Certified Tax Accountant in California
Accurate tax preparation, smart tax planning, and expert IRS and California FTB representation for individuals, self-employed professionals, and small businesses statewide.
- Licensed & verifiable
- In-person & remote
- Upfront written quotes
- Audit support included*
*Describe your actual audit-support terms here.
Why Californians need a qualified tax accountant
California has some of the most complex tax rules in the country. A separate state return, high marginal rates, community property rules, and strict entity requirements mean mistakes are costly.
Federal + state, done right
Your federal return and California Form 540 (or 540NR for part-year and non-residents) have different rules. We make sure both are accurate and consistent.
Keep more of what you earn
We look for legitimate deductions, credits, and planning moves, including the California Earned Income Tax Credit and Young Child Tax Credit where you qualify.
Protection if something goes wrong
If you receive an IRS or FTB notice, we review it, respond, and represent you so you do not have to face it alone.
Tax and accounting services in California
One team for personal and business tax needs, all year, not just in tax season.
Individual tax preparation
Federal Form 1040 and California Form 540 for W-2 employees, retirees, investors, and families, including multi-state and part-year resident returns.
Self-employed & freelancers
Schedule C, 1099 income, quarterly estimated payments, home-office, vehicle, and health insurance deductions, and self-employment tax planning.
Small business tax returns
Sole proprietors, partnerships, LLCs, S corporations, and C corporations, including the California $800 minimum franchise tax and LLC fee.
Tax planning & strategy
Year-round planning for entity selection, retirement contributions, timing of income and expenses, and major life events.
IRS & FTB representation
Audits, notices, penalty abatement, payment plans, offers in compromise, and unfiled returns, handled directly with the agencies.
Bookkeeping & payroll
Monthly bookkeeping, financial statements, payroll tax filings, and sales and use tax support through the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration (CDTFA).
Rental property & real estate
Depreciation, passive loss rules, 1031 exchanges, and sale of a home or investment property.
Crypto & investment income
Capital gains reporting, cost-basis reconciliation, and digital asset transaction reporting.
New business setup
Help choosing between sole proprietorship, LLC, and S corporation, plus EIN, registrations, and compliance calendars.
Who we help
Families & employees
Maximize credits and avoid filing errors.
Freelancers & gig workers
Track deductions and stay current on estimated taxes.
Small business owners
Clean books, correct filings, and lower tax bills.
Landlords & investors
Accurate reporting for rentals, stocks, and crypto.
Understanding tax professional credentials in California
Not every “tax accountant” holds the same license. Here is how the main credentials differ, and how you can verify each one yourself.
| Credential | Issued by | What it means | Verify it |
|---|---|---|---|
| CPA Certified Public Accountant | California Board of Accountancy | Passed the CPA exam and met education, experience, and ethics requirements. Can prepare taxes, perform audits, and represent clients before the IRS. | cba.ca.gov |
| EA Enrolled Agent | U.S. Internal Revenue Service | Federally licensed tax specialist with unlimited rights to represent taxpayers before the IRS in all 50 states. | IRS preparer directory |
| CTEC Registered Tax Preparer | California Tax Education Council | Completed required tax education and registered with CTEC. Required in California for most paid preparers who are not CPAs, EAs, or attorneys. | ctec.org |
Our credentials
- [CPA / EA / CTEC] — License or registration no. [LICENSE NUMBER]
- IRS Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN) on every return we prepare
- [Professional memberships, e.g. CalCPA, NAEA, AICPA — only if true]
- [YEARS] years of experience serving California clients
How working with us works
A simple, transparent process from first call to filed return.
Free consultation
Tell us about your situation by phone, video, or in person.
Clear written quote
You know the fee before we start. No surprises.
Secure document upload
Send documents through our encrypted portal.
Review & e-file
We walk you through your return, then file it electronically.
What to bring to your appointment
- Photo ID and Social Security numbers (you, spouse, dependents)
- W-2s, 1099s (NEC, MISC, INT, DIV, B, K), and 1098s
- Last year’s federal and California returns
- Health coverage forms (1095-A, if applicable)
- Business income and expense records, mileage log
- Rental income, expenses, and purchase documents
- Receipts for deductions and charitable gifts
- Any IRS or FTB notices you have received
California tax essentials
Key deadlines
- Jan 31 — W-2 and 1099-NEC forms due to recipients
- Mid-April — Individual returns and first-quarter estimated payments due
- March 15 — S corporation and partnership returns due
- Oct 15 — Extended individual return deadline
- Jan 15 / Apr / Jun / Sep — Estimated tax payment dates
Dates can shift for weekends, holidays, or disaster relief. California often follows IRS disaster extensions. We confirm your exact dates each year.
