An Orange County CPA You Can Actually Talk To

James Larsen, CPA
Book a Meeting

James Larsen, CPA , Principal

Title Principal
Hometown Phoenix, AZ
Years of Experience 19+
Education
northridge
You never achieve success unless you like what you are doing.

— Dale Carnegie

Read Full Bio
Certifications
  • Certified Public Accountant
  • Certified Financial Planner
  • Quickbooks Pro Advisor
  • Certified Tax Advisor Network
Specialties
  • Estate Trusts Tax Services
  • High-Net Worth Individuals
  • 1031 Exchanges
  • Business Personal Tax Strategy
  • Strategic Tax Financial Planning
Industries
  • Non-Profits
  • Real Estate
  • Medical Practices
  • Professional Athletes
image

Your Orange County CPA for Tax and Accounting Advisory

North County San Diego is home to a diverse economy—ranging from biotech and healthcare to real estate, hospitality, and a thriving small business community. To succeed in such a competitive market, you need CPAs who can provide proactive tax strategy and executive-level financial insight. That’s where Suzi Drennen and Mike Madden , your dedicated North County CPAs, come in.

As Principals at Dark Horse CPAs, Suzi and Mike deliver more than compliance. They specialize in tax planning, accounting advisory , and Fractional CFO services tailored to the needs of North County entrepreneurs, professionals, and families. From minimizing tax liability and ensuring accurate financial reporting to providing strategic budgeting, cash flow management, and long-term growth planning, they bring both clarity and confidence to your financial decisions.

With Suzi and Mike, you gain trusted partners who combine proactive tax expertise with CFO-level advisory—helping you navigate today’s complexities while positioning your business and family for lasting success across San Diego’s North County.

Book your Orange County CPA
James Larsen, CPA

James Larsen, CPA, Principal

Dark Horse was what I was looking for my whole career. A firm that's aligned horizontally rather than the vertical, top-down approach of traditional CPA firms where the ones at the top "know what's best for all of us." With Dark Horse, we all have an equal say in which direction we want to go. This lends itself to what's best for the client and that's what we as CPAs strive for...helping our clients in every way we can and providing value to be a trusted partner forever.

Tax Strategy & Accounting Solutions for Orange County Businesses

The Problem: Many entrepreneurs in The OC struggle without accurate financial data or the strategic tax guidance required to stay competitive. California companies face aggressive Franchise Tax Board (FTB) oversight including sales tax and payroll compliance. Operating in Irvine or Newport Beach without proactive planning leads to costly reporting errors and missed opportunities for growth.

The Solution: At Dark Horse CPAs, we combine bookkeeping , tax compliance , and forward-looking tax strategy for Orange County businesses. From managing complex California Nexus issues and IRS filings to delivering cash flow planning and Fractional CFO-level advisory , we provide total financial clarity. Our Advisory-First approach ensures you have a dedicated partner committed to your long-term success in the competitive Santa Ana and South County business ecosystems.

James Larsen, CPA

James Larsen, CPA, Principal

Knowing is half the battle. Businesses without clear financials risk falling short, but with professional accounting, our clients always know where they stand—backed by a trusted advisor to guide their next steps.

Tax Strategy & Compliance for Orange County Locals

The Problem: Too often residents across The OC discover tax surprises at filing time, such as owing more than expected or missing critical planning opportunities. Given California's high state income tax and complex property tax laws, navigating compliance in cities like Newport Beach or Irvine can be overwhelming without a proactive strategy to maximize your annual savings.

The Solution: At Dark Horse CPAs, we believe in a No Surprises philosophy to protect your wealth. We work proactively with families across South County to minimize liability and ensure total compliance with federal and California Franchise Tax Board requirements. From real estate planning to investment and multi-state filings, every engagement includes a customized strategy so you can move forward with total financial confidence.

James Larsen, CPA

James Larsen, CPA, Principal

New clients often tell me their previous tax accountant just did their tax return, which is a commodity. What sets me apart is offering value-added services like strategic tax planning to help you pay the least amount of taxes legally possible. I'm available year-round to provide tailored tax planning advice, not just during tax season.

Frequently Asked Questions About Tax Strategies and Savings

Whether you prefer the written word or the spoken word, we've got meaningful commentary that will help you focus on what's important when it comes to your financial situation and taxes.

Sign up below to be subscribed to need-to-know information and news that affects your business and your personal financial situation.

image
Dark Horse Main Logo
Dark Horse CPAs Circular Text

Get an expert Tax & Accounting CPA who will partner with you to achieve unparalleled results.