Tax Season is Upon Us

It is the time of year when many are looking for a professional to help guide them through the ever changing tax laws and to help them maximize their deductions when it comes to filing their tax returns. For many in Sandpoint and Bonners Ferry, those seeking such professional advice have the benefit of Jim Hutchens, a Certified Public Accountant with 35 years of experience.

Since moving to Sandpoint from Spokane in 1998, Hutchens has earned a reputation for providing sound tax and financial guidance as well as delivering superior customer service. Over the years, his clients have included everyone from individuals and small businesses to large multi-million dollar corporations. In addition to tax preparation, Hutchens also prepares financial statements and advises businesses and individuals in all areas of tax planning. He takes pride in providing personalized service for all his clients.

Hutchens has a staff of experienced, knowledgeable and professional individuals to whom he credits much of his success. Office manager and bookkeeper, Mary-Claude Margairaz, started with Hutchens when he first moved to Sandpoint in 1998. After a brief time away, she rejoined the firm a few years ago. Also on staff to help with many of the services the firm provides is bookkeeper Shannon Randall-Dunton. Shannon provides payroll services as well as bookkeeping for many of Hutchens’ small business clients.

James Hutchens, PA also employs two accountants, Aubrey Winjum and Zach Spohn. Aubrey joined the firm in January of 2015. She is a Bonners Ferry resident and graduated from Boise State University in January 2012 with a Bachelors of Science degree in accounting.

Spohn joined James Hutchens, PA in May 2013. He grew up in Sandpoint, attended Northside Elementary and Sandpoint High School, and graduated with a Bachelors of Science degree in Accounting in 2009 from the University of Montana. Spohn has been actively studying for the CPA exam. He looks forward to obtaining his CPA license so he can assist clients in an even greater capacity.

Lou MacAfee is an enrolled agent who has over 30 years of accounting experience. Enrolled agents must first pass a comprehensive IRS test and participate in continuing education thereby earning them the privilege of representing clients before the Internal Revenue Service. MacAfee is also a QuickBooks ProAdvisor and has taught QuickBooks classes for many years, an expertise that many of Hutchens’ clients have found beneficial. She also has a large client base of nonprofit organizations with whom she works.

Also on staff are administrative assistants Melissa Colin and Jennifer Lamb, both of whom are long time employees. In addition to assisting with scheduling and keeping everything flowing in the office, they also perform some bookkeeping duties, all while providing excellent customer service.

Jim and his wife Patty are active members of the Sandpoint community and believe in giving back to the community that has supported them throughout the years.

They have two sons, Kevin, a senior at the University of Idaho is majoring in Business and Marketing Education. He is student teaching this semester at Sandpoint High School. Their younger son Brett is a senior at Sandpoint High School and will attend either Boise State or University of Idaho in the fall.

Jim and his staff look forward to helping you with all your accounting needs.

The Sandpoint office is located at 1211 Michigan Street in Sandpoint. The Bonners Ferry office, which is open Thursdays, is located at 6769 Main Street.

James Hutchens, P.A.

Certified Public Accountant

Sandpoint: 208.265.2500

Bonners Ferry: 208.267.1655

www.hutchenscpa.com

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