Our income tax department focuses on a combination of tax planning and income tax preparation.  It is our fundamental premise that we assist you in paying the lowest, legal, logical tax possible while providing a personal and reasonably priced service.

Wisconsin, as most states, does not require tax preparers to take any tax classes or pass any exams to prepare income tax returns or provide income tax advice.  BUYER BEWARE!!!  Always question the people you work with.  What is their college education, what credentials have they obtained, how many years of actual experience have they completed.  Also, don’t forget a list of referrals.  After all, your tax concerns are too important to leave to chance!!!

Our tax preparers attend more educational seminars than any other firm to ensure you receive the most up to date and accurate information related to your tax matters.  De Pere Business Center ensures that our tax people continue to expand their knowledge and education to ensure you receive the most up to date and accurate information available.   Our staff has either completed, or is in the process of completing, the most prestigious tax programs available.  Credentials and education that can be earned or achieved in income tax related matters include:

Accredited Business Accountant (ABA)  ABAs are professionals who specialize in accounting services for individuals and small to medium size businesses.  They can provide personalized financial reports and interpret those reports for you.  These individuals have passed a full day exam testing their technical proficiency in financial accounting, reporting, statement preparation, taxation, business law, consulting services and ethics.

Accredited Tax Preparer (ATP).  Individuals who hold the ATP credential have a through knowledge of the concepts behind the existing tax code and the preparation of individual, corporate, and partnership tax returns.

Accredited Tax Advisor (ATA).  Individuals holding the ATA credential have demonstrated the ability to handle complex tax planning issues, including planning for owners of closely held businesses, planning for the highly compensated, choosing qualified retirement plans and performing estate planning.

Certified Quick Books Pro-Advisor.  Individuals holding the Certified Quick Books Pro-Advisor designation have passed an examination and demonstrated the ability to deal with accounting and tax related issues on the Quick Books software program.

Certified Financial Planner (CFP).  Individuals holding the CFP credential have completed a national exam issued by the Board of Financial Planning.  This generally includes a study program comprised of: income tax planning, investment planning, insurance planning, retirement planning, employee benefit planning and estate planning.  Most CFP Candidates are also required to hold a bachelor’s degree and actual work experience in the financial planning industry.

Investment Advisor: Licensed through Packerland Brokerage Services Inc with applicable federal and state requirements to perform complete investment analysis.

Enrolled to Practice Before The IRS (EA).  Individuals holding the EA credential have passed a two-day exam covering all segments of tax law directly from the Internal Revenue Service.  This is the only tax license exam provided directly by the IRS and the only license issued directly by the IRS.

Masters Degree in Taxation (MST).  Individuals holding the MST credential have completed an advanced college degree, beyond the Bachelors Degree, specifically geared to tax law.  This is the most prestigious designation available in the tax industry.

Our tax staff includes:


  Thomas G

Thomas G. Zoeller EA, MST, CFP, Ph.D

Tom is a shareholder of De Pere Business Center and serves as President and CEO.  He has over 25 years experience in business consulting, tax planning, tax preparation and financial planning.  He earned his Enrollment to Practice Before the Internal Revenue Service designation during 1986 (the only tax license issued directly by the IRS), the Accredited Tax Advisor designation in 1991, the Certified Financial Planner designation during 1988, the Certificate in Accounting during 1976, the Associate Degree in Business during 1977, his Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration during 1982, completed his Master’s Degree in Taxation during 1995 and received a Ph.D in Tax Law in 2010.  Tom is an investment advisor through Packerland Brokerage Services which is licensed for comprehensive investment analysis. 

Mr. Zoeller has co-authored several texts on tax law and has taught before more than 2,500 tax professionals regarding various tax matters.  He has served as an Adjunct Faculty Member of the College for Financial Planning instructing both the Income Tax and Estate Tax sections of the CFP Curriculum. He has also written exam questions that appear on the Comprehensive Certified Financial Planners Examination for Estate Tax Planning.
  Robert Phillips

Robert Phillips, ABA, ATP

Bob is a shareholder of De Pere Business Center and serves as Vice President.   He has over 35 years experience in public accounting, tax planning and preparation.  He received his Accredited Business Accountant status during 1999 and Accredited Tax Preparer status in 2004.  With Bob’s experience and up to date knowledge of the tax laws Bob proves to be a true expert for both business and personal income tax related matters.

  Michelle Deschaine

Michelle Deschaine

Michelle is a shareholder and serves as Treasurer of De Pere Business Center and manages the accounting department.  She has over seven years experience in public accounting, payroll processing and income tax related matters.  She received her Associate Degree in Accounting with honors in 1999, her Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration in 2001 and earned EA in 2004.  Michelle’s knowledge of accounting, computer systems, payroll tax rules, public accounting and tax related matters proves invaluable for small business owners.
  Kenneth Linssen EA

Kenneth Linssen EA, ATP

Ken has over ten years experience in the tax industry.  He earned his Enrollment to Practice Before The Internal Revenue Service (the only tax license issued directly by The IRS) during 1999 and his accreditation as an Accredited Tax Preparer during 1996.

Ken has prepared over 2,000 tax returns.  Kens focus includes estate tax work, income tax planning and tax preparation, problem resolution for clients with IRS problems.  Need assistance with tax matters? Need assistance with Estate tax work? You owe IRS some monies?  Ken would be the expert to call.
  Rosa Licon

Rosa Estupinan

Rosa has over three years experience in Public Accounting and income taxes.  She received her Associate Degree in Accounting during 2001.  Rosa also speaks Spanish for our Spanish-speaking clients.

 
 
  Michelle Deschaine

James Hockenberry, EA, CEC

James has over 15 years of experience in income tax and financial planning. He earned his Enrollment to Practice before the Internal Revenue Service designation during 1992 (the only tax license issued directly by the IRS), he holds a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration, majoring in accounting, from the University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire. He has worked as a tax researcher/technical writer and has served as an instructor for several tax and financial organizations. Jim has served as the Manager of Financial Services with a fortune 500 company and is also an investment advisor through Packerland Brokerage Services. (Series 6, 63, 65, 7 ,24)

 

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Securities offered through Packerland Brokerage Services, Inc., an unaffiliated entity, Member FINRA & SIPC.