Google reviewers rate Taxlana 4.8 out of 5 based on 113 reviews, with the owner responding to 39 percent of comments. Positive feedback frequently highlights punctual appointments, detailed explanations, and efficient handling of complex business tax situations via online meetings. However, lower-rated reviews cite high pricing, perceived rudeness during initial contact, and unprofessional conduct, including a complaint about the disclosure of sensitive client information in a public response.
Data from Google, last updated October 26, 2026.
Reviews from Google, shown as published (original wording, unedited).
Svetlana is SO Knowledgeable. I love that it's easy to book appointments and review returns - all online. Live meetings are very helpful and informative - where I can ask complicated questions without feeling like a total idiot (tax language is not mine, but definitely Svetlana's:).
My experience working with Svetlana Vakaeva (TaxLana) was extremely negative. I contacted her while transitioning from my previous accountant. Important source documents needed to complete the work were still missing, and Svetlana herself repeatedly requested those documents from me. I was in the process of obtaining them. While I was still gathering the missing information, my previous accountant completed my 2025 corporate and personal tax returns. I sent the completed returns to Svetlana for review and asked whether she saw any issues that should be addressed before they were filed. The result of that review was one sentence: “I do not have any specific comments.” After that, I received a $600 invoice. When I disputed it, Svetlana stated that she had actually calculated almost $1,200 worth of work at her $400 hourly rate and that the $600 invoice was supposedly a substantial discount. For me, the issue is not the number of minutes or the size of the discount. The issue is the professional result. The necessary source information was still unavailable at that time, Svetlana herself was continuing to request it from me, and the result of reviewing the already completed tax returns amounted to one sentence: “I do not have any specific comments.” Communication was also extremely slow and drawn out. I had to wait about five business days for a response to a key email necessary to move our work forward. For me, that level of responsiveness from an accountant handling important tax matters is unacceptable. I also asked for professional assistance with a $4,067 IRS penalty that I had already paid for the late filing of 1099-NEC forms. Instead of receiving professional assistance in resolving the matter, I was told to contact the IRS myself and then follow their instructions. Based on my experience, the result I received did not remotely justify the invoice or meet my expectations of a professional tax specialist. I cannot recommend TaxLana.
Would rather not go into detail but I do not recommend Taxlana. Premium pricing without premium service. In the response to this review, Svetlana disclosed sensitive client information, which I find highly unprofessional.
Brad, I understand your frustration with the situation, but I believe the review leaves out important context. Prior to our appointment, I specifically instructed you to provide a complete set of tax documents so that we could use our scheduled time to finalize your return. Instead, the appointment was used primarily as an introductory consultation, and we subsequently exchanged 17 emails before I was able to complete and file your return. After filing, you provided additional information that required an amended return. I accommodated your request and completed the amendment on an expedited timeline. Throughout our correspondence, I repeatedly requested your banking information so that the tax liability could be paid by direct debit. I specifically recommended this method because it provides a clear payment record and confirmation. You ultimately chose to make the payment independently. Both your original and amended returns were processed by the IRS in a timely manner. The current issue is that the IRS has been unable to locate the payment you independently submitted. Unfortunately, that is not an issue that I can resolve on your behalf, particularly when the payment was not made through the method I recommended and requested. I understand that dealing with the IRS can be frustrating. However, I believe the services provided, including the additional correspondence, expedited amended filing, and repeated efforts to ensure the tax liability was properly handled, were consistent with the level of service our clients receive. I wish you the best in getting this matter resolved with the IRS as quickly as possible.
We have been working with Taxlana for years, and she is simply the best. Thorough and efficient are the two words that come to mind when thinking about our experience. I highly recommend Taxalana!
Brian, Thank you for your continued trust and support over the years. It has been a pleasure working with you, and I truly appreciate your kind words. Providing thorough, efficient, and reliable service is always my goal, so it means a lot to hear that this has been your experience.
Svetlana is professional, knowledgeable, patient (I'm sure that's not easy). I feel relieved that she is in my corner moving forward as I focus on running my business.
Katy, Thank you so much for your thoughtful review. It’s a pleasure working with you, and I’m glad I can take some of the tax-related stress off your plate so you can stay focused on running your business. I truly appreciate your trust and look forward to continuing to support you.
Always a pleasure working with Svetlana. Appointments are on time and she is knowledgeable and pays attention to detail to ensure accuracy.
Barbata, Thank you for your kind words and for your continued trust. I truly appreciate your feedback. Being punctual, thorough, and detail-oriented is very important to me, so I’m glad those qualities have been reflected in your experience. It’s always a pleasure working with you!
Lana, is amazing! Can't speak highly enough of her dedication at what she does! Highly recommended!!
Rob, Thank you so much for your kind words and recommendation! I truly appreciate your support and am grateful for the opportunity to work with you. Your feedback means a lot to me!
Tried to call and make an appointment here, the lady was so rude. Wish I would have read all the reviews before I called
Rebecca, we have not been taking phone calls this tax season as we are not accepting new clients at this time, and we have no record of speaking with you. It’s possible you may have contacted a different office by mistake. We encourage you to verify the business you intended to review.
We had a very disappointing experience with this tax preparer and would not recommend her services. We initially hired her to prepare our taxes and provided all requested documentation. During our phone consultation, she made a comment that we were “not smart” for starting a business without lawyers present, which felt unprofessional and inappropriate. She then requested additional documentation, including health insurance forms we no longer had access to, and insisted they were required. After we explained multiple times that we did not have those documents, the conversation became increasingly uncomfortable. The most concerning part was when she stated she had “never met us or seen our IDs” and implied that we were claiming children that were not ours. All of the children we are claiming are biologically mine, and the way this was handled felt accusatory and disrespectful. Due to the tone of the conversation, we ended the call and followed up the next morning confirming we would not be moving forward and requesting a refund. Despite this, she continued preparing our taxes without our authorization and refused to issue a full refund. At this point, we cannot recommend her services based on the lack of professionalism, communication, and respect shown during this process.
Love working with Svetlana! So helpful, supportive, informative, and always professional.
Justyna, Thank you so much for your kind words! It’s always a pleasure working with you. I truly appreciate your trust and am glad I can be a helpful and reliable resource for you. Thank you for taking the time to share your experience!