What David Rachford CPA offers
From S-corp returns to real estate investor tax strategy, here's how David Rachford CPA helps Santa Barbara County clients keep more of what they earn.
Most popular service
Running your business as an S-corporation in California comes with real tax savings — but also real compliance requirements. David Rachford CPA handles the full picture:
New to S-corp? David also advises on whether S-corp election makes sense for your business, and handles the election filing (Form 2553) if you decide to proceed.
Contractors, cabinet makers, and home services businesses in Santa Barbara County.
Consultants, designers, healthcare providers, and other professional service S-corps.
Experience with specialty businesses unique to the Santa Barbara coast.
Year-round advisory
Filing a return is the minimum. Planning ahead is where the real savings happen. David works with clients year-round — not just at tax time — to minimize their tax burden proactively.
Getting the S-corp salary right balances SE tax savings against IRS reasonable comp requirements. David models the optimal split for your income level annually.
Solo 401(k), SEP-IRA, or defined benefit plan — the right choice depends on income, age, and business type. David models each option with real numbers.
The 20% qualified business income deduction has phase-outs and SSTBs restrictions. David plans around them before year-end, not after.
AB 150 passthrough entity tax can produce meaningful SALT deduction workaround savings for California S-corp shareholders. Proper timing matters.
Startup founders and angel investors with qualified small business stock may exclude up to $10M in gains. David evaluates eligibility and holding period compliance.
For founders receiving restricted stock or profits interests, timely 83(b) elections can dramatically reduce future tax. David handles the analysis and filing.
Monthly service
Messy books lead to inaccurate returns, missed deductions, and panic at tax time. David Rachford CPA provides QuickBooks-based bookkeeping that keeps your financials clean year-round.
Bookkeeping clients get priority access during tax season and seamless handoff from books to return — no re-explaining your numbers to a second firm.
Know your real margins monthly, not once a year.
Lenders want to see clean financials. Be ready when opportunity knocks.
Clean books mean less cleanup work at tax time — and lower CPA fees.
Documented, categorized transactions are your best defense.
Specialty service
Homeowners associations and condominium owners associations have unique tax filing requirements under IRC Section 528. David Rachford CPA prepares Form 1120-H and provides independent financial statement reviews for HOAs in Santa Barbara County.
Annual federal HOA tax return with exempt function income analysis and proper treatment of investment income.
California HOA returns and annual information filing for associations operating in Santa Barbara County.
Independent financial reviews for HOAs and real estate brokers who need third-party verification of their financials.
Personal returns
For individuals with complex returns — investment income, rental properties, stock options, foreign assets, or trust distributions — David Rachford CPA prepares accurate, optimized returns.
For investors
Real estate investors in the Santa Barbara area face unique tax challenges — from short-term rental rules to California's complex property transfer tax issues. David works with landlords, Airbnb hosts, and RE investors on:
Book a free 20-minute call with David Rachford to discuss your tax situation and get a clear scope and price before any commitment.
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