An Orange County CPA You Can Actually Talk To

Certifications

Certified Public Accountant

Certified Financial Planner

Quickbooks Pro Advisor

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James Larsen, CPA

949-545-9252

james@darkhorse.cpa

TITLE

Principal

HOMETOWN

Phoenix, AZ

YEARS OF EXPERIENCE

19

EDUCATION

You never achieve success unless you like what you are doing.

— Dale Carnegie

James Larsen knew he wanted to be a Dark Horse CPA. Timing, however, isn't always straightforward or even predictable. But the thing about timing is that when the time is right, you know it...in fact, you can feel it. Such is the case for James, and such is the time at the writing of this bio entry. James enters Dark Horse as a Principal, merging his existing practice into the firm. James modeled his practice after the concept of being a holistic accountant to his clients, treating the client as a complete entity to address their business needs and their global financial situation. With Dark Horse, he now has more resources to deliver on this promise at the highest level.

James earned his accounting degree from California State University, Northridge and his master's in taxation from Golden Gate University. He is licensed as a CPA in both California and Arizona and a CFP in the state of Arizona. He's a member of the AICPA and California Society of Public Accountants. Is he highly credentialed? Yes. It's how he puts these credentials to work (which he's done for 15 years) that adds value to his clients' financial and tax situations. James is an expert in providing accounting and tax services to individuals, corporations, partnerships, LLCs, trusts, estates and non-profits. These services include business and personal finances management, tax resolution, business succession planning (purchase and sale consulting), business startup consulting, wealth management, estate planning, elder care and business management/accounting software implementation...just to name a few.

When not providing those accounting and tax services, James can be found away from his desk, likely outdoors playing softball, boating, camping, skiing, barbecuing or traveling. He even has a strong interest in astronomy. James is married to his wife, Mishell, and their family consists of a daughter (Brynn) and two dogs (Sofie and Callie).

Specialties

Estate Trusts Tax Services

High-Net Worth Individuals

1031 Exchanges

Business Personal Tax Strategy

Strategic Tax Financial Planning

Industries

Non-Profits

Real Estate

Medical Practices

Professional Athletes

First Class Service from Your Orange County CPA

At Dark Horse CPAs, we offer customized financial reporting and winning tax strategies at competitive pricing. From bookkeeping to tax preparation and fractional CFO services, your dedicated CPA can handle it so you can focus on growing what matters to you most. We’re proud to serve Orange County in the heart of Southern California.

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JAMES LARSEN, PRINCIPAL

Dark Horse was what I was looking for my whole career. A firm that's aligned horizontally rather than the vertical, top-down approach of traditional CPA firms where the ones at the top "know what's best for all of us." With Dark Horse, we all have an equal say in which direction we want to go. This lends itself to what's best for the client and that's what we as CPAs strive for...helping our clients in every way we can and providing value to be a trusted partner forever.

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Accounting Solutions for Businesses.

The Problem: Business owners aren't getting timely, accurate and actionable data from their financials. Even worse, they're not receiving tax planning advice from their, "tax pro," which is costing them untold amounts of money. This is just plain wrong. We believe you deserve a better small business accounting firm.

Solutions for Businesses

JAMES LARSEN, PRINCIPAL

“Knowing is half the battle." Businesses that try to make decisions without knowing where they're at and where they're headed financially often end up failing or underachieving. With professional accounting services, our clients always know where they stand. Not only do they have current financial metrics but a trusted advisor to explain what it all means.”

Tax Services for People.

The Problem: It’s not until you file your personal tax return that you feel the sting of your tax situation. Whether it’s an unwanted surprise in the amount owed or refunded, or the realization that you left significant tax savings on the table, the sting hurts. We believe in No Surprises, especially the bad kind. This is why we work collaboratively with our clients to ensure they plan for and reduce taxes wherever possible. We make sure every engagement requires a level of Tax Planning with your CPA, period.

Tax & Wealth Advisory for Individuals

JAMES LARSEN, PRINCIPAL

"New clients often tell me their previous tax accountant just did their tax return, which is a commodity. What sets me apart is offering value-added services like strategic tax planning to help you pay the least amount of taxes legally possible. I'm available year-round to provide tailored tax planning advice, not just during tax season."

Nancy R.

I have used James Larsen as my CPA for many years and am confident in his work ethic and tax knowledge.

Patrick Wingate

I was referred to Max by a friend who is also a small business owner. I was definitely in need of direction when it came to my finances. After speaking with Max I was able to understand how I can be efficient in the accounting side of my business and he and his team is there to guide me every step of the way. I'm now confident I have the right team watching my books I highly recommend Max and Dark Horse CPAs

Marisa M.

I had the pleasure of working with Stella and she was absolutely incredible. I had received what I suspected was bad advice from a previous tax preparer, and I was looking for another professional opinion on a specific tax situation. I found Dark Horse and Stella and I couldn't be happier. Stella confirmed what I had suspected about the previous tax situation being handled incorrectly by my former preparer at a different firm, and helped me fix the problem. Stella was prompt, exceedingly professional, and actually took the time to explain everything. Prices for services are fair. I am thrilled to have found a knowledgeable, trustworthy tax advisor and I look forward to continue working with Stella in the future.

Susan H.

Megan, Kim and staff were very prompt filing our business and personal taxes. The secure email site to upload our documents was very user friendly. The staff was also extremely prompt answering our questions through email and on the phone. In addition, Megan met with us personally a couple of times several months in advance to map out a plan for our business and personal taxes. Thank you all!

Quinn R.

We signed on with Adam's accounting group after bouncing around trying to find the right 'fit' with other companies. I knew immediately that we found what we needed when Adam took the time to sit down and talk to me about my business, my plans, my goals and where I wanted my company to be in the next 2, 5, 10 years. Adam and his team are responsive - and by that, I mean proactive - which is probably the single best reason to use Dark Horse. After 8 years and 3 different accounting firms we found what we need with Dark Horse.

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