A Phoenix CPA You Can Actually Talk To

Certifications

Certified Public Accountant

WealthAbility Wealth & Tax Strategy Certification

State and Local Tax Certification – Univ of Wisconsin

Adam Ripperdan, CPA

502-251-9867

adam@darkhorse.cpa

TITLE

Principal

HOMETOWN

Louisville, KY

YEARS OF EXPERIENCE

18

EDUCATION

We are kept from our goal, not by obstacles, but by a clear path to a lesser goal.

— Robert Brault

After years of working with large accounting firms servicing even larger corporations, Adam launched his own practice to help small businesses lower their taxes and enable them to invest in their business. With a robust tax planning background, he brought the “big firm” resources to the businesses that need it most, those who are often overlooked…the Dark Horse small business.

Originally envisioning himself as a high school math teacher and football coach, he found himself at a business school without a secondary education program. Given his proclivities for math, the debits and credits of accounting came naturally and were a natural transition. He has benefitted from working inside several corporate tax teams of larger multinational companies and the public-facing side of small and regional accounting firms. He has seen how much of a difference a team of tax CPAs can make for big companies and has invested over a decade into developing a highly effective approach for translating the book of incentives (aka the Internal Revenue Code) for small business owners. He has a passion for serving entrepreneurs (who he believes are the backbone of our country) and wants to give them the upper hand in navigating the increasingly complex U.S. tax system.

When not providing these tax planning and entity structuring strategies, Adam can be found outside the office, making memories with his wife and their six little tax deductions (two boys and four girls). While he hung up the football cleats and track spikes on a competitive level after college, he has found a new outlet for his love of team sports through teaching and coaching his kiddos and their friends. The truth, however, is that the family setting has been the ultimate team sport!

Specialties

Strategic Tax Planning

Entity Structure

Cost Segregation Studies

Multi-State Tax

Holding Company Setup

Industries

Real Estate (Long-Term & STR)

Healthcare Practices

Service Businesses

Your Pheonix CPA for Tax Strategy and Wealth Preservation

Phoenix’s booming economy—spanning real estate, healthcare, technology, and small business innovation—creates both opportunities and complex tax challenges. To maximize savings and protect your wealth, you need more than a tax preparer—you need a strategist. Your dedicated Phoenix CPA, Adam Ripperdan, is here to help.

As a Principal at Dark Horse CPAs, Adam focuses exclusively on tax planning and advisory services. He helps Phoenix business owners, professionals, and families minimize tax liability, optimize entity structures, and create forward-looking strategies that align with long-term financial goals. From proactive year-round planning to specialized tax strategies, Adam delivers the expertise and clarity you need to stay ahead of the IRS and keep more of what you earn.

Get Started

ADAM RIPPERDAN, PRINCIPAL

For some time now, I have seen that our industry needs a change. The old way of running accounting firms does not seem to serve the client in today’s day and age. When I found out what Dark Horse is doing, I instantly felt that they are setting up our industry to not only survive, but to thrive as well. Joining forces with everything they bring to the table allows me to better serve the clients with more engagement and real time results.

Tax Strategy & Accounting Solutions for Phoenix Businesses

The Problem: Too many Phoenix business owners make decisions without accurate financial data—or without the strategic tax planning needed to grow. While Arizona has no state income tax on wages, businesses must still manage federal obligations, sales tax, payroll compliance, and quarterly estimated tax payments. Missing deadlines or mismanaging payments can create costly penalties and cash flow strain.

The Solution: At Dark Horse CPAs, we combine bookkeeping, tax compliance, and proactive tax planning for Phoenix businesses. From managing sales tax and payroll requirements to staying on top of quarterly estimated tax payments, we help you avoid surprises and maintain healthy cash flow. With added support through cash flow forecasting, growth strategies, and Fractional CFO-level advisory, you gain the insight and strategy to move your business forward with confidence.

Solutions for Businesses

ADAM RIPPERDAN, PRINCIPAL

“Great tax advisory is like giving business owners a map to navigate the IRS Code and reach their goals legally. When you see the Tax Code as a book of incentives to grow wealth, planning becomes exciting. With professional tax services, clients always know where they stand and what steps to take next.”

Tax Strategy & Compliance for Phoenix Locals

The Problem: Many Phoenix residents only think about taxes at filing time—missing out on powerful opportunities to reduce liability. Without proactive planning, individuals risk overpaying and failing to take advantage of tax deferral strategies, retirement planning, and real estate tax benefits. Federal tax rules and Arizona-specific considerations add layers of complexity that are often overlooked.

The Solution: At Dark Horse CPAs, we put tax strategy first. We work year-round with individuals and families to implement tax deferral strategies, optimize retirement contributions, manage real estate investments, and minimize liability through proactive planning. Every engagement includes customized tax strategy designed to preserve wealth, reduce surprises, and ensure compliance with federal requirements.

Tax & Wealth Advisory for Individuals

ADAM RIPPERDAN, PRINCIPAL

"A well-crafted tax strategy and the right tax partner offer a clear Return on Investment. My clients see the value of having the right CPA on their side, reflected in the taxes they save each year."

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.

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