Melanie MoralesYou can sort your taxes in Edmonton using certified software. One wrong entry, however, can swap out savings for financial and even legal losses (unless you ring these tax lawyers).
The safer bet is bringing in a tax consultant who’s been crunching numbers for years. Business owners, investors, high-net-worth individuals, and average Joes hire them for fast and safe tax obligations.
Finding someone reliable can take weeks or months of research, though. That’s why our team simplified the process for you. Below are Edmonton’s best tax consultants that can keep your tax obligations well-managed, so you can focus on less tedious matters.
How much does it cost to hire a tax consultant in Alberta?
In Alberta, the cost of hiring a tax consultant is somewhere between $160 and $275 per hour. Some accounting firms also provide comprehensive monthly packages that run for $1,200–$1,500.
Non-CPA firms provide cheaper services that often start at $60 per hour.
1. ATS Accounting Inc.
Address: 10025 170 St NW
Contact Details: +1 780-484-4006
Operating Hours:
- Mon to Thu – 8:30 am to 5 pm
- Fri – 8:30 am to 5 pm
- Sat – 10 am to 4:30 pm
Most SMBs that have ATS Accounting on their payroll deal with fewer headaches. Such is the perk of hiring a 2009-established firm with 14,000-plus tax returns filed.
Loyal clients are proof that their operations are done right. We’ve met business owners and individuals who’ve stayed for 3–14 years.
Consultants like Sean and Abraham get most of the credit. Our interviewees called both guys reliable, patient, friendly, and clear, often explaining jargon in plain English.
Fees typically stay predictable as well since the pricing model is fixed and billed monthly. You can pick between the $347 and $675 packages, with a “custom” option available.
Unfortunately, slower-than-expected responses and last-minute rescheduling have been observed before.
Larger companies may also find more suitable names below. As mentioned, SMBs form the client base of this one.
The silver lining is that you can test their consultancy services without paying, thanks to the 15-minute free consult.
I am very satisfied with my service.
At ATS accounting I was greeted with a personable and warm team. They handled my case with professionalism and care. Abraham, Sean and the rest of the team went above and beyond in servicing my needs. I cannot recommend this firm more. I am very satisfied with my service.
Anthony, Google Review
Highly Recommend Them
I hadn’t done my taxes for many years. They were able to bring me up to date. Sean and Abraham were friendly, professional and non-judgemental.They know their taxes! I will continue to use this service every year to ensure that I continue to get the best return possible. I highly recommend them.
Maria Makowiecki, Google Review
2. Lily Lo CPA
Address: 15915 100a Ave NW
Contact Details: +1 780-800-0237
Operating Hours: Mon to Fri – 9 am to 5 pm
Anyone looking for a consultant ticking both years and qualifications should check out Lily Lo. Apart from being a licensed CPA and CGA, she’s a CICA In-Depth Tax Program completer who’s been around since 1998.
You can tell her longevity by how she uses digestible language. Her explanations, chiefly on how to secure cash on tax returns, are clear (the same can be said for these tax return specialists!).
From what we’ve seen, emails also come quickly without compromising on details. Not having to travel for meetings also helps save time; clients may opt for remote consultations via Zoom.
Pricing is where opinions are divided. Some found it reasonable, while others believe the $300-plus fee for tax calls is too steep.
Being a smaller firm, the manpower (or the lack thereof) should also be accounted for. Our list features multi-consultant outfits, mind you.
One upside is that Lily can advise on multiple things, such as GST, incorporation, dividends, and payroll.
Patient and Professional
Very nice lady. She was very patient and professional. Answered my questions politely and gave me advice on how to save money on tax returns.
Hong lok Lam, Google Review
Very Reasonable
Lily is quite professional and very good at tax filing. I had a great experience with Lily and the team. Her team replies my emails and questions fast. Her fee for her services are also very reasonable. Excellent accounting firm. I will come back to do my tax return with Lily next year!
JY Yang, Google Review
3. CN Tax & Accounting Services
Address: CN Tower, 10004 104 Ave NW Unit 1126
Contact Details: +1 780-289-3870
Operating Hours:
- Mon to Fri – 8 am to 9 pm
- Sat to Sun – 9 am to 9 pm
If you ask clients why they picked or stayed with CN Tax & Accounting Services, most will bring up the firm’s ability to maximise tax returns. Chandan Talukder is particularly lauded for his sharpness in spotting deductions.
And he’s quite efficient, usually explaining the process effectively and handling returns within an hour or less.
The availability of after-hours support is also a boon for those with packed calendars. Every other company on this list shuts down at 4:30 pm or 5 pm.
