Business Details
9 Years
experience
Trusted Accounting & Tax Services in Santa Barbara
Ballew & Fuhrman, CPAs is a boutique accounting firm dedicated to providing comprehensive tax and financial services with a personalized approach. Our team combines deep expertise in tax preparation, audit representation, and real estate transactions with a commitment to sustainability and community engagement. Founded by Certified Public Accountants Jeremy Ballew and Michael Fuhrman, our firm leverages over a decade of combined experience in accounting, including Michael's five-year tenure as an IRS auditor. We prioritize paperless operations and source materials locally to minimize environmental impact while supporting the Santa Barbara economy. Our services extend beyond traditional accounting to include strategic tax planning, bookkeeping, and real estate consulting, ensuring clients receive holistic financial guidance.We treat every client relationship as a partnership, offering tailored solutions for individuals, small businesses, and political campaign committees. Our team's diverse expertise includes retirement planning, senior care accounting, and 1031 exchange strategies. We pride ourselves on transparency, efficiency, and a client-first philosophy that has earned us consistent positive feedback for timely, accurate service. Our office culture balances professionalism with a relaxed Santa Barbara vibe, reflected in our commitment to both rigorous financial standards and community stewardship.
Services
Tax Preparation
Audit Representation
Bookkeeping
Real Estate Accounting
Tax Planning
IRS Defense
1031 Exchanges
Financial Reporting
Retirement Planning
Estate Taxation
Details
- Year established: 2017
Highlights and features
- Our former IRS agent provides insider audit defense expertise
- We maintain 100% paperless operations for environmental sustainability
- Real estate tax specialists with 1031 exchange expertise
- Personalized service treating clients as business partners
- Local sourcing policy supports Santa Barbara economic growth
Associations and certifications
- Certified Public Accountants (CPA)
What people say
Sense of urgency
Over delivered
Professional and thorough
Great experience
Expedited return
Services
Tax Preparation
Comprehensive federal and state tax preparation services for individuals and businesses. Our CPAs ensure accurate filings while identifying legitimate deductions to minimize liabilities. We specialize in complex returns including real estate transactions, 1031 exchanges, and estate taxation, providing year-round planning to optimize tax outcomes.
Audit Representation
Expert audit support led by a former IRS auditor. We handle all communication with tax authorities, limit audit scope, and negotiate resolutions. Our insider knowledge of audit processes helps protect clients during examinations for both current and past tax years, including unfiled returns.
Bookkeeping
Detailed bookkeeping services maintaining accurate financial records for businesses. We manage accounts payable/receivable, bank reconciliations, general ledger maintenance, and customized reporting. Our systems provide real-time financial insights to support business decision-making while ensuring tax compliance.
Real Estate Accounting
Specialized accounting for real estate transactions with CPA oversight. Services include 1031 exchange planning, investment property tax analysis, and transactional tax consequences. Our dual expertise in accounting and real estate (through a licensed agent) ensures comprehensive guidance for property buyers, sellers, and investors.
Tax Planning
Proactive tax planning services identifying year-round savings opportunities. We develop customized strategies for income tax reduction, retirement planning, and business entity structuring. Our approach integrates financial planning with tax code expertise to create actionable plans that improve clients' financial positions.
People
Jeremy Ballew
Tax Principal
CPA with over 15 years experience in tax planning and preparation. Specializes in small business accounting and political campaign finance. Graduated UCSB with accounting emphasis and holds CPA license since 2009. Focuses on retirement planning and senior care financial strategies.
Michael Fuhrman
Tax Principal
Former IRS auditor with 5+ years enforcement experience. Dual CPA and real estate license holder. Completed MBA with honors while working at Treasury Department. Expertise in audit defense, tax research, and real estate transaction taxation. Provides insider perspective on IRS operations.
Finnegan Fuhrman
Chief Culture Officer
Office culture specialist maintaining workflow efficiency and client file security. Embodies Santa Barbara's relaxed professional environment while ensuring adherence to accounting standards. Serves as office mascot and stress-relief ambassador.
Questions
What accounting services do you offer?
We provide tax preparation, audit representation, bookkeeping, real estate tax planning, 1031 exchanges, estate taxation, and business entity structuring services for individuals and businesses.
Are you available outside regular business hours?
Our office hours are Monday-Friday 9AM-5PM. We respond to urgent client needs during these hours and offer flexible scheduling for consultations.
How do you handle IRS audits?
Our former IRS auditor leads audit defense, reviewing correspondence, limiting scope, and negotiating resolutions. We represent clients during interviews and prepare necessary documentation for appeals.
What makes your firm different?
We combine IRS insider expertise with sustainable practices, personalized service, and real estate specialization. Our paperless operations and local sourcing reflect our community commitment.
Do you work with real estate clients?
Yes, our CPA with an active real estate license provides specialized services for property transactions, including 1031 exchanges, investment analysis, and tax consequence planning.
