CPA Guide

Top CPA Firms in California

Find trusted, highly-rated Certified Public Accountants across California. Independently reviewed and ranked by our editorial team.

See Top Firms ↓

CPA Services in California

California is the world’s fifth-largest economy, and its tax code reflects that complexity — with the highest marginal income tax rate in the nation (13.3%), a robust corporate franchise tax, and significant sales and use tax obligations. For businesses operating in California, compliance is not optional: the Franchise Tax Board and CDTFA actively enforce obligations across all sectors.

From Silicon Valley tech startups to Hollywood entertainment companies to Central Valley agriculture, California CPAs are well-versed in the full spectrum of industries and tax strategies. Given the state’s aggressive taxation of capital gains, stock options, and pass-through income, proactive tax planning with a qualified California CPA is essential for high-income earners and business owners alike.

Top 6 CPA Firms in California

Ranked by our editorial scoring system based on verified ratings and review volume

Paramount Tax & Accounting CPAs Rancho Cucamonga

★★★★★ (415 reviews)

📍 8577 Haven Ave STE 308, Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91730

📞 (909) 484-3404

Certified Public AccountantAuditorBookkeepingBusiness Management Consultant

Visit Website →

LGH Consulting

★★★★★ (301 reviews)

📍 585 S State College Blvd, Anaheim, CA 92806

📞 (714) 808-9170

AccountantTax Preparation

Visit Website →

Applied Bookkeeping & Tax Services Elk Grove

★★★★☆ (184 reviews)

📍 9175 Elk Grove Florin Rd # 5, Elk Grove, CA 95624

📞 (916) 246-2082

Certified Public AccountantBookkeepingAccountantFinancial Consultant

Visit Website →

Diamonds Tax

★★★★☆ (161 reviews)

📍 3074 W Temple Ave, Pomona, CA 91766

📞 (909) 610-0474

Tax PreparationBookkeepingPayroll

Visit Website →

Sandoval Tax CPAs, Inc.

★★★★☆ (140 reviews)

📍 3877 Stockdale Hwy, Bakersfield, CA 93309

📞 (661) 325-0906

AccountantBookkeepingPayrollTax Consultant

Visit Website →

P & E Business Solutions

★★★★★ (117 reviews)

📍 2271 E Palmdale Blvd Suite I, Palmdale, CA 93550

📞 (661) 480-0004

Tax PreparationAccountingBookkeepingTax Consultant

Visit Website →

🏆 How We Selected These Firms

Our editorial team evaluates CPA firms across California using a proprietary scoring model that considers:

✓ Google rating — only firms with 4.0 stars or higher are eligible

✓ Review volume — scored using a logarithmic formula to reward genuine review depth

✓ Verified address — firms must have a confirmed physical location

✓ No paid placements — rankings are editorial only, never paid

Last updated: 2025 | Data sourced from verified public business listings

California CPA & Tax FAQ

Q: What are California’s income tax rates?

California has the highest marginal income tax rate in the nation at 13.3% on income over $1 million. The state also imposes an additional 1% surcharge on income over $2 million for certain taxpayers. For most Californians, the effective rate is considerably lower, but high earners face substantial state tax obligations.

Q: What is California’s pass-through entity tax?

California allows pass-through entities (S corps, partnerships, and LLCs taxed as partnerships) to elect to pay state income tax at the entity level at a rate of 9.3% on net income. Partners and shareholders receive a credit for this tax on their personal returns, effectively working around the $10,000 federal SALT deduction limit.

Q: How does California treat capital gains?

California taxes capital gains as ordinary income — there is no preferential long-term capital gains rate at the state level. This means California residents pay federal capital gains tax plus state income tax up to 13.3% on long-term gains, making California one of the highest-tax jurisdictions for investment income.

Q: What is California’s franchise tax for businesses?

Most business entities in California pay a minimum franchise tax of $800 per year, even if they have no income. LLCs also pay an additional fee based on gross receipts that can range from $900 to $11,790. The California Franchise Tax Board actively enforces these obligations.

Q: Are there any tax advantages to leaving California?

Yes, many high-income individuals and business owners have left California to reduce their tax burden. However, California aggressively audits taxpayers who claim to have moved, particularly if they retain California business interests or property. Properly establishing domicile in a new state is essential to avoid continued California taxation.