◈ Homepage — https://bastacpa.com/?utm_source=web&utm_medium=googlebusinesspageCall Us +1 (415) 333-6262 Book Appointment Client Portal Our Services Real Estate Tech Companies About Get In Touch Resource Hub FAQs Leading CPA Firm in San Francisco, California You Can Trust Located in the heart of California, Basta & Company is the leading San Francisco based CPA firm that helps small businesses increase profitability and pay as little tax as legally possible. Samy Basta, CPA Work With a San Francisco CPA to Maximize Your Business Profit At Basta & Company, we don’t just minimize your taxes (although, we’re great at that!). We care about the success of your business as if it’s our own. That’s why our CPA tax accountants in California proactively help business owners make smarter financial decisions to maximize the amount of money they take home. For more information, feel free to contact our accountant, consulting in San Francisco, CA. Where Can We Help? Tax Strategy California tax laws are complex and ever-changing. That's why it takes an experienced CPA to formulate a tax strategy that works for your business. At Basta & Company, we use our local expertise and decades of CPA experience to help business owners in any situation stop overspending on tax. Fractional CFO As your business grows, financial management becomes more complex. Through our California CFO services, we handle the financial direction of your company through budgeting, financial planning, and KPI tracking for a fraction of the cost of a traditional CFO. Advisory Services Every decision you make in business can have far-reaching ripple effects down the road. Through our business advisory services, we're on hand to ensure you're making the smartest financial decisions at every turn, In other words, our accounting consultants in California help rectify any financial concerns that may arise. Trusted Bay Area CPA for Over 20 Years Looking for experienced CPA tax accountants near you? Look no further! We are an all-in-one accounting solution, serving real estate and tech companies. At Basta & Company, our priority is your business success. For decades, we've helped Californian business owners navigate the complexities of tax strategy, manage financial operations, and position their business for growth. In other words, our accounting consultants in California help rectify any financial concerns that may arise. Meet The Team Our Services Fractional CFO At Basta & Company, we help companies optimize their business systems, maximize resources, solve tough financial challenges, and ultimately accelerate growth with our part-time virtual CFO services in California. Read More Business Tax Services Whether you’re a new business owner or have years of returns on the books, we make sure your business pays as little tax as legally possible. Throughout the tax planning process, we’re available to answer any questions Read More New Business Advisory At Basta & Company, we guide new business owners on smarter financial decision-making from the beginning, to ensure they are in a winning position for success on all fronts. Read More Not Your Average San Francisco CPA. Here's What We Do For Businesses. Increase Business Profitability Are you overspending on expenses each month? Is too much money going towards your taxes? Is your business structured for maximum efficiency? We help you structure your business more efficiently in order to accelerate the growth of your business. Reduce Your Tax Burden There is a good chance if you're reading this as a business owner, you are paying too much money in taxes. Being one of the leading CPA firms in California. Switching to our tax planning & preparation services typically saves business owners thousands of dollars in taxes Manage Day-to-Day Financials It's hard enough as a business owner to run the day-to-day operations, let alone know where your spending is going each month. We help you stay on top of cash flow issues through monthly accounting & part-time CFO services. Get An Expert's Opinion Have a touch financial decision to make? Not sure how to get your cash flow back on track? We're always a phone call away to help you tackle the difficult decisions you face every day as a business owner. At Basta & Company, we're on hand to steer your business towards success. Read Our Latest Blogs Read More What Are California’s 1031 Exchange Rules? What are California’s 1031 Exchange Rules? We’re walking you through everything you need to know with our experienced real estate accountant in today’s post. Read More Buying a Truck Just for Taxes Is a Bad Move for California Builders If you’ve spent any time on Instagram lately, you’ve probably come across this guy. He’s standing next to a lifted truck, ring light blazing, big watch, branded hat — very confident. And he’s got advice for you: “Buy a heavy truck. Write it all off. Pay zero taxes.” Sounds pretty great, right? Here’s the problem: […] Read More Why California Contractors Overpay Taxes Without Realizing It If you run a construction, contracting, or real estate business in California, you’ve probably felt the sting of a bigger-than-expected tax bill. But here’s the thing: that bill wasn’t created when you filed your return. It was created months earlier, through a series of decisions that nobody helped you think through. Maybe you bought equipment […] Read More What Our Client Says? Jonathan Senigaglia 4 years ago Samy Basta is such a kind and sweet man, I just love him! Such a pleasure to work with. Samy cares ... read more michael berke 4 years ago I cannot recommend Samy enough! He helped us with a very challenging 1031 exchange which allowed us... read more Elmira Esmaeili 6 years ago What a great surprise! We were expecting to pay IRS over $10,000 in additional taxes but we ended u... read more john meloy 6 years ago As a new client I’m delighted to report that my interactions with Basta & Company have been exc... read more Jessica Berman 6 years ago I have worked for Basta & Company. Samy Basta is the lead CPA and head of the company. He is an... read more Place your business in good hands with a leading San Francisco CPA firm in Basta & Company. Book your free 15-minute call to get started. About Us Meet Samy Basta, CPA, and his team. Samy is a tax expert and small business consultant specializing in helping real estate and tech companies maximize their tax savings while scaling up sustainable growth. With over 25 years of experience in the industry, Basta & Company has become a trusted advisor to numerous small businesses looking to navigate the complexities of tax laws and regulations. Company About Blog Get In Touch Privacy Policy Get In Touch 100 Pine Street, Suite 1250 San Francisco, CA 94111 Subscribe to our newsletter below Subscribe We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe at any time. © Copyright Basta & Company. All Right Reserved 2026. ◈ Interior Pages — 26 pages crawled» Why California Contractors Overpay Taxes Without Realizing It - Call Us +1 (415) 333-6262 Book Appointment Client Portal Our Services Fractional CFO Services Business Tax Services New Business Advisory Real Estate Accounting for Real Estate Construction Accounting Tax guide for construction 2023 Comprehensive Guide to 1031 Exchange Tech Companies Tech Accounting Services Taxes For Start Ups About Meet Our Team Meet Samy Basta Meet Drussillia Garcia Meet Mariana Alejo Meet Louise Santiano-Villanueva Get In Touch Contact Us Prospective Client Existing Client Resource Hub Blog Videos FAQs Why California Contractors Overpay Taxes Without Realizing It Samy Basta, CPA • May 8th, 2026 If you run a construction, contracting, or real estate business in California, you’ve probably felt the sting of a bigger-than-expected tax bill. But here’s the thing: that bill wasn’t created when you filed your return. It was created months earlier, through a series of decisions that nobody helped you think through. Maybe you bought equipment without a strategy. Maybe your entity structure hasn’t been looked at in years. Maybe job costs ended up in the wrong accounts, or your CPA didn’t reach out until March when it was already too late to do anything useful. That’s the real reason contractors overpay taxes in California . Not because they’re careless or cutting corners, but because they’re not getting proactive advice before the money is already out the door. When your accountant is only hearing from you at tax time, you’re not getting tax planning. You’re getting tax history.   Why California Contractors Overpay and What Actually Fixes It Contractors tend to overpay taxes for the same handful of reasons: waiting until tax season to think about it, running the business under the wrong entity structure, missing equipment deduction opportunities, and not tracking job costs accurately throughout the year. For California contractors, this gets even more complicated. Federal and state tax rules don’t always line up. California generally follows federal law but with its own modifications , and those differences can catch business owners off guard if nobody’s watching for them. The good news is that the fix isn’t some complicated tax strategy or loophole. It’s actually pretty straightforward: Tax planning that happens all year, not just in April Clean, accurate job costing An entity structure that actually makes sense for where your business is today. Someone in your corner helping you make smarter decisions before December 31st — not after.   Quick Tax Leak Checklist for Contractors You may be overpaying taxes if: You only talk to your CPA during tax season. Your business is profitable but still taxed as a sole prop or basic LLC. You bought trucks or equipment without checking the tax impact first. Your books do not show profit by job. Materials, subs, labor, and equipment are not coded by project. You do not review estimated taxes before year-end. You are taking owner draws but have never reviewed S-Corp payroll. You do not know which jobs made money last quarter. Your CPA has never asked about work in progress, retainage, or job costing. If a few of those hit close to home, that is your sign. Your tax bill may not be the real problem. It’s often the system behind it, or the lack of one.   Mistake #1: Using the Wrong Entity Structure Most contractors start out as sole proprietors or basic LLCs, and honestly, that makes sense. When you’re getting the business off the ground, simple works. But once you’re consistently profitable, that same setup can start costing you more than it should. An S-Corp election may help some profitable contractors reduce self-employment tax. But it is not automatic. You still need to run payroll. You still need clean books. And you still need to pay yourself a reasonable salary before taking distributions. The IRS is clear on this : an S-Corp shareholder who receives or has the right to receive money from the company must be paid reasonable compensation before any distributions go out. That’s not optional, and getting it wrong creates its own problems. So yes, an S-Corp can be a genuinely smart move for the right contractor at the right revenue level, but only when the numbers actually support it. Don’t restructure your business because someone on YouTube made it sound like a no-brainer. Run the numbers first, with someone who knows California contractor taxation, not just general small business advice.   Mistake #2: Why Talking to Your CPA in April Is Already Too Late This is where a lot of contractors lose real money without realizing it. If your CPA first talks to you in March or April, most of the good planning is already gone. If the first time you talk to your CPA is March or April, most of the opportunities are already gone. The year is closed. The equipment was bought without a plan. Payroll already happened. Profit already landed. Cash already moved. At that point, there’s nothing left to do but report what already occurred — that’s not planning, that’s just paperwork. You are cleaning up history. For contractors, the best planning usually happens before year-end. Think September, October, and November. Review where your profit is landing, think through owner pay, time equipment purchases strategically, look at retirement contributions, true up estimated taxes, and make sure your cash flow picture makes sense heading into the new year. Tax season is for filing. Tax planning is for making decisions. Do not confuse the two. Those are two completely different conversations, and if you’re only having one of them, you’re probably overpaying.   Mistake #3: Buying Equipment Without a Tax Plan Contractors buy real stuff. Trucks. Trailers. Skid steers. Tools. Heavy equipment. Office equipment. Software. Some of those purchases may qualify for accelerated depreciation, Section 179, or other write-offs. IRS Publication 946 covers how businesses recover the cost of qualifying property , including Section 179 and bonus depreciation rules, and for contractors buying trucks, equipment, or machinery, it’s worth understanding what’s available. Here is the part people miss: a deduction is not free money. Buying a truck you do not need just to “save taxes” is usually bad math. You may reduce taxable income. But you still spent the cash. The better question is: Does this purchase help you finish jobs faster? Reduce rentals? Improve crew efficiency? Increase capacity? Protect cash flow? Help you make more money? If the answer is yes, then absolutely — plan the tax side of it carefully and take every deduction you’re entitled to But if the honest answer is no, don’t let a potential write-off talk you into a purchase that doesn’t make business sense.   Why California Contractors Need to Be Extra Careful California business owners do not get the luxury of simple tax planning. You have federal tax law, and then you have California’s version of it, and the differences matter more than most people realize. Depreciation, equipment write-offs, entity-level taxes, payroll, estimated payments, California handles some of these differently than the IRS does. So when someone says, “Just buy equipment and write it off,” that may only be half the story. It might work cleanly at the federal level while California treats it completely differently. It might create a cash flow problem you weren’t expecting. Maybe the purchase makes sense. Maybe it does not. That’s exactly why California contractors need to think through major financial decisions before the money is spent, not after. Once the purchase is made, your options narrow fast.   Mistake #4: Bad Job Costing This one doesn’t get as much attention as S-Corps or equipment deductions, but it FAQ | Basta & Company Call Us +1 (415) 333-6262 Book Appointment Client Portal Our Services Fractional CFO Services Business Tax Services New Business Advisory Real Estate Accounting for Real Estate Construction Accounting Tax guide for construction 2023 Comprehensive Guide to 1031 Exchange Tech Companies Tech Accounting Services Taxes For Start Ups About Meet Our Team Meet Samy Basta Meet Drussillia Garcia Meet Mariana Alejo Meet Louise Santiano-Villanueva Get In Touch Contact Us Prospective Client Existing Client Resource Hub Blog Videos FAQs Frequently Asked Questions Here are the answers to a few of our most commonly asked questions. Book 15-Min Call Who do you work with? We’re a B2B accounting firm with a focus on real estate and tech companies. We provide value-added services such as tax planning, financial analysis, and strategic advice. We help businesses optimize their financial performance, reduce their tax burden, and make informed decisions that support their growth and profitability. What types of businesses can benefit from working with you? Any business that needs help managing its finances can benefit from working with us. This includes small businesses, startups, and mid-sized companies, across tech and real estate industries. What industry do you work with? We specialize in venture-backed startups real estate, construction, architecture, and engineering firms. However, we will consider other industries as well, on a case-by-case basis. What’s your fee structure? Our fee structure is in tiers, depending on the complexity of the service. we value price every engagement. This means that we focus on the value we provide to your business, rather than simply charging based on the amount of time we spend on a particular task. By using a value-based pricing model, we’re able to provide more than just accounting services – we act as strategic partners to help your business achieve its goals and succeed over the long term. What services do you provide? We offer full-suite, cost-effective accounting solutions through our unique fractional CFO service platform. These services include tax and accounting, financial analysis, budgeting and forecasting, cash flow management, financial reporting, and strategic planning. We offer tailored solutions that are specifically designed to address the challenges faced by your business. Jonathan Senigaglia 21:58 04 Jul 22 Samy Basta is such a kind and sweet man, I just love him! Such a pleasure to work with. Samy cares deeply about client education, and takes the time to explain complex tax matters in ways a non-expert (like me) can understand. He is so patient and diligent. I am consistently impressed with