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Accountants in Santa Cruz, CA — 10 Top-Rated Firms (2026)

We list 10 accounting firms in Santa Cruz, California that have a website and a public review record — 4 financial planners, 3 CPA firms, and 3 tax preparers. 6 hold a Google rating of 4.5★ or higher, and the average across the 10 rated firms here is 4.20★. They are sorted by Google rating and review count.

The highest-rated firm in Santa Cruz is HarborLight Investments (5.0★, 8 reviews). 6 of 10 rated firms hold a 4.5★ or higher Google rating.

Showing 10 of 10 firms · sorted by Google rating
1.
HarborLight Investments
★★★★★★★★★★5.0(8 Google reviews)✓ Verified on Google
Financial Planning · 180 7th Ave Ste 204, Santa Cruz, CA 95062
(831) 291-3843WebsiteMore info
2.
Candace Ebert & Company
★★★★★★★★★★5.0(6 Google reviews)✓ Verified on Google
CPA Firm · 749 37th Ave suite 101, Santa Cruz, CA 95062
Services: bookkeeping, payroll
(831) 316-1106WebsiteMore info
3.
Seghetti Waxler
★★★★★★★★★★5.0(6 Google reviews)✓ Verified on GoogleIRS PTIN
Tax Preparation · 749 37th Ave, Santa Cruz, CA 95062
(831) 425-7676WebsiteMore info
4.
Natural Bridges Financial Advisors
★★★★★★★★★★5.0(5 Google reviews)✓ Verified on GoogleIRS PTIN
Tax Preparation · 627 Center St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Services: financial planning, advisory
(831) 421-0700WebsiteMore info
5.
H&R Block
★★★★★★★★★★4.6(83 Google reviews)✓ Verified on Google
CPA Firm · 1804 Mission St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Services: tax preparation, tax planning, advisory
(831) 427-9712WebsiteMore info
6.
H&R Block
★★★★★★★★★★4.6(69 Google reviews)✓ Verified on Google
CPA Firm · 724 Water St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Services: tax preparation, tax planning, advisory
(831) 423-7111WebsiteMore info
7.
Chiorini Hunt & Jacobs
★★★★★★★★★★4.0(4 Google reviews)IRS PTIN
Tax Preparation · 901 Center St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
(831) 423-3883WebsiteMore info
8.
Canyon View Capital
★★★★★★★★★★3.9(7 Google reviews)✓ Verified on Google
Financial Planning · 331 Soquel Ave, Santa Cruz, CA 95062
(831) 480-6335WebsiteMore info
9.
BMO Bank N.A Branches
★★★★★★★★★★2.7(22 Google reviews)✓ Verified on Google
Financial Planning · 1551 Pacific Ave, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Services: advisory
(831) 429-1124WebsiteMore info
10.
Bank of America (with Drive-thru ATM)
★★★★★★★★★★2.2(47 Google reviews)✓ Verified on Google
Financial Planning · 104 River St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Services: advisory
(831) 466-1721WebsiteMore info

Top accounting firms in Santa Cruz

#FirmServiceGoogle ratingReviews
1HarborLight InvestmentsFinancial Planning5.0 / 58
2Candace Ebert & CompanyCPA Firm5.0 / 56
3Seghetti WaxlerTax Preparation5.0 / 56
4Natural Bridges Financial AdvisorsTax Preparation5.0 / 55
5H&R BlockCPA Firm4.6 / 583

More Firms in Santa Cruz

Firms without a website or enough reviews for a profile page of their own.

How to choose an accountant in Santa Cruz

  • Verify credentials — a CPA holds a state Board of Accountancy license; a tax preparer should have a valid IRS PTIN and, ideally, an EA (Enrolled Agent) designation.
  • Match the specialty to your needs — small-business tax, S-corp/LLC filings, bookkeeping, or personal returns are different skill sets.
  • Confirm they e-file and use current software, and ask how they handle IRS notices or audits.
  • Get the fee structure in writing — hourly, flat per-return, or monthly retainer — before engaging.
  • Ask for an engagement letter defining scope, responsibilities, and deadlines.

How to verify a CPA license »

What accountants cost

Typical national ranges: individual tax return $150–$450, monthly bookkeeping $200–$700, business return $500–$2,500+.

Cost guidance is a national reference range, not a quote — actual fees depend on return complexity, entity type, and the firm. Always request a written estimate.

Frequently asked questions

How many accountants are in Santa Cruz?
We list 10 accounting firms in Santa Cruz, California that have a website and a public review record, 6 of which hold a 4.5★+ Google rating. 45 businesses in Santa Cruz appear in the underlying public data.
How much does an accountant cost in Santa Cruz?
Fees vary by complexity and firm. As a national reference, an individual tax return typically runs $150–$450, monthly bookkeeping $200–$700, and a business return $500–$2,500+. Ask each firm for a written fee estimate.
Do I need a CPA or a bookkeeper?
A bookkeeper records day-to-day transactions and reconciles accounts; a CPA is a state-licensed accountant who can also handle complex tax planning, audits, and represent you before the IRS. Many small businesses use a bookkeeper year-round and a CPA at tax time.
Are the ratings on this page real?
Yes — ratings and review counts are aggregate figures from Google, attributed to Google, with a link to the firm's Google reviews. accounting8 does not host or write reviews.