Tax Law (Questions About Taxes)/Expert Profile

Expertise

I can answer questions on personal income taxes, partnerships, and some corporate income taxes. I can deal with some state tax questions. Limited gift and estate tax questions. I am also familiar with ministerial and church tax reporting issues. I teach tax and accounting at a small church-related college. Sales taxes and property taxes are state and local issues so I am not likely be be able to give you an in depth answer on those types of taxes. I have maintained a part time tax practice for over 30 years. I am a member of the AICPA, National Association of Tax Professionals, and the Institute of Management Accountants. Visit my website at www.johnstancilcpa.com. Also visit my blog, www.thetaxdocspot.com.

Experience in the area

I hold a doctorate in Accounting, and four professional certifications: CPA, CMA, CFM, and CIA. I passed all certification examinations on the first attempt, and received honorable mention for my scores on the CIA exam. I write a monthly tax column for the local newspaper. I have prepared taxes for over 30 years.

Education/Credentials

DBA University of Memphis MBA University of Georgia BS in Accounting Mars Hill College

What do you like about this subject?

I enjoy the dynamic nature of taxation, and the fact that it is always changing. I also enjoy helping citizens minimize their taxes, so they only have to pay the legally required minimum amount.

What do you still hope to achieve/learn in this field?

One can never know all the tax law, so I hope to increase what I do know, and keep up with relevant changes in the law.

Something interesting about this subject that others may not know:

It was not until WWII that the income tax became a mass tax. Prior to that time, only the very wealthy paid income taxes.