Mepham Tax Service

John was absolutely wonderful. Very caring and thorough. He truly cares about his clients. Will be a long-​time customer!

I created a Unilocal account because I felt the need to write about my experience with Mepham. I am still in shock about my experience this past week while filing my 2014 taxes. As an independent contractor, I hired an accountant for the first time ever, because it was trickier and I needed the help of an expert. After reviewing my position, salary, expenses etc. a detailed list of payments and due dates was created so that I could stay on top of what I owed for Federal and State. I set the money aside, paid the payments on time and then went back just recently to file for 2014… Only to find out that I owed almost $ 3K that I had neither planned for, nor do I have in the bank as I am getting married in 4 months. Finding this out was sort of like a punch in the gut. While we reviewed the numbers, it had become apparent that the payments that were calculated for me by Mepham were in fact miscalculated and based off my prorated salary and not my full salary.
Awesome.
OK mistakes happen– although that seems like a PRETTY STUPID one considering this is a building filled with… Accountants.
I remained composed, was never rude– but still had the lady helping me treat me like this was all my fault. Which was hard to swallow, after putting my trust in professionals to help me navigate through being an independent contractor.
And that was really the worst part. The attitude that was thrown my way especially after getting some really rotten news.
There are plenty of accountants out there– I suggest you find another one.

I wish I had the same experience as the others. Perhaps we got a bad accountant or a new one. Originally we saw an accountant named Robbie who calculated our taxes and savings needed for my Fiancés 1099 position. However, it turns out Robbie’s calculations were a bit off.
When we went back to finalize taxes this year, we saw a new person called Kathy. Kathy admitted that Robbie’s calculations were off, meaning we were sending incorrect payments that were to low according to her salary resulting in an almost $ 3000 underpayment. Kathy even had the audacity to put blame on my fiancé saying «if you used common sense you would have realized your payments were too low» that I would consider poor customer service. We went in for their help, using common sense to hire a professional for something we weren’t good at. I’m not sure if they were having a tough day and are frustrated with clients.
I would highly recommend using another tax service or buying turbotax. Especially if you’re a 1099 employee.
Perhaps these folks were great for 10 – 20 years but it seems like their new accountants or business approaches are not at the same standard as the past, the owners have checked out and are more interested in their antique store.

Probably the best Tax/​Antique Resale shop in the WORLD. Grok on that.
I always look forward to at least an annual visit at Mepham Tax Service where I get my taxes finished and then get to browse Sue’s remarkably shiny clean resale/​antiques. And the best part is she often has half off at Tax time when you need a little something for yourself after your not so voluntary donation to the gummermint. I don’t have a problem with the schools, roads and healthcare part, it’s the Rumsfeld styled Departments of Offense that bother me.
John and Robbie’s tax prep fees are fair and they are thorough. I have had to wait a little longer than I care to for an apt sometimes, but I know they are just doing a good job for the poor person ahead of me who botched something up and they have to take the time to fix it. Just like they will do for me. I’ve had small line audits and occasional IRS questions and paperwork that they handled for me without any extra pain.
First rate.
Let’s call it a 4.5 for Tax and a 5.5 for Sue’s Antique/​Resale side.

Friendly service! They really do know their stuff and even though our paperwork was a mess, they handled it with patience and kindness. We will definitely be returning every year for as long as we can!

We have used Mepham Tax Services for over 25 years, even after we moved out of state. Nowadays, I scan receipts and forms as they come in and then just email them to Mepham at tax time. A few days later, I get the signature forms to sign and I fax them back. THAT IS IT. That’s all that’s involved in doing our taxes. Their work is top shelf and their fees are always low!
But what I miss most of all since we moved is being in their shop! It’s an interesting business, with antiques and collectibles packed into the place, with accountants’ desks hidden all over theplace! I have bought some wonderful pieces there. I mean, where else can you find a set of vintage McCoy kitchen canisters while getting your taxes done?