his deep knowledge of tax law, and the way he uses that knowledge to save his clients money. This year he showed me how, through some simple tax planning, I could cut $6k off my tax bill. I am so grateful for Samy! michael berke 23:11 13 May 22 I cannot recommend Samy enough! He helped us with a very challenging 1031 exchange which allowed us to defer our capital gains taxes and purchase a new property. He returns e-mails and phone messages promptly and the best part is that he talks non CPA language to you in order to make sure you understand everything. If I could, I would give him 6 stars! Elmira Esmaeili 01:17 01 Mar 20 What a great surprise! We were expecting to pay IRS over $10,000 in additional taxes but we ended up with $4,000 tax credits and paid nothing! Samy is amazing! He knows all the recent tax reforms and patiently explains them to us and applies the relevant tax deductible tools and strategies for our business and personal taxes. We have referred him many of our friends and we heard nothing but great reviews. We are so happy to know him and have him as our valuable resource for our finances. john meloy 00:01 16 Feb 20 As a new client I’m delighted to report that my interactions with Basta & Company have been excellent. Though not a complete novice with online forms processing, at 1st I was slightly perplexed by the TaxDome software. Fortunately for me I had phone assistance from Jessica Catinella, who graciously walked me through the process. My uploads, though not correctly labeled, reached Jessica who called and advised me that all went well. I’m grateful for the invaluable assistance I’ve so far received from Basta & Company, and staff! Thank you, John Meloy Jessica Berman 22:22 23 Jan 20 I have worked for Basta & Company. Samy Basta is the lead CPA and head of the company. He is an amazing boss with an amazing staff under him. The company is very detail oriented and I would highly recommend their services to anyone! About Us Meet Samy Basta, CPA, and his team. Samy is a tax expert and small business consultant specializing in helping real estate and tech companies maximize their tax savings while scaling up sustainable growth. With over 25 years of experience in the industry, Basta & Company has become a trusted advisor to numerous small businesses looking to navigate the complexities of tax laws and regulations. Company About Blog Get In Touch Privacy Policy Get In Touch 100 Pine Street, Suite 1250 San Francisco, CA 94111 Subscribe to our newsletter below © Copyright Basta & Company. All Right Reserved 2026. » Buying a Truck Just for Taxes Is a Bad Move for California Builders - Call Us +1 (415) 333-6262 Book Appointment Client Portal Our Services Fractional CFO Services Business Tax Services New Business Advisory Real Estate Accounting for Real Estate Construction Accounting Tax guide for construction 2023 Comprehensive Guide to 1031 Exchange Tech Companies Tech Accounting Services Taxes For Start Ups About Meet Our Team Meet Samy Basta Meet Drussillia Garcia Meet Mariana Alejo Meet Louise Santiano-Villanueva Get In Touch Contact Us Prospective Client Existing Client Resource Hub Blog Videos FAQs Buying a Truck Just for Taxes Is a Bad Move for California Builders Samy Basta, CPA • May 13th, 2026 If you’ve spent any time on Instagram lately, you’ve probably come across this guy. He’s standing next to a lifted truck, ring light blazing, big watch, branded hat — very confident. And he’s got advice for you: “Buy a heavy truck. Write it all off. Pay zero taxes.” Sounds pretty great, right? Here’s the problem: that advice can get California contractors into serious trouble. I work with builders, contractors, and real estate business owners across California, and I see this play out more often than I’d like. Someone buys a heavy truck because a guy on social media called it a “tax hack” — and then finds out the hard way that the deduction doesn’t work the way the video made it sound. By then, the truck is already sitting in the driveway. So let’s break down what’s actually going on here, and what you need to know before you take tax advice from someone with a ring light.   The Heavy Truck Write-Off Is Real First, the truck deduction is not fake. There are legitimate tax rules, specifically Section 179 and bonus depreciation, that allow businesses to write off certain vehicles. In plain terms: if you buy a qualifying vehicle and use it for business, you may be able to deduct a large chunk of the cost upfront rather than spreading it out over several years. Heavy-duty trucks like F-250, F-350, Ram 2500, Ram 3500 often qualify. So yes, the tax benefit is real. The problem isn’t the rule itself. It’s that the online advice almost always skips the parts that actually matter — and that’s exactly where contractors and builders end up in a bad spot.   Problem #1: You Must Use the Truck for Business You can’t just slap your company name on a truck, drive it everywhere, and call it all business. That’s not how the IRS or California’s Franchise Tax Board sees it. Legitimate business miles look like this: driving to job sites, hauling materials, moving equipment, meeting with subs, managing projects. All fair game. But dinner runs, gym trips, school drop-offs, and your regular commute from home to the office? Those are personal miles, and they don’t count. The IRS and FTB want documentation. Not estimates, not assumptions, not “I’m a contractor so it’s basically all business.” They want records, and if you can’t produce them, the deduction can unravel fast. The fix isn’t complicated. Keep a mileage log. Use an app. Keep calendar notes. Save job site records. Because when the audit comes, the guy from Instagram isn’t going to be there to sort it out. Your CPA will.   Problem #2: You Still Spent Real Money This is the part people forget. Say you buy a $90,000 truck and the tax savings come out to around $30,000. That sounds great, until you remember you still spent $90,000. You didn’t make money. You didn’t outsmart the IRS. You bought a truck at a discount, and that’s a very different thing. On top of that, you’ve now signed up for: a monthly payment insurance registration fuel repairs tires maintenance California sales tax That’s a real ongoing cash commitment. For contractors and builders, cash flow isn’t just important. It’s everything. You need it for payroll, materials, subs, permits, and covering yourself when customers pay late (and they will). A truck payment adds to that pressure, not away from it, especially if the truck wasn’t something you actually needed in the first place. The principle here is simple and worth keeping close: a tax deduction is not free money. You spend the dollar first. Then taxes might save you a portion of it. The rest is still gone.   Problem #3: California Does Not Play by Federal Rules This is where California builders really need to be careful. Federal tax rules and California state tax rules don’t always line up, and the truck deduction is a good example of where they diverge. You might take a large write-off on your federal return, but California often won’t match it in the same year. In many cases, the state requires you to spread that deduction out over several years instead. So your federal tax bill looks great, but your California tax bill doesn’t move the way you expected. California has its own rules. This is why California builders can’t just take tax advice from someone operating in Texas, Florida, or Tennessee. Those states play by different rules. What works there may not work — or may work very differently — here. So when someone online tells you to “write off the whole truck,” that’s too simple to be useful, and in California, oversimplified tax advice has a way of becoming expensive tax advice.   A Real-World Example I’ll share a real example of how this plays out. A builder I worked with bought a $95,000 truck after seeing videos online saying he could write the whole thing off. The issue? When we actually looked at his driving, only about 25% of his miles were legitimate business use. The big deduction he was counting on didn’t materialize the way he’d planned. The truck didn’t go anywhere, though. The payment was still there every month. The tax savings weren’t. That’s the part social media never shows you. If the deduction falls apart, the truck doesn’t disappear. You still own it, you’re still paying for it, and now you may have a tax problem on top of everything else.   Ask This Before Buying the Truck Before you pull the trigger on any big purchase, ask yourself one honest question: would I still buy this truck if there were no tax deduction attached to it? If the answer is yes, great — that’s when it makes sense to sit down and talk strategy. If the answer is no, that’s your signal to stop. At that point you’re not tax planning, you’re shopping. And there’s a difference. There’s nothing wrong with buying a truck your business genuinely needs. But buying one just to chase a deduction is doing it backwards. The business case should drive the decision. The tax benefit comes after.   When Buying the Truck Makes Sense To be clear, I’m not anti-truck. I’m anti-bad-decision. A truck can be a smart purchase for your business. It might be the right call if: You’re hauling tools and materials regularly Your current truck is on its last legs You’re on job sites every day You’re pulling trailers or heavy equipment You can actually document your business use The payment fits comfortably within your cash flow The truck helps you do your job better or take on more work That’s a real business decision. The tax deduction is just a bonus on top of it.   When It Becomes a Bad Move It becomes a bad move when the truck is really personal. You wanted the lifted suspension. The custom wheels. The leather interior. The big impressive truck. And then you went looking for a way to make the tax code justify the purchase. That’s the pattern I see, and that’s where builders get burned. If your actual business use is low, the deduction probably won’t hold up. If your records are thin, the deduction won’t su CPA Firm in San Francisco, CA - Tax and Accounting Consulting Call Us +1 (415) 333-6262 Book Appointment Client Portal Our Services Fractional CFO Services Business Tax Services New Business Advisory Real Estate Accounting for Real Estate Construction Accounting Tax guide for construction 2023 Comprehensive Guide to 1031 Exchange Tech Companies Tech Accounting Services Taxes For Start Ups About Meet Our Team Meet Samy Basta Meet Drussillia Garcia Meet Mariana Alejo Meet Louise Santiano-Villanueva Get In Touch Contact Us Prospective Client Existing Client Resource Hub Blog Videos FAQs Leading CPA Firm in San Francisco, California You Can Trust Located in the heart of California, Basta & Company is the leading San Francisco based CPA firm that helps small businesses increase profitability and pay as little tax as legally possible. Samy Basta, CPA Work With a San Francisco CPA to Maximize Your Business Profit At Basta & Company, we don’t just minimize your taxes (although, we’re great at that!). We care about the success of your business as if it’s our own. That’s why our CPA tax accountants in California proactively help business owners make smarter financial decisions to maximize the amount of money they take home. For more information, feel free to contact our accountant, consulting in San Francisco, CA. Where Can We Help? Tax Strategy California tax laws are complex and ever-changing. That's why it takes an experienced CPA to formulate a tax strategy that works for your business. At Basta & Company, we use our local expertise and decades of CPA experience to help business owners in any situation stop overspending on tax. Fractional CFO As your business grows, financial management becomes more complex. Through our California CFO services, we handle the financial direction of your company through budgeting, financial planning, and KPI tracking for a fraction of the cost of a traditional CFO. Advisory Services Every decision you make in business can have far-reaching ripple effects down the road. Through our business advisory services, we're on hand to ensure you're making the smartest financial decisions at every turn, In other words, our accounting consultants in California help rectify any financial concerns that may arise. Trusted Bay Area CPA for Over 20 Years Looking for experienced CPA tax accountants near you? Look no further! We are an all-in-one accounting solution, serving real estate and tech companies. At Basta & Company, our priority is your business success. For decades, we've helped Californian business owners navigate the complexities of tax strategy, manage financial operations, and position their business for growth. In other words, our accounting consultants in California help rectify any financial concerns that may arise. Meet the Team Your browser does not support HTML5 video. Our Services Fractional CFO At Basta & Company, we help companies optimize their business systems, maximize resources, solve tough financial challenges, and ultimately accelerate growth with our part-time virtual CFO services in California. Read More Business Tax Services Whether you’re a new business owner or have years of returns on the books, we make sure your business pays as little tax as legally possible. Throughout the tax planning process, we’re available to answer any questions Read More New Business Advisory At Basta & Company, we guide new business owners on smarter financial decision-making from the beginning, to ensure they are in a winning position for success on all fronts. Read More Not Your Average San Francisco CPA. Here's What We Do For Businesses. Increase Business Profitability Are you overspending on expenses each month? Is too much money going towards your taxes? Is your business structured for maximum efficiency? We help you structure your business more efficiently in order to accelerate the growth of your business. Reduce Your Tax Burden There is a good chance if you're reading this as a business owner, you are paying too much money in taxes. Being one of the leading CPA firms in California. Switching to our tax planning & preparation services typically saves business owners thousands of dollars in taxes Manage Day-to-Day Financials It's hard enough as a business owner to run the day-to-day operations, let alone know where your spending is going each month. We help you stay on top of cash flow issues through monthly accounting & part-time CFO services. Get An Expert's Opinion Have a touch financial decision to make? Not sure how to get your cash flow back on track? We're always a phone call away to help you tackle the difficult decisions you face every day as a business owner. At Basta & Company, we're on hand to steer your business towards success. Read Our Latest Blogs Read More What Are California’s 1031 Exchange Rules? What are California’s 1031 Exchange Rules? We’re walking you through everything you need to know with our experienced real estate accountant in today’s post. Read More Buying a Truck Just for Taxes Is a Bad Move for California Builders If you’ve spent any time on Instagram lately, you’ve probably come across this guy. He’s standing next to a lifted truck, ring light blazing, big watch, branded hat — very confident. And he’s got advice for you: “Buy a heavy truck. Write it all off. Pay zero taxes.” Sounds pretty great, right? Here’s the problem: […] Read More Why California Contractors Overpay Taxes Without Realizing It If you run a construction, contracting, or real estate business in California, you’ve probably felt the sting of a bigger-than-expected tax bill. But here’s the thing: that bill wasn’t created when you filed your return. It was created months earlier, through a series of decisions that nobody helped you think through. Maybe you bought equipment […] Read More What Our Client Says? Jonathan Senigaglia 21:58 04 Jul 22 Samy Basta is such a kind and sweet man, I just love him! Such a pleasure to work with. Samy cares deeply about client education, and takes the time to explain complex tax matters in ways a non-expert (like me) can understand. He is so patient and diligent. I am consistently impressed with his deep knowledge of tax law, and the way he uses that knowledge to save his clients money. This year he showed me how, through some simple tax planning, I could cut $6k off my tax bill. I am so grateful for Samy! michael berke 23:11 13 May 22 I cannot recommend Samy enough! He helped us with a very challenging 1031 exchange which allowed us to defer our capital gains taxes and purchase a new property. He returns e-mails and phone messages promptly and the best part is that he talks non CPA language to you in order to make sure you understand everything. If I could, I would give him 6 stars! Elmira Esmaeili 01:17 01 Mar 20 What a great surprise! We were expecting to pay IRS over $10,000 in additional taxes but we ended up with $4,000 tax credits and paid nothing! Samy is amazing! He knows all the recent tax reforms and patiently explains them to us and applies the relevant tax deductible tools and strategies for our business and personal taxes. We have referred him many of our friends and we heard nothing but great reviews. We are so happy to know him and have him as our valuable resource for our finances. john meloy 00:01 16 Feb 20 As a new client I’m delighted to report that my interactions with Basta & Company have been excellent. Though not a complete novice with online forms processing, at 1st I was slightly perplexed by the TaxDome software. Fortunately for me I had phone assistance from Jessica Catinella, who graciously walked me through the process. My uploads, though not correctly labeled, reached Jessica who called and advised me that all went well. I’m grateful for the invaluable assistance I’ve so far received from Basta & Company, and staff! Thank you, John Meloy Jessica Berman 22 Meet Our Team of Accountants at Basta & Company Call Us +1 (415) 333-6262 Book Appointment Client Portal Our Services Fractional CFO Services Business Tax Services New Business Advisory Real Estate Accounting for Real Estate Construction Accounting Tax guide for construction 2023 Comprehensive Guide to 1031 Exchange Tech Companies Tech Accounting Services Taxes For Start Ups About Meet Our Team Meet Samy Basta Meet Drussillia Garcia Meet Mariana Alejo Meet Louise Santiano-Villanueva Get In Touch Contact Us Prospective Client Existing Client Resource Hub Blog Videos FAQs Meet The Basta & Company Team At Basta & Company, we make accounting more human. It’s taken us over 20 years’ of financial and business consulting to learn the secret: nobody really wants to hear an accountant’s point of view on tax compliance. “Just help us pay as little tax as legally possible.” Are we right? At Basta & Company, that’s precisely what we do. And much, much more. We aren’t your typical tax-jargon accountants. Instead, we help clients understand their tax savings and increase business profitability in a relatable, easy-to-understand way. From initial business setup to ongoing tax & CFO services, we’ll guide you through the ups and downs of business ownership, and help you make the best financial decisions for your company when it’s most important. We’re down-to-earth, knowledgeable, and most importantly, always a phone call away. If you have a question you’d like us to answer, you can book a complimentary call with us any time. We’re always here to help. Samy Basta, CPA Founder Meet Samy Basta, CPA Founder Founder of Basta & Company, Samy Basta, CPA brings with him over 20 years’ of experience in tax strategy, financial planning, and business advisory across the real estate, medical, and tech industries. Read More Drussillia Garcia Staff Accountant Meet Drussillia Garcia Staff Accountant Dru (short for Drussillia) is a detail-oriented accountant with a strong foundation in bookkeeping, payroll, and month-end close, known for clear processes and proactive communication. Read More Mariana Alejo Admin Ops Meet Mariana Alejo Admin Ops Mariana brings a calm, steady energy to the teams she supports, helping day-to-day operations run smoothly with clarity and intention. As a bilingual administrative assistant, she focuses in organization, clear communication, and anticipating needs so nothing slips through the cracks. Read More Louise Santiano-Villanueva Client Success Meet Louise Santiano-Villanueva Client Success Louise is the person you want in your corner when things get busy. With over 10 years of experience supporting teams, keeping projects on track, and bringing a creative eye to every detail, she blends structure with imagination to help the team shine. Read More Schedule Your Free Consultation Book Virtual Appointment About Us Meet Samy Basta, CPA, and his team. Samy is a tax expert and small business consultant specializing in helping real estate and tech companies maximize their tax savings while scaling up sustainable growth. With over 25 years of experience in the industry, Basta & Company has become a trusted advisor to numerous small businesses looking to navigate the complexities of tax laws and regulations. Company About Blog Get In Touch Privacy Policy Get In Touch 100 Pine Street, Suite 1250 San Francisco, CA 94111 Subscribe to our newsletter below © Copyright Basta & Company. All Right Reserved 2026. Accounting for Construction Companies | Basta & Company Call Us +1 (415) 333-6262 Book Appointment Client Portal Our Services Fractional CFO Services Business Tax Services New Business Advisory Real Estate Accounting for Real Estate Construction Accounting Tax guide for construction 2023 Comprehensive Guide to 1031 Exchange Tech Companies Tech Accounting Services Taxes For Start Ups About Meet Our Team Meet Samy Basta Meet Drussillia Garcia Meet Mariana Alejo Meet Louise Santiano-Villanueva Get In Touch Contact Us Prospective Client Existing Client Resource Hub Blog Videos FAQs Accounting for Construction: We Help Increase Profitability The construction industry is unique—and it comes with unique accounting needs. Your construction firm needs accountants who understand the ins and outs of tracking project costs and meeting regulatory requirements. Our expertise will save you headaches while optimizing your cash flow. Book 15-Min Call With hard work, you can make a fortune in construction—but with a simple mistake, you can lose it all. Construction project costs are notoriously hard to project, and errors have both legal and financial consequences. With nearly two decades of experience accounting for construction, we can help your company build structures and practices that will stand the test of time. We understand every regulatory and accounting consideration, so you’ll never be caught off guard. Construction Accounting & Taxes: It's What We Do Your profits come from the projects you complete—so why would you take time away from building client relationships to deal with the books? By hiring the experts in accounting for construction, let us take tasks like vendor payment, invoicing, and progress billing off your plate. Structure Your Business for Tax Efficiency Tax law is always changing, and it’s essential to stay up-to-date on the latest rules to avoid overpaying. Our experts know every detail of the tax laws that apply to construction and work hard to make sure your business entity is structured in the most efficient way. We also know what mistakes to watch out for and go to great lengths to protect you from costly mistakes. Understand Your Spending One of the reasons construction accounting requires specialized knowledge is the length of projects. When you’re working on a contract that lasts months or even years, keeping track of every outflow can pose a real challenge. Basta and Company carefully follows every dollar spent on labor, materials, tools, and more. Our accounting for construction experience gives us the expertise necessary to ensure that all direct and indirect costs are accounted for. Budget for Project Success Anyone who has spent time in the construction industry knows that incorrectly budgeting for a job can seriously impact your profitability and reputation with customers. We take everything into account when job costing, from personnel to equipment, to provide the analysis you need to start a project on the right foot. And we provide the budgeting and projection expertise you need to set your company on the path to long-term success. Who do we work with? We are dedicated accountants in the construction industry and proud to work with any construction-related business including construction companies, property management firms, developers, architecture and engineering firms. Book Complimentary Appointment Your browser does not support HTML5 video. Three Reasons Why You'll Love Working With Basta & Company Our Accountants Understand Construction We’re not just accountants—we’re construction experts, too. We work with residential and commercial contractors, as well as professionals in related trades, like plumbing, electrical, roofing, and more. Our extensive experience in accounting for construction means we know exactly where we can save you money. Open Communication Construction isn’t a 9-5 industry. Between project work, planning and update calls with clients, and addressing any emergencies that arise, we know you’re always on the clock. Forget being limited to weekly calls or status updates. We’re always here to answer your questions or simply to brainstorm your business’s next steps. We Speak Your Language We understand what you need, and we understand that you need it now. Our accountants understand construction, and we’ll make sure that you understand what we’re up to, too—without dragging you into the nitty-gritty. We’re friendly, personable, and we always work to make sure we’re on the same page. Jonathan Senigaglia 21:58 04 Jul 22 Samy Basta is such a kind and sweet man, I just love him! Such a pleasure to work with. Samy cares deeply about client education, and takes the time to explain complex tax matters in ways a non-expert (like me) can understand. He is so patient and diligent. I am consistently impressed with his deep knowledge of tax law, and the way he uses that knowledge to save his clients money. This year he showed me how, through some simple tax planning, I could cut $6k off my tax bill. I am so grateful for Samy! michael berke 23:11 13 May 22 I cannot recommend Samy enough! He helped us with a very challenging 1031 exchange which allowed us to defer our capital gains taxes and purchase a new property. He returns e-mails and phone messages promptly and the best part is that he talks non CPA language to you in order to make sure you understand everything. If I could, I would give him 6 stars! Elmira Esmaeili 01:17 01 Mar 20 What a great surprise! We were expecting to pay IRS over $10,000 in additional taxes but we ended up with $4,000 tax credits and paid nothing! Samy is amazing! He knows all the recent tax reforms and patiently explains them to us and applies the relevant tax deductible tools and strategies for our business and personal taxes. We have referred him many of our friends and we heard nothing but great reviews. We are so happy to know him and have him as our valuable resource for our finances. john meloy 00:01 16 Feb 20 As a new client I’m delighted to report that my interactions with Basta & Company have been excellent. Though not a complete novice with online forms processing, at 1st I was slightly perplexed by the TaxDome software. Fortunately for me I had phone assistance from Jessica Catinella, who graciously walked me through the process. My uploads, though not correctly labeled, reached Jessica who called and advised me that all went well. I’m grateful for the invaluable assistance I’ve so far received from Basta & Company, and staff! Thank you, John Meloy Jessica Berman 22:22 23 Jan 20 I have worked for Basta & Company. Samy Basta is the lead CPA and head of the company. He is an amazing boss with an amazing staff under him. The company is very detail oriented and I would highly recommend their services to anyone! Protect and grow your business with professional construction accountants. Book your 15-minute consultation today. About Us Meet Samy Basta, CPA, and his team. Samy is a tax expert and small business consultant specializing in helping real estate and tech companies maximize their tax savings while scaling up sustainable growth. With over 25 years of experience in the industry, Basta & Company has become a trusted advisor to numerous small businesses looking to navigate the complexities of tax laws and regulations. Company About Blog Get In Touch Privacy Policy Get In Touch 100 Pine Street, Suite 1250 San Francisco, CA 94111 Subscribe to our newsletter below © Copyright Basta & Company. All Right Reserved 2026. Tech Company CFO in San Francisco, CA - Accounting Services Call Us +1 (415) 333-6262 Book Appointment Client Portal Our Services Fractional CFO Services Business Tax Services New Business Advisory Real Estate Accounting for Real Estate Construction Accounting Tax guide for construction 2023 Comprehensive Guide to 1031 Exchange Tech Companies Tech Accounting Services Taxes For Start Ups About Meet Our Team Meet Samy Basta Meet Drussillia Garcia Meet Mariana Alejo Meet Louise Santiano-Villanueva Get In Touch Contact Us Prospective Client Existing Client Resource Hub Blog Videos FAQs From Seed to Scale: Tech Company CFO Services For Start Ups With a dedicated tech company CFO in California, you'll make better financial decisions to grow your tech company. Book 15-Min Call ACCOUNTING, TAX, AND CFO SERVICES FOR STARTUPS & IT COMPANIES IN SAN FRANCISCO, CA We Help Tech Companies & Start Ups Grow When getting a start up off the ground, it's nearly impossible to keep all of the balls in the air and make sure you're making the best financial decisions as possible. That's where we come in. Structure Your Start Up For Maximum Profits As a brand new start up or tech company, it's more important than ever to structure your business for tax efficiency. If you don't, money that should have gone into building your business will end up in Uncle Sam’s pocket. Our tech company CFO in San Francisco, CA help you pay as little tax as legally possible, and keep the bulk of profits in your hands. Make Smarter Financial Decisions What are your best options for expansion? Can you afford to hire more people? Can you afford to take out another line of credit? These are all questions we help you answer through real-time cash flow analysis and smart forecasting tools. We help you make smarter financial decisions throughout every phase of your start up journey. Pay Less Tax Legally to Uncle Sam As a tech company or start up, your business was built for tax deductions & credits. Or should we say that the tax code was built for you! At Basta & Company, we deliver a tax strategy that's unique to your specific situation and help you take advantage of tax incentives that you weren't previously aware of. Start ups save an average $10,000 in taxes after switching to Basta & Company! Roughly 50% of start ups fail within 5 years. At Basta & Company, we help you predict your cash needs and prepare cash budget projections for up to a year. Our team of tech company CFO in California brings a new level of insights, simply by virtue of their perspective. We are knowledgeable about your business environment, proven tax-saving strategies tailored to your business, and your best financing options. With Basta & Company, you can ask anything and get a real answer. Book Complimentary Appointment Your browser does not support HTML5 video. Steer Your Tech Start Up in The Right Direction Located in the heart of San Francisco, CA we help tech start ups at every stage of their journey structure their business, manage cash flow ongoing, and save thousands of dollars in taxes. Plan For Taxes We work to uncover every tax break, incentive, and deduction available to your business for tax filings. You can rest easy knowing your taxes are submitted on time, error-free, and optimized for minimal tax liability. Steer Your Start Up As your tech start up continues to grow, financial management only becomes more complex. We provide part-time and full-time outsourced CFO services for a fraction of the cost. Gain a Mentor As a business owner, it's hard to know whether you're making the right financial decisions for your company. We guide tech owners and start ups on business structure, taxes, financing and more to position the business for success. Jonathan Senigaglia 21:58 04 Jul 22 Samy Basta is such a kind and sweet man, I just love him! Such a pleasure to work with. Samy cares deeply about client education, and takes the time to explain complex tax matters in ways a non-expert (like me) can understand. He is so patient and diligent. I am consistently impressed with his deep knowledge of tax law, and the way he uses that knowledge to save his clients money. This year he showed me how, through some simple tax planning, I could cut $6k off my tax bill. I am so grateful for Samy! michael berke 23:11 13 May 22 I cannot recommend Samy enough! He helped us with a very challenging 1031 exchange which allowed us to defer our capital gains taxes and purchase a new property. He returns e-mails and phone messages promptly and the best part is that he talks non CPA language to you in order to make sure you understand everything. If I could, I would give him 6 stars! Elmira Esmaeili 01:17 01 Mar 20 What a great surprise! We were expecting to pay IRS over $10,000 in additional taxes but we ended up with $4,000 tax credits and paid nothing! Samy is amazing! He knows all the recent tax reforms and patiently explains them to us and applies the relevant tax deductible tools and strategies for our business and personal taxes. We have referred him many of our friends and we heard nothing but great reviews. We are so happy to know him and have him as our valuable resource for our finances. john meloy 00:01 16 Feb 20 As a new client I’m delighted to report that my interactions with Basta & Company have been excellent. Though not a complete novice with online forms processing, at 1st I was slightly perplexed by the TaxDome software. Fortunately for me I had phone assistance from Jessica Catinella, who graciously walked me through the process. My uploads, though not correctly labeled, reached Jessica who called and advised me that all went well. I’m grateful for the invaluable assistance I’ve so far received from Basta & Company, and staff! Thank you, John Meloy Jessica Berman 22:22 23 Jan 20 I have worked for Basta & Company. Samy Basta is the lead CPA and head of the company. He is an amazing boss with an amazing staff under him. The company is very detail oriented and I would highly recommend their services to anyone! Work With a Start Up CPA You Can Trust. Book your 15-minute consultation today. About Us Meet Samy Basta, CPA, and his team. Samy is a tax expert and small business consultant specializing in helping real estate and tech companies maximize their tax savings while scaling up sustainable growth. With over 25 years of experience in the industry, Basta & Company has become a trusted advisor to numerous small businesses looking to navigate the complexities of tax laws and regulations. Company About Blog Get In Touch Privacy Policy Get In Touch 100 Pine Street, Suite 1250 San Francisco, CA 94111 Subscribe to our newsletter below © Copyright Basta & Company. All Right Reserved 2026. Fractional CFO Advisory Services in San Francisco, California Call Us +1 (415) 333-6262 Book Appointment Client Portal Our Services Fractional CFO Services Business Tax Services New Business Advisory Real Estate Accounting for Real Estate Construction Accounting Tax guide for construction 2023 Comprehensive Guide to 1031 Exchange Tech Companies Tech Accounting Services Taxes For Start Ups About Meet Our Team Meet Samy Basta Meet Drussillia Garcia Meet Mariana Alejo Meet Louise Santiano-Villanueva Get In Touch Contact Us Prospective Client Existing Client Resource Hub Blog Videos FAQs Grow Your Business & Thrive with Fractional CFO Services in San Francisco, CA Improve your financial strategy, overcome challenges, and maximize growth with Basta & Company's Fractional CFO Services. Book 15-Min Call Virtual CFO Advisory Service in San Francisco, CA Opting for fractional CFO services in California isn’t an expense, it’s an investment. At Basta & Company, we help companies optimize their business systems, maximize resources, solve tough financial challenges, and ultimately accelerate growth with our part-time virtual CFO services in California. By combining our services of financial management, tax strategy, payroll, and CFO advisory services into one affordable monthly package, we provide the flexibility of an in-house CFO or financial controller at a fraction of the cost. Do You Have Confidence In Your Business Financial? Whether your business is just starting out, you're in survival mode from the pandemic, or you are building sustainable growth, we'll work with you to find the 1% opportunities in your business that will have a 100% impact on your bottom line. With our Fractional CFO Services in San Francisco, CA, you will have confidence in the financial of your business for the first time, and at all times. Accelerate Business Profitability The path to business success isn't linear for most of us. There is a steep learning curve involved when it comes to growing and expanding a business for the first time. That's where we come in. With our fractional CFO advisory services in CA, you'll gain an experienced business mentor on your side to help make the right financial decisions, at the right times, to accelerate business profitability. Make Smarter Financial Decisions How can you make the best decisions for your business if you're unsure of where your business stands? With our fractional CFO team, you'll gain the clarity you need to make smarter financial decisions over time. With our tangible monthly reports, you'll know when to cut costs, where to maximize opportunities, and when it's the right time to invest in growth. Solve Business Concerns Don't we all wish we had someone to call when tough business decisions arise? With Basta & Company, that's exactly what you'll get. Whether you’re experiencing challenges from high-growth or have hit a plateau, we'll be a phone call away to lend our unbiased perspective and detailed recommendations for the best way forward. Not Your Average Fractional CFO Hiring a fractional CFO isn't enough to steer your business in the right direction. Hiring the right one is. We take the time to understand you as a person and a company, so we can help you build a company that fits your lifestyle. Book Complimentary Appointment Your browser does not support HTML5 video. Gain Financial Expertise at The Help Gain a Business Mentor Whether your company is going through growing pains or hit a plateau, the virtual CFO at Basta & Company help business owners pinpoint areas of opportunity in order to steer the business in the right direction. Don't Spend a Fortune Hiring an in-house consultant for CFO services in San Francisco, California can cost a fortune. Not to mention the learning curve that comes with a brand new company. With Basta & Company, you can hit the ground at full throttle with our experienced fractional CFO advisory services in San Francisco, and learn from us as you scale. Grow & Thrive Here at Basta & Company, we want your business grow and thrive, not just survive. Gain the decades of knowledge and strategic expertise you need to expand your business at accelerated speed. “Very detailed and always available for questions and consultation.” Mahsa Azad “Our experience is been excellent, professional and responsive!” Lina Kutsovskaya “We were expecting to pay IRS over $10,000 in additional taxes but we ended up paying nothing!" Elmira Esmaeili Hear why our clients love working with us. There's a reason why we have 5 stars on Google! But don't take our word for it. Here's what our clients have to say. Ready to Grow With Fractional CFO Services? Book your 15-min call to get started. About Us Meet Samy Basta, CPA, and his team. Samy is a tax expert and small business consultant specializing in helping real estate and tech companies maximize their tax savings while scaling up sustainable growth. With over 25 years of experience in the industry, Basta & Company has become a trusted advisor to numerous small businesses looking to navigate the complexities of tax laws and regulations. Company About Blog Get In Touch Privacy Policy Get In Touch 100 Pine Street, Suite 1250 San Francisco, CA 94111 Subscribe to our newsletter below © Copyright Basta & Company. All Right Reserved 2026. Hire Startup Business CFO in San Francisco, California Call Us +1 (415) 333-6262 Book Appointment Client Portal Our Services Fractional CFO Services Business Tax Services New Business Advisory Real Estate Accounting for Real Estate Construction Accounting Tax guide for construction 2023 Comprehensive Guide to 1031 Exchange Tech Companies Tech Accounting Services Taxes For Start Ups About Meet Our Team Meet Samy Basta Meet Drussillia Garcia Meet Mariana Alejo Meet Louise Santiano-Villanueva Get In Touch Contact Us Prospective Client Existing Client Resource Hub Blog Videos FAQs Start-Up Business CFO Services to Initiate Your Business Every decision you make at the outset of your business journey can have far-reaching ripple effects years into the future. Take a look at ur advisory services in California and bring your ideal tomorrow. Book 15-Min Meeting At Basta & Company, we guide new business owners on smarter financial decision-making from the beginning, to ensure they are in a winning position for success on all fronts. With our start-up business CFO guidance, you’ll be able to avoid the common pitfalls that new businesses typically face, so you can start your business off with a firm foundation for success. Starting a Business is Hard Work. We Help Make It Easier. Choose The Right Business Entity Did you know that structuring your business incorrectly can have thousands of dollars in tax implications? We help you choose the right business structure from the outset in order to minimize your tax liability and ensure easier operations for years into the future. Get Help With Business Lending Although often overlooked, the financial standing of a business is only as good as its reporting. We provide the up-to-date and accurate reports you need to put your business in the best position for financial lending and other long-term plans. Optimize Your Business Taxes Our understanding of taxation goes far beyond the basics. Whether you work in a complex industry such as construction, startup business or real estate, or simply want to make sure you're paying as minimal tax as legally possible, we make sure you keep more money in your pocket each year. Gain Valuable Business Guidance When It Matters You're a new business owner with thousands of to-dos on your list. The last thing you have time to do is research efficient tax structures or forecast annual growth plans. That's where we come in. We take the financial decision-making & organization off of your plate to help your business get ahead from the start. Book Complimentary Appointment Your browser does not support HTML5 video. Have a few questions about our Start-Up Business CFO Services? What type of business is this service for? Traditional accounting firms typically work in response to the issues that their clients directly pose to them. At Basta & Company, we believe in providing you with both the guidance you ask for, as well as things you didn’t even know you needed. Our experience level allows us to provide every client with a hands-on treatment that always looks at your needs from every angle, so nothing is overlooked. Hiring our start-up business CFO services in San Francisco, CA, you’ll be able to benefit from our unique experiences, perspectives, and knowledge of industry issues. What if I haven't opened my business yet? You’re in luck! This is the best time to have a conversation with our team. At Basta & Company, we create a roadmap for you that includes helping you choose the right structure for your business as well as connecting you with the right legal and financial experts. Is it a monthly or annual contract? We work on an annual subscription with fixed monthly fees to help you budget more smoothly. No billable hours – you’ll know what your fees are in advance, every time. How much do advisory services cost? Advisory services are billed the same way — we will set up fixed monthly fees so you won’t have to deal with any surprises. “Very detailed and always available for questions and consultation.” Mahsa Azad “Our experience is been excellent, professional and responsive!” Lina Kutsovskaya “We were expecting to pay IRS over $10,000 in additional taxes but we ended up paying nothing!" Elmira Esmaeili Hear why our clients love working with us. There's a reason why we have 5 stars on Google! But don't take our word for it. Here's what our clients have to say. Take a Straighter Path To Success With Basta & Company On Your Side Book your free 15-minute call to get started. Book Your Quick Call About Us Meet Samy Basta, CPA, and his team. Samy is a tax expert and small business consultant specializing in helping real estate and tech companies maximize their tax savings while scaling up sustainable growth. With over 25 years of experience in the industry, Basta & Company has become a trusted advisor to numerous small businesses looking to navigate the complexities of tax laws and regulations. Company About Blog Get In Touch Privacy Policy Get In Touch 100 Pine Street, Suite 1250 San Francisco, CA 94111 Subscribe to our newsletter below © Copyright Basta & Company. All Right Reserved 2026. Existing Client | Basta & Company Call Us +1 (415) 333-6262 Book Appointment Client Portal Our Services Fractional CFO Services Business Tax Services New Business Advisory Real Estate Accounting for Real Estate Construction Accounting Tax guide for construction 2023 Comprehensive Guide to 1031 Exchange Tech Companies Tech Accounting Services Taxes For Start Ups About Meet Our Team Meet Samy Basta Meet Drussillia Garcia Meet Mariana Alejo Meet Louise Santiano-Villanueva Get In Touch Contact Us Prospective Client Existing Client Resource Hub Blog Videos FAQs Existing Clients Phone (415) 333-6262 Address 100 Pine Street, Suite 1250 San Francisco, CA 94111 (By Appointment Only) Book Free Consultation Loading… About Us Meet Samy Basta, CPA, and his team. Samy is a tax expert and small business consultant specializing in helping real estate and tech companies maximize their tax savings while scaling up sustainable growth. With over 25 years of experience in the industry, Basta & Company has become a trusted advisor to numerous small businesses looking to navigate the complexities of tax laws and regulations. Company About Blog Get In Touch Privacy Policy Get In Touch 100 Pine Street, Suite 1250 San Francisco, CA 94111 Subscribe to our newsletter below © Copyright Basta & Company. All Right Reserved 2026. Meet Drussillia Garcia Call Us +1 (415) 333-6262 Book Appointment Client Portal Our Services Fractional CFO Services Business Tax Services New Business Advisory Real Estate Accounting for Real Estate Construction Accounting Tax guide for construction 2023 Comprehensive Guide to 1031 Exchange Tech Companies Tech Accounting Services Taxes For Start Ups About Meet Our Team Meet Samy Basta Meet Drussillia Garcia Meet Mariana Alejo Meet Louise Santiano-Villanueva Get In Touch Contact Us Prospective Client Existing Client Resource Hub Blog Videos FAQs Drussillia Garcia Staff Accountant About Drussillia Garcia Dru (short for Drussillia) is the kind of accountant you want in your corner: organized, detail-obsessed (in a good way), and always a step ahead. She’s got a strong foundation in bookkeeping, payroll, and month-end close, and she loves helping small businesses keep clean, accurate financials that actually make life easier. Dru is big on clear documentation, consistent processes, and proactive communication—she’ll meet clients where they are, then help guide them toward best practices without the overwhelm. She’s currently working toward her BA in Accounting and is excited to grow inside a collaborative CPA firm where the work is real, the standards are high, and the team has each other’s backs. When she’s not living in spreadsheets, you’ll probably find her outside with her fur babies—Doctor Nefario and Sophia Loren—exploring the mountains and desert around Nevada. She’s also into plant care, clean recipes, and music. Dru’s all about balance and self-care, because showing up grounded and energized is part of how she brings steady, trustworthy support to clients and the team. View More Team Members Samy Basta, CPA Founder View More Mariana Alejo Admin Ops View More Louise Villanueva Client Success View More About Us Meet Samy Basta, CPA, and his team. Samy is a tax expert and small business consultant specializing in helping real estate and tech companies maximize their tax savings while scaling up sustainable growth. With over 25 years of experience in the industry, Basta & Company has become a trusted advisor to numerous small businesses looking to navigate the complexities of tax laws and regulations. Company About Blog Get In Touch Privacy Policy Get In Touch 100 Pine Street, Suite 1250 San Francisco, CA 94111 Subscribe to our newsletter below © Copyright Basta & Company. All Right Reserved 2026. » What are California's 1031 Exchange Rules? | Basta & Company Call Us +1 (415) 333-6262 Book Appointment Client Portal Our Services Fractional CFO Services Business Tax Services New Business Advisory Real Estate Accounting for Real Estate Construction Accounting Tax guide for construction 2023 Comprehensive Guide to 1031 Exchange Tech Companies Tech Accounting Services Taxes For Start Ups About Meet Our Team Meet Samy Basta Meet Drussillia Garcia Meet Mariana Alejo Meet Louise Santiano-Villanueva Get In Touch Contact Us Prospective Client Existing Client Resource Hub Blog Videos FAQs What Are California’s 1031 Exchange Rules? Samy Basta, CPA • April 11th, 2023 In our most recent YouTube video , we talk about the top 5 things that your real estate accountant should tell you about how to save money on taxes in real estate investing. The #1 tip? The 1031 Exchange. It’s one of the most powerful tax strategies in real estate. It allows you to defer your costly capital gain taxes for years and years into the future. In today’s blog, we’re going to dive into what the 1031 Exchange Rules are in California so that you can start taking advantage of this powerful tax strategy in your real estate business. Let’s dive in. What Is The 1031 Exchange? The IRS allows California investors to sell rental properties, business properties, and land that was purchased for investment purposes and defer all capital gains taxes via IRC Section 1031. The 1031 Exchange is a tax deferral strategy used by many successful real estate investors. It allows you, as a real estate investor, to defer the federal and state income tax that would normally be incurred from selling real property, by using the proceeds of the sale to immediately purchase another ‘like-kind’ property. And if you continue doing this over and over again until you die, chances are that you’ll pay ZERO taxes. Because your property gets stepped up in basis when you die, your heirs can turn around and sell it for the Fair Market Value (FMV), and owe ZERO taxes to Uncle Sam. Of course, there are some rules that you need to follow, which we’ll cover in this blog. But the cool thing is that you can use the tax money that you’d have paid the IRS otherwise to fund your next deal. What is a “Like-Kind” Property in California? Like-kind property is a broad description of properties that are defined by the IRS as “the same nature or character, even if they differ in grade or quality.” In terms of a 1031 Exchange, this means that any type of investment property can be exchanged for any other type of investment property, with the exception of any personal property (such as your primary residence or vacation home), which is not eligible for this type of trade. Property types that are considered to be “Like-Kind” properties and are eligible for 1031 Exchange in California are: Multifamily Apartments Healthcare Self Storage Facilities Retail Centers Industrial Warehouses Student Housing Oil and Gas Agriculture/Farmland What Are California’s 1031 Exchange Rules? The State of California has a few additional rules that apply on top of the standard federal 1031 exchange rules and regulations. Intermediaries Need to Be Bonded Qualified intermediaries (QIs) are required to maintain a fidelity bond of $1 million or more, or keep all exchange funds in an escrow or trust account. 