Business Details
24 Years
experience
Expert Tax & Accounting Services in Kingston, NY
At Merck & Shumen CPAs, we combine the experience of a large firm with the personalized attention of a small practice. Founded in 2002 by Richard J. Merck, our firm has built long-term relationships with clients by delivering tailored tax, accounting, and consulting solutions. Our team of certified professionals brings decades of expertise in areas like business valuation, tax planning, and financial reporting, serving both individuals and businesses.We prioritize timely communication, technical excellence, and proactive strategies to help clients minimize tax liabilities and achieve financial success. With offices in Kingston, NY, we serve local businesses and extend our expertise to national and international clients through digital tools and strategic insights.
Services
Tax Services
Accounting Services
Consulting Services
Payroll Services
Estate Planning
Details
- Year established: 2002
Highlights and features
- We offer 30+ years of combined experience in tax and accounting services.
- Our team includes certified specialists in business valuation and financial planning.
- We provide personalized strategies to minimize tax liabilities and maximize savings.
- Our services combine technical expertise with proactive, client-focused communication.
- We serve local, national, and international clients with tailored financial solutions.
Associations and certifications
- NYSSCPA
Services
Tax Services
Our tax services focus on compliance and strategic planning to reduce liabilities for individuals and businesses. We specialize in federal, state, and international tax returns, transactional structuring, and research credit calculations. With expertise in cost segregation and business succession planning, we help clients optimize financial outcomes while ensuring regulatory compliance.
Accounting Services
We provide bookkeeping, payroll, and financial statement preparation to support business operations. Our services include general ledger management, accounting system setup, and compliance reporting. By handling day-to-day financial tasks, we enable clients to focus on growth while maintaining accurate, timely records for decision-making and regulatory requirements.
Consulting Services
Our consulting services address business strategy, risk management, and financial processes. We assist with purchase price allocation, asset impairment testing, and bankruptcy advisory. By combining industry expertise with tailored solutions, we help organizations improve cash flow, regulatory compliance, and operational efficiency for sustainable growth.
Payroll Services
We offer customized electronic payroll systems with tax compliance and reporting. Services include withholding calculations, direct deposit, W-2 processing, and regulatory filings. Our solutions ensure accuracy in payroll management while reducing administrative burdens, allowing businesses to focus on core operations with confidence in tax compliance.
Estate Planning
Our estate planning services help clients preserve wealth through trusts, gifting strategies, and tax-efficient distribution. We review wills, estimate estate taxes, and develop plans using family partnerships and charitable trusts. By addressing liquidity needs and regulatory requirements, we ensure assets are transferred according to client wishes while minimizing tax impacts.
People
Richard J. Merck
Managing Director
Founder of Merck & Shumen CPAs with 35+ years of experience. Specializes in tax planning, business valuation, and IRS representation. Graduated summa cum laude from Northeastern University and worked with KPMG before establishing the firm in 2002.
Donald L. Shumen III
Director
CPA specializing in tax consulting for corporations and nonprofits. Joined the firm in 2004, became shareholder in 2013. Graduated summa cum laude from Marist College and recipient of NYSSCPA's Outstanding Accounting Graduate award.
Leslie Lohrer
Bookkeeping Specialist
Over 20 years of bookkeeping experience. Manages payroll, sales tax, and QuickBooks training. Initiated the firm's paperless bookkeeping initiative to enhance efficiency and environmental responsibility while maintaining accurate client records.
Arleen M. Schenck
Office Manager
With the firm since 1995, handles billing and client mediation. Holds IRS E-Services certification since 2004. Maintains Notary Public license for 30+ years. Previously served in legal secretary roles and community advocacy organizations.
Evan P. Hapeman
Accountant
Joined in 2014, specializes in corporate and nonprofit tax returns. Began career in high school assisting with tax preparation. Holds bachelor's degree in accounting from SUNY New Paltz, focusing on auditing and tax compliance.
Questions
What accounting services does Merck & Shumen CPAs offer?
We provide bookkeeping, payroll processing, financial statement preparation, and accounting system setup for businesses of all sizes.
Do you handle international tax compliance?
Yes, we assist businesses with cross-border tax planning, entity structuring, and compliance for international operations.
Can you help with business succession planning?
Our team specializes in developing tax-efficient succession strategies to preserve family business legacies during ownership transitions.
What payroll services are included?
We offer full-service payroll including tax calculations, direct deposit, regulatory filings, and customized reporting for all business sizes.
Do you provide estate tax planning?
Yes, we create customized estate plans using trusts and gifting strategies to minimize tax liabilities and ensure asset distribution per client wishes.
How do you stay updated on tax law changes?
We participate in ongoing professional education and provide tax updates through webinars, newsletters, and client meetings to ensure compliance.
