San Diego's Leading Tax Strategist for Modern Businesses
Proactive tax planning and business advisory that actually saves you money—led by Shawn Choo, EA
Strategic tax planning for businesses in San Diego, La Jolla, Carlsbad, and Del Mar. Specializing in real estate investors, content creators, and tech startups who need more than basic tax preparation.
Why San Diego Businesses Are Switching from Traditional CPAs
Traditional accountants are failing modern businesses. They charge premium rates but lack expertise in today's fastest-growing sectors.
❌ Outdated Expertise
Your accountant doesn't understand content creation, platform economies, or modern real estate strategies.
❌ Reactive Approach
They only prepare your taxes after the year ends - missing opportunities to save thousands with proactive tax planning.
❌ Poor Communication
You can't reach them when you need answers, and they don't explain strategies clearly.
✅ The Real Strategy Difference
We understand modern business models, provide proactive year-round planning, and you can actually reach us when you need help. That's why our clients save an average of $15,000+ annually.
See How Much You Could SaveMeet Shawn Choo, EA
Elite credentials meet modern tax expertise—the combination your business needs.
Shawn Choo, EA
- • Enrolled Agent (EA) - Highest IRS Credential
- • Harvard University Alumnus
- • 15+ Years Experience
- • San Diego Based, Nationwide Service
- • Modern Business Specialist
- • Proactive Planning Expert
Why Traditional CPAs Fail Modern Businesses
As an Enrolled Agent holding the IRS's highest credential and a Harvard University alumnus, Shawn Choo brings elite expertise to businesses that traditional accountants can't serve. While conventional CPAs struggle with YouTube revenue, Airbnb properties, and startup equity, Shawn has spent 15+ years mastering these exact challenges.
Based in San Diego and serving clients nationwide, Real Strategy was built specifically for businesses operating in today's economy—not yesterday's. Whether you're navigating California's complex tax code, optimizing multi-state operations, or planning international expansion, you need someone who actually understands your business model.
What Sets Real Strategy Apart:
- Modern Business Mastery: Deep expertise in real estate syndications, creator economies, SaaS revenue—not just 1040s
- Proactive, Not Reactive: Year-round planning and quarterly strategy sessions prevent costly surprises
- Actually Responsive: 24-hour guaranteed response time (most CPAs take days or weeks)
- San Diego + California Expertise: Navigate complex state tax laws while optimizing federal strategies
- Transparent Pricing: Upfront fees based on value delivered, not billable hours
- Proven Results: Average client saves $15,000+ annually through strategic planning
Tax & Financial Services That Actually Move the Needle
Beyond basic compliance—strategic solutions that reduce your tax burden and accelerate growth.
Tax Planning & Preparation
- Individual & business tax returns
- Multi-state tax optimization
- Quarterly estimated payments
- Strategic tax projection & planning
- IRS audit representation
- Estate & gift tax planning
Bookkeeping & Accounting
- QuickBooks Online setup & training
- Monthly bookkeeping services
- Accounts payable & receivable
- Bank reconciliation
- Financial reporting & analysis
- Payroll processing integration
Business Advisory Services
- Entity structure optimization
- Financial statement preparation
- Cash flow management
- Business valuation
- Merger & acquisition support
- Strategic business planning
Specialized Tax Services
- Real estate cost segregation
- 1031 exchange planning
- Content creator optimization
- Platform economy specialists
- International tax compliance
- Foreign income reporting (FBAR)
Financial Planning
- Retirement planning strategies
- Investment advisory
- Risk management
- Business succession planning
- Wealth preservation
- Financial forecasting
Every business is unique. Let's create a custom strategy that maximizes your specific tax savings.
Schedule Your Free Strategy SessionStrategic Bookkeeping That Supports Tax Savings
Your bookkeeping isn't just about tracking income and expenses—it's the foundation of effective tax planning.
QuickBooks Expertise
We set up and manage QuickBooks Online properly—categorized correctly for maximum tax deductions.
Monthly Reconciliation
Clean, accurate books every month so you always know where you stand financially—no year-end surprises.
Tax-Optimized Categories
We categorize transactions strategically to capture every legitimate deduction and maximize savings.
Why our bookkeeping is different: Most bookkeepers just record transactions. We categorize every entry with tax strategy in mind—identifying deductible expenses, tracking basis for asset sales, and maintaining documentation that stands up to IRS scrutiny. Your books become a tax-saving tool, not just a compliance requirement.