45-Day Deadline If you are undertaking a reverse or forward exchange, you have 45 days from the date of closing of the replacement property to identify which of your properties is going to be sold. 180-Day Deadline From the original date that the property is sold, at the close of escrow, you have 180 days to complete your 1031 Exchange and close escrow on the new property. Errors & Omissions Insurance Qualified Intermediaries must maintain an errors and omissions insurance policy of at least $250,000. The Property Must be ‘Like-Minded’ As mentioned above, any type of investment property can be exchanged for any other ‘like-minded’ investment property . Greater or Equal Value To have 100% of capital gains taxes deferred in a 1031 Exchange, the replacement property needs to have a fair market value that’s equal or greater than that of the relinquished property. Otherwise, any remaining balance after the purchase of the replacement property (also known as “the boot”) is subject to capital gains tax. Identity Verification The name on the tax return and title of the relinquished property must match the name on the replacement property. The only exception to this rule is that you can use a single-member LLC in lieu of your personal name to sell or purchase. More Than 1 Property Rules If you are considering trading into more than one property, you must follow either the 200% rule or the three-properties rule. 3 Properties Rule: You can identify one, two, or three properties and acquire any of them, or all three, as long as the purchase property is greater than or equal to the fair market value of the relinquished property. The 200% Rule: If more than 3 properties are being considered, you can identify as many properties that you like as long as the total market value of the identified properties does not exceed 200% of the value of the relinquished property. Get Help From an Experienced Real Estate Accountant The 1031 Exchange is a powerful tax strategy that you don’t ever want to forgo in your real estate business. However, the rules and regulations in California can make it tricky to comply with. The best advice we can give you is to work with an experienced real estate accountant who knows the 1031 Exchange in California in and out. If you don’t have a real estate accountant in California that you are happy with, or simply don’t have one yet, you can book a quick 15-minute call with one of our team members anytime. We’ll be happy to help. Stay tuned next week when we’ll release our 2023 Comprehensive Guide to 1031 Exchange that should answer even more questions such as filing requirements and various types of exchanges. Until then! Share Newer Post > Book 15-Min Call SAMY BASTA, CPA Basta & Company Samy Basta brings you more than 20 years experience in tax, financial, and business consulting to his role as founder of Basta & Company. His focus is primarily strategic business planning, empowering clients to set priorities, focus energy and resources, and strengthen operations. In addition, Samy and his firm provide strategic counsel, and technical insight, on a wide range of needs, including tax saving strategies, tax return compliance, as well as choice of entity. About Us Meet Samy Basta, CPA, and his team. Samy is a tax expert and small business consultant specializing in helping real estate and tech companies maximize their tax savings while scaling up sustainable growth. With over 25 years of experience in the industry, Basta & Company has become a trusted advisor to numerous small businesses looking to navigate the complexities of tax laws and regulations. Company About Blog Get In Touch Privacy Policy Get In Touch 100 Pine Street, Suite 1250 San Francisco, CA 94111 Subscribe to our newsletter below © Copyright Basta & Company. All Right Reserved 2026. Privacy Policy Call Us +1 (415) 333-6262 Book Appointment Client Portal Our Services Fractional CFO Services Business Tax Services New Business Advisory Real Estate Accounting for Real Estate Construction Accounting Tax guide for construction 2023 Comprehensive Guide to 1031 Exchange Tech Companies Tech Accounting Services Taxes For Start Ups About Meet Our Team Meet Samy Basta Meet Drussillia Garcia Meet Mariana Alejo Meet Louise Santiano-Villanueva Get In Touch Contact Us Prospective Client Existing Client Resource Hub Blog Videos FAQs Privacy Policy | BastaCPA Privacy Policy for BastaCPA.com Effective Date: October 21, 2025 · Last Updated: October 21, 2025 On this page: Scope Information We Collect How We Use Information Data Security Cookies Data Retention Data Sharing Your U.S. Privacy Rights Email & Newsletter Third-Party Links Children's Privacy Changes Contact This policy is tailored for a U.S.-based accounting firm serving U.S. clients. It covers data collected via our website, secure client portal and file uploads, contact forms, newsletter signups, and third-party analytics. 1. Information We Collect A. Information You Provide Directly Name, email address, and phone number Company name and job title Financial records or tax documentation (uploaded through our secure client portal) Payment details (if applicable) Message contents from our contact form or consultation requests Newsletter signup details B. Information Collected Automatically When you visit BastaCPA.com , our systems and analytics tools (such as Google Analytics) may collect IP address, browser type and operating system, pages viewed, time spent, referring URLs, and general location (city/state). We use cookies and similar technologies to improve your experience, analyze website traffic, and optimize content. C. Information from Third-Party Services We integrate with third-party platforms to deliver services securely, including QuickBooks Online, Xero, or Gusto (for bookkeeping and payroll), Karbon (for communication and data management), and email marketing tools newsletters. Each third party maintains its own privacy policy and practices. 2. How We Use Your Information Provide accounting, tax, and advisory services Manage secure document uploads and client portal access Respond to inquiries and schedule consultations Send updates, newsletters, and educational content (with your consent) Improve website performance and security Comply with legal and regulatory obligations We do not sell or rent your personal information. No mobile information will be shared with third parties/affiliates for marketing or promotional purposes. All other categories exclude text messaging originator opt-in data and consent; this information will not be shared with any third parties. 3. Data Security SSL encryption across the website and client portal Secure cloud storage with restricted employee access Two-factor authentication for staff accessing client files Regular system audits and data backups While we follow industry best practices, no system can guarantee absolute security. You share data at your discretion, understanding these inherent limitations. 4. Cookies and Tracking Technologies We use cookies and analytics to remember preferences, analyze traffic, and improve user experience. You can modify or disable cookies in your browser; some features may not function properly without them. 5. Data Retention We retain client and communication records only as long as necessary to provide services, satisfy tax and legal recordkeeping obligations, and resolve disputes. When data is no longer needed, it is securely deleted or anonymized. 6. Data Sharing Trusted service providers (hosting, analytics, file storage, accounting software) Professional partners or subcontractors assisting with engagements, bound by confidentiality Legal authorities when required by law or in response to valid legal requests All sharing is limited to what is necessary to perform our professional services. 7. Your Privacy Rights (U.S. Clients) Depending on your state, you may have rights under laws such as the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA/CPRA), including the right to access, correct, or delete your personal information and opt out of marketing communications. We may verify your identity before fulfilling certain requests. To exercise your rights, email us at [email protected] . 8. Email and Newsletter Communications If you subscribe to our newsletter, we collect your name and email address to send updates, resources, and occasional promotions. You may unsubscribe at any time using the link at the bottom of each email. We do not share or sell subscriber lists. 9. Links to Third-Party Websites Our site may link to third-party websites or services (e.g., payment processors, client login portals). We are not responsible for their content or privacy practices. Please review their policies before submitting personal information. 10. Children’s Privacy Our website and services are not directed to children under 18, and we do not knowingly collect data from minors. If we become aware of such data, we will delete it promptly. 11. Changes to This Policy We may update this Privacy Policy periodically. The latest version will always be available on this page with the effective date shown at the top. 12. Contact Us BastaCPA Email: [email protected] Website: https://www.bastacpa.com 100 Pine Street, Suite 1250 San Francisco, CA 94111 © BastaCPA. This page is provided for transparency regarding our data practices. It does not constitute legal advice. California LLC vs. S-corp?! Watch on YouTube Startup Equity Explained! Watch on YouTube CA AB 5 Unveiled – What Freelancers Need to Know? Watch on YouTube About Us Meet Samy Basta, CPA, and his team. Samy is a tax expert and small business consultant specializing in helping real estate and tech companies maximize their tax savings while scaling up sustainable growth. With over 25 years of experience in the industry, Basta & Company has become a trusted advisor to numerous small businesses looking to navigate the complexities of tax laws and regulations. Company About Blog Get In Touch Privacy Policy Get In Touch 100 Pine Street, Suite 1250 San Francisco, CA 94111 Subscribe to our newsletter below © Copyright Basta & Company. All Right Reserved 2026. Comprehensive Guide to 1031 Exchange - 2023 Call Us +1 (415) 333-6262 Book Appointment Client Portal Our Services Fractional CFO Services Business Tax Services New Business Advisory Real Estate Accounting for Real Estate Construction Accounting Tax guide for construction 2023 Comprehensive Guide to 1031 Exchange Tech Companies Tech Accounting Services Taxes For Start Ups About Meet Our Team Meet Samy Basta Meet Drussillia Garcia Meet Mariana Alejo Meet Louise Santiano-Villanueva Get In Touch Contact Us Prospective Client Existing Client Resource Hub Blog Videos FAQs 2023 Comprehensive Guide to 1031 Exchange We've collated everything you need to know about the 1031 Exchange in 2023 into one comprehensive guide. The 1031 Exchange is one of the most powerful tax strategies in real estate. (It scored #1 in our YouTube video on 5 tax strategies for real estate investors !) It allows you to defer your costly capital gain taxes for years and years into the future. Sometimes, until you die! In this blog, we’re going to cover everything you need to know about the 1031 Exchange, including filing requirements, the various types of exchanges, rules for qualifying, where to get help, and more. Let’s dive in. Want to skip ahead? What Is The 1031 Exchange? What Are The Types of 1031 Exchange? What Are The Rules For The 1031 Exchange? What Does Like-Kind Property Mean? What Are The Filing Requirements? 1031 Exchange Examples Get Help From Experienced Accountant What Is The 1031 Exchange? The IRS allows California investors to sell rental properties, business properties, and land that was purchased for investment purposes and defer all capital gains taxes via IRC Section 1031. The 1031 Exchange is a tax deferral strategy used by many successful real estate investors. It allows you, as a real estate investor, to defer the federal and state income tax that would normally be incurred from selling real property, by using the proceeds of the sale to immediately purchase another ‘like-kind’ property. And if you continue doing this over and over again until you die, chances are that you’ll pay ZERO taxes. Because your property gets stepped up in basis when you die, your heirs can turn around and sell it for the Fair Market Value (FMV), and owe ZERO taxes to Uncle Sam. Of course, there are some rules that you need to follow, which we’ll cover in this blog. But the cool thing is that you can use the tax money that you’d have paid the IRS otherwise to fund your next deal. What Are The Types of 1031 Exchange? 1. Two-Party Simultaneous Exchange Simultaneous exchanges are the oldest of these four 1031 exchange methods. Two property owners agree to swap deeds and ownership interest of their properties. While this method eliminates the need to find buyers, it’s usually very difficult for exchangers to find fair-market-value properties with matching debt and equity structures. 2. Delayed Exchange Delayed exchanges are the most common form of 1031 exchanges. You have 45 days to identify a like-kind replacement property and must close on the property within 180 days. These two timelines are usually non-negotiable with the Internal Revenue Service; however, the IRS issued Notice 2020-23, which extended these deadlines in certain instances due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 3. Reverse Exchange This type of exchange occurs when you acquire a like-kind replacement property prior to fully relinquishing ownership of your current assets. Since you cannot simultaneously have ownership of your relinquished property and the target asset, you must have an Exchange Accommodation Titleholder (EAT) temporarily take possession of the relinquished or target property via a special purpose entity such as a single-member LLC. The EAT then takes possession of either the relinquished property or target property under a Qualified Exchange Accommodation Agreement. 4. Construction/Improvement Exchange Under this method, you can make improvements on a target asset using the equity generated from the exchange. You can either refurbish or make capital improvements to existing real property, or build new from the ground up. Improvement exchanges can significantly enhance the value of the acquired property. However, the improved or new replacement property must have the same value as the relinquished property. And the 45- and 180-day deadlines still apply. An experienced real estate accountant can help you determine the best 1031 Exchange method for your business. What Are The Rules For 1031 Exchange? There are a few rules you’ll need to follow when enacting the 1031 Exchange, and even more if you reside in a state like California. If you live in California, you can view our full list of 1031 Exchange Rules for the state here. 45-Day Deadline If you are undertaking a reverse or forward exchange, you have 45 days from the date of closing of the replacement property to identify which of your properties is going to be sold. 180-Day Deadline From the original date that the property is sold, at the close of escrow, you have 180 days to complete your 1031 Exchange and close escrow on the new property. The Property Must Be "Like-Minded" Any type of investment property can be exchanged for any other ‘like-minded’ investment property. Greater or Equal Value To have 100% of capital gains taxes deferred in a 1031 Exchange, the replacement property needs to have a fair market value that’s equal or greater than that of the relinquished property. Otherwise, any remaining balance after the purchase of the replacement property (also known as “the boot”) is subject to capital gains tax. What Does Like-Kind Property Mean? Like-kind property in a is a broad description of properties that are defined by the IRS as “the same nature or character, even if they differ in grade or quality.” In terms of a 1031 Exchange, this means that any type of investment real estate property can be exchanged for any other type of investment real estate property, with the exception of any personal real estate property (such as your primary residence or vacation home), which is not eligible for this type of trade. Property types that are considered to be “Like-Kind” properties and are eligible for 1031 Exchange are: Multifamily Apartments Healthcare Self Storage Facilities Retail Centers Industrial Warehouses Student Housing Oil and Gas Agriculture/Farmland What are the Filing Requirements? When it comes to filing the details of your 1031 Exchange with the IRS, there are a few filing requirements to follow. Reporting the Exchange A 1031 exchange is reported on the tax return for the year in which the exchange begins, i.e. the year the relinquished property is transferred, using Form 8824, Like-Kind Exchanges. Form 8824 requires a description of the relinquished and replacement properties, purchase date of the relinquished property and the date it was transferred, the date the replacement property was identified and the date it was acquired by the Taxpayer. Reporting the Gain Taxable gain is reported on Form 4797 or Schedule D, depending on the character of the property given up. The gain must be allocated between ordinary income depreciation recapture, unrecaptured 1250 gain, Section 1231 gain, and capital gain. Due Date of the Return If you have not not acquired the replacement property by the due date of your tax return, typically April 15th, you must file an extension using Form 4868 which extends the due date of his tax return until August 15th. This will enable anyone who begins the exchange late in a tax year, the full 180 days allowed to complete the exchange. Statute of Limitations The IRS has 3 years after the return is filed to audit the return. If the return is filed before the due date, the due date is considered the filing date. If the underreported income exceeds 25% of Taxpayer’s gross income, the period for audit, (statute of limitations), is extended to 6 years. 