Ellison & Ellison PC 2100 Providence Park, Birmingham, AL 35242

"Last year, they charged four times what I paid current CPA. They did not provide a printed copy of tax returns. Had to return to receive a printed copy to provide current CPA. Their hourly rate is more and apparently takes them 3X as long to prepare tax returns."

"Ellison and Ellison refused to provide a price estimate up front, just vague assurances. Much later I learned the rate is $175 per hour. We negotiated a discount the first year (2014). After filing taxes the second year (2015) and receiving a shocking bill, I tried to negotiate for another discount and they didn't budge at all. I paid what I thought was fair, still 50 percent more than I have ever paid any other CPA to handle my taxes. I ended up with a letter from a local attorney's office threatening court action. So I paid the full amount (double anyone else) and wrote this review. After working with them for two years, I requested and received their rate per hour as $175 to work on a tax return. Now I use a local Enrolled Agent who charges less than an hour and a half at the Ellison and Ellison rate. One star. Corbin Ellard appears to be a local financial advisor with VALIC, a mutual fund company. Ellison & Ellison also sells stocks, bonds, and mutual funds (Series 7 and Series 63 licensed). Updated June 2017 - About the review from T. Smith, all their other reviews are 5-star reviews of State Farm agents. The only actual customers without a financial conflict of interest gave 1-star reviews."

"Used them a couple of times for taxes. Wasn't pleased with the experience. We had everything collected and organized for a standard return when we dropped the information off. They wouldn't quote a cost until after the return was complete. Finally they threw out a standard "ballpark" cost and then invoiced 3x that amount. Wouldn't work with us or budge, in any fashion, based on what they'd quoted in writing. Showed no flexibility or concern to us as customers. Told us if we were unhappy with the service that we should look elsewhere. I understand you have a business to run and want to be fair, but I in no experienced any close to a service that deserves premium pricing. Proceed at your own risk. Update...Have had further discussions with them and ultimately came to an agreement. My original post stated that they would not budge and felt it's fair to provide the follow through."