If you work in tech, chances are your taxes aren’t simple. You’ve got RSUs, ISOs, AMT, ESPPs—maybe even some QSBS. And if you’ve ever used TurboTax, you’ve probably had that moment of panic: Did I do this right?
You’re not alone. Every year, tech employees unknowingly overpay or underpay their taxes because stock compensation is complicated. Maybe you’re over-reporting RSU income and paying tax twice. Maybe you exercised ISOs but didn’t realize you owed AMT. Maybe you sold ESPPs and didn’t adjust the cost basis, so the IRS thinks you made way more money than you actually did.
Long story short: your taxes are different.
And unless you want to spend hours learning how Form 3921 works or calculating AMT carryovers, you’re probably better off working with a tax professional who understands this stuff.
But not just any tax professional. A lot of CPAs don’t actually specialize in stock options. Some will treat RSUs like regular W-2 income (which is good). Others will totally botch ISO exercises, causing an AMT nightmare.
And most? They’ll do your taxes in April and call it a day—without giving you any real advice on how to save money in the future.
So if you’re looking for San Francisco tax preparation services that actually understand tech employees, stock options, and long-term wealth building, this list is for you.
What to Look for in a Tax Preparation Service (If You Work in Tech)
Not all tax professionals are created equal—especially when stock compensation is involved. Before we jump into the list, here’s what actually matters when choosing a tax service:
1. Do they actually understand stock compensation?
This one sounds obvious, but you’d be surprised how many CPAs don’t fully grasp RSUs, ISOs, AMT, and ESPPs. The ones that do? They’ll save you thousands. The ones that don’t? They’ll just plug your W-2 into TurboTax and call it a day—missing tax-saving strategies entirely.
2. Do they just do tax prep, or do they help you plan ahead?
A lot of tax services only show up in April to file your return. But the best ones will work with you year-round to minimize your tax bill. That means figuring out the right time to exercise options, planning for AMT, and making sure you don’t get a surprise tax bill when your RSUs vest.
3. Are they transparent about pricing?
Some firms charge flat fees. Others bill by the hour (which can get expensive fast). Make sure you know upfront what you’re paying—and what’s included.
4. Do they have good reviews from other tech professionals?
If a tax firm mostly works with dentists, real estate agents, or retirees, they probably won’t know what to do with your stock options. Look for reviews from tech employees and startup founders.
The Best San Francisco Tax Services for Tech Professionals
Alright—now that we know what to look for, let’s get into the top tax preparation services for tech professionals in SF.
1. KB Financial Advisors (Best for Tech Professionals & Founders)
📍 San Francisco, CA
Why they’re great: If you want a firm that actually understands stock options and equity compensation, this is it. KB Financial Advisors specializes in working with tech employees and founders—so they know exactly how to handle RSUs, ISOs, and AMT.
But they’re not just tax preparers. They’re financial advisors, which means they don’t just file your taxes—they help you build wealth. That includes tax planning, stock option strategy, and long-term financial guidance.
What they do:
✅ Stock option tax strategy: When should you exercise? How do you avoid AMT? They’ll help you plan.
✅ RSU tax optimization: No more double taxation.
✅ Holistic financial planning: Because your taxes don’t exist in a vacuum.
✅Investing after taxes: keep more money after tax and put it to work for you.
Pros:
✔ 100% focused on tech professionals and equity compensation
✔ Helps you save on taxes, not just file them
✔ Have decades of experience helping tech professionals avoid million dollar mistakes
Cons:
❌ Only works with tech employees and founders (not general tax prep)
What clients say: “KB Financial Advisors saved me thousands on my RSUs and ISOs. They actually explained everything in a way I could understand.”
Want to learn more? Head over to their website: Visit KB Financial Advisors
2. Kruze Consulting (Best for Startup Founders & Entrepreneurs)
📍 San Francisco, CA
Why they’re great: Kruze Consulting is one of the top tax services for startup founders. They specialize in helping early-stage tech companies with bookkeeping, tax prep, and financial modeling.