1031 Exchange Examples Here are a few 1031 exchange examples from Videos | CPA Explain Call Us +1 (415) 333-6262 Book Appointment Client Portal Our Services Fractional CFO Services Business Tax Services New Business Advisory Real Estate Accounting for Real Estate Construction Accounting Tax guide for construction 2023 Comprehensive Guide to 1031 Exchange Tech Companies Tech Accounting Services Taxes For Start Ups About Meet Our Team Meet Samy Basta Meet Drussillia Garcia Meet Mariana Alejo Meet Louise Santiano-Villanueva Get In Touch Contact Us Prospective Client Existing Client Resource Hub Blog Videos FAQs Basta & Company Videos Would you prefer to listen to our accountants rather than read? Press play to hear Samy Basta, CPA explain key accounting topics in detail. California LLC vs. S-corp?! Watch on YouTube Startup Equity Explained! Watch on YouTube CA AB 5 Unveiled – What Freelancers Need to Know? Watch on YouTube About Us Meet Samy Basta, CPA, and his team. Samy is a tax expert and small business consultant specializing in helping real estate and tech companies maximize their tax savings while scaling up sustainable growth. With over 25 years of experience in the industry, Basta & Company has become a trusted advisor to numerous small businesses looking to navigate the complexities of tax laws and regulations. Company About Blog Get In Touch Privacy Policy Get In Touch 100 Pine Street, Suite 1250 San Francisco, CA 94111 Subscribe to our newsletter below © Copyright Basta & Company. All Right Reserved 2026. Samy Basta, CPA | Basta & Company, CA Call Us +1 (415) 333-6262 Book Appointment Client Portal Our Services Fractional CFO Services Business Tax Services New Business Advisory Real Estate Accounting for Real Estate Construction Accounting Tax guide for construction 2023 Comprehensive Guide to 1031 Exchange Tech Companies Tech Accounting Services Taxes For Start Ups About Meet Our Team Meet Samy Basta Meet Drussillia Garcia Meet Mariana Alejo Meet Louise Santiano-Villanueva Get In Touch Contact Us Prospective Client Existing Client Resource Hub Blog Videos FAQs Samy Basta, CPA Founder About Samy Basta, CPA Hey there! I’m Samy, a CPA, tax expert, and small business consultant dedicated to helping real estate and tech companies keep more of their hard-earned money while scaling for sustainable growth. With over 25 years in the industry, I’ve seen it all—from bootstrapped startups to thriving businesses navigating complex tax laws. At Basta & Company, my team and I take the stress out of taxes so you can focus on what you do best—growing your business. When I’m not mapping out smart tax strategies or helping clients stay ahead of the game, you’ll find me strumming my oud, perfecting my baklava recipe (it’s almost legendary now), or exploring new places with my wife, Megan. Life’s about balance, and I bring that same philosophy to my work—helping clients build financially strong businesses while enjoying the journey. Let’s connect and make taxes way less painful! View More Team Members Drussillia Garcia Staff Accountant View More Mariana Alejo Admin Ops View More Louise Villanueva Client Success View More About Us Meet Samy Basta, CPA, and his team. Samy is a tax expert and small business consultant specializing in helping real estate and tech companies maximize their tax savings while scaling up sustainable growth. With over 25 years of experience in the industry, Basta & Company has become a trusted advisor to numerous small businesses looking to navigate the complexities of tax laws and regulations. Company About Blog Get In Touch Privacy Policy Get In Touch 100 Pine Street, Suite 1250 San Francisco, CA 94111 Subscribe to our newsletter below © Copyright Basta & Company. All Right Reserved 2026. Business Tax Services by Expert Consultants in San Francisco Call Us +1 (415) 333-6262 Book Appointment Client Portal Our Services Fractional CFO Services Business Tax Services New Business Advisory Real Estate Accounting for Real Estate Construction Accounting Tax guide for construction 2023 Comprehensive Guide to 1031 Exchange Tech Companies Tech Accounting Services Taxes For Start Ups About Meet Our Team Meet Samy Basta Meet Drussillia Garcia Meet Mariana Alejo Meet Louise Santiano-Villanueva Get In Touch Contact Us Prospective Client Existing Client Resource Hub Blog Videos FAQs San Francisco Tax Services That Put Your Business First With decades of tax experience in San Francisco & wider California, Basta & Company helps business owners limit tax liability and maximize profits. Book 15-Min Meeting Whether you’re a new business owner or have years of returns on the books, we make sure your business pays as little tax as legally possible. Throughout the tax planning process, we’re available to answer any questions you may have, and our years of experience ensure you get the best results possible. Is Your Business Paying Too Much in Taxes? Save Thousands on Taxes With Basta & Company, you never have to worry about paying more than your fair share. Clients who switch to Basta & Company save an average of $5,000 in tax credits and deductions in their first year of tax filings. California Tax Expertise We stay on top of the ever-changing regulations so you don't have to. As a leading San Francisco tax services provider for over 20 years, we've solved hundreds of complex California tax scenarios. Personal, 1:1 Communication Unlike the San Francisco tax services you're used to, Basta & Company is passionate about treating each customer as an individual. With us, our inbox is always open so you'll never have to worry about a lack of support. We've Been Doing Business Taxes For Over 20 Years By limiting your tax liability and maximizing business profit, we know how to get the most out of tax filings for business owners. With over 20 years' experience in delivering simple and complex tax services in San Francisco, you'll pay as little tax as legally possible with Basta & Company on your side. Book Complimentary Appointment Your browser does not support HTML5 video. There Isn't a Tax Challenge That We Can't Solve Tax Planning Now is the best time to start planning your tax strategy. From day one, we work on building a comprehensive, personalized plan to limit your tax liability to maximize profits throughout the whole year. Tax Preparation When it comes to tax season, our work focuses on uncovering every tax break, incentive, and deduction available to your business. We prioritize results: on time, error-free, optimized tax service for your business each year. Tax Resolution With over 20 years of experience in tax strategy and preparation experience, there’s nothing we haven’t seen. Whether you have received an audit notice from the IRS or need to file delinquent tax returns, rest assured we'll solve it. “Very detailed and always available for questions and consultation.” Mahsa Azad “Our experience is been excellent, professional and responsive!” Lina Kutsovskaya “We were expecting to pay IRS over $10,000 in additional taxes but we ended up paying nothing!" Elmira Esmaeili Hear why our clients love working with us. There's a reason why we have 5 stars on Google! But don't take our word for it. Here's what our clients have to say. Jonathan Senigaglia 21:58 04 Jul 22 Samy Basta is such a kind and sweet man, I just love him! Such a pleasure to work with. Samy cares deeply about client education, and takes the time to explain complex tax matters in ways a non-expert (like me) can understand. He is so patient and diligent. I am consistently impressed with his deep knowledge of tax law, and the way he uses that knowledge to save his clients money. This year he showed me how, through some simple tax planning, I could cut $6k off my tax bill. I am so grateful for Samy! michael berke 23:11 13 May 22 I cannot recommend Samy enough! He helped us with a very challenging 1031 exchange which allowed us to defer our capital gains taxes and purchase a new property. He returns e-mails and phone messages promptly and the best part is that he talks non CPA language to you in order to make sure you understand everything. If I could, I would give him 6 stars! Elmira Esmaeili 01:17 01 Mar 20 What a great surprise! We were expecting to pay IRS over $10,000 in additional taxes but we ended up with $4,000 tax credits and paid nothing! Samy is amazing! He knows all the recent tax reforms and patiently explains them to us and applies the relevant tax deductible tools and strategies for our business and personal taxes. We have referred him many of our friends and we heard nothing but great reviews. We are so happy to know him and have him as our valuable resource for our finances. john meloy 00:01 16 Feb 20 As a new client I’m delighted to report that my interactions with Basta & Company have been excellent. Though not a complete novice with online forms processing, at 1st I was slightly perplexed by the TaxDome software. Fortunately for me I had phone assistance from Jessica Catinella, who graciously walked me through the process. My uploads, though not correctly labeled, reached Jessica who called and advised me that all went well. I’m grateful for the invaluable assistance I’ve so far received from Basta & Company, and staff! Thank you, John Meloy Jessica Berman 22:22 23 Jan 20 I have worked for Basta & Company. Samy Basta is the lead CPA and head of the company. He is an amazing boss with an amazing staff under him. The company is very detail oriented and I would highly recommend their services to anyone! Finally, San Francisco Tax Accountants Who Care About Your Success Book your free 15-minute call to get started. Book Your Quick Call About Us Meet Samy Basta, CPA, and his team. Samy is a tax expert and small business consultant specializing in helping real estate and tech companies maximize their tax savings while scaling up sustainable growth. With over 25 years of experience in the industry, Basta & Company has become a trusted advisor to numerous small businesses looking to navigate the complexities of tax laws and regulations. Company About Blog Get In Touch Privacy Policy Get In Touch 100 Pine Street, Suite 1250 San Francisco, CA 94111 Subscribe to our newsletter below © Copyright Basta & Company. All Right Reserved 2026. Contact Us | Basta & Company Call Us +1 (415) 333-6262 Book Appointment Client Portal Our Services Fractional CFO Services Business Tax Services New Business Advisory Real Estate Accounting for Real Estate Construction Accounting Tax guide for construction 2023 Comprehensive Guide to 1031 Exchange Tech Companies Tech Accounting Services Taxes For Start Ups About Meet Our Team Meet Samy Basta Meet Drussillia Garcia Meet Mariana Alejo Meet Louise Santiano-Villanueva Get In Touch Contact Us Prospective Client Existing Client Resource Hub Blog Videos FAQs Contact Us Learn More About Us Get In Touch We want to hear from you! Phone (415) 333-6262 Address 100 Pine Street, Suite 1250 San Francisco, CA 94111 (By Appointment Only) Book Free Consultation Book your free consultation or ask us a question anytime. Jonathan Senigaglia 21:58 04 Jul 22 Samy Basta is such a kind and sweet man, I just love him! Such a pleasure to work with. Samy cares deeply about client education, and takes the time to explain complex tax matters in ways a non-expert (like me) can understand. He is so patient and diligent. I am consistently impressed with his deep knowledge of tax law, and the way he uses that knowledge to save his clients money. This year he showed me how, through some simple tax planning, I could cut $6k off my tax bill. I am so grateful for Samy! michael berke 23:11 13 May 22 I cannot recommend Samy enough! He helped us with a very challenging 1031 exchange which allowed us to defer our capital gains taxes and purchase a new property. He returns e-mails and phone messages promptly and the best part is that he talks non CPA language to you in order to make sure you understand everything. If I could, I would give him 6 stars! Elmira Esmaeili 01:17 01 Mar 20 What a great surprise! We were expecting to pay IRS over $10,000 in additional taxes but we ended up with $4,000 tax credits and paid nothing! Samy is amazing! He knows all the recent tax reforms and patiently explains them to us and applies the relevant tax deductible tools and strategies for our business and personal taxes. We have referred him many of our friends and we heard nothing but great reviews. We are so happy to know him and have him as our valuable resource for our finances. john meloy 00:01 16 Feb 20 As a new client I’m delighted to report that my interactions with Basta & Company have been excellent. Though not a complete novice with online forms processing, at 1st I was slightly perplexed by the TaxDome software. Fortunately for me I had phone assistance from Jessica Catinella, who graciously walked me through the process. My uploads, though not correctly labeled, reached Jessica who called and advised me that all went well. I’m grateful for the invaluable assistance I’ve so far received from Basta & Company, and staff! Thank you, John Meloy Jessica Berman 22:22 23 Jan 20 I have worked for Basta & Company. Samy Basta is the lead CPA and head of the company. He is an amazing boss with an amazing staff under him. The company is very detail oriented and I would highly recommend their services to anyone! About Us Meet Samy Basta, CPA, and his team. Samy is a tax expert and small business consultant specializing in helping real estate and tech companies maximize their tax savings while scaling up sustainable growth. With over 25 years of experience in the industry, Basta & Company has become a trusted advisor to numerous small businesses looking to navigate the complexities of tax laws and regulations. Company About Blog Get In Touch Privacy Policy Get In Touch 100 Pine Street, Suite 1250 San Francisco, CA 94111 Subscribe to our newsletter below © Copyright Basta & Company. All Right Reserved 2026. Construction Business CPA for Tax Guidance in San Francisco, CA Call Us +1 (415) 333-6262 Book Appointment Client Portal Our Services Fractional CFO Services Business Tax Services New Business Advisory Real Estate Accounting for Real Estate Construction Accounting Tax guide for construction 2023 Comprehensive Guide to 1031 Exchange Tech Companies Tech Accounting Services Taxes For Start Ups About Meet Our Team Meet Samy Basta Meet Drussillia Garcia Meet Mariana Alejo Meet Louise Santiano-Villanueva Get In Touch Contact Us Prospective Client Existing Client Resource Hub Blog Videos FAQs Meet Your Construction Business CPA in California Construction is a complex industry. With ever-changing projects, unfamiliar tax credits, and the constant management of contractors, your financial bookkeeping & tax preparation can get messy pretty quickly. That's where we come in. Book 15-Min Call Are You As Profitable As You Should Be? You juggle the stress of ongoing projects. You spend time managing various contractors. You run the operations of your construction business daily. But how often do you check that you’re keeping every last dollar that you should be? With every construction business we’ve worked with, we’ve found multiple opportunities to add more profit to the business, year-on-year. That’s what our experienced construction business CPA in San Francisco, CA experts can do for you. You Can't Afford To Not Have a Construction CPA in California Here at Basta & Company, we're not just here to help you pay as little tax as legally possible. We're here to help your construction business run more profitably. Here are just a few of the ways we put more money in your pocket. R&D