Cindy M. Smith, CPA

I have been in business over twenty years. Life experience started in New York City continued in Westchester County and has flourished in Dutchess County. My educational background was paid through hard work and sacrifice. I know what it means to earn a living even before my career began. Education is key to continual growth in ones field. I attend continuing education classes to keep current on the tax code and to provide the required financial statement presentation for my audit clients.

My experience comes not from working a 9 -5 job. The knowledge I gained came from working day, evening hours and weekends. This has helped me build a solid understanding of many different types of organizations. I just didn’t work on one entity for each major class of business. I have and currently work on numerous entities in the same class of business for numerous years. This affords me the opportunity to track their highs and lows. I can better advise my clients’ cash-flow and tax consequences of their normal changes in net income.

When I present my firm at business functions I always tell them I love the work I’m doing. It is true. It shows in the quality and dedication I have to my clients. This is not a job to me but a service. I never forget who I serve and why my services are required. That is why my staff and I have respect for all organizations and individuals that we serve. There are many CPA’s that work in Dutchess County but few that will service your accounting needs. We are that firm. We continue to be honored to be your choice in providing all your accounting and tax needs.

Most of the current audit work performed is for not-for-profits. I also consult with community based programs to get them organized, in compliance and ready for audit. Why would you want to pay one CPA to perform an audit and another to have you prepared for the audit? A lot of our not-for-profit organizations start out just as a small initiative. Little if any controls are in place and they may not be able to obtain a “clean” opinion in the audit. Post Enron, the CPA profession has had to diversify. We cannot perform an audit for a client that we need to provide management advice. That is why I perform audits for some organizations and others I prepare them for their audit.

The tax code is complicated. Beyond having a W-2 as income you need an experienced accountant to prepare your tax return that is not only accurate but has been presented in a way that will not cause the IRS to question your deductions. We do not inflate or guess at your deduction amounts. I need you to feel confident in the numbers on your tax return so you can sign it with complete security.

Many new clients come to me and ask what is the most I can take in deductions? My response is what did you spend? Listen, tax code clearly states what expenses are deductable. There is no reason for me to jeopardize my license and your security on inflating deductions. On the other hand you can be assured that we take every allowable deduction for your tax return.

We don’t work for the IRS we only prepare the tax returns to be submitted to them. Through the years of experience and the continuing education we have learned the best method of presentation for your particular tax return.

Charitable organizations’ information returns need the same care in presentation as do individual and corporate returns. Charitable returns are seen by one important reader….the donor. Many foundation grants and huge donors have criteria they use to judge if your organization is one that merits their contribution. The presentation of your information form is important.

Consider not just having an auditor to prepare your financial statements but one that understands the fundraising atmosphere. We do not change your bottom line to make your charity look better. We present your information returns to highlight the positive aspects of your programs, community efforts, and social necessity of your organization.

We also prepare Estate and Trust tax returns and Surrogate Court accountings. End of life issues are always a concern. We work with your attorney to set-up and maintain your wishes after death. Once a loved one is gone the process of honoring those wishes can be expensive and onerous. Having a professional, like our firm, with the experience to account for all the transactions that must occur after ones death is comforting. Knowing that we work with your attorney on your behalf saves you time and money. There are not many CPA’s that have this experience. It is an asset to have a CPA that can work with you and your family from birth to the eventuality of life. We would appreciate the opportunity to serve in that capacity for your family.