Specialized tax planning, R&D credits, and CFO services for venture-backed startups in San Francisco, Palo Alto, Mountain View, and the entire Bay Area. Navigate California's complex tax landscape with confidence.
San Francisco's startup ecosystem requires specialized tax expertise. We understand the unique challenges of Bay Area founders—from California's high tax rates to complex stock option planning and multi-state expansion.
Maximize your federal (20%) and California (15%) R&D credits. Bay Area tech startups average $150K-$500K in annual credits. We help you claim every dollar you deserve.
Most SF startups incorporate in Delaware while operating in California. We handle the complexities of dual-state compliance, nexus issues, and apportionment strategies.
Navigate California's unique equity compensation tax rules. We provide 409A valuations, help with QSBS planning, and ensure compliance with ISO/NSO regulations.
Sand Hill Road investors expect GAAP-compliant financials and detailed KPI tracking. We prepare investor-ready reports that impress VCs and support fundraising.
SF's unique gross receipts tax and payroll expense tax require specialized knowledge. We optimize your structure to minimize local tax burden legally.
Growing beyond California? We handle sales tax nexus, state income tax apportionment, and remote employee compliance across all 50 states.
California has the highest state income tax (13.3%) and corporate tax (8.84%) in the nation. Plus San Francisco adds gross receipts and payroll taxes. Strategic planning is essential.
Our Solution:
California taxes stock options differently than most states, with no AMT preference exemption. Bay Area employees face significant tax bills on exercise.
Our Solution:
Post-COVID, many SF startups have employees nationwide. Each state creates nexus, payroll tax obligations, and income tax withholding requirements.
Our Solution:
Raising from Sand Hill Road VCs? Preferred stock, liquidation preferences, and anti-dilution provisions create complex tax and accounting issues.
Our Solution:
From SoMa co-working spaces to Sand Hill Road offices, we serve tech startups throughout San Francisco and the broader Bay Area.
SoMa (South of Market)
Financial District
Mission Bay
Presidio
North Beach
Pacific Heights
Peninsula
Palo Alto, Mountain View, Menlo Park, Redwood City
South Bay
San Jose, Sunnyvale, Santa Clara, Cupertino
East Bay
Oakland, Berkeley, Alameda, Emeryville
North Bay
San Rafael, Sausalito, Mill Valley
The Challenge:
A 12-person SaaS startup in SoMa (San Francisco) was using a generic accountant who missed R&D credits and didn't understand startup equity. They were overpaying on taxes and struggling with investor reporting.
Our Solution:
Results:
"SpryTax saved us more in taxes than we paid them 5x over. Their understanding of SF and CA tax rules was game-changing." - Founder & CEO
Join 200+ San Francisco startups saving an average of $150K+ annually on taxes. Get a free consultation to see how much you could save.
Yes, most likely. If you're incorporated in Delaware but operate in California, you'll need to file a Delaware franchise tax return and a California corporate tax return. You may also need to file a San Francisco business tax return if you have a physical presence in SF.
Bay Area tech startups typically save $100K-$500K annually. You can claim 20% federal credit plus 15% California credit on qualified research expenses (primarily developer salaries). For a startup with 5 engineers at $150K each, that's potentially $262K in annual credits.
San Francisco charges a gross receipts tax on revenue generated in SF. Rates range from 0.053% to 0.65% depending on your industry and revenue level. Most tech startups fall in the "Information" category. We help optimize your business registration to minimize this tax.
You need a 409A valuation before granting stock options to employees. It's required at least annually and after any material event (fundraising, significant revenue change, etc.). Most SF startups get one every 12 months or after each funding round.
QSBS allows founders to exclude up to $10M or 10x basis (whichever is greater) from federal capital gains tax on exit. Requirements: C-Corp, <$50M in assets, active business, 5-year holding period. California doesn't recognize QSBS, but it's still valuable for federal taxes.