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Accounting and Bookkeeping Services in Santa Rosa, California
Small business owners in Santa Rosa trust 1-800Accountant's professional bookkeeping and tax services to reduce compliance headaches while maximizing deductions and keeping more profits in their pockets.
Our Accounting Services for Santa Rosa Small Businesses
Business Tax Preparation: Have your taxes prepared and filed by a CPA with expertise in your industry so you're always confident in your business tax situation. Our CPAs, with more than 17 years of experience on average, can save you thousands annually when you delegate complex Santa Rosa tax preparation to them!
Bookkeeping: Solidify your financial base and manage cash flow with precise, error-free bookkeeping done for you that saves time and provides crucial insights that empower you to make important data-backed business decisions. This meticulous process delivers essential tools for interpreting data with easy-to-understand reporting, enabling your accountant to develop vital financial modeling.
Tax Advisory: Business tax considerations don't end in April. Through our affordable tax advisory service, you can receive the guidance you need when you need it year-round from a dedicated small business tax advisor. Strategic planning helps minimize your business tax liability in California throughout the year while ensuring compliance.
Payroll: Save hours each pay period with comprehensive payroll services handled for you, with regular tax submissions to the city of Santa Rosa, ensuring accuracy and freeing you to focus on other vital aspects of your business.
Business Formation: Enjoy the advantages of officially establishing your business in California with our complimentary incorporation services. Simply cover any Santa Rosa fees, and we will manage the rest. This puts you on a path to hiring employees and creating a business bank account as you experience the benefits of an optimized business structure and maximum tax savings.
Discussing your business taxes with 1-800Accountant is quick and easy:
- Set up a time for us to give you a call.
- Tell us what’s going on with your business.
- Get matched with an accountant who knows your industry & local regulations.
| Level | Rate |
|---|---|
| State Tax Rate | 6.00% |
| County Tax Rate | 3.25% |
| Municipal Tax Rate | 0.75% |
| Combined Sales Tax Rate | 10.00% |
| City-Specific Taxes |
|---|
| Santa Rosa requires all businesses operating within city limits to pay an annual Business Tax based on gross receipts. Renewal and payment are due by January 31 each year. There is a minimum tax of $43, and rates increase progressively with higher gross receipts. |
| Licenses and Permits |
|---|
| Every business operating in Santa Rosa must obtain a Business Tax Certificate (commonly called a business license), even if home-based or located outside city limits. |
| The following businesses require additional permits from the Santa Rosa Police Department: massage businesses, door-to-door sales (peddlers), places of entertainment, second-hand dealers. |
| Businesses selling tangible goods must obtain a Seller's Permit from the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration. |
| Lodging businesses (hotels, motels, short-term rentals) must register for Transient Occupancy Tax collection. |
| Grants and Funding in Santa Rosa | Grants and Funding Information |
|---|---|
| Event Support Funding | The City of Santa Rosa offers funding for events taking place between July 1, 2025, and June 30, 2026. This funding supports events that benefit the local community, attract visitors, or otherwise positively impact Santa Rosa. Applications are accepted online directly via the City's official website. |
| Sonoma County FY2025-2026 Funding | Sonoma County has announced available funds for eligible nonprofit organizations and governmental jurisdictions. While primarily aimed at nonprofits and agencies, public-private partnership opportunities occasionally allow for-profit businesses to participate, especially for collaborative initiatives or economic development projects. |
| California Dream Fund Grant | This state-level program offers microgrants up to $10,000 for new small businesses in California started after July 1, 2019. The grant is designed to help launch or grow businesses, with a focus on supporting entrepreneurs and stimulating economic recovery. |
| California Paid Family Leave Program Grant | Provides grants of $1,000 to $2,000 to California small businesses that offer paid family leave to their employees. The grant amount is determined by the number of employees participating in the program. |
What to Look for in Santa Rosa, California Accounting and Bookkeeping Services
When choosing an accountant or bookkeeper for your Santa Rosa small business, you should consider the following factors:
Certifications and Wine Industry Expertise: Verify your financial professional holds proper certifications like CPA credentials and demonstrates familiarity with California's complex tax regulations. For Santa Rosa businesses, particularly valuable is experience serving wineries, vineyards, and wine-related tourism businesses that form the backbone of Sonoma County's economy.
Knowledge of Agricultural Tax Provisions: Select an accountant who understands the specific tax considerations for Santa Rosa's agricultural businesses. This includes expertise in agricultural exemptions, seasonal income management, crop insurance reporting, and the unique depreciation schedules that apply to farming equipment and vineyard development costs common in the region.
Tourism and Hospitality Financial Management: Look for professionals experienced with the financial complexities of Santa Rosa's tourism and hospitality sectors. This includes understanding seasonal cash flow patterns, managing contractor relationships for events, and navigating the tax implications of tasting room operations, tour services, and hospitality ventures.
Local Economic Development Incentives: Choose an accountant familiar with Santa Rosa's specific economic incentives, including those available through the city's Economic Development Division and Sonoma County programs. A knowledgeable professional can help you access benefits like Downtown Station Area Specific Plan incentives, historic property tax advantages in Railroad Square, or sustainability credits relevant to local businesses.
Small Business and Arts Community Focus: Find a financial partner who understands the needs of Santa Rosa's vibrant arts community and small businesses. This includes expertise in managing finances for seasonal events, tracking expenses for studio spaces, and maximizing deductions available to creative professionals and small retailers that populate areas like the SOFA Arts District.
Talk to a business tax expert today for all your tax needs in Santa Rosa.
Additional California Accounting Resources:
California Business Tax Guide for Small Businesses
How to Start an S- Corporation in California
A Beginner’s Guide To California Payroll Taxes
*Based on a $12.2k average 2022 tax refund per client, which is 4x the cost of a full-service package. Source: first-party data.
*Includes average business tax preparation, form completion and submission, record keeping, and other misc admin time. Source.
*Historical first-party data.