LSC | LongSchaefer CPA/PFS

NEGATIVE 1 STAR AND A WASTE OF TIME! Poor communication, unclear billing, lack of tax knowledge, and no deliverable provided This was a complete waste of time and money. I hired this firm to prepare my 2025 individual tax return, including small business Schedule C activity, and paid $750 upfront. I was quoted a fee range of $900–$1,100. Somehow, that turned into a bill for over $2,100—nearly double the quoted amount without clear prior disclosure or written approval. Apparently, “professional services” means surprise invoices and vague explanations. Throughout the process, the scope of services was unclear. There was constant confusion between tax preparation and bookkeeping services, yet no one clearly explained how that would affect pricing. I relied on Mike and Maddie for professional tax guidance, but instead I had to do my own research and identify deductions they failed to discuss. I was also given inaccurate advice. For example, Maddie wrote in an email (see attached photo of email) that I could claim an educator expense deduction even though I am a university professor, which does not qualify under current tax law. That is basic tax knowledge I expected a CPA firm to understand. The company also repeatedly pointed out that my husband is an accountant, as if that somehow excused them from doing the work we hired and paid them to do. We hired certified public accountants for tax preparation and guidance—not excuses. Despite paying $750, I never received a draft or completed return to review independently. They refused to release any work product unless I paid the remaining balance. Communication from ownership became even worse. Mike referred to me and my taxes as a “lost cause,” which is shocking and unacceptable from a so-called professional tax firm. The only lost cause here was trusting this firm with my taxes. Overall, this experience involved unclear scope, inflated fees, poor guidance, inaccurate tax advice, and a complete lack of professionalism. I would strongly advise anyone considering this firm to look elsewhere.

I'm bewildered when it comes to fulfilling the tax obligations my small business faces; I need a certain type of expert. Every accountant I have ever worked with expertly knows their stuff, but spoke to me as if I was also an accountant, which I'm CLEARLY not, while ignoring my endless pleas to speak in simple terms. Before LSC: always confused, frustrated, and late. After LSC: clear, content, and on time. Highly recommend.

LongSchaefer have been trusted advisors and accountants for my company for many years. They are also great at insurance planning. Mike Long is always there when we need him and provides great service year after year.

I have been working with Mike and the team at Long Schaefer for over 20 years. They have taken care of our personal and corporate accounting and provided invaluable financial guidance. Mike has an amazing ability to take extremely complicated tax law, repackage it in a way I can understand, and present it with genuine concern for my business and my family. I would highly recommend Mike to anyone looking for a CPA/PFS.

We believe in and value greatly long-term relationships , and that is why my wife and I are particularly pleased with the 50-year relationship with Long Schaefer. Starting with Founder Ron Long and now with Mike Long and his Associates, LongSchaefer has provided us with a trusted friend, counselor and guide in accounting, tax strategy, and planning. Throughout the years, they have been with us from Cincinnati to Scottsdale, and we have no hesitation in giving them our unqualified five star endorsement. Michael L. Dean, PhD and Carol Dean