Learn About Our Bookkeeping ServicesIndustry-Specific Tax Expertise
Deep specialization in San Diego's fastest-growing sectors—strategies your general CPA doesn't know.
🏠 Real Estate Tax Expert
Navigate San Diego's competitive real estate market with advanced tax strategies. From La Jolla luxury properties to Carlsbad investment portfolios—maximize returns, minimize tax liability.
- ✓ 1031 Exchange Planning & Execution
- ✓ Cost Segregation Studies
- ✓ Airbnb & Short-Term Rental Optimization
- ✓ Real Estate Professional Election
📱 Content Creator Specialist
San Diego's go-to tax expert for digital creators earning six and seven figures. We understand AdSense, sponsorships, merchandise, and the tax complexities traditional CPAs miss.
- ✓ Multi-Platform Revenue Optimization
- ✓ Brand Partnership & Sponsorship Deals
- ✓ Home Studio & Equipment Deductions
- ✓ International Income & Tax Treaties
💻 Tech Startup Tax Expert
From Sorrento Valley biotech to downtown SaaS—specialized accounting for San Diego's innovation economy. R&D credits, equity structures, and exit planning that positions you for maximum returns.
- ✓ R&D Tax Credits & Incentives
- ✓ Equity Compensation Planning
- ✓ Entity Structure Optimization
- ✓ Exit Strategy Planning (M&A, IPO)
Industries We Serve
Specialized expertise across business models that demand modern tax strategies.
Real Estate Professionals
Agents, brokers, investors, and property managers. Advanced strategies: cost segregation studies, 1031 exchanges, short-term rental optimization, and real estate professional status elections.
Content Creators & Influencers
YouTubers, podcasters, streamers, and social media influencers. Navigate multi-platform revenue, brand partnerships, merchandise sales, and international income with confidence.
Platform Economy
Airbnb hosts, rideshare drivers, freelancers, and gig workers. Master 1099 reporting, expense optimization, quarterly estimated payments, and self-employment tax strategies.
Technology & Software
SaaS companies, app developers, and tech startups. Maximize R&D tax credits, optimize equity compensation structures, navigate software capitalization rules, and plan strategic exits.
Professional Services
Consultants, lawyers, doctors, architects. Partnership structures, professional corporations, and succession planning.
International Clients
Foreign residents, expats, dual citizens. FBAR reporting, tax treaties, and cross-border tax planning.
San Diego County Tax Services & Accounting Firm
Professional CPA services and tax planning across all San Diego neighborhoods.
Expert Tax Services for San Diego Businesses
Operating a business in San Diego County requires navigating complex federal, California state, and local tax regulations. From understanding California's unique tax credits for clean energy and R&D to managing San Diego's business tax certificates, businesses need more than basic tax preparation—they need strategic tax planning from enrolled agents who understand the region.
Whether you're running a biotech startup in Sorrento Valley, managing luxury real estate in La Jolla and Del Mar, creating content from your home studio, or operating a growing tech company downtown, Real Strategy provides the specialized San Diego tax services you need. Our enrolled agent credentials and deep knowledge of California tax law ensure your business stays compliant while taking advantage of every available deduction.
🏖️ Coastal San Diego CPA Services
La Jolla, Del Mar, Solana Beach, Encinitas, Carlsbad
Expert tax planning and accounting services for high-net-worth individuals, luxury real estate investors, and coastal businesses. Specializing in estate tax planning, real estate taxation, and wealth management.
🏢 San Diego Business Tax Experts
Downtown, UTC, Sorrento Valley, Carlsbad Village
Specialized accounting for San Diego tech startups, biotech companies, SaaS businesses, and professional services. R&D tax credits, equity compensation, and QuickBooks bookkeeping for growing companies.
🏡 North County Tax Services
Poway, Escondido, Rancho Santa Fe, Scripps Ranch
Personal tax preparation services, family wealth management, small business advisory, and year-round tax strategy. Supporting North County families and businesses with professional CPA services.
Why Choose a Local San Diego Tax Professional
We understand San Diego's unique economy—from defense contractors and biotech innovation in Sorrento Valley to coastal tourism in La Jolla, cross-border commerce opportunities with Tijuana, and the rapidly growing tech sector. Our San Diego tax expertise combined with modern accounting practices helps your business thrive while navigating California's complex tax regulations. As a San Diego-based enrolled agent, we provide personalized service with deep local knowledge.
