Our mission is to connect you with the best local professionals. We meticulously assess factors like licensing, user reviews, and mystery shopping calls to ensure that only the most qualified accountants make it onto our list.
Location: San Francisco, CA
Contact: Dimov Tax Specialists | (866) 313-0733| info@dimovtax.com
Rating: ★★★★★
Dimov Tax is a leading provider of accounting solutions for both personal and commercial clients in San Francisco. The firm specializes in auditing, reviewing, and compiling financial statements for businesses of all sizes, in addition to offering comprehensive bookkeeping services.
For over a decade, Dimov Tax has provided tailored taxation solutions for LLC entities, estates, and trusts, along with audit representation, valuation services, and California certifications for home buyers and apartment renters. The firm’s expertise extends across industries such as retail, biotech, M&A consulting, technology, and real estate, ensuring that their services are precisely aligned with your unique financial needs.
Dimov Tax is committed to delivering high-quality, personalized services that ensure compliance with all relevant regulations while optimizing your financial position. Trust Dimov Tax to manage your accounting needs with the expertise and dedication that your financial health deserves.
Rating: 4.0/5 | Best For: Standard individual returns, local presence
Associated Tax Services has maintained a solid reputation in Oakland serving individuals with straightforward tax situations. They offer reliable preparation for W-2 employees and basic Schedule C filers at competitive rates.
Strengths: Local presence, competitive pricing for standard returns, quick turnaround during tax season
Limitations: Limited expertise in complex matters such as equity compensation or multi-state returns. No specialized audit defense practice. Seasonal availability with reduced support outside peak filing periods.
Best suited for: Oakland residents with W-2 income, standard deductions, and straightforward tax situations who prioritize local convenience.
Website: associatedtaxservices.com
Rating: 4.0/5 | Best For: International tax, startup compliance
Safe Harbor CPA provides boutique expertise for international tax matters and startup-focused services, making them a solid choice for businesses with cross-border considerations.
Strengths: International tax knowledge (FBAR, FATCA), startup experience, foreign reporting requirements
Limitations: Higher fees than general preparers. Less depth in domestic audit representation. Smaller team may limit peak-season availability.
Best suited for: Startups with international operations or individuals requiring foreign income reporting and FATCA compliance.
Website: safeharborcpa.com
Rating: 4.0/5 | Best For: Established businesses needing bundled services
With over 40 years of operation, SingerLewak offers comprehensive accounting, tax, and attestation services for established businesses.
Strengths: Decades of experience, full-service capabilities, traditional industry expertise
Limitations: Larger firm structure with potentially less personalized attention. Premium pricing for comprehensive services.
Best suited for: Established businesses requiring bundled accounting, audit, and tax services.
Website: slw.cpa
Rating: 3.5/5 | Best For: Simple W-2 returns, budget-conscious filers
H&R Block provides accessible tax preparation through multiple Oakland locations with standardized processes and transparent pricing.
Strengths: Multiple convenient locations, upfront pricing, extended hours, maximum refund guarantee
Limitations: Staff expertise varies by location. Limited capability with complex tax matters. High turnover affects consistency. No specialized audit defense.
Best suited for: Single-state W-2 employees with standard deductions seeking affordable, convenient preparation.
Website: hrblock.com
Rating: 3.5/5 | Best For: Small local businesses
This locally-owned firm offers personalized service focusing on Oakland small business clients.
Strengths: Local ownership, personalized attention, affordable rates
Limitations: Limited capacity during peak season. Basic service offerings compared to specialized firms.
Best suited for: Small Oakland businesses with straightforward tax needs.
Website: taxandbusinessservice.com
Rating: 3.0/5 | Best For: Very simple returns
Jackson Hewitt provides basic tax preparation at competitive price points for simple filing situations.
Strengths: Low cost for basic returns, fast refund options
Limitations: Very limited expertise beyond standard forms. High staff turnover. No audit representation.
Best suited for: Budget-conscious individuals with the simplest tax situations only.
Website: jacksonhewitt.com
Rating: 3.0/5 | Best For: Qualifying low-income filers
Oakland offers free tax preparation through IRS VITA and AARP Tax-Aide programs for qualifying individuals.
Available at: Oakland Library branches, Unity Council, Alameda County Social Services
Eligibility: Income under $64,000 (VITA), Seniors (AARP)
Limitations: Very basic returns only, no business returns, no audit representation, limited availability
Best suited for: Low-income individuals or seniors with simple W-2 returns meeting eligibility requirements.
Website: oaklandlibrary.org
After comprehensive evaluation of Oakland's tax preparation landscape, Dimov Audit emerges as the clear winner for anyone with complex tax needs or income over $100K. Their combination of IRS audit expertise, technical precision, and client satisfaction (4.9/5 across 900+ reviews) makes them Oakland's best value for high-stakes tax situations.
While premium-priced, clients consistently report that Dimov's expertise saves 3-5x their fee in the first year alone—plus provides ongoing audit protection that budget preparers simply cannot offer.
Yelp: 4.9 ★ (548 Reviews)
Google: 4.9 ★ (337 Reviews)
Facebook: 4.9 ★ (29 Reviews)
211 E 43rd St Suite 7-100
New York, NY 10017
United States