What's an EA? How is it different from a CPA?

We are all familiar with the CPA designation; however, don't discount the value of other business credentials. Your company has a multitude of needs and you want to be sure that you are partnering with the right professional to meet those needs.

With the amount of information that exists in our society today, it is rare or impossible to find one professional skilled in all areas of business. We find that it takes a team of professionals who can each share their expertise with you.

The EA exam is three parts tax, one part accounting and ethics

The CPA exam is three parts accounting, one part tax and ethics.

Michelle Larson

Started the business from her home office in 1992 and moved into their current location on South 291 Highway in Liberty in 2002.

Her first love is small business and helping entrepreneurs succeed by helping them understand and use financial statements as tools to make solid business decisions. Michelle shares her knowledge through the consulting arm of the practice.

She has experienced entrepreneurship and therefore has first hand understanding of the challenges and victories that accompany small business ownership. It is definitely a path of many ups and downs. It is her goal to encourage you as you travel your journey. She does it from the heart with understanding. That's what makes the difference here. She's an entrepreneur and an accountant. That's a winning combination for your business.

The success of the practice comes from building long-term relationships that serve our clients over a lifetime. "It is incredibly important for you to understand your financials, not just throw them in a drawer for tax purposes later. They really are the key to your success because they help you make good decisions."

Michelle holds a BS in Accounting from William Jewell College. She is an Enrolled Agent (EA), a tax designation issued by those who are licensed to practice before the Internal Revenue Service. She is an Accredited Business Advisor (ABA), a Missouri Society of Accountants member since 1994, and Liberty Area Chamber of Commerce member since 1992.

Michelle was widowed with three young children. She remarried in 2005 to a crazy saint who's taken on 3 rough and tumble boys and one very large dog. You will often find her and her family camping any time they can get away.

Karlan Crawford

Karlan's specialty inside the firm is college tax planning and credits. Going through this process recently herself, she has extra insight in this area. She also holds the Elder Care Specialist (ECS) credential which utilizes her administrative and social work backgrounds to the fullest. It is her love for people and a desire to help them solve their tax problems that makes her such a great asset to the firm. Best of all, she brings a fabulous sense of humor to the office that is appreciated by the staff and clients alike.

She holds a Bachelors degree from Missouri Western State University. Karlan has been married 16 years and she and her husband have 2 children in college.

The whole family shares a sense of adventure. Her husband is a Navy veteran and both her son and daughter enjoyed European vacations while on their summer break from college. They have a fun tradition of choosing their vacation destination, at least the state, from whichever out of state license plate that they see first on New Years day. (Bordering states excluded of course!)

She's a neat freak too. Just for fun.. rearrange the office supplies on the top of her desk while you're here. Her attention to detail makes her ideal for assembling fragments of information and compiling it into a complete and accurate tax return.

Karin Enders

Karin joined the firm in 2009. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from State University of New York at New Paltz.

She earned her cerfitication in Quick Books as well as Quick Books Payroll and is our resident Quick Books specialist. She is a fabulous trainer for new users or for anyone who needs a little help.

Karin and her husband have been married 18 years. They have two teenage sons, both of whom play on competitive and recreational hockey leagues. When she is not at the ice rink with the boys, Karin enjoys and sewing and upholstery.

Jennifer McIntosh

Joined the firm in 2003. She is probably our most versatile staff member. Her depth of knowledge comes, because at one time or another, she has held most every position within the firm and has advanced 'through the ranks' in her years with us.

Jennifer's specialty inside the firm is tax research for our entire group. Problem resolution for those clients with complex representation issues has become her passion. Because of her husband's experience in active duty military, she is our resident military specialist. She recently achieved her Elder Care Specialist (ECS) distinction and is currently working towards her Enrolled Agent (EA) credential. If you ask her when she's going to stop learning - she'll reply "NEVER!" She absolutely loves this business because she loves to learn.

Jennifer considers herself especially blessed to be married 17 years to her high-school sweetheart. Her life is very busy these days. Her main duties are to haul in groceries and wash hockey uniforms since her twin teenage boys are involved in competitive hockey. Her daughter Mollie does semi-competitive tumbling. She keeps telling us that 'one of these days', her life will slow down. Um... Hmmmm.... I'm thinking it's going to be a while.

Becky Zimmer

Becky joined the firm in 1995. She knows most of our clients by telephone voice!

Becky's role inside the firm is the office manager, resident 'sweetie' and "Mama Becky". She takes as good of care of our staff as she does the clients. You'll see for yourself--she's absolutely fabulous.

Married almost 40 years, they recently enjoyed an anniversary cruise to Alaska. She and her husband have 2 grown sons and 6 grandchildren to enjoy.

A native of Michigan, Becky brought her love of the lakes to Missouri with her. When she isn't working, you can find Becky and her fisherman husband at the lake enjoying fun in the sun on their cabin cruiser, the "Becky Lee".