But quality service has its trade-offs, and at CN Tax, higher pricing is among them. One client, for example, paid $250 for 90 minutes.
There have also been occasional gripes about the staff not being too warm and welcoming.
On a positive note, consultations cost zero for the first 15 minutes, and you have the option to either go for a flexible pricing model or fixed rates.
We knew we made the best decision
Based on a referral, we decided to meet with CN Tax & Accounting and after meeting with Chandan, we knew we made the best decision to have him as our family accountant. Not only was he professional, knowledgeable and thorough, he provided us with ample time during the consultation to address all our questions (in detail too!) regarding rental property income taxes, business taxes, and estate taxes. What also sets him apart from other accountants is his authenticity with serving clients and ensuring he provides his clients have peace of mind with all the necessary tax information needed, which is such a rarity these days. Also, his accounting staff are very respectful and helpful, which are important qualities when running a client-focused business. Thank you Chandan and staff for going above and beyond the client’s expectation!
LH, Google Review
Reliable Accountant
Chandan is very professional and informative. Not only did he maximize my tax return, he explained things to me that I didn’t previously understand. I highly recommend CN Tax and Accounting Services for anyone looking to work with a reliable accountant.
T Andersen, Google Review
4. Gallo LLP Chartered Professional Accountants
Address: 12415 Stony Plain Rd Unit 6
Contact Details: +1 780-417-7530
Operating Hours: Mon to Fri – 8:30 am to 4:30 pm
It’s not mad to call Gallo LLP reliable. The firm opened in 2004 and features a sizeable workforce of CPAs, CAs, MBAs, and CGAs.
You don’t have to run a mega-corporation to consult them either. Managing partner Jonathan Gallo supports SMBs and first-time business owners by providing them with technical advice.
If you’re worried about the jargon, don’t be. Jonathan and his team break down the complicated bits patiently and courteously.
What’s even better is that they often process everything fast without overlooking details. It usually takes them 4 hours to address queries, one day to come up with a detailed reply, and a single week to resolve the issue (they call it the 4-1-1 promise).
Just a pity you can’t swing by their Edmonton office on weekends.
Gallo LLP takes a bold approach to consulting, too. Those who’d rather stick with safer bets may want to look elsewhere.
Incredibly Helpful as a New Business Owner
This was my first year working with Gallo LLP and also my first year starting my own business. I’m very grateful for the support I received from their team. Jonathan shared a lot of valuable tax knowledge with me during our meetings, which was incredibly helpful as a new business owner. I also want to thank Jagger for patiently helping me file all of my personal returns. With their help, I’ve saved a lot of time and can now focus more on growing my business. Highly recommend!
Yushuo Ouyang, Google Review
Very Particular
This is my second year using Gallo. I’m very pleased with the work of Jagger and Jade. There are always on top of all my questions. As someone that is very particular on the details, their accuracy and attention to detail has been top notch. Would definitely recommend working with them and the Gallo team.
Eric Sciberras, Google Review
5. Liu & Associates LLP
Address: 10534 124 St #300
Contact Details: +1 780-429-1047
Operating Hours: Mon to Fri – 8:30 am to 5 pm
New business owners usually praise Liu & Associates LLP for going beyond the basics. We say that because the firm can provide reliable links to other professional services a startup needs.
Their consultations extend across multiple areas, including tax returns, corporate/estate tax planning, and business expansions. Only qualified professionals, such as CAs, CGAs, and CMAs, will handle your case.
You also get the benefit of having to work with the entire team, even if you’re just chatting with one member. For over 25 years, a collaborative ethos has defined their identity.
When it comes to downsides, pricing is a notable one. Tax file support can go over $300.
The absence of weekend hours is another point to consider. Some firms work on a daily basis.
Not all of them, however, receive yearly training the same way Liu & Associates does.
Extremely Helpful
We are a relatively new corporate client (18 months) and a personal client for many years. Liu & Associates have been extremely helpful, not only in the expert opinions and services within their professional scope but also assisting in coordination with other professional services a new company requires. Kudos to Dwayne and Patricia along with their team. Thank you all for your support it is greatly appreciated.
Ian Checkley, Google Review
Pleased with the Services
I recently had my income taxes done by Liu & Associates. I contacted Patricia by email to arrange for an initial consult and she made an appointment right away and from the emails alone I got a good vibe. After leaving my initial consultation, I left with a great feeling my return will be done correctly and professionally and it was!!! Everyone is very friendly, their office is convenient to get to and may I say its a beautiful office. I am very pleased with their services and will definitely use them again and recommend them to my family and friends. Thank you to everyone who worked on my file at Liu & Associates for making this experience a great one.
Tina P, Google Review
