City of Los Angeles · CPA services
CPA & bookkeeping services in Los Angeles
Los Angeles businesses deal with federal tax, California tax and the City of Los Angeles gross receipts business tax. CPA Torrance is a CPA-led firm based in Torrance that handles bookkeeping, tax preparation, tax planning and fractional CFO work for LA business owners.
- LA City business tax handled
- CPA-prepared business returns
- In person or by video across LA
In short
What is the Los Angeles city business tax?
The City of Los Angeles requires most businesses operating in the city to register for a Business Tax Registration Certificate and pay a business tax based mainly on gross receipts, with rates that depend on business classification. Small businesses under the city exemption threshold still have to file a renewal to claim the exemption. CPA Torrance tracks these renewals alongside your state and federal filings.
- City tax
- Gross receipts business tax
- Registration
- Business Tax Registration Certificate
- Small business
- Exemption must be claimed yearly
- Sales tax
- State 7.25% + LA district taxes
Services in Los Angeles
Accounting for Los Angeles business owners
From Downtown LA law firms and Westside agencies to Hollywood production companies and San Pedro logistics firms, we keep LA businesses organized and planned.
Bookkeeping Services
- Sales and use tax tracking
- Monthly profit and loss and balance sheet
- Receipt capture and document portal
- Monthly bookkeeping in QuickBooks Online
- Accounts payable and receivable tracking
Tax Planning & Strategy
- Year-end tax planning meeting
- Multi-state income review
- California PTET analysis
- Quarterly estimated tax payments
- Depreciation and equipment timing
Tax Preparation & Filing
- Federal business returns (1120, 1120S, 1065)
- Owner individual returns
- City business license support
- 1099 filing for contractors
- Extension and estimate management
Fractional CFO Services
- Bank and SBA loan packages
- Hiring and expansion planning
- Break-even and scenario models
- 13-week cash-flow forecasts
- Margin and pricing analysis
Los Angeles tax planning
Planning for Los Angeles businesses
Doing business inside LA city limits adds a layer of local tax. We plan it with your state and federal tax so the whole picture makes sense.
Book a 15-min callGross receipts tracking
We keep your gross receipts by classification so the annual LA business tax renewal matches your books.
Entity and owner pay
We compare LLC, S corporation and C corporation costs, including California franchise tax, before you choose.
Contractors and talent
Many LA businesses pay freelancers and talent. We keep W-9s on file and handle 1099 reporting.
Who we work with
Los Angeles businesses we work with
We work with owner-led businesses across the City of Los Angeles.
Entertainment and production
Project accounting, contractors and residual income.
Creative agencies
Retainer billing, contractors and margin tracking.
Law and professional firms
Billing, receivables and owner compensation.
E-commerce brands
Shopify and Amazon books with inventory.
Why Los Angeles businesses choose CPA Torrance
Areas we cover
Serving all of Los Angeles
We serve the City of Los Angeles, including Downtown, the Westside, Hollywood, the San Fernando Valley, South LA, Harbor City and San Pedro.
FAQ
Los Angeles business tax questions
Not covered here? A 15-minute call gets you a straight answer for your situation.
Do you work with businesses in the City of Los Angeles?
Yes. We work with businesses across Los Angeles, from Downtown and the Westside to Hollywood, the Valley and San Pedro, in person or by video from our Torrance office.
Do I need to file the LA business tax renewal if I made very little?
Yes. Even if you qualify for the small business exemption, the City of Los Angeles generally requires you to file the annual renewal on time to claim it. Missing it can lead to tax and penalties.
Can you help with an LA business tax notice?
Yes. We review the notice, compare it with your records and respond to the Office of Finance on your behalf where possible.
Do you work with production companies?
Yes. We set up project-based accounting, track contractors and talent payments and plan taxes around uneven project income.
How do I get started?
Book a 15-minute call or request a free financial assessment.
Nearby areas we serve
Take LA business taxes off your plate.
Book a call with our Torrance CPAs.