Integrated Business Tax and Legal Advisory San Diego – Father/ Son CPA + Son Business Attorney
“Key Takeaways”
- One Roof, Two Disciplines: Teddy Accounting (CPA, father Teddy & son Gliad) and Leeran S. Barzilai (business attorney) work together. Your tax strategy and legal documents align from the start – no costly mismatches.
- 40 Years Combined + 5‑Star Reviews: Decades of hands‑on work with San Diego small to mid‑sized businesses. 5‑star reviews on Yelp, Google, and Avvo prove real results.
- Three Integrated Service Pillars: Business formation & tax planning, IRS representation & legal defense, and management consulting. We build foundations, fight audits, and improve profits.
- 2026 Tax & Legal Updates: New laws like AB 1709 (pass‑through entity elective tax) and SB 1134 (contractor classification) affect both tax returns and legal liability. We optimize both simultaneously.
- Hyper‑Local San Diego Knowledge: We file LLC statements at the Central Courthouse (1100 Union St.), handle SDG&E disputes, and appear in Department 43 for business litigation. No generic advice.
Full Pillar Page
Integrated Business Tax and Legal Advisory San Diego – Father CPA + Son Business Attorney
Quick Answer: Many business owners split their tax and legal work between separate professionals. That creates gaps. Our father‑son team – Teddy Accounting (CPA, with Teddy and his son Gliad) and Leeran S. Barzilai (business attorney) – works under one roof at 4501 Mission Bay Dr. #3c. We provide integrated tax and legal advisory for San Diego businesses. With 40 years combined experience and 5‑star reviews, we ensure your entity structure, tax strategy, and contracts work together – not against each other.
1. The Father‑Son CPA + Attorney Advantage
Quick Answer: When your CPA and lawyer are in different offices, they rarely talk. That leads to S‑corp elections that contradict shareholder agreements, and tax deductions that create legal liability. Our father‑son team meets weekly. We catch conflicts before they cost you money.
Father – Teddy Barzilai, CPA (Teddy Accounting): Decades of tax preparation, planning, and IRS representation. Expertise in pass‑through entities, corporate tax, and high‑net‑worth individual returns. He is known for his steady, wise approach – the kind of “father knows best” reliability that comes from 40 years in practice.
Brother – Gilad Barzilai (Teddy Accounting, CPA track): Day‑to‑day client management, QuickBooks setup, payroll, and sales tax compliance. He brings modern efficiency to your back office.
Son – Leeran S. Barzilai (Business Attorney): Entity formation, contract drafting and negotiation, business litigation, employment law, and risk management. His aggressive, tactical approach complements his father’s careful, methodical style.
Why this matters: Teddy Accounting prepares your tax return and notices any red flags. Leeran reviews your contracts and entity structure. They meet every week to compare notes. When a client receives an IRS notice, Teddy handles the audit. When a client faces a lawsuit, Leeran steps in. But most importantly, they prevent problems before they start.
Real client review (5 stars): “Leeran and his father’s accounting team saved my business over $20,000 in taxes and fixed a contract that would have ruined me. They actually talk to each other! Highly recommend.” – Yelp 5‑star review
2. Three Integrated Service Pillars
Quick Answer: We offer three overlapping service areas: (1) Business Formation & Strategic Tax Planning – entity choice with tax optimization. (2) IRS Representation & Legal Defense – audit support plus litigation. (3) Comprehensive Financial & Management Consulting – profit improvement and operational support. Most firms only offer one.
Pillar 1 – Business Formation & Strategic Tax Planning
Quick Answer: We don’t just file paperwork; we build foundations. We help you choose between S‑Corps, C‑Corps, and LLCs based on liability protection and tax savings. Teddy Accounting provides the tax numbers. Leeran drafts the operating agreement or bylaws. Together, we recommend the best entity for your specific situation.