Common California tax issues
- Franchise Tax Board (FTB) vs. IRS notices
- $800 annual minimum franchise tax for most LLCs and corporations
- LLC gross-receipts fee for higher-income LLCs
- Community property rules for married and registered domestic partners
- Part-year and non-resident filing (Form 540NR)
- Sales and use tax permits through CDTFA
- CalSavers retirement program requirements for some employers
Transparent pricing
Every engagement starts with a written quote. Below are typical starting points. Replace with your real fees.
| Service | Starting at | Includes |
|---|---|---|
| Individual return (W-2, standard) | $[AMOUNT] | Federal + California return, e-file |
| Self-employed / Schedule C | $[AMOUNT] | Federal + California, deductions review |
| LLC / partnership / S corp | $[AMOUNT] | Business return and owner K-1s |
| Monthly bookkeeping | $[AMOUNT]/mo | Reconciliations and financial statements |
| IRS / FTB notice response | $[AMOUNT] | Review, response, representation |
Final fees depend on complexity and volume of records.
Why clients choose [FIRM NAME]
Licensed and accountable
Our credentials are public and verifiable. We sign every return we prepare.
Confidential and secure
Encrypted file sharing and strict confidentiality practices protect your financial data.
Responsive communication
Direct access to your accountant, with replies within one business day.
Serving clients across California
Based in [CITY], California, with secure remote service for the entire state.
Southern California
[Los Angeles, Orange County, San Diego, Inland Empire — edit to match]
Bay Area
[San Francisco, San Jose, Oakland — edit to match]
Central Valley
[Sacramento, Fresno, Bakersfield — edit to match]
Remote statewide
Video, phone, and secure upload for every California county.
Tip: if you serve specific cities, create a separate page per city (for example /tax-accountant-sacramento) with unique local content. That ranks better than one long list.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a CPA, an Enrolled Agent, and a CTEC tax preparer in California?
A Certified Public Accountant (CPA) is licensed by the California Board of Accountancy and can prepare taxes, perform audits, and represent clients before the IRS. An Enrolled Agent (EA) is federally licensed by the IRS and specializes in taxation, with unlimited rights to represent taxpayers before the IRS. A CTEC-registered tax preparer has completed required education and registered with the California Tax Education Council, which is required in California for most paid preparers who are not CPAs, EAs, or attorneys.
How do I verify that a California tax accountant is licensed?
Check CPAs on the California Board of Accountancy license lookup at cba.ca.gov, Enrolled Agents on the IRS Directory of Federal Tax Return Preparers, and registered preparers on the CTEC website at ctec.org. A legitimate preparer will also sign the return and include a Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN).
How much does a tax accountant cost in California?
Fees depend on the complexity of your return. A simple individual return costs less than a return with self-employment income, rental properties, or multiple states, and business returns are priced separately. We provide a clear written quote before any work begins.
What documents should I bring to my tax appointment?
Bring photo ID, Social Security numbers for everyone on the return, W-2s, 1099s, 1098s, last year’s tax return, records of business income and expenses, receipts for deductions, health coverage forms, and any IRS or FTB notices you have received.
What should I do if I received a notice from the IRS or the California Franchise Tax Board?
Do not ignore it, and note the response deadline printed on the notice. Contact us as soon as possible so we can review it, determine whether it is accurate, and respond or negotiate on your behalf.
Do I have to pay California’s $800 minimum franchise tax for my LLC or corporation?
Most LLCs, S corporations, and C corporations that are organized in or doing business in California owe an annual minimum franchise tax of $800 to the Franchise Tax Board. Some newly formed entities have had special first-year rules, so we confirm your exact obligation based on your formation date and current law.
Can you work with clients remotely?
Yes. We serve clients throughout California by secure online document upload, phone, and video call, and we also meet in person by appointment.
Book your free consultation
Tell us a little about your situation and we will get back to you within one business day.
- Phone: (740) 328-7848
- Email: contact.bhcpatax@gmail.com
- Office: 2101 S El Camino Real, Suite 207, Oceanside, CA 92054
- Hours: Mon–Fri 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (extended hours in tax season)