Bookkeeping, Payroll, and Tax Prep
Help with in-House Bookkeeping
If you handle all of the bookkeeping, payroll, and tax preparation for your small farm, consider taking advantage of the free workshops, mentoring, and resources provided by SCORE, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and a resource partner of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA).
San Luis Obispo County / Santa Maria SCORE Phone: (805) 547-0779 | Phone: (805) 367-3292 |
SCORE services:
- Mentoring (in-person or remotely by email, phone, or video)
- Free online workshops, on-demand courses, and helpful articles (English & Spanish)
- Workshops specific to navigating QuickBooks and other bookkeeping tools
Considerations for Farm Tax Preparation
Small Farms Network staff have compiled a list of resources below that may assist small scale farmers when preparing to file their taxes. This list is not exhaustive and is for educational purposes. UC Agriculture and Natural Resources does not endorse any of these resources.
FarmLink Tax Toolshed: https://www.californiafarmlink.org/toolshed/tax-toolshed
USDA Tax Resources: https://www.farmers.gov/your-business/taxes
Considerations for grants on tax returns: https://extension.usu.edu/ruraltax/tax-topics/grants
Questions to ask when vetting tax preparers: https://extension.usu.edu/ruraltax/tax-topics/how-to-choose-a-tax-professional
General tips for farmers when filing your taxes:
Start talking to your tax preparer in November, especially if you have received grant funds during the year.
Ask your tax preparer if income averaging is a viable management technique for your tax situation.
Land rent, supplies, and equipment are often deductible - discuss these with your tax preparer.
Personal expenses are NOT deductible – if you receive grant funds for farm business expenses, be very intentional about how you use grant funds and keep records.
Bookkeeping, Payroll, and Tax Preparation Service Providers
The following is a list of bookkeeping and tax preparers that have experience working with small farms in San Luis Obispo County and/or Santa Barbara County. This list is provided in no particular order and for information purposes only; this list does not constitute any endorsement or recommendation by UC Cooperative Extension. If you would like to suggest updates or additions to this list, please email ctuoheymote@ucanr.edu. Last updated: 7/14/22
| Provider | Bookkeeping | Payroll | Tax Prep |
| A Better Choice Tax Prep and Bookkeeping Services Arroyo Grande, (805) 474-0300 | ? | ? | ? |
| PaisanoBookkeeping Services Atascadero, (805) 286-6578 | ? | ? | X |
| Paula Evans Consulting Carpinteria, (805) 684-1106 | ? | ? | X |
Meister & Nunes PC NOT ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS AS OF 7/1/22 | ? | ? | ? |
| Kathleen Parker, EA Nipomo, (805) 619-8877, email | ? | ? | ? |
| Keeping the Books San Luis Obispo, (805) 549-0002 | ? | ? | X |
| Larry Lander, CPA Santa Barbara, (805) 681-3482 | ? | ? | ? |
Accountix
| ? | ? | ? |
| The Bottom Line Santa Barbara, (805) 683-3186 | ? | ? | X |
| Griffin Tax Santa Barbara, (805) 965-0068, email NOT ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS AS OF 7/1/22 | ? | ? | ? |
| J & D Bookkeeping Services Santa Maria, (805) 448-5546 | ? | ? | ? |