Hopefully you can already see that we're not your average socially inept number crunchers (although I'd wager Alyssa's 10-key skills against anyone's). We're a brother/sister team of tax specialists who, whether due to nurture or nature - another debate for another time - both have an uncommon interest and aptitude for tax planning and preparation: the aptitude for numbers, the gift of logic, and the interest in helping people succeed in their life, plans, and goals.
Our focus is on helping the individual or group - especially those within the artistic community - maximize their present and future business endeavors. Both of us have had a lifelong passion for and connection to the musical and artistic communities, but we know where our talents lie. We truly love being able to support and encourage the efforts of others, to help “Make a business out of your art.” We know this isn't an easy task (or even a pleasing idea to many), but we feel that individual, independent success is more readily available today than ever before. All you need is a passion and a plan. If you have the first, we would love to help with the second.
Credentials
Alyssa and Mark have a combined experience in tax preparation that includes over 16 years and 10,000 tax returns varying in location (all over the U.S. and beyond), difficulty (1040EZ to 1120), and degree (once a year tax filings to year-round consultation and bookkeeping).
Alyssa has finished her education at the University of Minnesota and passed the EA exam, which makes her an IRS-certified Enrolled Agent. She has been preparing over 1,000 tax returns per year for the past 7 years and brings a high level of experience and energy to her job. Education is important to her, so she will continue pursuing taxes academically as well as in practice.
Mark is an IRS-certified Enrolled Agent with over 7 years of full-time tax preparation experience at one of Minnesota's largest independent tax offices. During this time, he gained invaluable experience with thousands of clients in varying and challenging situations, from all over the nation.
Yeah, but what's an Enrolled Agent?
Most people aren't familiar with the Enrolled Agent (E.A.) designation. The Enrolled Agent Certification is similar to a C.P.A. in terms of exam process (a difficult 2 day, 4 section test), background check, and continuing education requirements; however, the Enrolled Agent testing is given directly by the IRS (not a state board) and involves ONLY tax law-from individual to corporate to estates and retirement plans. (CPA testing focuses more on accounting principles and corporate analysis, and much less on taxes). Only about 1/3 of applicants pass the E.A. exam process. With this certification, Mark is certified by the IRS to prepare tax returns, and represent clients in audits and tax court in all 50 states (CPA's are limited to representation within their state of certification).
Becoming an E.A. made more sense in terms of both specialization and breadth. We work primarily with individuals and small businesses, not large corporations, and we only do tax planning and preparation, not stock mergers and inventory analysis. The tax code is confusing and large enough to require one's full attention in order to give the best service possible. We also want to be as helpful to as many people as possible. The world is becoming too small to limit oneself to just one state. The internet has made it possible to work with clients from around the world.
Please check out the site to learn more about us, our services and products. Feel free to contact us any time with your financial questions, concerns, or needs.