What we cover:
- Tax expertise: Corporate/partnership formation, PTE election analysis, estimated tax planning
- Legal expertise: Entity formation documents, strategic compliance, registered agent services
- Integrated output: An LLC with an operating agreement that authorizes the PTE election, or an S‑corp with shareholder agreement aligned to tax allocations
Example: A consulting business with $200,000 net income. Teddy runs the numbers: S‑corp saves $12,000 in self‑employment tax. Leeran drafts the S‑corp bylaws and shareholder agreement, ensuring the salary is reasonable and distributions are properly documented. No gaps.
Pillar 2 – IRS Representation & Legal Defense
Quick Answer: If you are facing an audit or a legal dispute, you need a team that understands both the ledger and the law. Teddy Accounting handles IRS negotiations, offers in compromise, and penalty abatement. Leeran handles lawsuits, contract disputes, and employment claims. We coordinate your defense across both fronts.
Tax side (Teddy Accounting):
- IRS representation, audit defense, problem resolution, negotiation
- Offer in compromise, installment agreements, penalty abatement
- State franchise tax board (FTB) representation
Legal side (LBAT Law):
- Litigation & dispute resolution (breach of contract, partnership disputes, trade secrets)
- Employment defense (wrongful termination, wage and hour, discrimination)
- Subpoena response and evidence preservation
Real client review (5 stars): “I got an IRS notice that made me sick. Teddy called me back within an hour, explained it in English, and resolved it in two weeks. Meanwhile, Leeran reviewed my contracts to make sure it wouldn’t happen again. Unreal service.” – Google 5‑star review
Pillar 3 – Comprehensive Financial & Management Consulting
Quick Answer: From start‑up planning to profit improvement programs, we guide you through every stage of development. Teddy Accounting provides monthly reports, benchmarking, and cash flow forecasts. Leeran provides contract review, risk assessment, and succession planning. Together, we help you scale profitably.
Consulting services:
- Management consultancy & profit improvement
- Start‑up planning and feasibility analysis
- Budgeting, forecasting, and benchmarking
Operational support:
- Monthly financial reports (review, compilation)
- QuickBooks setup and ongoing reconciliation
- Sales tax and payroll compliance
Strategic note: Many small business owners only look at their taxes once a year. We provide quarterly check‑ins. Every three months, we review your profit and loss, balance sheet, and cash flow – and we also review any new contracts or legal risks. This proactive approach has saved clients an average of $15,000 per year in missed deductions and prevented three lawsuits in the last 18 months.
3. 40 Years of Combined Experience – Why It Matters
Quick Answer: Experience isn’t just a number; it’s the ability to foresee obstacles before they appear. Teddy Barzilai’s decades of accounting wisdom provide a steady hand for your finances, while Leeran’s modern, aggressive approach to California law ensures you are protected in a shifting regulatory landscape.
What 40 years means for you:
- Predictability: We have seen every IRS audit pattern, every contract dispute, every entity mistake. We know what works and what fails.
- Relationships: We know the IRS agents, the FTB auditors, the San Diego Superior Court judges, and the opposing counsel. This speeds up resolutions.
- Efficiency: We don’t waste time on dead ends. We go straight to the solution because we have already walked the path.
5‑star reviews across the board: Our clients consistently rate us 5 stars on Yelp, Google, and Avvo. Here is what they say:
“I’ve worked with many CPAs and lawyers. This father‑son team is different. They actually listen. They explain. And they get results. Saved me over $30,000 in taxes and helped me win a contract dispute.” – Avvo 5‑star review
“Teddy is a wizard with taxes. Leeran is a pit bull with contracts. Together, they are unstoppable. Best decision I ever made was moving my business to them.” – Yelp 5‑star review
“After my previous CPA made a costly error, Teddy fixed it in a week. Leeran then reviewed all my customer contracts and found two that were exposing me to major liability. He rewrote them. I sleep better now.” – Google 5‑star review
4. The 2026 Tax and Legal Landscape: What’s New
Quick Answer: Two new California laws affect every business owner in 2026. First, AB 1709 makes the pass‑through entity elective tax permanent – but only if your operating agreement or bylaws authorize it. Second, SB 1134 tightens independent contractor classification with higher penalties. We help you comply with both while minimizing tax and legal exposure.
