A Scottsdale 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

First Class Service from Your Scottsdale CPA

At Dark Horse CPAs, we offer customized financial reporting and winning tax strategies at competitive pricing. From bookkeeping to tax preparation and fractional CFO services, your dedicated CPA can handle it so you can focus on growing what matters to you most. We’re proud to serve Scottsdale, Arizona.

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.

Accounting Solutions for Businesses.

The Problem: Business owners aren't getting timely, accurate and actionable data from their financials. Even worse, they're not receiving tax planning advice from their, "tax pro," which is costing them untold amounts of money. This is just plain wrong. We believe you deserve a better small business accounting firm.

Solutions for Businesses

ADAM RIPPERDAN, PRINCIPAL

“I have found that it is easier to arrive at my desired destination with a map. Armed with this logic, I see great tax advisory service as arming a Business owner with a blueprint of how to navigate the complex IRS Code and arrive at their desired goals…legally! It actually gets kind of (dare I say) Fun, when you realize that the Tax Code book is just a book of incentives to create and grow your wealth. With professional tax services, our clients always know real time where they stand, and what steps to take next.”

Tax Services for People.

The Problem: It’s not until you file your personal tax return that you feel the sting of your tax situation. Whether it’s an unwanted surprise in the amount owed or refunded, or the realization that you left significant tax savings on the table, the sting hurts. We believe in No Surprises, especially the bad kind. This is why we work collaboratively with our clients to ensure they plan for and reduce taxes wherever possible. We make sure every engagement requires a level of Tax Planning with your CPA, period.

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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