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; use the service links above to narrow the list.
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.
Top accounting firms in Santa Cruz
| # | Firm | Service | Rating | Reviews |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | HarborLight Investments✓ | Financial Planning | ★ 5.0 | 8 |
| 2 | Candace Ebert & Company✓ | CPA Firm | ★ 5.0 | 6 |
| 3 | Seghetti Waxler✓ | Tax Preparation | ★ 5.0 | 6 |
| 4 | Natural Bridges Financial Advisors✓ | Tax Preparation | ★ 5.0 | 5 |
| 5 | H&R Block✓ | CPA Firm | ★ 4.6 | 83 |
More firms in Santa Cruz
- Reddell and Kremer Accountancy CorporationTax Preparation★ 5.0 (5)+1831-457-1120
- Joe Phillips Insured Retirement Income - ClosedFinancial Planning★ 5.0 (3)+1831-474-9040Website ↗
- Santa Cruz Tax ServicesBookkeeping★ 5.0 (3)+1831-621-2484Website ↗
- Alves Tax and Financial Services IncTax Preparation★ 5.0 (2)+1831-475-5200Website ↗
- Chad Hoesing IncTax Preparation★ 5.0 (2)+1831-425-7193
- Fernanda Aguiar, CPACPA Firm★ 5.0 (2)+1408-866-4465Website ↗
- Thomas Castillo, CPACPA Firm★ 5.0 (2)+1831-425-7676Website ↗
- TurboTax - Downtown, Santa CruzTax Preparation★ 5.0 (2)+1310-651-5338Website ↗
- Beacon Pointe AdvisorsFinancial Planning★ 5.0 (1)+1831-476-5210Website ↗
- Chamberlain Financial Planning & Wealth ManagementCPA Firm★ 5.0 (1)+1831-420-1340
- Countryside Financial ServicesFinancial Planning★ 5.0 (1)+1831-464-6464
- Keenly FinancialBookkeeping★ 5.0 (1)+1831-331-1977Website ↗
- Michael Chamberlain CFPFinancial Planning★ 5.0 (1)+1831-420-1340
- Petrinovich Pugh & Co LLPCPA Firm★ 5.0 (1)+1408-287-7911
- Rock Creek Consulting Group, LLCCPA Firm★ 5.0 (1)+1831-266-4002Website ↗
- Optium Financial ServicesAccountant★ 4.0 (2)+1831-479-5945
- Anne Mitchell, MS, CPACPA Firm★ 3.0 (2)+1831-429-5710
- Dollars and SenseBookkeeping★ 3.0 (2)+1831-461-4304Website ↗
- Peter Goodman Tax & BusinessTax Preparation★ 3.0 (2)+1831-476-5061
- A D Clarke & CoAccountant★ 1.0 (1)+1831-423-6233
- Pacific Tax Service, A Blackline Partners CompanyBookkeeping★ 1.0 (1)+1831-426-1320
- Barnett Accountancy Inc.Accountant+1 831-475-6555
- CA Golich CPA LLCCPA Firm+1 858-442-3368Website ↗
- Eric Forsberg, CPACPA Firm+1 408-666-4701Website ↗
- Francine Tyler, CPACPA Firm+1 831-316-7590Website ↗
- Heather Babcock, CPACPA Firm+1 831-426-3400
- Jack L. Gachesa, CPACPA Firm+1 831-426-3929
- Julie Duda CPA, Inc.CPA Firm+1 925-838-3221Website ↗
- Kaitlyn Roberts, CPACPA Firm+1 707-536-3679
- Kenner AccountingAccountant+1 831-588-1538Website ↗
- Michael W Blas and CoTax Preparation+1 831-479-0407
- Pp&CoTax Preparation+1 831-346-6021Website ↗
- PPCo Advisors LLCTax Preparation+1 408-287-7811Website ↗
- Rieber Fohs & Associates Accountancy CorAccountant+1 831-476-7100Website ↗
- Santa Cruz Pacific Accounting & Tax, PCAccountant+1 831-226-1500
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.
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.