How to Invoice as a CPA / Accountant in California

How to invoice as a cpa / accountant in California: CA sales tax 7.25% (services usually exempt), late fees capped at 1.5%/mo under Cal. Civ. Code §3287; §1671 (penalty rule), written contracts required over $500. Step-by-step guide with a free template.

State sales tax
7.25%
Late fee cap
1.5%/mo
Net terms
30 days
Deposit
50%
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1. California-specific invoice requirements

  • Sales tax line: 7.25% state rate. Most services rendered in California are exempt from sales tax — but materials, parts, and tangible goods are not. Services generally exempt; tangible goods taxable. Local rates push combined to 10.75%.
  • Late-fee cap: California statute Cal. Civ. Code §3287; §1671 (penalty rule) caps interest on unpaid invoices at 1.5% per month. Spell out the rate in writing on every invoice and in your contract — courts won't enforce undisclosed fees.
  • Written contract required: California requires a signed agreement for any job over $500. Reference the contract number on the invoice.
  • Right-to-cancel notice: Customers in California get 72-hour cancellation rights on certain home-services contracts. Disclose this in your terms.

2. CPA / Accountant line items + standard terms

Every cpa / accountant invoice in California should itemize work clearly. Standard cpa / accountants use Net 30 terms with a 50% deposit required upfront.

  • Tax return — individual — billed by flat.
  • Tax return — business — billed by flat.
  • Bookkeeping monthly — billed by flat.
  • Hourly advisory — billed by hour (~$235 default).

3. CPA / Accountant licensing in California

CPA license required for attest services and the CPA designation. EAs licensed federally to represent before IRS.

4. Send and follow up

Send the invoice the same day work completes. Use software that records open events and offers a one-click online payment so you don't need to chase a check by mail. California customers expect digital payment options today — accepting card and ACH typically reduces days-to-paid by 30–50%.

Average invoice
$1,850
State
CA
Net terms
30 days
Deposit
50%

California metro guides

Metro-specific guides include the combined sales-tax rate and local pricing benchmarks.

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