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Business Details
17 Years
experience
Trusted Accounting and Tax Services in Carlsbad, CA
JL Wennes CPAs is a full-service accounting firm dedicated to providing clear, forward-thinking financial guidance with a personal touch. Founded in 2009 by Certified Public Accountant Janet Wennes, our mission is to help individuals and businesses achieve financial confidence through proactive tax planning, accurate bookkeeping, and strategic advisory services. With over 25 years of combined experience, our team of CPAs and Enrolled Agents delivers boutique-level service backed by big-firm expertise. We prioritize long-term relationships, tailoring solutions to meet each client's unique goals while maintaining audit-ready accuracy and compliance.

Our collaborative approach ensures clients receive year-round support, real-time financial insights, and personalized communication. Recognized for exceptional client service, we handle everything from day-to-day bookkeeping to complex tax strategies, allowing business owners to focus on growth. Our commitment to continuous education enables us to solve intricate tax issues while maintaining transparency and ethical standards. Located in Carlsbad, CA, we serve clients throughout San Diego County with convenient in-person visits and secure digital solutions.
Services
Business Accounting Individual Taxes Bookkeeping Tax Planning Payroll Services Nonprofit Tax Services Financial Advisory Tax Return Reviews Trust & Estate Tax Services Bookkeeping Reviews
Details
  • Year established: 2009
Highlights and features
  • We offer 15+ years of combined experience in accounting and tax services
  • Our team provides personalized, proactive financial guidance year-round
  • We maintain audit-ready accuracy with real-time financial reporting
  • Our full-service team ensures business continuity and backup support
  • We specialize in strategic tax planning to minimize liabilities
Associations and certifications
  • Certified Public Accountants (CPA)
  • Enrolled Agents (EA)
What people say
Prompt and professional Huge upgrade Quick and honest Very secure and confident Excellent communication
Services
Business Accounting
Comprehensive accounting solutions for businesses including financial reporting, payroll processing, and compliance management. Our services ensure accurate books, strategic tax planning, and real-time financial insights. Clients benefit from experienced CPAs who provide audit-ready records and proactive financial guidance tailored to business needs.
Individual Taxes
Personalized tax preparation and planning services for individuals and families. We handle complex tax situations, maximize deductions, and ensure compliance with federal and state regulations. Our year-round tax consulting helps clients minimize liabilities and plan for future financial success through strategic tax strategies.
Bookkeeping
Accurate day-to-day financial record-keeping services using modern accounting software. Our bookkeeping includes accounts payable/receivable management, financial statement preparation, and tax integration. Clients receive organized records that support informed business decisions and simplify year-end tax preparation processes.
Tax Planning
Proactive tax planning services that identify opportunities to reduce liabilities throughout the year. We analyze business operations and personal finances to implement strategic tax-saving measures. Our planning includes quarterly projections, entity structure analysis, and compliance with evolving tax regulations.
Payroll Services
Complete payroll processing solutions that ensure accurate employee payments and tax filings. Our services include payroll tax calculations, W-2 processing, and compliance with labor regulations. Clients benefit from timely reporting and integration with accounting systems to maintain financial accuracy.
People
Janet Wennes
Certified Public Accountant & Owner
With over 25 years of accounting experience, Janet Wennes founded JL Wennes CPAs in 2009. She specializes in tax strategy and business advisory services, holding a Master of Science in Taxation. Janet combines technical expertise with personalized service to help clients achieve financial goals.
Hayley Craig
Certified Public Accountant
Hayley Craig has specialized in tax preparation since 2010. She assists with business advisory services and tax matter resolutions, bringing expertise from both public accounting and corporate controller roles. Hayley focuses on delivering tailored tax solutions for small businesses and individuals.
Christy Hoffman
Enrolled Agent
Christy Hoffman brings 20+ years of tax expertise, specializing in international tax planning. As an Enrolled Agent, she provides comprehensive tax preparation and planning services, leveraging experience from global relocations and diverse accounting roles to serve business and individual clients.