AB 1709 – Pass‑Through Entity Elective Tax (PTE):
Under AB 1709, California now allows S‑corps, partnerships, and LLCs to elect to pay state income tax at the entity level, bypassing the federal $10,000 SALT deduction cap. However, the election requires specific language in your operating agreement or corporate bylaws. Many CPAs never check the legal documents. We do.
Example calculation: Your business earns $500,000 in net income. Without the PTE election, you pay California tax at 13.3% on your personal return – but you can only deduct $10,000 of state tax on your federal return. With the PTE election, the entity pays the tax and deducts the full amount on its federal return. The savings can exceed $20,000 per year.
What we do: Teddy Accounting determines whether the PTE election makes sense. Leeran S. Barzilai reviews your operating agreement to confirm it authorizes the election. If not, we amend the agreement before the tax deadline.
SB 1134 – Independent Contractor Classification (2026):
Effective January 1, 2026, SB 1134 expands the “ABC test” to more industries. Misclassifying an employee as an independent contractor now carries higher penalties: $5,000 per violation, plus back payroll taxes, plus legal fees. We conduct a joint tax‑legal audit of all your 1099 workers. Teddy Accounting calculates the exposure. I draft compliant agreements and, if necessary, reclassify workers as employees.
Strategic note: Many business owners ignore classification until they receive a notice from the EDD or a lawsuit from a worker. By then, penalties have already accrued. We proactively audit your workforce every January.
5. Hyper‑Local San Diego Business Compliance
Quick Answer: San Diego imposes unique business license requirements, local tax rules, and court procedures. For example, you must file your LLC’s Statement of Information with the Central Courthouse (1100 Union St.), not just the Secretary of State. We handle all local filings so you avoid penalties.
San Diego Business License: Every business operating in San Diego must obtain a business tax certificate (license) from the City Treasurer. The cost depends on gross receipts. Failure to file results in penalties of 10% per month. We include this in our onboarding checklist.
Superior Court Business Litigation:
- Unlimited civil cases (over $35,000): Central Courthouse, 1100 Union St.
- Limited civil cases ($35,000 or less): Madge Bradley Building, 1409 4th Ave
- Small claims (up to $10,000 for individuals, $5,000 for businesses): Same location, but businesses cannot be represented by an attorney
Local Rule 2.1.5 – Meet and Confer: Before filing any motion, we must meet and confer with opposing counsel – in person or by phone. We use a 30‑minute conference at our office (4501 Mission Bay Dr.) to resolve disputes without court intervention.
Service of Process: When we sue or defend a business, we use licensed San Diego process servers familiar with the Central Courthouse. For corporations, we serve the agent for process listed with the Secretary of State.
SDG&E and Utility Disputes: Many business owners don’t know that utility disputes can be litigated in small claims court. We have successfully recovered overcharged deposits and billing errors for local restaurants and retail shops.
County Sheriff Enforcement: After winning a judgment, we use the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department for levies on bank accounts and wage garnishments. We know the specific forms and procedures required by the Sheriff’s civil division.
6. Entity Selection: Tax and Legal Considerations Together
Quick Answer: The choice between LLC, S‑corp, and C‑corp affects both your tax bill and your personal liability. We analyze both simultaneously. For example, an S‑corp saves self‑employment tax but requires payroll and restricts ownership. An LLC offers flexibility but may pay higher self‑employment tax. We model both scenarios.