Real Results From Real Clients
See why San Diego businesses choose Real Strategy over traditional accounting firms.
"Shawn saved us over $18,000 in our first year. Unlike our previous CPA, he actually understands our Airbnb business and helped us implement strategies we never knew existed."
"Finally found a tax expert who gets content creation! Shawn structured my business perfectly and responds to questions same day. Worth every penny."
"Proactive tax planning throughout the year instead of just filing taxes. The quarterly check-ins alone have saved us more than we pay in fees."
Your Questions, Answered
Everything you need to know about working with Real Strategy and maximizing your tax savings.
What makes Real Strategy different from other San Diego tax professionals?
We specialize in modern business models that traditional CPAs struggle with—content creation revenue, real estate syndications, and tech startup equity. Unlike conventional accountants who only file returns after the year ends, we provide proactive year-round planning that identifies tax-saving opportunities before it's too late. Plus, we guarantee 24-hour response times (not the days or weeks you're used to). Our clients save an average of $15,000+ annually through strategic planning—far more than our fees.
Do you serve businesses outside of San Diego?
Yes, while we're based in San Diego and specialize in California tax law, we provide nationwide tax services for businesses and individuals across the United States. Our expertise in modern business models translates across state lines.
What areas of San Diego do you serve?
We serve all of San Diego County including La Jolla, Del Mar, Carlsbad, Encinitas, Solana Beach, Rancho Santa Fe, Poway, Escondido, UTC, Sorrento Valley, and downtown San Diego. We understand the unique business landscape in each area.
How much can I save with professional tax planning?
Our clients save an average of $15,000+ annually through strategic tax planning—though savings vary significantly based on your business type, income level, and current tax situation. For example, a real estate investor might save $25K+ through cost segregation, while a content creator might save $18K through proper entity structuring and home office deductions. During your free consultation, we'll review your specific situation and provide an honest estimate of potential savings—so you know exactly what to expect before committing.
What industries do you specialize in?
We specialize in modern business models that traditional CPAs often misunderstand: real estate professionals and investors, content creators and influencers (YouTube, TikTok, podcasting), tech startups and SaaS companies, platform economy businesses (Airbnb, rideshare, freelancing), professional services, and international clients. These businesses have unique tax challenges—multiple revenue streams, international income, equity compensation, IP monetization—that require specialized expertise, not just basic bookkeeping.
How quickly do you respond to client questions?
We guarantee a 24-hour response to all client inquiries—typically within a few hours during business days. This is one of our biggest differentiators from traditional accounting firms, where you might wait days or even weeks for a response. When you have a time-sensitive question about a business decision or tax strategy, you need answers fast—not next week. That's the Real Strategy difference.
What is your pricing structure?
We provide transparent, upfront pricing during your free consultation—no hidden fees or surprise charges. Our fees vary based on your business complexity and needs, but we structure pricing so you know exactly what you'll pay before we start. Most importantly, our clients find that the tax savings we identify far exceed our fees—typically by 5-10x. We're invested in your success because when you save money, you stay a client.
How does the free consultation work?
During your 30-minute free strategy session, we'll review your current tax situation, identify your biggest opportunities for savings, and outline specific strategies you could implement. We'll also provide a clear estimate of potential tax savings and transparent pricing for our services. There's no pressure or obligation—just honest advice about whether we're a good fit. Many businesses walk away from the call with valuable insights they can use immediately, even if they don't become clients.
Do you provide bookkeeping and QuickBooks services?
Yes! We provide monthly bookkeeping services and QuickBooks Online setup and management. Unlike basic bookkeepers who just record transactions, we categorize every entry with tax strategy in mind—identifying deductible expenses, tracking cost basis, and maintaining proper documentation. This means your books become a tax-saving tool, not just a compliance requirement. We can either handle your bookkeeping completely or work with your existing bookkeeper to ensure everything is categorized optimally for tax purposes.
Ready to Stop Overpaying Taxes?
Free 30-minute strategy session—we'll identify your biggest tax savings opportunities and provide upfront pricing.
No obligation. No pressure. Just honest advice about whether we can help you save money.
Prefer to Reach Out Directly?
📧 Email: shawncm@gmail.com
📍 Location: San Diego, CA (Serving all of San Diego County + Nationwide)
24-Hour Response Guarantee — Every inquiry receives a reply within one business day