A Nashville CPA You Can Actually Talk To

Certifications

Certified Public Accountant

QuickBooks Pro Advisor

Book a Meeting

Wendy Wessel, CPA

615-673-4160

wendywessel@darkhorse.cpa

TITLE

Principal

HOMETOWN

Nashville, TN

YEARS OF EXPERIENCE

18

EDUCATION

You miss 100% of the shots you don't take.

— Wayne Gretzky

Being raised on the family farm in rural Michigan, Wendy discovered early on that bailing hay in the summer heat, day after day, was about the worst thing she could imagine doing with her life. She planted a seed of a different kind when she worked for her aunt in high school, typing up tax returns that her aunt prepared by hand. That seed would begin to germinate when she helped a friend start a small business, handling the bookkeeping for the company.

So, she went back to school and earned her Bachelor’s degree in accounting from Northwood University. After college, she took a job at a small town firm where she learned how to prepare tax returns without the assistance of software, an unfamiliar and unfathomable concept to millennials and subsequent generations. She then went on to work for a larger firm and a boutique firm both in Nashville, where she developed extensive experience in tax compliance, tax planning and advisory services for businesses and high net worth individuals. She also currently serves on the Federal Tax Committee for TSCPA.

Outside her professional endeavors, Wendy loves following her favorite sports teams. In fact, her and her husband are season ticket holders for both the Nashville Predators and Nashville SC. She also loves exploring her city, especially the myriad live music options Nashville has to offer. Wendy is pure rock-n-roll.

Specialties

High-Net Worth Individuals

Closely Held Businesses

Industries

Real Estate

Medical Practices

Legal

Tax & Accounting Advisory from your Nashville CPA

Nashville’s thriving business scene and fast-growing economy make it a destination for entrepreneurs, creatives, and established companies alike. Whether you’re running a small business, managing personal wealth, or planning for long-term growth, your dedicated Nashville CPA, Wendy Wessel, is here to help. As a Dark Horse Principal, Wendy provides proactive tax strategy, accounting advisory, and financial guidance tailored to Nashville business owners, individuals, and families who want more than just compliance—they want a trusted advisor invested in their success.

Tax Strategy & Accounting Solutions for Nashville Businesses

The Problem: Too many Nashville business owners operate without timely, accurate, and actionable financial data. Even worse, many aren’t getting the tax planning and strategic advisory they need, which leaves money on the table and creates avoidable risk. In a city powered by healthcare, music, real estate, and small business innovation, that lack of insight can stall growth.

At Dark Horse CPAs, we combine bookkeeping, tax compliance, and proactive tax strategy for Nashville businesses. From managing federal requirements and Tennessee franchise & excise taxes to designing strategies that improve cash flow, reduce liability, and support long-term growth, we deliver clarity you can trust. With our Advisory-First approach, you’ll have a proactive partner who goes beyond compliance—helping you make tax-smart, growth-focused decisions year-round.

Solutions for Businesses

Tax Strategy & Compliance for Nashville Locals

The Problem: Many Nashville residents don’t realize the true cost of taxes until they file their return—whether it’s an unexpected balance due, a smaller refund than anticipated, or the realization they missed opportunities to save. With both Tennessee state rules and complex federal regulations to navigate, compliance and planning can quickly get overwhelming without the right guidance.

At Dark Horse CPAs, we believe in No Surprises. That’s why we work proactively with individuals and families in Nashville to minimize liability, ensure compliance, and build forward-looking strategies. From multi-state filings and retirement planning to real estate tax strategy and wealth preservation, every engagement includes personalized tax planning so you’re always prepared, never reactive.

Tax & Wealth Advisory for Individuals

WENDY WESSEL, PRINCIPAL

“There are many ways to educate and strategize with clients on tax liabilities, it all starts with a conversation. Meeting with each client throughout the year is critical to provide the proactive tax guidance I believe makes the biggest impact. That is why I love working at Dark Horse where planning comes first and is a requirement of every engagement from the onset."

Nancy R.

I have used James Larsen as my CPA for many years and am confident in his work ethic and tax knowledge.

Kyle T.

With our prior accountant we didn't feel we were receiving adequate tax guidance and felt we were always paying more than our fair share of taxes. We have been very pleased with the service we have received with Adam Ripperdan. He has taken the time to review in detail our current situation and upcoming plans. With that information he has helped us create tax strategies for our businesses, investments, and personal taxes that not only help us save on taxes but also helps us plan for the future. I highly recommend Dark Horse CPAs.

Patrick W.

I was referred to Max by a friend who is also a small business owner. I was definitely in need of direction when it came to my finances. After speaking with Max I was able to understand how I can be efficient in the accounting side of my business and he and his team is there to guide me every step of the way. I'm now confident I have the right team watching my books I highly recommend Max and Dark Horse CPAs.

Marisa M.

I had the pleasure of working with Stella and she was absolutely incredible. I had received what I suspected was bad advice from a previous tax preparer, and I was looking for another professional opinion on a specific tax situation. I found Dark Horse and Stella and I couldn't be happier. Stella confirmed what I had suspected about the previous tax situation being handled incorrectly by my former preparer at a different firm, and helped me fix the problem. Stella was prompt, exceedingly professional, and actually took the time to explain everything. Prices for services are fair. I am thrilled to have found a knowledgeable, trustworthy tax advisor and I look forward to continue working with Stella in the future.

Susan H.

Megan, Kim and staff were very prompt filing our business and personal taxes. The secure email site to upload our documents was very user friendly. The staff was also extremely prompt answering our questions through email and on the phone. In addition, Megan met with us personally a couple of times several months in advance to map out a plan for our business and personal taxes. Thank you all!

Quinn R.

We signed on with Adam's accounting group after bouncing around trying to find the right 'fit' with other companies. I knew immediately that we found what we needed when Adam took the time to sit down and talk to me about my business, my plans, my goals and where I wanted my company to be in the next 2, 5, 10 years. Adam and his team are responsive - and by that, I mean proactive - which is probably the single best reason to use Dark Horse. After 8 years and 3 different accounting firms we found what we need with Dark Horse.

Blogs and Pods

Whether you prefer the written word or the spoken word, we've got meaningful commentary that will help you focus on what's important when it comes to your financial situation and taxes.

Sign up below to be subscribed to need-to-know information and news that affects your business and your personal financial situation.