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Don James
Tax and Financial Planning Partner
Kiplinger & Co., CPAs, LLC
Strongsville, Ohio, USA
CPA Firm
Professional Summary
Tax and financial planning partner with over 30 years’ experience partnering with small/medium sized business owners and their families specializing in goal achievement solutions, tax minimization strategies and assuming the role of gatekeeper of sound financial advice. Responsibilities include proactive tax planning and research as well as federal and state tax preparation and review. Expert knowledge and skills with investments including spotting inappropriate investments during tax preparation.
Experience includes working with probate attorneys providing the tax compliance aspects of winding up an estate, post-death planning strategies, and on-going trust return preparation. We also assist clients and their estate attorneys in all aspects of developing and managing a personalized estate plan designed to ensure the continued growth and preservation of their family's hard earned assets. We remain involved on an on-going basis assisting with the financial management and tax compliance for Family Limited Partnerships and various Trusts making sure there are no missteps leading to adverse tax consequences.
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Languages
- English
Industry Experience
- Public Accounting Firm
Website
Kiplinger & Co., CPAsBlog
Connect With MeInterests/Hobbies
- Golf
- General Physical Fitness
- Reading
Birthday
August 12Social Media
Experience
Kiplinger & Co., CPAs, LLC
Strongsville, Ohio, USA 44136
Strongsville, Ohio, USA 44136
Tax and Financial Planning Partner
CPA Firm
1982 - Present
Responsible for overseeing tax and financial planning areas of CPA firm. Role includes overseeing the research and resolution of complex tax issues as well as overseeing the tax preparation administration of the firm. Other responsibilities include coordinating clients' investment and financial planning projects with our financial services partner. We are a 12-14 person firm which requires me to role up my sleeves and get involved in the details of most projects.
Education
BS, Marketing, Accounting 1970
Ohio State University, Marshall University
Earned CPA designation – 1974
Earned Certificate of Educational Achievement in Financial Planning – Awarded in 1988 by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants
Earned CFP designation – 1989
Earned Certificate of Educational Achievement in Taxation – Awarded in 1993 by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants
Earned PFS designation – Awarded in 1996 by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants
Earned CFEd designation – (Certified Financial Educator) Awarded in 2007 by the Heartland Institute of Financial Education
Focus Four Program – 1996-1999. This was a three-year coaching program conducted by Richard Zalack. Focus Four has helped hundreds of successful business owners remain balanced and focused while achieving a more successful life.
Tracy Beckes and Associates – 2004-2005. Tracy has developed an integrated, holistic methodology for accelerated business and personal growth that she shares with an international clientele. Tracy’s innovative approach helps clients cultivate their natural abilities to create businesses that prosper financially and nourish the soul. She also helps clients activate their life dreams, produce more meaningful results with less effort and simplify their lives. Don hired Tracy Beckes as his coach to assist him in developing a state-of-the-art life-planning business model for Kiplinger Financial Services, LLC.
Earned Certificate of Educational Achievement in Financial Planning – Awarded in 1988 by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants
Earned CFP designation – 1989
Earned Certificate of Educational Achievement in Taxation – Awarded in 1993 by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants
Earned PFS designation – Awarded in 1996 by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants
Earned CFEd designation – (Certified Financial Educator) Awarded in 2007 by the Heartland Institute of Financial Education
Focus Four Program – 1996-1999. This was a three-year coaching program conducted by Richard Zalack. Focus Four has helped hundreds of successful business owners remain balanced and focused while achieving a more successful life.
Tracy Beckes and Associates – 2004-2005. Tracy has developed an integrated, holistic methodology for accelerated business and personal growth that she shares with an international clientele. Tracy’s innovative approach helps clients cultivate their natural abilities to create businesses that prosper financially and nourish the soul. She also helps clients activate their life dreams, produce more meaningful results with less effort and simplify their lives. Don hired Tracy Beckes as his coach to assist him in developing a state-of-the-art life-planning business model for Kiplinger Financial Services, LLC.
Professional Certifications
Certified Public Accountant(CPA)
1974
Active
Certified Financial Planner (CFP)
1989
Active
Personal Financial Specialist (PFS)
1996
Active
CFEd
2007
Inactive
Associations and Societies
- American Institute of Certified Public Accountants
- Ohio Society of CPAs (Past chairman of Financial Planning Committee)
- Financial Planning Association
- Strongsville Optimist Club (Past president, Ohio District Lt Governor)
- Strongsville Toastmasters (Charter President)
- Strongsville LeTip Networking Group (Charter President)