[FREE GUIDE] TAX SECRETS FOR THE SELF EMPLOYED Download

Stanislaus County · California

CPA & Tax Services in Modesto, CA — Expert Tax Accountant for Business Owners & Investors

Searching for a CPA near you in Modesto? KDA's licensed CPAs and Enrolled Agents provide tax preparation, LLC & S Corp formation, IRS and FTB audit defense, and proactive tax strategy for Modesto business owners, self-employed professionals, real estate investors, and high-income individuals. We know Modesto's local economy — and we build tax strategies around it.

30+ Years in California
Licensed CPAs & Enrolled Agents
IRS + FTB Dual Agency Expertise
$0 Consultation Fee
218,000 Modesto Residents
CPA near you in Modesto Book Free Consultation
Tax Services in Modesto, CA

What Modesto Clients Come to KDA For

From solo consultants to multi-entity real estate investors, KDA handles the full spectrum of Modesto tax needs.

Tax Preparation in Modesto

Individual and business returns prepared by licensed CPAs who understand California's complex dual-filing requirements — federal IRS and California FTB.

LLC & S Corp Formation in Modesto

We run the numbers, handle the S Corp election, set up payroll, and optimize your entity structure — so you save on self-employment tax from day one.

IRS & FTB Audit Defense

KDA represents Modesto taxpayers before both the IRS and California FTB — handling correspondence, appeals, and settlements.

Tax Environment in Modesto, Stanislaus County

Modesto is a Central Valley agricultural and commercial hub with a strong farming, food processing, and small business economy. Whether you are a new LLC owner navigating your first California tax filing, a self-employed professional trying to reduce your 15.3% self-employment tax, a real estate investor managing rental income, or a high-income professional seeking aggressive but legal tax reduction — KDA's licensed CPAs and Enrolled Agents bring California-specific expertise to every Modesto client.

Modesto Business & Economic Profile

Modesto's economy is defined by a Central Valley agricultural and commercial hub with a strong farming, food processing, and small business economy. This creates specific tax planning opportunities and challenges that generic national tax firms miss. agricultural business owners and small business owners who need California-specific tax expertise is one of the most common issues KDA addresses for Modesto clients.

Key Tax Issues for Modesto Residents & Business Owners

These are the tax situations KDA sees most often from Modesto clients — and where proactive planning makes the biggest difference.

New LLC Owners in Modesto — What You Need to Know

Every new LLC in California owes an $800 annual franchise tax to the FTB — due the first year, even if you made no money. Modesto LLC owners also face quarterly estimated tax payments, self-employment tax of 15.3%, and California's additional gross receipts fees once revenue exceeds $250,000. KDA walks new Modesto business owners through every obligation before they become penalties.

Self-Employment Tax Reduction for Modesto Business Owners

Most Modesto self-employed professionals pay 15.3% self-employment tax on all net income. An S Corp election eliminates SE tax on the portion above a reasonable salary — typically saving $10,000-$40,000 per year for Modesto business owners with net profit over $80,000. KDA calculates the exact breakeven point and handles the election, payroll setup, and ongoing compliance.

California FTB Audits and Compliance in Modesto

The California FTB is one of the most aggressive state tax agencies in the country. Modesto business owners and high-income residents need to ensure their California filings are accurate and complete. KDA advises on California's specific rules and represents Modesto taxpayers in FTB audits.

Real Estate Tax Opportunities for Modesto Investors

Modesto real estate investors have access to powerful tax strategies: depreciation deductions that offset rental income, 1031 exchanges that defer capital gains indefinitely, cost segregation studies that accelerate depreciation, and California's Prop 19 rules for inherited property. KDA helps Modesto investors build tax-efficient real estate portfolios.

Who KDA Serves in Modesto

KDA works with a wide range of Modesto clients. Here are the profiles we see most frequently — and how we help each one.

New Business Owners & LLCs in Modesto

Just formed your LLC in Modesto? KDA helps new business owners understand their California tax obligations from day one — the $800 franchise tax, quarterly estimated payments, payroll requirements, and the S Corp election decision.

Self-Employed & 1099 Contractors in Modesto

Freelancers, consultants, and 1099 contractors in Modesto face the full 15.3% self-employment tax plus California's state income tax. KDA reduces this burden through S Corp elections, retirement plan optimization (up to $69,000/year in a Solo 401(k)), and comprehensive deduction strategies.

