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Chris Ries, CPA
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Chris Ries, CPA , Principal

Title Principal
Hometown New Lenox, IL
Years of Experience 7+
Education
Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU)
I can accept failure; everyone fails at something. But I can't accept not trying.

— Michael Jordan

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Certifications
  • Certified Public Accountant
  • MS, Accounting & Taxation
  • Member, American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA)
  • Member, Florida Institute of Certified Public Accountants (FICPA)
Specialties
  • Business and Personal Advisory
  • Multi-State Tax
  • Real Estate Investments
  • Partnerships
  • Closely Held Businesses
Industries
  • Healthcare Practices
  • Real Estate
  • Real Estate Investors
  • Architecture & Engineering
  • Professional Services
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Your Fort Myers CPA for Tax & Accounting Advisory

Fort Myers is one of Southwest Florida’s fastest-growing markets, with thriving industries in real estate, healthcare, hospitality, and small business services. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, investor, or family looking to preserve and grow wealth, your dedicated Fort Myers CPA, Chris Ries , is here to help.

As a Principal at Dark Horse CPAs, Chris provides more than tax preparation—he delivers proactive tax planning, strategic business advisory, and modern accounting solutions tailored to Fort Myers professionals and businesses. From navigating complex tax strategies to managing day-to-day accounting, Chris is a trusted partner committed to helping you achieve clarity, compliance, and long-term success.

Talk to your Fort Myers CPA
Chris Ries, CPA

Chris Ries, CPA, Principal

A few years ago, I stumbled upon Dark Horse CPAs on LinkedIn and was immediately captivated. The accounting industry often struggles with adapting to change and lacks a visionary approach. I sought a firm that prioritized advisory services, focused on clients, and valued its people. Joining Dark Horse CPAs allowed me to continue serving my clients within a firm that shares my values and those of my clients.

Tax Strategy & Compliance for Fort Myers Locals

The Problem: For many Fort Myers residents, tax season brings more than just paperwork—it brings surprises. Whether it’s an unexpected balance due, a disappointing refund, or realizing you missed valuable tax savings, the sting is real. And while Florida residents don’t pay state income tax, navigating federal tax rules, property ownership, and retirement-related planning can still be complex.

At Dark Horse CPAs, we believe in No Surprises. We work proactively with Fort Myers individuals and families to minimize federal tax liability, ensure compliance, and build forward-looking strategies. From optimizing deductions to planning around real estate, retirement, and investments, every engagement includes personalized tax strategy and compliance guidance with your CPA—so you can keep more of what you earn and plan with confidence.

Chris Ries, CPA

Chris Ries, CPA, Principal

As the saying goes, the only certainties in life are death and taxes. Taxes are often our largest expense, yet many business owners neglect to give them the attention they deserve. A successful tax strategy looks different for everyone, but it always shares a few key elements. A trusted CPA is essential to guide business owners through this process and help them make informed decisions.

Tax Strategy & Accounting Solutions for Fort Myers Businesses

The Problem: Many Fort Myers business owners operate without the timely, accurate financial data or tax strategy they need to grow. Florida’s business environment may seem simple with no state income tax, but business owners still face complex requirements like tangible personal property (TPP) tax filings, federal compliance, and industry-specific regulations. Without the right guidance, missed deadlines or uninformed decisions can cost real money.

At Dark Horse CPAs, we combine bookkeeping, tax compliance, and proactive tax planning to help Fort Myers businesses stay compliant and maximize savings. From managing TPP filings and federal tax obligations to creating year-round strategies that reduce liability, we give business owners the clarity and insight they need to make tax-smart, growth-focused decisions. With our Advisory-First approach, you’ll have a CPA partner who understands Florida’s unique tax landscape and is invested in your long-term success.

Chris Ries, CPA

Chris Ries, CPA, Principal

In accounting, the saying "garbage in, garbage out" holds true—poor financial data leads to poor business decisions. Accounting is the backbone of every business, and a lack of understanding can seriously hinder a small business's financial health and growth potential.

Frequently Asked Questions About Tax Strategies and Savings

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