Leah Cruse
Enrolled Agent
Leah Cruse offers 15+ years of accounting experience with expertise in corporate tax preparation. She serves S-Corporations, partnerships, and nonprofits while pursuing CPA certification. Leah combines technical knowledge with practical business solutions for clients across various industries.
Margit Henry
Lead Bookkeeper
Margit Henry leads bookkeeping services with 25+ years of experience in financial operations. She specializes in QuickBooks and Xero platforms, providing accurate financial statements and payroll processing. Margit's hospitality industry background supports diverse business accounting needs with precision and clarity.
Questions
What accounting services do you offer for small businesses?
We provide full-service accounting including bookkeeping, financial reporting, payroll processing, tax planning, and advisory services tailored to small business needs.
Do you handle both business and personal tax preparation?
Yes, we offer comprehensive tax services for both businesses and individuals, including complex tax situations and year-round tax planning strategies.
Are your accountants certified professionals?
Our team includes Certified Public Accountants and Enrolled Agents with extensive experience in tax and accounting services for businesses and individuals.
What are your office hours for in-person visits?
Our Carlsbad office is open Monday-Friday 8:30am-5:00pm. We recommend scheduling appointments in advance for optimal service.
How do you help businesses with tax planning?
We provide year-round tax planning, quarterly projections, and strategic advice to minimize liabilities while maintaining compliance with current tax regulations.
Can you assist with nonprofit organization tax requirements?
Yes, we specialize in nonprofit tax services including IRS filings, internal control reviews, and compliance support for tax-exempt organizations.
Reviews (7)
Jacqualynn G.
Nov 12, 2021 Report
Janet is extremely knowledgable and is happy to help you so that you succeed. Her whole team is friendly and provide good service. I am using JL Wennes for my company accounting and I feel confident in their skills.
Susan B.
Jul 09, 2020 Report
I have used Janet for a couple of years now and I am so confident in her and so relieved to not have to do taxes anymore. I recently referred some friends to her and they had the same quality experience I had. I recommend this CPA firm to anyone with complete confidence.
Annie M.
Jun 22, 2020 Report
I found Janet and her team several years ago, after many frustrating experiences of poor communication and mistakes made with previous accountants. Janet changed all that with our first meeting, and I have been referring people to her ever since.

Janet and her team are easy to work with, professional, and make the process easy, and for bonus points, enjoyable! Janet handles our personal and my business tax preparation. Payroll for my business is handled in house, and I have worked with Margit when I needed rescuing from my mistakes with bookkeeping on QB. (Anyone that can be that kind and patient
Danielle M.
Jan 28, 2020 Report
Very happy I found JL Wennes, the ladies there are fantastic. They have been great from the day we walked in the door! All the ladies there are very friendly and welcoming. Most importantly they do a great job for all my business needs! I would give them more than 5-stars if I could!
Trish S.
Jan 21, 2020 Report
Janet has made some changes and although she's in the same location, she's technically a new business these days. My last review still rings true and its copied here: I know my boyfriend might disagree, but Janet is the best thing that's ever happened to me! Thanks to the Yelps and his recommendation, she's now all up in my tax life and it's no longer a stressful and tedious issue - in fact! I look forward to seeing her next year (and the year after that and the year after that...) Who says that? "I can't wait to go see my tax professional!" Well, I do
Kimberly P.
Aug 09, 2019 Report
I've never had such great customer service! If all professionals worked this hard and were this considerate the world would be a lot easier. Janet and her staff go above and beyond. Plus, they are just really great people.
Crystal V.
Jul 19, 2019 Report
I've been a client both personally and for my business for over 6 years. Janet Wennes is my accountant and she's been so great to work with. She makes tax season a piece of cake for me, shares strategies on how to get the most out of my business's finances and her team (especially Hayley!) are prompt, professional and easy to work with. I highly recommend JL Wennes CPAs to any individual or small business.