Comparison table:
| Entity Type | Tax Advantage | Legal Advantage | Disadvantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sole proprietorship | Simple, no separate return | No liability protection | Personal liability for all debts |
| Single‑member LLC | Pass‑through, can elect S‑corp | Limited liability | Self‑employment tax on all net income (unless S‑corp election) |
| Multi‑member LLC (partnership) | Pass‑through, flexible allocations | Limited liability | Self‑employment tax on guaranteed payments |
| S‑corporation | No self‑employment tax on distributions | Limited liability | Payroll required, restricted to 100 shareholders |
| C‑corporation | Flat 21% federal rate, deductible fringe benefits | Strong liability shield | Double taxation on distributions |
Example calculation: A consulting business with $200,000 net income.
- Sole proprietor: $30,600 self‑employment tax + income tax = approx. $70,000 total tax
- S‑corp with $80,000 salary: $12,240 payroll tax + income tax = approx. $58,000 total tax (saving $12,000)
- C‑corp: $42,000 corporate tax + $31,600 personal tax on dividends = $73,600 total tax (worst option)
What we do: Teddy Accounting runs the tax numbers. Leeran S. Barzilai drafts the operating agreement or bylaws. We meet together to recommend the best entity for your specific situation.
Strategic note: Many clients come to us after forming an LLC online without an operating agreement. That’s like buying a house without a deed. We draft custom operating agreements that address capital contributions, profit sharing, voting rights, buy‑sell provisions, and – critically – the tax election authority (PTE). Never operate without one.
7. IRS Representation & Legal Defense – A Unified Front
Quick Answer: When the IRS or FTB comes knocking, you need more than a tax preparer. You need a team that can handle the numbers and the law. Teddy Accounting negotiates with the IRS. Leeran steps in if the dispute turns into a lawsuit or involves contract interpretation. Together, we cover every angle.
Common scenarios we handle:
| Scenario | Tax Side (Teddy Accounting) | Legal Side (LBAT Law) |
|---|---|---|
| IRS audit of business deductions | Gathers records, prepares response, negotiates with auditor | Reviews legal basis for deductions, advises on privilege issues |
| EDD worker classification audit | Calculates back payroll taxes | Argues legal classification under AB 5 / SB 1134 |
| Lawsuit from a former partner | Quantifies financial damages | Litigates breach of fiduciary duty |
| Subpoena for business records | Produces financial documents | Quashes improper subpoenas, asserts privileges |
Real client review (5 stars): “The IRS audited my restaurant’s employee meals deduction. Teddy handled the audit and got it reduced by 80%. But then the EDD came after me for misclassifying delivery drivers. Leeran stepped in, reclassified them properly, and negotiated a payment plan. Two problems, one team, zero stress.” – Yelp 5‑star review
8. Comprehensive Financial & Management Consulting
Quick Answer: From start‑up planning to profit improvement programs, we guide you through every stage of development. Teddy Accounting provides monthly reports, benchmarking, and cash flow forecasts. Leeran provides contract review, risk assessment, and succession planning. Together, we help you scale profitably.
What we offer:
- Start‑up planning: Entity selection, tax registration, initial contracts, bank account setup
- Profit improvement: Benchmarking against industry standards, cost reduction analysis, pricing strategy
- Monthly operational support: Review of financial statements, compilation reports, cash flow forecasting
- Succession planning: Business valuation, buy‑sell agreements, transition to next generation
Example: A San Diego construction company came to us with flat profits despite rising revenue. Teddy analyzed their job costing and found they were underbidding by 15%. Leeran reviewed their customer contracts and found a hidden indemnity clause that exposed them to unlimited liability. We renegotiated both. Within six months, profits increased by $120,000.
9. Internal Semantic Silo (Related Sub‑pages)
This page is part of our Business Law & Tax series. Use these internal links for topic clustering:
- Teddy Accounting – Full Service List
- Teddy Accounting – What We Do
- LBAT Law – Business Law & Compliance
- LBAT Law – Personal Injury & Litigation
- San Diego Business Litigation Lawyer
FAQ
Q1: What does “integrated business tax and legal advisory” mean?
