Francis E. Butler, CPA
My Background
I was first introduced to the complexities of the income tax system at the age of 16. At the time, while in high school, I worked two jobs. Not “career” jobs mind you, just your typical high school type jobs. When I filed my taxes for that year I was hit with a $2,600 federal income tax bill (not to mention the $1,000 NY state tax bill!). At 16 years old that amount might as well have been a million dollars. I thought to myself, how could I possibly pay that? But more importantly, how did this happen? I was a student in high school, working two minimum wage jobs…how and why could I possibly owe that much money in taxes?
It was at that time that I began studying and learning the tax law. And it was at that time that I decided that I needed to become a Certified Public Accountant. I felt that if this situation was happening to me, there had to be many others as well. I graduated high school and began pursuing my Accounting degree. I graduated from the State University of New York at New Paltz in 1997 with a Bachelors of Science in Accounting. From there I pursued my CPA license in San Francisco, California working for a San Francisco Bay area CPA firm. My career there allowed me to be exposed to every aspect of accounting and tax. I was able to get an in depth knowledge of the various clients needs and concerns.
Most importantly, I was able to learn the concept of customer service. It has been over ten years since I’ve lived in San Francisco, but I still receive phone calls and emails with questions about current developments in the accounting and tax worlds from clients that I worked with there.
Returning to New York I looked into purchasing an office for one of the large, big box franchises. To learn the operations I initially worked at one for a tax season. I quickly learned that the employees preparing customer tax returns were not the most trained and knowledgeable. I saw that employees were basically given a “class” for a few days and then thrown into the tax season untrained and unprepared. I would sit at my desk preparing a client’s return while listening to another employee ask the wrong questions or give bad advice. Not to mention the errors I would need to correct on their client’s returns at the end of the day and the many phone calls I would need to make explaining the change in their returns.
I worked a second season hoping that the first season was an aberration. It was not. In my mind I could not justify purchasing a franchise and charging the fees that they charge while providing such poor service. I knew I could give much better service at much better rates.
This is the type of service I offer all of my clients. I take my relationships with my clients very personally. Should you choose me as your tax preparer or bookkeeper, you too will experience professional and personal service…at a more than reasonable price! Please feel free to contact me via phone or email with any questions you may have.
Our Staff
Francis E. Butler, CPA
Francis Butler is a licensed CPA with over 20 years experience in Income Tax Preparation and Accounting services. Throughout the years he has ensured that his clients have received excellent tax advice and quality service at a very reasonable price. He looks to build a relationship with his clients, to learn of their individual tax situations and to make their tax experience as convenient as possible. He is available for any questions or concerns his clients may have throughout the year and not just during the tax season.
Anthony Barnes, Income Tax Preparer
Anthony Barnes has over 7 years experience in Income Tax Preparation and Accounting services. During his career he has provided quality service and ensured that his clients have received all the tax benefits that have been due to them. He has a small loyal client base and is looking to expand. Excellent customer service is his first priority and will do what is necessary to make sure your needs are met.