If you’re an employee at a big tech company, this might not be the best fit—but if you’re a founder or work at a startup, Kruze can help with everything from tax credits to 409A valuations.
Pros:
✔ Expertise in startup taxes (R&D credits, 409A, etc.)
✔ Tech-forward approach with automation
✔ Well-known in the startup community
Cons:
❌ Primarily focused on startups, not individual tech employees
What clients say: “Kruze helped our startup navigate tax credits and financial planning, making everything way easier.”
Want to learn more? Head over to their website: Visit Kruze Consulting
3. Grodin CPA (Best for Individual Tax Planning)
📍 San Francisco, CA
Why they’re great: Grodin CPA works with tech professionals and high-net-worth individuals, with a big focus on stock option planning. If you need help figuring out when to exercise ISOs, how to minimize AMT, or how to handle RSU sales, they’re a solid choice.
Pros:
✔ Specializes in stock option planning
✔ Year-round tax planning available
✔ Good fit for high-net-worth individuals
Cons:
❌ More focused on tax planning than broader financial advice
What clients say: “Matt Grodin helped me navigate my ISOs and avoid AMT surprises. Highly recommend.”
Want to learn more? Head over to their website: Visit Grodin CPA
4. Safe Harbor CPAs (Best for High-Income Individuals & Expats)
📍 San Francisco, CA
Why they’re great: Safe Harbor CPAs specializes in complex tax situations, especially for high-income individuals and those with international tax needs.
If you’re dealing with stock options, foreign income, or real estate investments, they can help you minimize tax liabilities.
Pros:
✔ Strong expertise in complex tax issues
✔ Experience with stock options & real estate taxes
✔ Great for high-income earners and expats
Cons:
❌ Might not be the best fit for early-career tech employees
What clients say: “Safe Harbor CPAs saved me a ton in taxes by structuring my stock option exercises properly.”
Want to learn more? Head over to their website: Visit Safe Harbor CPAs
5. Optimized Tax Services (Best for Personalized Tax Help)
📍 San Francisco, CA
Why they’re great: Optimized Tax Services provides personalized tax solutions for individuals and businesses, ensuring accuracy and tax savings. They’re a good option for tech employees looking for one-on-one tax guidance.
Pros:
✔ Personalized tax guidance
✔ Works with many tech professionals
✔ Efficient and streamlined processes
Cons:
❌ May not specialize exclusively in equity compensation
💬 What clients say: “Optimized Tax made tax season stress-free and straightforward.”
Want to learn more? Head over to their website: Visit Optimized Tax Services
Final Thoughts: Which Tax Service is Right for You?
If you work in tech, your tax situation isn’t simple, and the wrong approach can cost you thousands. Whether it’s avoiding AMT surprises, making sure you’re not taxed twice on RSUs, or strategizing your stock option exercises, having the right tax professional matters.
The Best Choice for Tech Professionals and Founders
📍 KB Financial Advisors – The only firm on this list that specializes 100% in tech professionals and founders. If you want tax prep plus financial strategy to help you build wealth, they’re the best option.
Other Solid Options, Depending on Your Needs
- Kruze Consulting – Best for startup founders needing business tax help (409A, R&D credits).
- Grodin CPA – Great for tech professionals who want year-round stock option tax planning but don’t need broader financial strategy.
- Safe Harbor CPAs – Best for high-net-worth individuals and expats with complex tax situations.
- Optimized Tax Services – A solid, personalized tax prep service for those who want hands-on guidance without deep financial planning.
The Bottom Line: Don’t Wing Your Taxes
If you have stock options, don’t just file taxes—plan ahead. The difference between good and bad tax planning could be tens of thousands of dollars in overpaid taxes or surprise IRS bills.
That’s why a good tax professional will do more than just prepare your return—they’ll help you plan ahead, optimize your stock compensation, and avoid costly mistakes.
If you’re not sure where to start, book a call with us here at KB Financial Advisors—we specialize in tech professionals and can walk you through your situation.
And whatever you do, don’t wait until April to figure this out. If you’ve got stock options, tax planning starts now.
Until next time.