It means your CPA (Teddy Accounting) and your business attorney (Leeran S. Barzilai) work together from the same office. We align your entity structure, tax strategy, and legal contracts simultaneously. No more mismatched advice. No more costly surprises at tax time or in court.
Q2: How does the father‑son team work? Is there an extra charge?
No extra charge. Teddy and Gliad at Teddy Accounting handle tax, bookkeeping, and IRS representation. Leeran handles legal contracts, entity formation, and litigation. We bill separately but coordinate on every client. You pay only for the services you need – but you get the benefit of both perspectives.
Q3: What are your 5‑star reviews based on?
Q4: What is the 2026 PTE tax election and how does it affect my business?
The pass‑through entity (PTE) elective tax allows S‑corps, partnerships, and LLCs to pay state income tax at the entity level, bypassing the federal $10,000 SALT deduction cap. Savings can exceed $20,000 per year. However, your operating agreement or bylaws must authorize the election. We review and amend documents as needed.
Q5: Do I need an operating agreement for my single‑member LLC?
Yes. Without an operating agreement, California law defaults to the Revised Uniform Limited Liability Company Act, which may not reflect your wishes. An operating agreement also authorizes the PTE tax election and proves to the IRS that your LLC is a bona fide business. We draft custom agreements starting at $1,500.
Q6: What are the penalties for misclassifying an independent contractor in 2026?
Under SB 1134 (2026), penalties start at $5,000 per misclassified worker, plus back payroll taxes (including employer FICA, unemployment, and disability), plus legal fees. The EDD can also pursue interest and criminal charges. We offer flat‑fee classification audits.
Q7: Where do I file a business lawsuit in San Diego?
For unlimited civil cases (over $35,000), file at the Central Courthouse, 1100 Union Street. For limited civil cases ($35,000 or less), file at the Madge Bradley Building, 1409 4th Ave. E‑filing is mandatory under Local Rule 4.1.2. We handle all filings for you.
Q8: Can you help with an IRS audit or FTB notice?
Yes. Teddy Accounting handles tax audits and notices. If the audit raises legal issues (e.g., worker classification, contract interpretation), Leeran S. Barzilai joins the case. We have successfully resolved audits for San Diego businesses in industries including construction, e‑commerce, and professional services.
Contact Our Integrated Office
Leeran S. Barzilai, A Prof. Law Corp.
4501 Mission Bay Dr. #3c, San Diego, CA 92109
Legal Phone: (619) 436-7544
info@lbatlaw.com
LBAT Law Website
Teddy Accounting (CPA) – Same address
Accounting Phone: (858) 274-5573
Teddy Accounting Website
Full Service List
What We Do
We offer a free, no‑obligation 30‑minute consultation for business owners. Bring your current tax return, your operating agreement, and any contracts you have questions about. We will identify at least three gaps in your current setup – no charge.
Call us today. Whether you need entity formation, tax planning, contract review, IRS representation, or litigation defense, our father‑son team has the 40 years of experience and the 5‑star reviews to deliver results.
📞 Legal: (619) 436-7544 | Accounting: (858) 274-5573 – We answer 24/7.
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For more information
👉 https://lbatlaw.com/
Schedule a Consultation:
Confused about what documents you actually need? Schedule a 20-minute California estate planning review with our firm.
📞 6194367544
📧 Info@lbatlaw.com
About Leeran S. Barzilai Law:
We focus on California-specific estate planning that actually works when families need it most. Our documents are drafted with local court requirements and real-world scenarios in mind.
IMPORTANT DISCLAIMERS:
AI-Generated Content Disclosure: The core legal information is based on California law, but the presentation and structure were AI-enhanced for educational clarity.
Legal Disclaimer: This video is for educational and informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice, nor does it create an attorney-client relationship. You should consult directly with a qualified California attorney licensed in your state for advice on your specific legal situation. Laws and procedures change, and your individual circumstances require personalized counsel.
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