A Colorado CPA You Can Actually Talk To
Christopher Papp, CPA
TITLE
Associate Principal
HOMETOWN
Grand Junction, CO
YEARS OF EXPERIENCE
10
EDUCATION
Success is overcoming obstacles on the way to your dreams - Karl Mecklenburg
Chris is a Certified Public Accountant with over 10 years of diverse experience, including 7+ years in public accounting. A proud graduate of Colorado Mesa University in his hometown of Grand Junction, Chris relocated to Denver after graduation to explore the other side of the Rocky Mountains.
He began his career at two of the top 15 accounting firms where he developed a strong foundation in tax while working with multi-state and international companies that have complex tax needs across a variety of industries.
After leaving behind the demands of big firm culture, Chris discovered a passion for working closely with entrepreneurs and business owners. He enjoys learning his clients' individual needs and partnering with them to achieve their long-term goals. Recognizing that consistent communication is one of the most sought-after qualities from a CPA, Chris takes pride in being highly responsive and appropriately available.
Outside of his professional life, Chris enjoys traveling, disc golfing, and live music. An avid Broncos fan, he enjoys attending the many other live sporting event that Denver has to offer as well.
Specialties
Business Tax
Tax Planning
Multi-State Filings
1031 Exchanges
Rental Properties
Industries
Professional Services
Medical Practices
Real Estate
Manufacturing
Tax & Accounting Advisory from Your Fort Collins CPA
Fort Collins is a unique economic engine powered by a diverse mix of industries ranging from the world-class craft brewing scene and hospitality to high-growth tech, healthcare, and manufacturing in Northern Colorado. Managing this level of economic diversity requires much more than basic financial oversight. Whether you are leading a scaling local venture in Larimer County, managing complex personal wealth, or building a long-term plan for sustainable growth, your dedicated Fort Collins CPA, Chris Papp, is the strategic guide you need to thrive in the competitive NoCo market.
We understand that modern success demands more than what traditional accounting firms offer. At Dark Horse CPAs, Chris goes well beyond basic compliance and reactive filing to provide fast, transparent communication and customized financial solutions that adapt as your business goals evolve in The Choice City. From proactive tax planning and preparation to full outsourced accounting and strategic CFO-level insight, you gain a trusted financial partner who is deeply invested in your long-term dominance right here in Fort Collins.
CHRISTOPHER PAPP, CPA
When I first heard the Dark Horse name, I was intrigued. As I dove into discovering more, I found a firm creating real solutions to the myriad of issues CPAs face working for traditional CPA firms and starting their own practice. Here is a company that seeks to put its greatest asset, its people, first and give them the tools to not only exceptionally serve their clients and build strong client relationships but also thrive in their own lives. The results of this innovative model speak for themselves with overwhelmingly high client and employee satisfaction metrics.
80%
Net Promoter Score
The average NPS for accounting firms is 38%. At Dark Horse, 80% of our clients would recommend us to a friend.
Net Promoter Score
Companies use this metric to gauge how happy their customers are with their services. It's calculated by taking the percentage of "promoters" minus the % of "detractors. "The average NPS score for the accounting industry is 39%, less than the DMV! We believe it's important to share that we have successfully fulfilled our promise to WOW clients and consistently monitor this metric to ensure we continue to deliver on the highest level.
550+
5-Star Reviews
Our Google and Yelp reviews speak for themselves. Our goal is to provide 5-star service to every client, every time.
5-Star Reviews
When someone shares their experience with us online, we find it extremely valuable to know where we've exceeded expectations and where we can improve. Many of our clients decide to engage with us as a result of reading about other Dark Horse clients’ experiences. Even when things do not go as planned, we do everything we can to make it right.
90%
Retention Rate
We're all about creating long-lasting, value-added relationships.
Retention Rate
This is the frequency of repeat business from our clients that work with us. This means that 9 out of 10 clients use us for subsequent years. That shows us that people enjoy working with our CPAs, are pleased with the work, and want to continue with Dark Horse over the long term.
Tax Strategy & Accounting for Fort Collins Businesses
The Problem: Too many business owners in Northern Colorado are operating without the timely, accurate financial data needed to drive real growth. While Colorado’s flat state income tax might seem simple, the reality is far more complex. Managing home-rule local sales and use tax, intricate payroll requirements, and multi-state inventory job costing often leads to expensive setbacks. For companies in the brewing, healthcare, and manufacturing sectors of Larimer County, missing these details creates heavy administrative burdens that disrupt sustainable progress.
The Solution: As a Principal at Dark Horse CPAs, Chris Papp, CPA delivers the integrated bookkeeping, tax compliance, and forward-looking advisory required for Fort Collins businesses to dominate. Chris masterfully handles both federal and state corporate returns while navigating the nuances of local tax withholding and entity structure reviews. By implementing mid-year projections and targeted strategies for credits like PTET and 199A, he ensures your operations are fully optimized. This proactive oversight is designed to protect your cash flow and secure your growth in The Choice City so there are no surprises at filing time.
CHRISTOPHER PAPP, CPA
“Small businesses often juggle a CPA for taxes, a bookkeeper for records, and DIY financial analysis—leaving gaps and no time. A holistic approach that integrates tax preparation, proactive tax planning, accounting/outsourced accounting, and financial analysis around the owner’s goals is simply the better way.”
Tax Advisory & Compliance Fort Collins Locals
The Problem: As wealth grows, so do the moving parts—K-1s, equity compensation, real estate, multi-state residency, sizable estimates, and trusts. Without year-round planning, even Colorado’s “simple” system can produce avoidable taxes and April surprises.
The Solution: As your Fort Collins CPA, Chris Papp, CPA delivers proactive, no-surprises planning and rigorous compliance tailored to Northern Colorado families. He coordinates: Equity & liquidity events: ISOs/NSOs/RSUs, AMT awareness, concentrated-position and exit planning. Business-owner integration: PTET/QBI considerations, entity alignment, distribution & estimate strategy. Real estate & investments: 1031/bonus timing where appropriate, tax-efficient harvesting and capital-gain planning. Multi-state/residency: Day-count discipline, sourcing, audit-ready documentation.
Expect mid-year projections, quarterly check-ins, and clear action items so filing day is a formality—not a shock. With Chris, you get coordinated tax strategy and airtight compliance that protect wealth, improve cash flow, and create long-term clarity.
CHRISTOPHER PAPP, CPA
"I love guiding clients from IRS fear to confidence—making sure they’re compliant and using the tax code to their advantage. Serving as a trusted advisor to small business owners and individuals, and walking with them through that journey, is deeply rewarding."
Get an expert Tax & Accounting CPA who will partner with you to achieve unparalleled results.
Blogs and Pods
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Blog
Choosing the Right Business Entity as a Pro Esports Player: LLC, S-Corp, or Sole Proprietorship
VLOG
Collaboration and Innovation: Dark Horse CPAs
Podcast
SPEED ROUND: 1031 Exchanges
Nancy R.
I have used James Larsen as my CPA for many years and am confident in his work ethic and tax knowledge.