Tax Credit As a construction business, you're always pushing the boundaries of innovation. That's why - depending on your size and type of construction - your business can likely save anywhere from $10,000 to $5 million through what's known as the R&D Tax Credit. At Basta & Company, we help construction companies maximize eligible tax credits at state and federal level in order to put more money back into their businesses. Track Profit per Project In the construction world, revenue and businesses expenses should be tracked per project - not as a whole. Otherwise, how do you know which projects are making the most money for your business? At Basta & Company, we have a system to help you break down and track the Profit & Loss Statement and Balance Sheet per project, so you know exactly how your business is doing inch-by-inch. Avoid Risk With Sub-Contractors Hiring contractors in any state is risky. Hiring contractors in San Francisco, California can be doubly hazardous. Due to the relatively new labor law, AB5, your business has to prove its hires are sub-contractors, rather than employees. And it has to be in writing! At Basta & Company, we help construction businesses navigate the complexities of sub-contractor vs. employee labor laws, and put the proper documentation in place to mitigate audit risk. Who do we work with? We are dedicated construction business CPA experts in California and proud to work with any construction-related business including construction companies, property management firms, developers, architecture and engineering firms. Book Complimentary Appointment Your browser does not support HTML5 video. Keep Advisory, Taxes, Payroll and more under one roof. Plan For Construction Taxes We work to uncover every tax break, incentive, and deduction available to your construction business for tax filings year-round. You can rest easy knowing your taxes are submitted on time, error-free, and optimized for minimal tax liability. Construction Fractional CFO As your construction business grows, financial management only becomes more complex. We provide part-time and full-time outsourced CFO services to give you the financial stability you need for a fraction of the cost. Construction Advisory Services As a business owner, it's hard to know whether you're making the right financial decisions for your company. We'll guide you on business structure, financing, financial projections and more to position your construction business for success. Jonathan Senigaglia 21:58 04 Jul 22 Samy Basta is such a kind and sweet man, I just love him! Such a pleasure to work with. Samy cares deeply about client education, and takes the time to explain complex tax matters in ways a non-expert (like me) can understand. He is so patient and diligent. I am consistently impressed with his deep knowledge of tax law, and the way he uses that knowledge to save his clients money. This year he showed me how, through some simple tax planning, I could cut $6k off my tax bill. I am so grateful for Samy! michael berke 23:11 13 May 22 I cannot recommend Samy enough! He helped us with a very challenging 1031 exchange which allowed us to defer our capital gains taxes and purchase a new property. He returns e-mails and phone messages promptly and the best part is that he talks non CPA language to you in order to make sure you understand everything. If I could, I would give him 6 stars! Elmira Esmaeili 01:17 01 Mar 20 What a great surprise! We were expecting to pay IRS over $10,000 in additional taxes but we ended up with $4,000 tax credits and paid nothing! Samy is amazing! He knows all the recent tax reforms and patiently explains them to us and applies the relevant tax deductible tools and strategies for our business and personal taxes. We have referred him many of our friends and we heard nothing but great reviews. We are so happy to know him and have him as our valuable resource for our finances. john meloy 00:01 16 Feb 20 As a new client I’m delighted to report that my interactions with Basta & Company have been excellent. Though not a complete novice with online forms processing, at 1st I was slightly perplexed by the TaxDome software. Fortunately for me I had phone assistance from Jessica Catinella, who graciously walked me through the process. My uploads, though not correctly labeled, reached Jessica who called and advised me that all went well. I’m grateful for the invaluable assistance I’ve so far received from Basta & Company, and staff! Thank you, John Meloy Jessica Berman 22:22 23 Jan 20 I have worked for Basta & Company. Samy Basta is the lead CPA and head of the company. He is an amazing boss with an amazing staff under him. The company is very detail oriented and I would highly recommend their services to anyone! Protect and grow your business with a professional construction accountant. Book your 15-minute consultation today. About Us Meet Samy Basta, CPA, and his team. Samy is a tax expert and small business consultant specializing in helping real estate and tech companies maximize their tax savings while scaling up sustainable growth. With over 25 years of experience in the industry, Basta & Company has become a trusted advisor to numerous small businesses looking to navigate the complexities of tax laws and regulations. Company About Blog Get In Touch Privacy Policy Get In Touch 100 Pine Street, Suite 1250 San Francisco, CA 94111 Subscribe to our newsletter below © Copyright Basta & Company. All Right Reserved 2026. Latest News and Blog Call Us +1 (415) 333-6262 Book Appointment Client Portal Our Services Fractional CFO Services Business Tax Services New Business Advisory Real Estate Accounting for Real Estate Construction Accounting Tax guide for construction 2023 Comprehensive Guide to 1031 Exchange Tech Companies Tech Accounting Services Taxes For Start Ups About Meet Our Team Meet Samy Basta Meet Drussillia Garcia Meet Mariana Alejo Meet Louise Santiano-Villanueva Get In Touch Contact Us Prospective Client Existing Client Resource Hub Blog Videos FAQs Basta & Company Latest Articles Buying a Truck Just for Taxes Is a Bad Move for California Builders If you’ve spent any time on Instagram lately, you’ve probably come across this guy. He’s standing next to a lifted truck, ring light blazing, big watch, branded hat — very confident. And he’s got advice for you: “Buy a heavy truck. Write it all off. Pay zero taxes.” Sounds pretty great, right? Here’s the problem: […] Continue reading Why California Contractors Overpay Taxes Without Realizing It If you run a construction, contracting, or real estate business in California, you’ve probably felt the sting of a bigger-than-expected tax bill. But here’s the thing: that bill wasn’t created when you filed your return. It was created months earlier, through a series of decisions that nobody helped you think through. Maybe you bought equipment […] Continue reading The Hidden Tax Traps Waiting for California Real Estate Investors (And How to Sell Smart) Most California real estate investors think selling a rental property is straightforward. You call your agent, sign some papers, wire hits your account, done. It’s not. And if you own two, three, or more rentals, the order you sell them in can be the difference between keeping an extra $40,000 or quietly handing it to […] Continue reading Find Out Which Construction Projects Are Actually Making You Money There’s a pattern I see over and over with contractors in California. Revenue is up. The schedule is packed. They just landed another big contract. By every external measure, the business is doing well. But when I sit down and actually look at the numbers, the picture changes fast. The margin is thin. Cash is […] Continue reading Is Payroll Secretly Killing Your Construction Profit Margins? You’re busy. Jobs are coming in. Revenue looks solid. But every time you check your bank account, something feels… off. If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone. I talk to construction business owners across California every week — from San Francisco to Sacramento, from Fresno to San Jose — and almost all of them have […] Continue reading Your Profit Isn’t a Number If Your Expenses Are a Mess Let me be blunt. If your expenses are messy, your “profit” number is basically a rumor. And if profit is a rumor, you’ll feel stuck. Because every decision turns into a coin flip: Can we hire? Can we bump ad spend? Are we actually doing well… or are we just late on paying stuff? And […] Continue reading QSBS: The “Golden Ticket” Stock Rule That Can Save You Millions in Taxes You build a startup. You grind for years. You finally sell it for $20 million. Then you open the tax bill and your stomach drops. The IRS wants a big chunk. A painful chunk. But what if I told you there’s a rule—four letters—that could make a huge part of that tax bill disappear on […] Continue reading Is Overhead Quietly Killing Your Construction Company? You’re winning bids. Your crew is booked out for weeks. The phone keeps ringing. And yet you check your bank account and think, “Where did all the money go?” Here’s the truth nobody tells construction owners: your overhead is not “business expenses.” It’s a silent leak. And right now, you’re trying to fill a bucket […] Continue reading Married With an LLC? You Might Have a Tax Return You Don’t Know About Let’s talk about something that surprises a lot of married business owners: husband-and-wife LLC. You and your spouse decide to start a business together. Maybe it’s a construction company, a property management firm, an interior design studio, or a real estate development venture. You form an LLC because you’ve been told it’s the smart move. […] Continue reading DBA vs Registering in Another State: Stop Mixing These Up DBA or “doing business as” is one of those areas where terminology trips people up, so let’s start with the basics, because these two concepts get mixed together all the time. A DBA is just a nickname. It’s a “doing business as” name that lets you operate under a different name than your legal entity. […] Continue reading PTE Tax Election in California: The Closest Thing to a Legal Tax Cheat Code (If You Actually Plan It) If you own a profitable pass-through business in California, there’s a tax move that can genuinely save you money if you plan it correctly. You’ll usually hear it called the “PTE tax” (or PTET). For certain California business owners, PTE tax is one of the few remaining ways to legally reduce federal taxes without doing […] Continue reading Multi-State Employees The Simple Checklist to Avoid Surprise Letters You hire one person in another state, then the letters show up. You didn’t do anything sketchy. You hired talent where you could find it and now you have multi-state employees. Remote engineer in Nevada. Out-of-state superintendent. Leasing agent near a new property in Hawaii. Then the first letter lands: “You failed to file…” If […] Continue reading Section 199A Qualified Business Income Deduction: Permanent and Expanded for Small Businesses What if we told you one of the largest tax breaks for small business owners was supposed to disappear after 2025… But instead, it’s now here to stay? That’s exactly what happened with the Section 199A Qualified Business Income (QBI) deduction. For business owners in construction, real estate, professional services, and tech, this change is […] Continue reading Senior Bonus Deduction Explained: A New Tax Break for Americans 65 and Older in 2025 A meaningful tax change is arriving for older taxpayers in the 2025 filing season, and it’s one that could lower taxable income for millions of retirees. Known as the “senior bonus deduction,” this new benefit was quietly included in President Donald Trump’s 2025 tax legislation and is already raising important planning questions. At first glance, […] Continue reading SALT Deduction in California 2025: What Changed and Who Benefits If you own a construction company, run property management, or operate in real estate or tech in California, this one matters. For tax year 2025, the federal SALT itemized deduction cap is $40,000 ($20,000 if Married Filing Separately). That is a major jump from the old $10,000 cap. This only helps if you itemize. But […] Continue reading 2025 Tax Law Updates: What They Mean for You and Your Business New federal tax law, new numbers, and real money at stake. This is all about tax year 2025 income (the return you file in 2026) and how the latest changes can affect you. I’ll break down the key updates in plain English, with examples, so you know what it means for your wallet. Let’s get […] Continue reading Profitable But Broke: Why Contractors Are Always Tight on Cash (And How to Fix It Today) Picture this: You’re looking at your profit and loss statement. $2.3 million in revenue. $340,000 in profit. You should be celebrating, right? But here you are, putting your truck payment on a credit card. Again. Sound familiar? Last week, a contractor showed me exactly this situation. On paper, he was killing it. In his bank […] Continue reading Booked Out but Still Broke: CPA Guide to Pricing Strategy for Contractors and Construction Firms If you’re a contractor, construction firm owner, or real estate professional book Meet Mariana Alejo Call Us +1 (415) 333-6262 Book Appointment Client Portal Our Services Fractional CFO Services Business Tax Services New Business Advisory Real Estate Accounting for Real Estate Construction Accounting Tax guide for construction 2023 Comprehensive Guide to 1031 Exchange Tech Companies Tech Accounting Services Taxes For Start Ups About Meet Our Team Meet Samy Basta Meet Drussillia Garcia Meet Mariana Alejo Meet Louise Santiano-Villanueva Get In Touch Contact Us Prospective Client Existing Client Resource Hub Blog Videos FAQs Mariana Alejo Admin Ops About Mariana Alejo Mariana brings a calm, steady energy to the teams she supports, helping day-to-day operations run smoothly with clarity and intention. As a bilingual administrative assistant, she focuses in organization, clear communication, and anticipating needs so nothing slips through the cracks. She enjoys creating structure and approaches her role with care, professionalism, and a genuine desire to be helpful. Outside of work, Mariana enjoys staying active, spending time outdoors, and starting her mornings with a good cup of coffee alongside her dog. View More Team Members Samy Basta, CPA Founder View More Drussillia Garcia Staff Accountant View More Louise Villanueva Client Success View More About Us Meet Samy Basta, CPA, and his team. Samy is a tax expert and small business consultant specializing in helping real estate and tech companies maximize their tax savings while scaling up sustainable growth. With over 25 years of experience in the industry, Basta & Company has become a trusted advisor to numerous small businesses looking to navigate the complexities of tax laws and regulations. Company About Blog Get In Touch Privacy Policy Get In Touch 100 Pine Street, Suite 1250 San Francisco, CA 94111 Subscribe to our newsletter below © Copyright Basta & Company. All Right Reserved 2026. Prospective Client | Basta & Company Call Us +1 (415) 333-6262 Book Appointment Client Portal Our Services Fractional CFO Services Business Tax Services New Business Advisory Real Estate Accounting for Real Estate Construction Accounting Tax guide for construction 2023 Comprehensive Guide to 1031 Exchange Tech Companies Tech Accounting Services Taxes For Start Ups About Meet Our Team Meet Samy Basta Meet Drussillia Garcia Meet Mariana Alejo Meet Louise Santiano-Villanueva Get In Touch Contact Us Prospective Client Existing Client Resource Hub Blog Videos FAQs Welcome to Basta & Company! You'll find everything you need down below. IF YOU ARE HERE THEN YOU HAVE Had your Introductory Chat If you missed this step, you can book a call here. HERE'S WHAT HAPPENS NEXT 1 FILL OUT CLIENT INTAKE FORM After the discovery call, we’ll email you a secure form to collect your personal and business details so we can get started. DIDN’T GET OUR EMAIL? LET US KNOW. 2 SIGN UP TO PORTAL After submitting your intake form, you’ll be directed to our secure portal to upload tax returns from the last 5 years, if applicable. UPLOAD YOUR DOCUMENTS 3 INVITE US TO QUICKBOOKS You can use these instructions to add us to your QuickBooks Online. If you do not currently use QuickBooks, please go to step 4. INSTRUCTIONS FOR QUICKBOOKS 4 CHOOSE YOUR LEVEL OF SERVICE As soon as you complete steps #1-3, we’ll be in touch to share & finalize your 3-tier pricing options. After that, we’ll be ready to kick off! BROWSE PACKAGES OVER THE NEXT FEW MONTHS These first months are crucial. We’ll be in touch regularly to ensure we build the best foundation to success. Here’s what you can expect. 1 GETTING STARTED Kick Off Meeting Set Up QuickBooks Bank Account Setup Payroll Setup 2 FIX ANY MESSES Fix Messy Books Process Payroll Set up API 3 TROUBLESHOOT ISSUES Your top issues put on our radar We’ll drive into your pain points 4 START MONTHLY REPORTS You’ll receive monthly insights We’ll check in – how is it going? 