H&R Block
★★★★☆ (50 reviews)440 K St, Arcata, CA 95521
(707) 826-1655
Website: www.hrblock.com/tax-office-near-me/california/arcata/28908/?otppartnerid=9308&campaignid=pw_mcm_9308_9762&utm_medium=local
Hours: {}
Plaza Professionals LLC
★★★★★ (11 reviews)928 H St, Arcata, CA 95521
(707) 822-9190
Hours: {"Friday":["8 AM–5:30 PM"],"Monday":["8 AM–5:30 PM"],"Saturday":["9 AM–2 PM"],"Sunday":["Closed"],"Thursday":["8 AM–5:30 PM"],"Tuesday":["8 AM–5:30 PM"],"Wednesday":["8 AM–5:30 PM"]}
Mandala Lakey, EA
★★★★½ (11 reviews)109 H St, Arcata, CA 95521
(707) 822-2616
Hours: {"Friday":["Closed"],"Monday":["9 AM–5 PM"],"Saturday":["Closed"],"Sunday":["Closed"],"Thursday":["9 AM–5 PM"],"Tuesday":["9 AM–5 PM"],"Wednesday":["9 AM–5 PM"]}
Student & Business Services
★★★★½ (7 reviews)B St, Arcata, CA 95521
(707) 826-6789
Website: studentfinancialservices.humboldt.edu
Hours: {"Friday":["8 AM–5 PM"],"Monday":["8 AM–5 PM"],"Saturday":["Closed"],"Sunday":["Closed"],"Thursday":["8 AM–5 PM"],"Tuesday":["8 AM–5 PM"],"Wednesday":["8 AM–5 PM"]}
Kind Nerds Inc
★★★★★ (5 reviews)109 H St, Arcata, CA 95521
(707) 822-2616
Hours: {"Friday":["Closed"],"Monday":["Closed"],"Saturday":["Closed"],"Sunday":["Closed"],"Thursday":["9 AM–5 PM"],"Tuesday":["9 AM–5 PM"],"Wednesday":["9 AM–5 PM"]}
David L Moonie & Co LLP
★★★★★ (2 reviews)900 G St #103, Arcata, CA 95521
(707) 822-3337
Website: dlm-cpa.com
Hours: {"Friday":["Closed"],"Monday":["9 AM–4 PM"],"Saturday":["Closed"],"Sunday":["Closed"],"Thursday":["9 AM–4 PM"],"Tuesday":["9 AM–4 PM"],"Wednesday":["9 AM–4 PM"]}
EVERGREEN BUSINESS SERVICES, INC.
★★★★★ (1 reviews)920 Samoa Blvd #215, Arcata, CA 95521
(707) 798-6226
Website: www.evergreenbusiness.us
Hours: {"Friday":["8:30 AM–6 PM"],"Monday":["8:30 AM–6 PM"],"Saturday":["Closed"],"Sunday":["Closed"],"Thursday":["8:30 AM–6 PM"],"Tuesday":["8:30 AM–6 PM"],"Wednesday":["8:30 AM–6 PM"]}
Bayside Bookkeeping Services
★★★★★ (1 reviews)1085 I St # 204, Arcata, CA 95521
(707) 822-6221
Website: baysidebookkeeping.com
Hours: {"Friday":["9 AM–5 PM"],"Monday":["9 AM–5 PM"],"Saturday":["Closed"],"Sunday":["Closed"],"Thursday":["9 AM–5 PM"],"Tuesday":["9 AM–5 PM"],"Wednesday":["9 AM–5 PM"]}
Pamela Bell Tax Preparer
★☆☆☆☆ (1 reviews)928 H St, Arcata, CA 95521
(707) 822-9190
Hours: {}
Diane Sharples Taxes & Consulting
928 H St, Arcata, CA 95521
(707) 822-9190
Hours: {}
Point 2 Bookkeeping
1385 Mccallum Cir, Arcata, CA 95521
(707) 502-7642
Hours: {"Friday":["8 AM–10 PM"],"Monday":["8 AM–10 PM"],"Saturday":["8 AM–10 PM"],"Sunday":["8 AM–10 PM"],"Thursday":["8 AM–10 PM"],"Tuesday":["8 AM–10 PM"],"Wednesday":["8 AM–10 PM"]}
Arcata Bookkeeping Services
1217 Fickle Hill Rd, Arcata, CA 95521
(707) 822-4142
Hours: {}
About Tax Preparers in Arcata, CA
Finding a tax preparer in Arcata means working with someone who understands the unique financial landscape of Humboldt County. The local economy blends small retail, timber, fishing, cannabis-related businesses, and a large student population from Humboldt State University. Whether you’re a freelancer, a small farm operator, or a renter navigating California’s complex state tax rules, a local preparer can help you claim relevant deductions and credits.
Many Arcata residents have non-traditional income streams, such as seasonal work or independent contracting. A qualified tax preparer can ensure you’re not overpaying or missing out on education credits, earned income tax credits, or business expense write-offs. They also stay current with California’s ever-changing tax code, which can be especially tricky for gig workers and remote employees.
Before choosing a preparer, verify their credentials and ask if they have experience with your specific situation. A good fit will explain your options clearly and answer questions without confusing jargon. This helps you file with confidence, whether you’re a student, a small business owner, or a retiree.
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifications should a tax preparer have?
At minimum, a paid tax preparer must have an IRS-issued PTIN. Look for additional credentials like Enrolled Agent (EA) status, CPA license, or completion of the IRS Annual Filing Season Program. These indicate higher levels of training and accountability.
How much does tax preparation cost?
Simple individual returns (W-2 income only) typically cost $100-$300. Returns with itemized deductions, self-employment income, or rental properties can cost $300-$800 or more. Always ask for a fee estimate upfront before committing.
What documents do I need to bring to my tax preparer?
Bring all W-2s, 1099 forms, records of deductible expenses, last year's tax return, Social Security numbers for all family members, bank account information for direct deposit, and any IRS correspondence you have received.
BeforeTaxUSA.com is a free informational directory. Listings are compiled from publicly available data and do not constitute an endorsement or recommendation. Verify credentials, licensing, and reviews independently before engaging any professional. Listings appear in no particular order unless otherwise noted.
Business owners: to update or remove a listing, email info@beforetaxusa.com.