Robert M Hess, CPA

At Hess & Hess, LLP, we are more than just tax advisors. We are dedicated to serving our community by offering unmatched service, knowledge, and expertise. Our comprehensive approach allows us to advocate for our clients and provide them with the resources they need to make the most advantageous business decisions.

Our Humble Beginnings

Hess & Hess, LLP was founded in 1980 by Robert Hess in Blowing Rock, NC. After graduating from The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Robert gained experience at Seidman & Seidman, CPAs in High Point, NC. He then opened a wholesale hardware business catering to the furniture industry and worked for a regional accounting firm in Lenoir before finally settling in Blowing Rock. With over four decades of experience working with individuals and small businesses, Robert has built a solid foundation for the practice.

In the fall of 2013, Robert's son Sam joined the public practice. Sam studied accounting at North Carolina State University while working for a local CPA firm in the Raleigh area, and after graduation, he gained valuable experience at Ernst & Young, LLP (EY) in Raleigh and Charlotte. Working with these firms exposed Sam to various tax specialties, including personal financial services, estate planning, business tax advisory, compliance, consulting, and international tax. Sam's experiences have greatly contributed to the firm's growth and the expansion of our areas of expertise.

Services Offered by Hess & Hess, LLP

• Personal Financial Services: Consulting for individual circumstances is crucial in attaining the most beneficial tax position. At Hess & Hess, LLP, we offer tailored services to address our clients' unique financial situations, ensuring they maintain the most advantageous tax position possible.

• Business Tax Services: Navigating through the landscape of tax laws in our country makes business decisions even more important. Our team of experts stays up-to-date with the ever-changing tax laws to help businesses make informed decisions and maintain compliance.

• Estate & Trust Services: Proper trust management is essential in handling tax compliance when a loved one passes away. We help clients set up the appropriate trusts to manage future tax issues and keep wealth intact, avoiding unnecessary taxes.

• Not-for-profit Tax Services: Compliance is the key to maintaining a not-for-profit status. Our team assists not-for-profit organizations with tax compliance, allowing them to focus on their mission while staying in good standing with the IRS.

• Areas of Expertise: Our core specialties include S corporations, C corporations, partnerships, individual tax compliance, financial statement preparation, trusts & estates, bookkeeping, payroll, and IRS compliance. While this list is not exhaustive, our team is always available to discuss any other areas of practice clients may have questions about.

• S Corporations: As the most commonly used business entity by our clients, we help clients determine if this is the right entity for their unique needs.

• C Corporations: With the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, corporations are sometimes more beneficial than other entities. We help clients navigate these complexities to ensure they are making informed decisions.

• Partnerships: Flexibility and ease of formation make partnerships very appealing to certain types of businesses. Our team assists clients in setting up partnerships that align with their business goals and maintain tax compliance.

• Individual Tax Compliance: We offer comprehensive individual tax compliance services for single-member LLCs, heavily invested individuals with passive and portfolio income, and more.

• Financial Statement Preparations: Offered to all businesses we serve, these statements give owners better clarity on the position of their business.

• Bookkeeping & Payroll: Complying with payroll laws and maintaining accurate company books is essential to the success of any business. We help clients stay compliant and avoid penalties.

• IRS Compliance: Negotiating with the IRS regarding notices and assisting in IRS audits can be daunting. Our team is experienced in representing clients in these situations and providing the necessary guidance to maintain compliance.

• Consulting: Our team strives to assist clients with full support in any tax or general business-related issues. We work proactively to help business owners make informed decisions and achieve the most beneficial outcomes.

At Hess & Hess, LLP, we are committed to providing our clients with the highest quality services. Our extensive experience and dedication to staying informed on changing tax laws make us an invaluable resource for our clients. Never hesitate to send us any questions you may have - our team is always here to help!