5 STRATEGIC PLANNING Proactive tax planning Quarterly strategy meetings HAVE A QUESTION WE DIDN'T ANSWER? We handle more than the average accountant. So, don’t treat us like one! Drop us a line any time you have a question or just need a sounding board. That’s what we’re here for! Ask Us a Question About Us Meet Samy Basta, CPA, and his team. Samy is a tax expert and small business consultant specializing in helping real estate and tech companies maximize their tax savings while scaling up sustainable growth. With over 25 years of experience in the industry, Basta & Company has become a trusted advisor to numerous small businesses looking to navigate the complexities of tax laws and regulations. Company About Blog Get In Touch Privacy Policy Get In Touch 100 Pine Street, Suite 1250 San Francisco, CA 94111 Subscribe to our newsletter below © Copyright Basta & Company. All Right Reserved 2026. Book New Meeting Call Us +1 (415) 333-6262 Book Appointment Client Portal Our Services Fractional CFO Services Business Tax Services New Business Advisory Real Estate Accounting for Real Estate Construction Accounting Tax guide for construction 2023 Comprehensive Guide to 1031 Exchange Tech Companies Tech Accounting Services Taxes For Start Ups About Meet Our Team Meet Samy Basta Meet Drussillia Garcia Meet Mariana Alejo Meet Louise Santiano-Villanueva Get In Touch Contact Us Prospective Client Existing Client Resource Hub Blog Videos FAQs What Happens Next? Tell us about yourself Have an introductory call Start onboarding! Go ahead and tell us about yourself, here! Jonathan Senigaglia 21:58 04 Jul 22 Samy Basta is such a kind and sweet man, I just love him! Such a pleasure to work with. Samy cares deeply about client education, and takes the time to explain complex tax matters in ways a non-expert (like me) can understand. He is so patient and diligent. I am consistently impressed with his deep knowledge of tax law, and the way he uses that knowledge to save his clients money. This year he showed me how, through some simple tax planning, I could cut $6k off my tax bill. I am so grateful for Samy! michael berke 23:11 13 May 22 I cannot recommend Samy enough! He helped us with a very challenging 1031 exchange which allowed us to defer our capital gains taxes and purchase a new property. He returns e-mails and phone messages promptly and the best part is that he talks non CPA language to you in order to make sure you understand everything. If I could, I would give him 6 stars! Elmira Esmaeili 01:17 01 Mar 20 What a great surprise! We were expecting to pay IRS over $10,000 in additional taxes but we ended up with $4,000 tax credits and paid nothing! Samy is amazing! He knows all the recent tax reforms and patiently explains them to us and applies the relevant tax deductible tools and strategies for our business and personal taxes. We have referred him many of our friends and we heard nothing but great reviews. We are so happy to know him and have him as our valuable resource for our finances. john meloy 00:01 16 Feb 20 As a new client I’m delighted to report that my interactions with Basta & Company have been excellent. Though not a complete novice with online forms processing, at 1st I was slightly perplexed by the TaxDome software. Fortunately for me I had phone assistance from Jessica Catinella, who graciously walked me through the process. My uploads, though not correctly labeled, reached Jessica who called and advised me that all went well. I’m grateful for the invaluable assistance I’ve so far received from Basta & Company, and staff! Thank you, John Meloy Jessica Berman 22:22 23 Jan 20 I have worked for Basta & Company. Samy Basta is the lead CPA and head of the company. He is an amazing boss with an amazing staff under him. The company is very detail oriented and I would highly recommend their services to anyone! Phone (415) 333-6262 Address 100 Pine Street, Suite 1250 San Francisco, CA 94111 Social About Us Meet Samy Basta, CPA, and his team. Samy is a tax expert and small business consultant specializing in helping real estate and tech companies maximize their tax savings while scaling up sustainable growth. With over 25 years of experience in the industry, Basta & Company has become a trusted advisor to numerous small businesses looking to navigate the complexities of tax laws and regulations. Company About Blog Get In Touch Privacy Policy Get In Touch 100 Pine Street, Suite 1250 San Francisco, CA 94111 Subscribe to our newsletter below © Copyright Basta & Company. All Right Reserved 2026. Meet Our Team of Accountants at Basta & Company Call Us +1 (415) 333-6262 Book Appointment Client Portal Our Services Fractional CFO Services Business Tax Services New Business Advisory Real Estate Accounting for Real Estate Construction Accounting Tax guide for construction 2023 Comprehensive Guide to 1031 Exchange Tech Companies Tech Accounting Services Taxes For Start Ups About Meet Our Team Meet Samy Basta Meet Drussillia Garcia Meet Mariana Alejo Meet Louise Santiano-Villanueva Get In Touch Contact Us Prospective Client Existing Client Resource Hub Blog Videos FAQs Meet The Basta & Company Team At Basta & Company, we make accounting more human. It’s taken us over 20 years’ of financial and business consulting to learn the secret: nobody really wants to hear an accountant’s point of view on tax compliance. “Just help us pay as little tax as legally possible.” Are we right? At Basta & Company, that’s precisely what we do. And much, much more. We aren’t your typical tax-jargon accountants. Instead, we help clients understand their tax savings and increase business profitability in a relatable, easy-to-understand way. From initial business setup to ongoing tax & CFO services, we’ll guide you through the ups and downs of business ownership, and help you make the best financial decisions for your company when it’s most important. We’re down-to-earth, knowledgeable, and most importantly, always a phone call away. If you have a question you’d like us to answer, you can book a complimentary call with us any time. We’re always here to help. Samy Basta, CPA Founder Meet Samy Basta, CPA Founder Founder of Basta & Company, Samy Basta, CPA brings with him over 20 years’ of experience in tax strategy, financial planning, and business advisory across the real estate, medical, and tech industries. Read More Drussillia Garcia Staff Accountant Meet Drussillia Garcia Staff Accountant Dru (short for Drussillia) is a detail-oriented accountant with a strong foundation in bookkeeping, payroll, and month-end close, known for clear processes and proactive communication. Read More Mariana Alejo Admin Ops Meet Mariana Alejo Admin Ops Mariana brings a calm, steady energy to the teams she supports, helping day-to-day operations run smoothly with clarity and intention. As a bilingual administrative assistant, she focuses in organization, clear communication, and anticipating needs so nothing slips through the cracks. Read More Louise Santiano-Villanueva Client Success Meet Louise Santiano-Villanueva Client Success Louise is the person you want in your corner when things get busy. With over 10 years of experience supporting teams, keeping projects on track, and bringing a creative eye to every detail, she blends structure with imagination to help the team shine. Read More Schedule Your Free Consultation Book Virtual Appointment About Us Meet Samy Basta, CPA, and his team. Samy is a tax expert and small business consultant specializing in helping real estate and tech companies maximize their tax savings while scaling up sustainable growth. With over 25 years of experience in the industry, Basta & Company has become a trusted advisor to numerous small businesses looking to navigate the complexities of tax laws and regulations. Company About Blog Get In Touch Privacy Policy Get In Touch 100 Pine Street, Suite 1250 San Francisco, CA 94111 Subscribe to our newsletter below © Copyright Basta & Company. All Right Reserved 2026. Tax Advisory for Startups in San Francisco | Basta & Company Call Us +1 (415) 333-6262 Book Appointment Client Portal Our Services Fractional CFO Services Business Tax Services New Business Advisory Real Estate Accounting for Real Estate Construction Accounting Tax guide for construction 2023 Comprehensive Guide to 1031 Exchange Tech Companies Tech Accounting Services Taxes For Start Ups About Meet Our Team Meet Samy Basta Meet Drussillia Garcia Meet Mariana Alejo Meet Louise Santiano-Villanueva Get In Touch Contact Us Prospective Client Existing Client Resource Hub Blog Videos FAQs We Find Often-Missed Credits to Minimize Your Start Up Taxes When starting a tech or SaaS company, there are hundreds of thousands of dollars in tax credits & deductions that you can save in your first few years of business. Book 15-Min Chat With Tech & start up companies, getting your tax strategy right can be the difference in hundreds of thousands, if not millions of dollars, over the life of your company. That’s why it’s important to hire experts like Basta and Company from the beginning, to set your company up in the most profitable way. We know the Tech tax code inside and out, and have over 20 years of experience managing the most complex Tech tax situations. Through dozens of often-missed tax credits & deductions, we’ll save you tens of thousands of dollars in the bat of an eye. We help minimize your start up taxes Save hundreds of thousands on tax credits Did you know that your start up can apply up to $250,000 in tax credits to payroll tax each year, even if you are not yet profitable? At Basta & Company, we know the tax code for Tech & Start Up companies inside and out. We'll make sure you receive every deduction and credit you're qualified for. Plan ahead for your exit Why should you worry about exiting already? Selling your business will trigger capital gain taxes, so it’s important to know ahead of time what your options are, and structure your business in a way that will be most profitable for you. Getting your tax structure right from the beginning, can be the difference in hundreds of thousands of dollars in your pocket, or not, when you sell. Reduce your stock compensation tax liability When you are granted stock compensation within a Tech company, you technically don’t own them until they fully vest (~4 years later). However, you still have to pay taxes on them! We will help you set up a tax election that will avoid paying ordinary income taxes at the time when options are fully vested (~4 years later), when the value is higher, and instead pay taxes at the initial price of when the stock was worth pennies. We take care of your start up taxes - from start to finish In-Depth Tax Strategy Our services begin the day you come on board. We'll take a look at your existing tax structure and create a tailored tax approach to optimize any gaps we see. We'll help prepare you ahead of time for the R&D Tax Credit, start up deductions, and stock option tax efficiencies to ensure that you qualify for tens of thousands of dollars in savings in each year. Breezy Tax Planning What do stress-free taxes feel like? With Basta & Company, you'll find out! We handle all of your quarterly and annual taxes to ensure accurate and timely filing, in order to reduce your risk of penalties. We’ll always check in to make sure you understand exactly what’s going on with your taxes each year. Tax Resolution With over 20 years of experience in tax strategy and preparation experience, there’s nothing we haven’t seen. Whether you have received an audit notice from the IRS or need to file back taxes, rest assured we'll solve any tax issues that arise. Jonathan Senigaglia 21:58 04 Jul 22 Samy Basta is such a kind and sweet man, I just love him! Such a pleasure to work with. Samy cares deeply about client education, and takes the time to explain complex tax matters in ways a non-expert (like me) can understand. He is so patient and diligent. I am consistently impressed with his deep knowledge of tax law, and the way he uses that knowledge to save his clients money. This year he showed me how, through some simple tax planning, I could cut $6k off my tax bill. I am so grateful for Samy! michael berke 23:11 13 May 22 I cannot recommend Samy enough! He helped us with a very challenging 1031 exchange which allowed us to defer our capital gains taxes and purchase a new property. He returns e-mails and phone messages promptly and the best part is that he talks non CPA language to you in order to make sure you understand everything. If I could, I would give him 6 stars! Elmira Esmaeili 01:17 01 Mar 20 What a great surprise! We were expecting to pay IRS over $10,000 in additional taxes but we ended up with $4,000 tax credits and paid nothing! Samy is amazing! He knows all the recent tax reforms and patiently explains them to us and applies the relevant tax deductible tools and strategies for our business and personal taxes. We have referred him many of our friends and we heard nothing but great reviews. We are so happy to know him and have him as our valuable resource for our finances. john meloy 00:01 16 Feb 20 As a new client I’m delighted to report that my interactions with Basta & Company have been excellent. Though not a complete novice with online forms processing, at 1st I was slightly perplexed by the TaxDome software. Fortunately for me I had phone assistance from Jessica Catinella, who graciously walked me through the process. My uploads, though not correctly labeled, reached Jessica who called and advised me that all went well. I’m grateful for the invaluable assistance I’ve so far received from Basta & Company, and staff! Thank you, John Meloy Jessica Berman 22:22 23 Jan 20 I have worked for Basta & Company. Samy Basta is the lead CPA and head of the company. He is an amazing boss with an amazing staff under him. The company is very detail oriented and I would highly recommend their services to anyone! quotesArtboard 1 copy 2 Samy Basta is such a kind and sweet man, I just love him! Such a pleasure to work with. Samy cares deeply about client education, and takes the time to explain complex tax matters in ways a non-expert (like me) can understand. He is so patient and diligent. I am consistently impressed with his deep knowledge of tax law, and the way he uses that knowledge to save his clients money. This year he showed me how, through some simple tax planning, I could cut $6k off my tax bill. I am so grateful for Samy! Jonathan Senigaglia Work With the Start Up Tax Experts. Book Your Free Chat To Get Started. About Us Meet Samy Basta, CPA, and his team. Samy is a tax expert and small business consultant specializing in helping real estate and tech companies maximize their tax savings while scaling up sustainable growth. With over 25 years of experience in the industry, Basta & Company has become a trusted advisor to numerous small businesses looking to navigate the complexities of tax laws and regulations. Company About Blog Get In Touch Privacy Policy Get In Touch 100 Pine Street, Suite 1250 San Francisco, CA 94111 Subscribe to our newsletter below © Copyright Basta & Company. All Right Reserved 2026. Meet Louise Santiano-Villanueva Call Us +1 (415) 333-6262 Book Appointment Client Portal Our Services Fractional CFO Services Business Tax Services New Business Advisory Real Estate Accounting for Real Estate Construction Accounting Tax guide for construction 2023 Comprehensive Guide to 1031 Exchange Tech Companies Tech Accounting Services Taxes For Start Ups About Meet Our Team Meet Samy Basta Meet Drussillia Garcia Meet Mariana Alejo Meet Louise Santiano-Villanueva Get In Touch Contact Us Prospective Client Existing Client Resource Hub Blog Videos FAQs Louise Santiano-Villanueva Client Success About Louise Santiano-Villanueva Louise is the person you want in your corner when things get busy. With over 10 years of experience supporting teams, managing projects, and keeping creative workflows on track, she’s all about making work feel lighter—and a lot more organized. She brings a creative eye to every detail, blending structure with imagination to help us shine. From coordinating digital marketing campaigns and managing content calendars to streamlining marketing operations and keeping everyone aligned, Louise turns big ideas into smooth execution. A natural problem solver, she brings clarity to the chaos—calmly, thoughtfully, and always with a smile. What really drives her? Helping people feel supported and empowered to do their best work. She listens closely, communicates clearly, and brings a collaborative spirit that helps teams thrive. Outside of work, Louise enjoys life’s simple joys: long walks with her dogs, cat snuggles, family time, and a good matcha latte. Grounded and approachable, she’s the kind of teammate who makes a big impact in quiet, steady ways. View More Team Members Samy Basta, CPA Founder View More Drussillia Garcia Staff Accountant View More Mariana Alejo Admin Ops View More About Us Meet Samy Basta, CPA, and his team. Samy is a tax expert and small business consultant specializing in helping real estate and tech companies maximize their tax savings while scaling up sustainable growth. With over 25 years of experience in the industry, Basta & Company has become a trusted advisor to numerous small businesses looking to navigate the complexities of tax laws and regulations. Company About Blog Get In Touch Privacy Policy Get In Touch 100 Pine Street, Suite 1250 San Francisco, CA 94111 Subscribe to our newsletter below © Copyright Basta & Company. All Right Reserved 2026.