Tax preparation in Santa Cruz, CA
Santa Cruz (pop. 64,220) has 120 credentialed tax preparers — about 18.7 per 10,000 residents.
Credentialed preparers
120
39 CPAs · 29 EAs · 3 attorneys
Returns filed
41,760
IRS SOI, ZIP-level
Avg. AGI per return
$127,794
Avg. refund
$3,242
56% of returns get one
Self-employment share
20.6%
returns w/ Schedule C income
Use a paid preparer
52%
share of local returns
Free prep returns (VITA)
570
IRS-assisted filings
Need tax help in Santa Cruz?
Answer 4 questions — we'll tell you whether software, a local pro, or a relief specialist fits your situation.
52% of Santa Cruz filers already use a paid preparer — see if it makes sense for you.
Tax services in Santa Cruz
Tax Preparation
Get your federal and state returns prepared and filed correctly.
Tax Relief & Resolution
Owe back taxes? Specialists negotiate with the IRS on your behalf.
Back Taxes & Unfiled Returns
Catch up on years of unfiled returns before the IRS files for you.
Audit Representation
A CPA, EA, or tax attorney deals with the IRS so you don't have to.
Business & S-Corp Tax
Entity returns, payroll tax, deductions, and quarterly planning.
Self-Employed & 1099 Taxes
Schedule C, quarterly estimates, and deductions for freelancers and gig workers.
Crypto & Digital Asset Taxes
Capital gains, DeFi, staking, and the 1099-DA era of crypto reporting.
Amended Returns (1040-X)
Fix a filed return — missed credits, wrong status, forgotten income.
Filing Extensions
More time to file (not to pay) — Form 4868 and what it really does.
IRS Notice Help
Got a letter? Know exactly what it means and what happens next.
Filing stats by ZIP code
Credentialed preparers in Santa Cruz
Full directory →Source: IRS PTIN public data. Listing is informational, not an endorsement.
| Name / Firm | Credential | ZIP | Phone |
|---|---|---|---|
| EZTax Service | EA | 95063 | 831-479-9292 |
| CHIORINI PLATT & JACOBSsite | CPA | 95060 | (831) 423-3883 |
| ALVES TAX & FINANCIAL SERVICES INCsite | EA · AFSP | 95062 | 8314755200 |
| H&R Block | Other | 95060 | — |
| Heather Babcock, CPA | CPA | 95060 | 8314263400 |
| Barnett Accountancy Inc. | CPA | 95060 | 831-475-6555 |
| Jane Becker | ATTY | 95060 | 8314549415 |
| Bookkeeping To Go | Other | 95060 | 831-359-7744 |
| BIRT'S SERVICES | SRTP · AFSP | 95062 | (831) 212-9029 |
| Michael W Blas and Co | CPA | 95065 | (831)479-0407 |
| LANCE BRACHT | SRTP | 95060 | 4087614080 |
| PTB Servicessite | EA | 95065-1150 | (831) 479-4782 |
FAQ
How many tax preparers are in Santa Cruz?
The IRS lists 120 credentialed tax preparers in Santa Cruz, CA — including 39 CPAs, 29 enrolled agents, and 3 tax attorneys.
What's the average tax refund in Santa Cruz?
Returns filed from Santa Cruz ZIP codes average a refund of $3,242, and roughly 56% of returns receive a refund.
Do I need a CPA or can I file myself?
If you have only W-2 income and take the standard deduction, quality software is usually enough. Self-employment income, multiple states, back taxes, or an IRS notice are where a CPA or EA earns their fee.