Richard Pon CPA

Business Details

Your Trusted CPA & Financial Planner in San Francisco

With decades of experience in accounting, financial planning, and tax advisory, our firm provides tailored solutions for businesses, individuals, and nonprofits. Our expertise spans corporate tax compliance, high-net-worth individual planning, and nonprofit financial reporting, supported by a CPA and CFP-certified professional who has advised Fortune 500 executives and managed global tax strategies. We prioritize client education, transparent communication, and proactive planning to minimize liabilities while maximizing long-term financial success.

Our commitment to continuous education ensures adherence to evolving tax laws, and our fee-only financial planning model guarantees unbiased advice without product sales. Recognized for excellence in tax services, we serve clients locally in San Francisco and globally through personalized consultations.

Services

Tax Planning Financial Planning Tax Audit Representation Business Support Nonprofit Accounting Estate Planning Retirement Planning Stock Option Planning Part-Time CFO Tax Return Preparation

Highlights and features

We offer 25+ years of experience advising Fortune 500 executives and $1B+ revenue companies.
Our fee-only financial planning model guarantees unbiased, product-free advice.
We've successfully reduced tax liabilities by up to 90% in IRS audit cases.
We serve clients globally with localized expertise in California tax law.
Our part-time CFO services combine strategic insights with cost-effective solutions.

Associations and certifications

What people say

Award-winning service Personalized approach Expertise in complex tax issues Fee-only planner Global client base

Website

Update Listing

Services

Tax Planning

Our tax planning services help businesses and individuals navigate complex federal and state tax regulations. We specialize in entity selection, stock option planning, and international tax compliance. With expertise in California's unique tax landscape, we develop customized strategies to minimize liabilities while ensuring regulatory adherence. Our proactive approach identifies savings opportunities throughout the year rather than just at filing time.

Financial Planning

As a Certified Financial Planner, we provide comprehensive financial guidance covering retirement strategies, education funding, and estate planning. Our fee-only model ensures unbiased advice without product sales. We help clients create sustainable financial roadmaps aligned with their life goals through budgeting, investment education, and risk management strategies tailored to their specific circumstances.

Tax Audit Representation

We represent clients during IRS and state tax audits, leveraging deep technical expertise to challenge improper assessments. Our track record includes reducing a $265,000 use tax claim to $24,000 and securing $300,000 refunds through amended returns. We handle all communication with tax authorities, develop evidence-based defense strategies, and negotiate settlements while protecting clients' rights throughout the audit process.

Business Support Services

Our business advisory services address accounting, budgeting, and compliance needs for startups and established companies. We provide M&A due diligence support, payroll tax guidance, and operational efficiency recommendations. With experience serving technology firms and professional service practices, we help businesses implement financial systems that scale while maintaining compliance with evolving regulatory requirements across multiple jurisdictions.

Part-Time CFO

We offer strategic financial leadership for businesses needing expert guidance without full-time executive costs. Our services include financial statement analysis, cash flow optimization, and operational improvement recommendations. By identifying efficiency opportunities and implementing better financial controls, we help companies improve profitability and make data-driven decisions to support sustainable growth.

People

Richard Pon CPA

Owner, CPA, CFP

Certified Public Accountant and Financial Planner with 25+ years of experience advising corporations, high-net-worth individuals, and nonprofits. Former tax director at Morrison & Foerster LLP, published expert in tax matters, and recipient of SFgate's Best Tax Services Award in 2024 and 2025. Holds advanced degrees in taxation and finance.

Questions

What accounting services do you specialize in?

We specialize in tax planning, financial advisory, audit representation, and business consulting for corporations, individuals, and nonprofits. Our expertise includes stock option planning, nonprofit compliance, and international tax matters.

How do you help with tax planning?

We analyze your financial situation to identify legal tax-saving opportunities throughout the year. This includes entity selection, retirement planning, education funding strategies, and minimizing tax exposure for stock options and equity compensation.

What makes your financial planning different?

As a fee-only Certified Financial Planner, we provide unbiased advice without selling investment products. Our comprehensive approach covers budgeting, retirement strategies, estate planning, and risk management tailored to your specific goals.

Do you handle tax audit cases?

Yes, we represent clients during IRS and state tax audits. Our proven track record includes reducing assessments by 90% and securing significant refunds through strategic defense and amended return filings.

What are your minimum fees?

Our minimum fee for tax return preparation is $1,000. We offer customized pricing for ongoing advisory services based on the complexity of your financial situation and required support level.

Do you work with nonprofit organizations?

Yes, we provide specialized accounting services for nonprofits including Form 990 compliance, public support testing, and unrelated business income tax reporting. Our experience covers charities, private foundations, and professional associations.