I have used James Larsen as my CPA for many years and am confident in his work ethic and tax knowledge.

Tax Strategy & Accounting Solutions for San Francisco Businesses
San Francisco’s economy is driven by technology, finance, real estate, healthcare, and a thriving entrepreneurial community. But with California’s complex tax system, high state income tax, and local San Francisco business requirements, both individuals and businesses face unique financial challenges. At Dark Horse CPAs, we provide proactive tax strategy, outsourced accounting , and Fractional CFO services to help clients minimize liabilities, gain financial clarity, and build long-term success in the Bay Area.
The average NPS for accounting firms is 38%. At Dark Horse, 80% of our clients would recommend us to a friend
Companies use this metric to gauge how happy their customers are with their services. It's calculated by taking the percentage of "promoters" minus the % of "detractors. "The average NPS score for the accounting industry is 39%, less than the DMV! We believe it's important to share that we have successfully fulfilled our promise to WOW clients and consistently monitor this metric to ensure we continue to deliver on the highest level.
Our Google and Yelp reviews speak for themselves. Our goal is to provide 5-star service to every client, every time.
When someone shares their experience with us online, we find it extremely valuable to know where we've exceeded expectations and where we can improve. Many of our clients decide to engage with us as a result of reading about other Dark Horse clients’ experiences. Even when things do not go as planned, we do everything we can to make it right.
We're all about creating long-lasting, value-added relationships.
This is the frequency of repeat business from our clients that work with us. This means that 9 out of 10 clients use us for subsequent years. That shows us that people enjoy working with our CPAs, are pleased with the work, and want to continue with Dark Horse over the long term.

Tax Strategy & Accounting Solutions for San Francisco Businesses
The Problem: Many San Francisco business owners operate without timely, accurate financials—or without the strategic guidance needed to succeed. California businesses must manage state corporate tax, franchise tax, sales and use tax, payroll compliance, and federal requirements, plus San Francisco’s Gross Receipts Tax and local business registration fees. Without proactive planning, these layers create costly surprises.
The Solution: At Dark Horse CPAs, we combine bookkeeping, tax compliance , and strategic tax planning for San Francisco businesses. From handling California franchise and corporate taxes to managing local Gross Receipts Tax filings and providing cash flow forecasting, budgeting, and growth strategies, we deliver the clarity and insight needed to make tax-smart, growth-focused decisions. With our Advisory-First approach, you gain a trusted CPA partner invested in your Bay Area success.

Tax Strategy & Compliance for San Francisco Individuals
The Problem: Too often, San Francisco residents only see the impact of their tax situation at filing time—whether it’s owing more than expected, missing deductions, or overlooking planning opportunities. With California’s high state income tax, property taxes, capital gains exposure, and federal compliance requirements, staying on top of everything can be overwhelming.
The Solution: At Dark Horse CPAs, we believe in No Surprises. We work year-round with San Francisco individuals and families to reduce liability, ensure compliance , and create forward-looking strategies. From California state income tax and real estate planning to retirement, stock option planning (ISOs/NSOs), and investment strategies, every engagement includes personalized tax planning to maximize savings and provide clarity.
I have used James Larsen as my CPA for many years and am confident in his work ethic and tax knowledge.
Brian has helped my business and myself numerous years with our tax, accounting, and bookkeeping needs. He provides valuable insight and knowledge to our company from an outside perspective. Can’t recommend Brian highly enough!
With our prior accountant we didn't feel we were receiving adequate tax guidance and felt we were always paying more than our fair share of taxes. We have been very pleased with the service we have received with Adam Ripperdan. He has taken the time to review in detail our current situation and upcoming plans. With that information he has helped us create tax strategies for our businesses, investments, and personal taxes that not only help us save on taxes but also helps us plan for the future. I highly recommend Dark Horse CPAs.
At Unbridled Advisory, we value partnerships that demonstrate technical expertise, proactive problem-solving, and a client-first mindset. Working with Teddy Mizerak, CPA of Dark Horse CPAs has exemplified all of these traits and more. Teddy's deep knowledge of financial structures and tax strategies has been instrumental in driving success for our mutual clients. His ability to navigate complex scenarios with precision while offering clear and actionable insights sets him apart in the field. What truly stands out is his collaborative approach—he takes the time to understand the unique needs of each business, ensuring solutions are both effective and tailored. Teddy's professionalism and responsiveness have made him an invaluable resource. Whether it's tackling intricate tax planning, addressing compliance challenges, or identifying opportunities for optimization, Teddy consistently delivers exceptional results.We highly recommend Teddy Mizerak to any organization seeking a CPA who goes beyond the numbers, bringing both strategic vision and exceptional execution to the table. It’s been a privilege to work alongside him, and we look forward to continued collaboration.
I was referred to Max by a friend who is also a small business owner. I was definitely in need of direction when it came to my finances. After speaking with Max I was able to understand how I can be efficient in the accounting side of my business and he and his team is there to guide me every step of the way. I'm now confident I have the right team watching my books I highly recommend Max and Dark Horse CPAs.
Craig Trimble at Dark Horse CPAs has been remarkable. His knowledge of the tax laws, his ability to ask questions that I never considered has saved my family and I thousands of dollars over the past three years. I used to use Turbo Tax and the first year I switched, I save over $20,000 over what my Turbo Tax amount worked out to be. That is a remarkable return for the small fee I was charged. I highly recommend Dark Horse CPAs. If you are using a software program to do your business and personal taxes, this year, try both and see for yourself.
The Dark Horse Blog, where we share expert insights on tax strategy, compliance updates, outsourced accounting , fractional CFO services, and more. Our content is tailored to small and medium-sized businesses as well as high-net-worth individuals.
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