advice is always correct. There will always be unhappy clients but some of these posts border on slander. I wonder if there are motives other than professional reasons for such vitriol. Pros: Expertise on tax laws and money management tools Cons: Hard to get appointments by April 1. more

With all fairness. Rick has done my taxes for 7 years and only 1 year (2004) was audited. I said the same angry issues everyone is complaining about during & after the audit, but after dealing/speaking with a bunch of ""so-called accountant"" out there - Rick is actually very knowledgable. Unfortunately, his staff is just the opposite. Rick really needs to ""clean house"" in his office. They are the one ruining his reputation and everyone else's files. Has anyone ever considered that? When I was audited in 2004...Rick was all over it, but the ball dropped the moment he handed it to his hidious staff (which gets paid for working there), and they just sat on it, till it was too late. FYI: IRS lies!!! So if you really want to play the ""blame-game"", then redirect all your anger to the right direction - IRS employees. .. think how we get treated at the DMV. Do really think the IRS is any different? .\r \r \r Pros: Rick Birnbaum Cons: His Employees more

I am also disheartened to read the following reviews regarding Rick Birnbaum, CPA. I was looking up Rick's office number on google, when the following reviews came up. I generally do not believe in corresponding on the internet in this type of manner. Rick Birnbaum has been doing my taxes for 8 years, and he is a wonderful, professional, timely, and conscientious CPA. Rick only inputs the write-offs, receipts, or instructions I provide to him. It is the tax payer/filer's responsibility to make sure their tax return is correct, before filing it with the IRS or FTB. The tax return states you are signing under the Penalty of Perjury. Therefore, if you are dumb enough to perjure yourself, then you need to take full responsibility of the consequences, and not blame others; i.e. your CPA. Rick's Office Manager is terrifc! On a side note, as a hiring manager, it is hard to find good help these days. Shame on those that have nothing better to do than write trash on the internet. more

It's a bit disheartening to read the reviews on Rick when all my experiences, as well as the numerous folks I know that employ his services have been very good. He is extremely knowledgeable, professional, and has always provided me with excellent advice. That being said, I can and will be unbiased. Here are the facts:\r \r Negatives:\r The authors of these reviews are really upset. I would be too if it cost me money.\r His office staff are not the best as noted a number of times and he should work on fixing this.\r He does 1000's of taxes per year in a very small window of time. Clearly, clients want and need more time (me included). \r He is human and will definitely make mistakes (we all do), and his staff will too.\r \r Positives:\r Any outsider reading these reviews has zero knowledge of the intimate details in each of these cases. Maybe it was in fact Rick's mistake. But more often than not people aren't completely forthright with the information they provide their CPA. Not everyone keeps good records (Quickbooks, MS Money, etc) or comes properly prepared for their appointment. A tax return starts with the information we provide our accountant. If we forget, omit, or perhaps conceal something, that is clearly our responsibility. Trying to pass it off as the CPA's is simply unscrupulous.\r I know of two personal cases of folks who were in fact audited on a return that Rick prepared. Both consisted of very complex portfolios. The first, paid zero to the IRS. But they also keep very good records. The second did in fact have to pay, but their record-keeping was questionable at best.\r Again, the responsibility lies with us. We are the ones that sign the document that is actually sent.\r \r All that being said, choosing an accountant is very personal and one has to be selective. You have to go where you feel comfortable. I can't say anything but great things about Rick. I recommend him to everyone I know.\r Pros: The knowledge and experience. Cons: General office staff; not including the office manager Rosemary more

Rick Birnbaum is a FANTASTIC CPA!! I highly highly highly recommend him to anyone looking for a INCREDIBLE accountant. Not only has he saved me from the IRS but my friends whom are his clients also have only relayed extremely positive comments. Mr. Birnbaum works extremely diligently for each of his clients because unlike his former weak partner Glucksman, Rick actually cares about his clients. I feel really bad for his former stupid employees that tell lie after lie on this website to try to tarnish his perfect reputation among his clients. Mr. Birnbaum is an extremely intelligent CPA and the hardest working accountant I have ever come across in my professional career. I would completely trust Rick Birnbaum with my life. I am telling the honest truth in saying that: unlike his former negative and despicable partner David Glucksman, RICK BIRNBAUM AND HIS FIRM ARE THE ABSOLUTE BEST IN CALIFORNIA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! \r ***** FIVE STAR ACCOUNTANT IN ALL FACETS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! \r I feel bad for Glucksman cause without the top notch Rick Birnbaum he has no chance in surviving on his own. Pros: CARES ABOUT HIS CLIENTS AND IS AN EXTREMELY HARD WORKER!!!!!!! Cons: works too hard more

I just wanted to put on here that David Glucksman is now on his own and is no longer associated with Rick Birnbaum. Mr. Glucksman comes HIGHLY regarded by me, and I know several other accredited companies that also use him for services. He is a FIVE STAR accountant! His new address is 26500 W. AGOURA RD # 207 CALABASAS, CA 91302, and his phone number is 818-880-5522. Anyone looking to switch to David will be serviced in the most professional accounting manner.\r Sandee Andrews\r Andrews Powder Coating, Inc.\r Pros: Nice, friendly, RETURNS PHONE CALLS!! and, not with Rick Birnbaum any longer more

I have been going to Rick for the past year and have to say that I am very happy with the way my taxes have been going this past year. I had a horrible experience with my last accountant at H & R Block, and was looking to go to more of a CPA, who could really help me out.\r Since I am in real estate, my tax return can get pretty tricky which is why I've probably been going through so many different accountants.\r Rick took all my information after sitting down with him once, and was able to handle everything. It wasn't exactly a quick process, but what accountant is. I was very happy with my refund as it was a lot better then anything else I had ever received.\r Some of his employees up front, seemed a little brain dead, but I'm sure this new year will bring new faces like it does in a lot of offices.\r He seems to really know what he is doing, and I will definetly be going back to him for many years to come. Pros: Very Bright Accountant. Cons: Some employees seem lazy. more