I have been using them for five years now. This is a family run business and they know who I am by name when I come in, they know my son, and always ask how my mom is doing. I have never had any issues with them. They are also patient and treat you like a person and not a body to get in and out real fast. Make sure you make your appointment ahead of time because they do book up fast.

Great Service and answers every question (whether I think it is nonense or not) with integrity. They take care of my small business and personal needs quickly and effeiciently. Very knowlegable! highly recommend

For 20 years I have trusted Mepham with my family’s finances. Not only do they do a superb job doing your taxes, but the advice they give financially is amazing, trustworthy and always in your best interest. Sue, John and Robbie have done Sr. proud by carrying on the legacy of what it means to be a family business, run by family, for your family. I tell everyone about them because everyone should be able to breathe during tax time… they take the stress out of the entire experience.
P. S. My house is full of beautiful items from their amazing antique store downstairs… one of a kind pieces just like they are… one of a kind!!!

They are very knowledgeable and do a great job. Their new office is very open and provide a very good environment in which to do business. During the session, they offered very practical advice on how to plan going forward. They go the extra mile and are pleasure to do business with.

Based on the great reviews I saw here, I gave them a call to find out if they were available to work on my taxes. I wanted an idea of what they charge, a bit more about their business and qualification and how to begin working together (like do I make an appointment, rates, availability, location, etc) but the call ended up making me decide to go to someone else because I couldn’t get any specific information and I wasn’t asked any questions that indicated they were even interested in my business. Eventually, Sue told me she wasn’t being helpful with me because she didn’t think I was interested. Maybe I just caught her on a bad day…

I had every intention of putting these guys on here a while ago but as with everything i slacked and now i dont get the beloved «1^st to review.» rats.
HOWEVER…
That will not stop me from putting in my two cents for Sue, John, Robbie and the rest of the AWESOMENESS that goes by Mepham Accounting.
I have been a LOYAL client of Mepham since 1998. It has been a long time and i can assure you that these people are without a doubt sent directly from heaven to help me with my tax paperwork.
Lets talk about service. So here is how Mepham tax works, you get your taxes done. they charge you. THEN if you have ANY questions AT ALL they are there to help you with whatever you may need. yes. whenever you have a question they are there. a phone call away. let me just say that the sheer fact that i have been with them since 1998 speaks VOLUMES about their service AND patience. to be honest, i am almost totally shocked they havent told me to «f$%k off» yet with all the times i call with questions.
Lets talk about the building that is Mepham Tax service. yes it has an antique store on the first floor. yes it is a pretty cool design. yes your taxes get done magically by the overlords who occupy the top level. YES you WILL buy some trinket when you are there for tax services. why? because they have some pretty rad stuff there and the prices are super reasonable. so that frog playing the harmonica figurine wearing a top hat while surfing is there. waiting for you to get your taxes finished.
i cant tell you how many people i have sent John and his crew in the past 13 years but it has been a LOT. i keep sending them because i always hear how well everything went and how happy they were.
So on that note, if you even THINK about putting anything less than five stars for Mepham you are clearly an idiot. you cannot beat the service, knowledge, pricing, and patience of Mepham.
STOP futzing around with who ever is doing your taxes now.
CALL MEPHAM.
you will be happy you did.

I love this place! They do a GREAT job, and are always patient and ready/​willing to give good advice. I live in Chicago proper and I drive all the way out there for their stellar service.

My family has been having the taxes prepared here for over 20 years! Outstanding service! The office doubles as a resale/​antique shop, but don’t let that worry you!

We just moved to Palatine from the City where we did not have good experiences getting our taxes done so we were skeptical. BUT, these people sure know what that are doing and they are also PATIENT with you instead of getting you in and out. They also help to make sure that you are getting what you are due. I really had a great experience, this will be our second time there.

These guys know their stuff and give advice all year long if you get your taxes done there. Don’t be fooled by the surroundings, these people know what they are talking about!