Email Us
Appointments are available by arrangement

For Small Businesses

ESTABLISH GREATER PROFITABILITY AND BUSINESS EFFICIENCY!

Your business’ profitability and operational efficiency are at the center of your business’ success!
Our experience, resources, and attention to detail make our accounting services second-to-none. We look forward to the opportunity to help transform your business’ financials as we work with you to establish short- and long-term strategies for growth and profitability.

 

Working with us and enlisting our business services could make all the difference!

Whether you need help starting a business, cleaning up your bookkeeping, handling payroll, or you crave some much-needed business coaching or other strategic consulting, we have been doing this for years, and stay on top of all of the new regulations to help you take the most advantage possible. Legally, and ethically — and profitably.

We work with our clients in a relational way to help them experience the financial success they desire — whether the business is just an idea, relatively new, or a well-established entity. Whether small, large, or in need of some special attention, we have the experience you need so that you can focus on what your business does best.

For Small Businesses

Who Can Claim the American Opportunity Tax Credit? Guidance for Santa Cruz County Parents

Quick Answer: The American Opportunity Tax Credit (AOTC) must be claimed by whoever legally lists the student as a dependent on their federal tax return. If a parent claims the undergraduate, the parent gets the credit; if the student is independent, they claim...
Read More

Do You Get Better Tax Breaks For Being Married, Santa Cruz County Couples?

Key TakeawaysMost married couples lower their tax liability by choosing the Married Filing Jointly status, which preserves access to deductions that separate filers lose. When there is a significant income gap between partners, combining earnings on a joint...
Read More

2026 Guide to Short-Term Rental Taxes for Santa Cruz County Airbnb & VRBO Hosts

Key TakeawaysYou do not have to pay federal income tax on rental earnings if you rent your home for 14 days or fewer per year and use it personally for more than 14 days (or 10% of the rental period). You will only receive a Form 1099-K if you exceed $20,000 in...
Read More

Do You Have to Pay Taxes On Sports Betting? What Santa Cruz County Bettors Need To Know

Key TakeawaysThe IRS considers all sports betting payouts as ordinary income, regardless of the amount or whether you received a tax form. For the 2026 tax year, you can only deduct 90% of your gambling losses against your winnings, even if you ended the year...
Read More

The Santa Cruz County Taxpayer’s Guide: How Do I Calculate My Federal Tax Withholding?

Key TakeawaysA large refund is an interest-free loan to the government, while a big bill suggests you are at risk for IRS underpayment penalties. Updating your Form W-4 by late April allows you to spread adjustments across the majority of the year, minimizing the...
Read More

How Does Self-Employment Tax Work For Santa Cruz County Taxpayers Leaving Their 9-to-5?

Key TakeawaysAs a W-2 employee, you pay half of Social Security and Medicare tax through withholding. As a self-employed taxpayer, you pay both halves through self-employment tax. Self-employment tax is 15.3% of your adjusted net earnings, and you also pay...
Read More

Mistakes Santa Cruz County Taxpayers Should Avoid When Filing For a Federal Tax Extension

Key TakeawaysA federal extension provides six extra months to file, but all taxes owed must still be paid by the April 15th deadline to avoid penalties and interest. For 2026, the IRS assesses a 0.5% monthly failure-to-pay penalty plus 7% annual interest...
Read More

s the Self-Employment Tax Credit Real? And Other Tax Scams Santa Cruz County Taxpayers Should Watch For

Key TakeawaysToday’s tax scams look professional, sound convincing, and are built to get your Social Security number, filing credentials, or signature on a bad return. A big refund promise is one of the clearest warning signs of a scam. You are responsible...
Read More

Will the IRS Ever Call You On the Phone? 6 Tax Scams for Santa Cruz County Taxpayers to Avoid

Key TakeawaysThe IRS does not initiate first contact by phone, text, email, or social media. Initial contact is generally made by mail. A message demanding immediate payment, threatening arrest, or asking for gift cards, crypto, or banking information is a...
Read More

Philip B. Hebner, CPA, EA’s Top 4 Reasons For Filing a Tax Extension

Key TakeawaysA federal tax extension gives you until October 15 to file your individual return, but it does not extend the time to pay tax due. Filing an extension makes sense when your return would otherwise be incomplete or inaccurate. You should consider...
Read More

How You’re Missing Legal Tax Deductions

Here’s a certain truth: the State and Federal Government would love to have more of your hard-earned money in their accounts. Sure, even though it’s painful, none of us begrudge paying our legal and fair share of taxes.

But the problem is that regular taxpayers, like you, are missing out on legal and safe deductions, to the tune of hundreds of millions of dollars in unclaimed refunds every year!

Learn More

Let Us Help: