California · CA
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Match the right kind of help to the work — CPA firms, tax preparers, bookkeepers, payroll providers, fractional CFOs, and industry specialists serving Los Angeles.
CPA firms in Los Angeles
Licensed CPAs for tax, audit, advisory, and assurance.
BrowseTax preparers in Los Angeles
Individual and business tax filing for the upcoming season.
BrowseBookkeepers in Los Angeles
Monthly close, AP/AR, and reconciliation specialists.
BrowsePayroll providers in Los Angeles
Payroll, tax filings, and benefits administration.
BrowseFractional CFOs in Los Angeles
Senior finance leadership for growing companies.
BrowseIndustry specialists in Los Angeles
Restaurants, real estate, medical, construction, and more.
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Find a CPA in Los Angeles
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Local hiring guide
Common CPA services in Los Angeles
The work Los Angeles residents and small businesses most often hire a CPA to handle.
- Annual business and individual tax preparation
- Tax planning and quarterly estimates
- Bookkeeping and monthly close
- Entity selection and formation (LLC, S-corp, C-corp)
- Payroll setup and filings
- IRS notice response and audit representation
- Financial statement preparation (compilation / review)
Industries
Small-business industries shaping Los Angeles
The local economy your Los Angeles CPA should already know how to serve.
Entertainment & media (film, TV, music)
Real estate & development
Creators, talent & loan-out corps
Hospitality & restaurants
Fashion, beauty & e-commerce
Decision guide
When to hire a CPA vs. a bookkeeper
A bookkeeper records the past. A CPA shapes the future — taxes, structure, strategy.
Hire a bookkeeper when…
- •You need day-to-day transaction categorization and bank reconciliations
- •You want monthly financials but no tax filings or planning
- •Revenue is under ~$500K and your structure is simple (sole prop / single-member LLC)
- •You already have a CPA for taxes and just need clean books
Hire a CPA when…
- •You're filing business taxes (S-corp, C-corp, partnership)
- •You need tax planning, entity restructuring, or multi-state filings
- •You received an IRS or state tax notice or are facing an audit
- •You're raising capital, selling a business, or doing equity comp planning
- •Your books are a mess and you need cleanup plus a long-term advisor
Before you sign
Questions to ask any Los Angeles CPA before hiring
Use this checklist on your first call. Strong CPAs welcome these questions.
- Are you a licensed CPA in this state? What's your license number?
- What industries do you specialize in, and how many clients like me do you serve?
- Who actually does the work — you, a staff accountant, or an offshore team?
- How do you bill — hourly, fixed-fee, or monthly retainer? What's typical for my size?
- What software do you use (QuickBooks, Xero, NetSuite), and do I get access to my files?
- How do you handle IRS notices or audits if they come up later?
- What's your response-time expectation during and outside of tax season?
- Can you provide references from clients in my industry?
Stay compliant
Tax deadlines and California notes
Federal deadlines plus the state and local filings that catch most filers off guard.
Los Angeles City Business Tax renewal due (LA City Office of Finance).
California Form 540 and federal 1040; CA pass-through entity tax (PTET) first prepayment due (50% of prior year).
CA PTET prepayment for current year — miss this and the election is void.
W-2s and 1099-NEC due to recipients and the IRS.
S-corp (1120-S) and partnership (1065) returns or 6-month extension.
Individual (1040) and C-corp (1120) returns; Q1 estimated taxes due.
Q2 estimated taxes due.
Q3 estimates; extended S-corp and partnership returns due.
Extended individual and C-corp returns due.
$800 California minimum franchise tax due for almost every LLC, LP, and corporation each year.
Informational only — not tax advice. Confirm current deadlines with your CPA or the relevant authority.
Browse by specialty
Top specialties in Los Angeles
Certified Public Accountants
Licensed Certified Public Accountants for tax, audit, advisory, and assurance services across the United States.
ExploreSmall Business CPAs
Licensed CPAs specialized in small business taxes, S-Corp and LLC structuring, quarterly estimates, and year-round advisory for owner-operated companies.
ExploreReal Estate Accountants
CPAs and accountants for real estate investors, syndicators, developers, and agents. Cost segregation, 1031 exchanges, REPS, depreciation strategy, and partnership returns.
ExploreFractional CFO Services
Part-time CFOs for growing companies. Strategic finance, board reporting, fundraising support, cash forecasting, and KPI dashboards — without a full-time executive hire.
ExploreNearby
Nearby cities to Los Angeles
Major metros our directory also serves.
Statewide
Also in California · CA
FAQ
Frequently asked questions about CPAs in Los Angeles
How much does a CPA cost in Los Angeles?
LA pricing skews higher than the national average — $300–$650/hour, $500–$2,000 for individual returns, and $2,000–$8,000+ for business returns. Entertainment specialists (loan-outs, residual tracking, multi-state withholding) charge a premium.
Should I set up a loan-out corporation in LA?
Loan-outs (typically S-corps) can save on self-employment tax and unlock deductible business expenses once net acting/writing/producing income passes roughly $75K–$100K. The math depends on CA's $800 minimum franchise tax, payroll setup costs, and reasonable compensation — talk to an entertainment-focused CPA before forming one.
What is the LA City Business Tax and do I owe it?
Nearly every business operating in the City of Los Angeles must register with the Office of Finance and renew annually by March 1. Rates depend on classification; many creative and professional services qualify for the Small Business Exemption under $100K of in-city receipts — but you still must file to claim it.
Does my LA CPA need to be licensed in California?
For California tax returns, yes — use a CPA licensed by the California Board of Accountancy or an Enrolled Agent. Out-of-state CPAs can prepare your federal return but cannot sign as a CPA on California filings.
Compare your options
Hiring a verified Los Angeles CPA vs. DIY
| Factor | Verified Los Angeles CPA | DIY / generalist |
|---|---|---|
| Local tax knowledge | Los Angeles state + local filings | Federal only |
| Audit defense | Represents you to the IRS | You handle correspondence |
| Year-round planning | ||
| Typical fee | $200–$3,500 / engagement | $0 software + your hours |
| Specialty match | Industry-experienced | General-purpose |
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2026 CPA Pricing Guide
Real fee benchmarks for tax prep, bookkeeping, payroll, and advisory — by service and business type.
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