Real Estate Investors in Modesto

Modesto real estate investors benefit from KDA's expertise in depreciation optimization, 1031 exchanges, cost segregation studies, and California's specific real estate tax rules including Prop 13 and Prop 19.

High-Income Professionals in Modesto

High-income Modesto professionals earning $150,000+ face California's top marginal rates. KDA builds comprehensive tax plans using retirement accounts, business entity optimization, charitable giving strategies, and timing of income recognition.

ZIP Codes Served in Modesto

KDA serves clients in all Modesto ZIP codes: 95350, 95351, 95352, 95353, 95354, 95355, 95356, 95357, 95358. We also serve surrounding Stanislaus County communities and can meet in person or virtually.

Find a CPA in Modesto, CA

KDA's licensed CPAs and Enrolled Agents serve Modesto and all of Stanislaus County. Book a free consultation — no obligation, no sales pitch.

Book a Free Consultation

KDA Client Results in Modesto & Stanislaus County

These anonymized case studies represent real outcomes for clients in Modesto and the surrounding area. Individual results vary based on income, entity structure, and tax situation.

Client
A Modesto consultant earning $220,000 per year was paying $31,020 in self-employment tax as a sole proprietor. KDA structured an S Corp election with a $95,000 reasonable salary, eliminating SE tax on $125,000 and saving $17,625 in SE tax plus $10,375 in income tax through retirement plan optimization — total annual savings of $28,000.

Modesto Business Owner Saves $28,000 with S Corp Election

Client
A Modesto investor sold a rental property for a $240,000 gain. KDA structured a 1031 exchange into a larger replacement property, deferring $72,000 in combined federal and California capital gains tax. The investor upgraded to a higher-cash-flow property without paying tax on the gain.

Modesto Real Estate Investor Defers $72,000 in Capital Gains

See more client case studies →

Real outcomes from KDA clients across California. Individual results vary based on income, entity structure, and tax situation.

Also Serving Nearby Stanislaus County Cities

In addition to Modesto, KDA serves clients throughout Stanislaus County, including: san-francisco, san-jose, oakland, sacramento, and more. View all city guides →

Frequently Asked Questions

Tax Questions from Modesto Business Owners & Residents

These are the questions KDA gets most often from Modesto clients. If your question isn't here, book a free consultation.

What is the best CPA near me in Modesto?
KDA Inc. serves Modesto individuals and businesses with tax preparation, strategic tax planning, entity formation, and IRS/FTB audit defense. We understand California's complex tax rules and Stanislaus County's specific business environment. Call us for a free consultation.
KDA's services range from $499/month for basic tax preparation to $1,497/month for comprehensive strategic tax planning. Most Modesto business owners find that KDA's tax savings far exceed the cost of our services. We offer a free initial consultation.
KDA serves Modesto small business owners with tax preparation, quarterly estimated payments, payroll compliance, and strategic tax planning. We handle California LLC franchise taxes, S Corp elections, and all state and federal filings.
An S Corp election eliminates SE tax on income above a reasonable salary. For a Modesto business owner earning $180,000 net profit, this typically saves $12,000-$20,000 per year. KDA calculates the exact savings and handles the entire election process.
Every California LLC owes an $800 annual franchise tax to the FTB, plus additional gross receipts fees once revenue exceeds $250,000. KDA ensures your Modesto LLC meets all California tax obligations on time.
KDA's Enrolled Agents represent Modesto taxpayers in IRS and FTB audits. We handle correspondence audits, field audits, and appeals. Contact KDA immediately if you receive an IRS or FTB notice.
To form a California LLC: file Articles of Organization with the California Secretary of State ($70 fee), register with the FTB, pay the $800 annual franchise tax, and obtain any required local business licenses. KDA handles the entire formation process.
KDA specializes in real estate investor tax planning in Modesto — depreciation optimization, 1031 exchanges, cost segregation studies, and Prop 19 planning for inherited properties.
Serving Modesto & All of Stanislaus County

Ready to Pay Less Tax in Modesto?

KDA's licensed CPAs and Enrolled Agents serve Modesto business owners, investors, and self-employed professionals. Whether you need tax prep, LLC setup, audit defense, or a full tax strategy — we're ready. Book a free consultation and find out exactly how much you could save.

Book a Free Consultation Try the LLC vs S Corp Calculator