Krystal Ridge is a Texas CPA with more than 17 years of public and private accounting experience helping business owners and high-net-worth individuals navigate complex accounting, tax compliance, and planning needs. She specializes in tax compliance, proactive tax planning and strategy, and accounting services, with a particular focus on helping clients maintain accurate financial information, identify planning opportunities, and make informed decisions about their businesses and finances.

Krystal believes effective tax planning starts with accurate accounting and a clear understanding of each client’s unique circumstances. She works with business owners who want more than reactive tax preparation—they want reliable financial information, thoughtful guidance, and a CPA who takes the time to understand their business and help them plan ahead. Her goal is to build long-term relationships that give clients greater clarity and confidence while allowing them to focus on running and growing their businesses.

Her client focus includes professional services firms, high-net-worth individuals and their businesses, closely held and multi-entity businesses, and service-based franchise owners. Krystal was drawn to Dark Horse because its emphasis on proactive service and year-round client relationships closely aligns with the kind of CPA practice she wants to build: one centered on personalized guidance, responsiveness, and long-term value, supported by the resources and expertise of a larger CPA firm.

Originally from Big Lake, Texas, and now based in San Angelo, Krystal began her career in private accounting before transitioning to public accounting as part of her journey toward becoming a CPA. By the time she earned her license, she knew she wanted to build her career around tax.

Over the course of her career, Krystal advanced through accounting and senior tax roles before spending more than eight years with a CPA firm in West Texas, where she ultimately served as a Principal and managed the tax department. Her experience spans federal and state tax compliance for individuals, businesses, estates, and trusts, as well as advising clients on tax implications and planning opportunities.

Krystal earned both her Master of Professional Accounting and her B.B.A. in Accounting, summa cum laude, from West Texas A&M University, as well as an A.S. in Accounting from Hawaii Pacific University.

Outside of work, Krystal enjoys spending time with her husband, Jack, fishing, rockhounding, reading, and traveling anywhere with water. She also has an elderly Gerberian Shepsky, way too many cats, and a soft spot for animals.