David Rachford CPA — Goleta, CA

Goleta's independent CPA for small business

Goleta has become one of the most dynamic small-business communities on the Central Coast — from the tech and biotech corridor near UCSB to Old Town retail, Hollister Avenue professional services, and coastal real estate investors. What Goleta hasn't had enough of is a local CPA who actually specializes in small business and investor tax work, not just returns-by-volume.

David Rachford CPA fills that gap. His practice, based at 5290 Overpass Rd in Goleta, is built around the needs of Goleta business owners, S-corp shareholders, and investors who want a CPA they can call year-round — not just someone they see once in March.

CPA services for Goleta businesses

David Rachford CPA provides the following services to Goleta clients and businesses throughout Santa Barbara County:

• S-corp tax returns — Form 1120-S, CA Form 100S, officer reasonable compensation, CA PTE election, shareholder basis tracking
• Tax planning and strategy — Year-round advisory on officer salary, retirement plans, QBI deduction, and estimated taxes
• Bookkeeping and QuickBooks — Monthly reconciliation, QuickBooks ProAdvisor setup and cleanup, monthly financial statements
• Individual tax returns — Complex Schedule B/D returns, rental income, trust returns, stock option income
• HOA tax returns — Form 1120-H and financial statement reviews for Goleta and Santa Barbara County associations
• Real estate investor tax — Short-term rentals, depreciation, cost segregation, 1031 exchanges
• Startup and equity tax — Section 1202 QSBS analysis, 83(b) elections, S-corp to C-corp conversions

Why Goleta businesses choose David Rachford CPA

The Goleta CPA market has a few large regional firms and a handful of solo preparers. What it lacks is a credentialed CPA with real depth in small-business tax strategy who is available and responsive between tax seasons.

David built his practice to serve exactly that market. He works directly with every client — there's no handoff to a junior associate. He's reachable year-round for questions, mid-year planning, and the occasional "what does this letter from the IRS mean?" call. And he brings tax expertise — startup equity, real estate, S-corp optimization — that most local preparers simply don't have.

Goleta industries David Rachford CPA serves

Goleta's economy is diverse, and so is David's client base. He regularly works with clients in:

• Technology and software (UCSB-adjacent startups and spin-offs)
• Construction, contractors, and home services
• Cabinetry, design, and interior trades
• Mariculture, aquaculture, and coastal industries
• Professional services (consultants, healthcare, attorneys)
• Retail and food & beverage on Hollister Avenue and Old Town
• Real estate investors and short-term rental operators
• Yoga studios, wellness, and fitness businesses
• HOAs and condominium owners associations