Crypto Tax CPA
in San Francisco

### California's treatment of LTCG as ordinary income eliminates the federal holding-period advantage at the state level
This is the most common challenge we see among San Francisco crypto clients. The complexity of tracking every transaction across multiple exchanges, wallets, and DeFi protocols is amplified by California's 13.3% rate. Many investors have used five or more exchanges over the years, some of which have shut down or stopped providing historical data. We reconcile the full on-chain history using blockchain explorers, exchange APIs, and CSV imports to reconstruct cost basis and ensure every position is accurately documented on Form 8949.

### Tech employees with ISOs and RSUs alongside crypto creating complex AMT interactions
San Francisco's epicenter of the American crypto industry economy creates unique scenarios that generic tax software cannot handle. Coinbase's founding to Ripple's ongoing operations, the Bay Area has produced more crypto wealth than any other metro. These situations require a CPA who understands both the IRS crypto rules (Notice 2014-21, Rev. Rul. 2019-24) and the specific dynamics of the San Francisco market. We see patterns here that are distinct from other cities, and we prepare for the specific audit triggers that California's tax authority tends to focus on in this market.

### Founders with token allocations vesting over time, each vest is a taxable event
This issue affects a growing number of San Francisco residents. Under Rev. Rul. 2019-24 and IRS Notice 2014-21, the classification of each crypto event determines whether it is reported as ordinary income or capital gain, and the difference at San Francisco's combined rates can be thousands of dollars per transaction. Misclassification is the #2 most common error we find when reviewing prior-year returns. DeFi events are particularly prone to misclassification because the IRS has not issued transaction-level guidance for many protocol types.

### Crypto startup employees receiving token compensation with uncertain fair market values
We see this frequently with San Francisco clients. The interaction between traditional income sources and crypto gains affects AGI thresholds, NIIT calculations, Medicare surtax triggers, and bracket management. For example, a large crypto gain in the same year as RSU vesting or bonus income can push the taxpayer above NIIT thresholds, creating an additional 3.8% tax on investment income that would not have applied with better timing. A comprehensive approach that considers the full tax picture, not just the crypto side, is essential for minimizing total tax liability.

### Relocation to Nevada, Texas, or Wyoming before token unlock events
This is an increasingly important consideration for San Francisco crypto investors. The IRS has signaled that enforcement in this area is intensifying under TD 10000 (digital asset broker reporting), expanded Form 1099-DA reporting, and the mandatory digital asset question on Form 1040. Revenue Procedure 2024-28 provides additional reporting guidance. Proactive compliance is far less expensive than responding to a CP2000 notice or a full audit after the fact. We help clients get ahead of the enforcement curve with accurate, well-documented returns.

Our process for San Francisco clients follows four steps:

**Step 1, Onboard.** Book a free 30-minute call at (858) 434-7547 or through our [contact page](/contact). We review your exchanges, wallets, DeFi protocols, and overall tax situation. You receive a fixed-fee quote before committing to anything.

**Step 2, Reconcile.** We pull your full on-chain history across every chain and wallet you have used. Every transaction is mapped to its correct tax treatment: capital gain, ordinary income, non-taxable transfer, or other. Cost basis is reconstructed using the method that minimizes your combined federal + state tax burden.

**Step 3, Review.** Garrett Taylor, CPA #133092, prepares your federal return. Leanne Grant, Enrolled Agent, reviews every return for accuracy and compliance. Your California state return is prepared directly by Garrett (California-licensed). Every position is documented with supporting workpapers.

**Step 4, File.** Your federal return is filed electronically. State returns are filed as needed. You receive complete copies of all forms, a transaction-level summary, and workpapers for your records. The entire process is handled remotely, no office visit required.

San Francisco crypto investors face a combined top long-term capital gains rate of 37.1%. Every missed cost-basis adjustment and every misclassified transaction costs more here than in most of the country. Book a free 30-minute call with Garrett Taylor, CPA #133092, or call (858) 434-7547. We serve San Francisco residents remotely, same rigor, no office visit required.