GEI

I personally think Thom should have his own show, he is like an encyclopedia when it comes to tax law and getting you the most savings on your taxes. He has been doing my returns since around 2005 – 2006. I always trust what he does and it is pure magic! When I incorporated, he actually taught a class about it and the differences in corporations, plus understanding the financial implications. He also shared stories about things he does personally around his own finances, which is pretty amazing to learn (one of the reasons for my suggestion he have his own show). I feel fortunate to have had him in my financial corner thru all the peaks and valleys and I highly recommend him to almost everyone I meet.
p. s. He genuinely cares about his clients, he is very hands on… and fast. This man knows his stuff!

We had a fairly painless audit using Natalia at Fishman Block and Diamond CPA in Encino… and wait for it… LESS MONEY THAN THIS HACK!!! She is WAY more knowledgeable than this idiot, and GOT THE IRS TO GIVE US MONEY BACK! Way more than I can say this jerk did! We are still waiting to hear back from 2010 which Thom completely screwed us out of… Natalia is working hard to settle this, but its a MESS! THANKS GEI…
DO NOT GET YOUR TAXES DONE HERE!!!

Thom Swick and his team are without question the most skilled tax preparers as well as most honest group anywhere. Our taxes for a S corporation, a charity tax return, a separate C corporation and our personal returns all have been in Thom Swicks hands for over 20 years. We have always been well advised and well protected even in a very difficult one time audit. Thom met with the IRS and proved that his numbers were all justified. I simply do not understand a couple other one star Unilocal as I can assure you Thom will not let anyone down so there is definitely another side to those stories that have nothing to do with GEI Tax Services period. He is a tax teacher, great family man and a friend as well who has saved our family tens of thousands of dollars with good tax advice, planning and detailed tax returns. His prices are always very reasonable and more than fair.

I really enjoy working with Thom Swick and his staff. He is there to answer all of my questions any time of the day free of charge… just a phone call away. His knowledge of the field is extensive. Tax season for me is very stressful, but I know that I will be well taken care of with GEI Tax and Financial Services.

I started getting my taxes done with GEI in 2008. I made the same amount of money in 2007 as in 2008 and had basically the same living situation as the previous years but prepared my taxes with another tax guy and was charged only $ 100. But in 2008 after preparing my taxes with GEI, the difference in my return was about $ 3,000. Thom really knows EVERYTHING about the tax code and how to get the biggest LEGAL return you can get. When I sit down with him to do my taxes he explains everything thoroughly and if you don’t understand something he’ll kindly go over it again until you get it. I was originally recommended to him by a co-​worker and I am VERY satisfied with his services and feel obligated to do my due diligence and recommend him to everyone! Yes, he does charge more, but it’s worth every penny. I paid him about $ 450 last year but again, if he’s getting me a return that’s $ 3,000 more than the previous year, what’s the extra $ 350? What’s so great about him too is that he’ll have set days when he’ll go out to Fullerton or San Diego for a day and prepare your taxes closer to where you live. To me that just shows that not only is he committed to his clients, it shows me that people from all over Southern California know GEI and trust him with their taxes. I’m not saying everyone will get a $ 3,000 increase in their return, but what I’m saying is that you’ll get your taxes done thoroughly and whatever you get back or owe will be the right amount.

Simply the best in the business… and a teacher who will help you plan and prepare your personal affairs to your benefit.
I have recommended over a dozen people, all of whom echo my feelings.
I moved from California several years ago and I still seek his help on my taxes as well as advice.

I went to this tax guy because of the review that I read that was posted by Michelle P. — I felt compelled to leave another review so that others are not mislead. I went to Thom Swick and had a horrible experience. First off, his home office was pure chaos. While I was meeting with his wife, we had every interruption from his two dogs barking to his son waking up and walking through to ask for breakfast, to another person bringing in food to the door being left open and the wind blowing the papers everywhere. I was trying to list off my deductions and have a meaninful conversation — but had to keep getting up to make room for all of the people walking through. I did not have confidence that she captured all of my information since there were so many distractions. Right before I left, I asked her what Thom’s fee was… and she told me between $ 150 — $ 250, depending on the forms. I did not get the opportunity to meet with Thom (even though I scheduled the appointment with him). $ 250 as a maximum fit into my budget — so I left… .hoping that my taxes would be done ok. A couple of days later, Thom called and told me that his wife was incorrect and that he was planning on charging me $ 780. !!! I think I actually gasped out loud. I feel that is incredibly unreasonable… I do not own a house, I do not have investments, I have no dependents and am not married. I am a single woman who rents and I just moved this year so I had a multi-​state. I shudder to think what his charge would be if I owned a house or had children. I cannot believe that people pay him that much for their taxes. I advise anyone who is looking for a tax person to stay very far away from this place. I called him back and asked him to stop working on my taxes… he did not even say «goodbye» before hanging up the phone and practically hung up on me when he realized I was not going to be a customer of his. I found it to be incredibly rude. You’re better off doing your own taxes than going to this guy.

If you need a new Tax or Financial Guy — Thom Swick, the owner of GEI is a complete financial genius. I believe he was a former IRS agent. He knows every tax law out there. He will teach you what is tax deductible, how to track your categories, and give you financial advice that is the best tax-​appropriate.
He specializes in working with therapists, clergy, entertainment industry people, and anything self-​employed. But don’t worry about the category if I didn’t list you, nor how much or little you make. His services are worth every penny and as your finances grow, you will see his support has really helped you to improve your financial standing.
A few years ago, I was randomly pulled for the tax audit. It was soooo scary. I had to work my ass off to organize things for tom, provide documentation, but he’s the one who analyzed my numbers and represented me at the tax visit. They just called me on the phone and asked some clarifying questions. Best part, the IRS guy agreed to leave my return as is. It’s called a «no change» return. A few of these in your life and the IRS will never audit you again. So, one down and hopefully I won’t have to do it ever again!
It’s a lot of work to learn all this, but his staff are incredible, very reliable, and very helpful. I always get a very healthy return each year, then add that to my savings or purchase something big that I need for my business.
Oh, and even though GEI is located in La Canada, I live in Ladera Heights near Culver City and LAX. I never have to go in person after the first return. Year after year, we send everything via mail and fax.
GEI really knows what they are doing!