One CPA, one desk, one direct relationship.
Chris Barnes is a licensed CPA in California serving makers and independent creators across all 50 states. Timberline is built for clients who want plain answers from the person doing the work, not a handoff through a floor of associates.
Small-firm attention without local-only limits.
Chris works directly with artisans, small-batch manufacturers, online sellers, and homestead-adjacent businesses whose books do not look like generic professional services. The practice is remote by design, so the relationship is built around clear records, direct communication, and practical decisions rather than office visits.
That also means clients know who is responsible for the work. There is no account manager translating your question before it reaches the person preparing the return, reviewing the books, or explaining an entity decision.
Clear expectations before the work starts.
Timberline's process is intentionally plain-spoken: agree on the work, explain the filing or bookkeeping logic, and keep questions from becoming surprise invoices.
Flat fees first
Scope and fees are agreed before work begins, so there is no mystery about what is included or what would require a separate conversation.
Plain-language explanations
Returns, bookkeeping cleanup, and advisory recommendations are explained in normal terms. You should understand what is being filed and why.
Questions are part of the work
Questions between filings cost nothing. Timberline would rather answer early than reconstruct a preventable problem months later.
Work directly with the CPA doing the work.
Tell Chris what you make, where the numbers feel unclear, and what kind of help would make tax season quieter.