Sargent & Fortmann, 506 1st Ave SE, Ste B, Mount Vernon, IA 52314, US

Classic Tax and Accounting is a young, vital and growing company. Founded in 1999 by Carol Sanderson, the company specializes in personal and business tax returns, as well as personal and small business accounting.Carol started the business after doing tax preparation for other firms for ten years in three communities. Seeking to provide more personalized service in this field, she decided to start her own business. With help and support from two kids and her husband, the business was launched in the fall of 1999. Carol took, and passed, the Enrolled Agent exam in October of 1999. The Enrolled Agent exam is to tax professionals what the bar exam is to attorneys. It's the credential that sets Carol apart from the average tax preparer.Carol experienced first-hand the trauma and satisfaction of a new and struggling small business. This makes her particularly sensitive to the needs of her business clients who are just starting out. She also brings to the table a Masters in Business Administration and experience in both retail and industry. This diverse background enables her to relate to a variety of clients.When growth was needed, Carol turned to the partner she had worked with most in her life--her spouse. Mark has a strong background in retail, including marketing, math and accounting activities. During Mark's 25 years of management he has learned much about working with others and enabling others to work together successfully. He frequently counsels clients in management issues as well as accounting issues, and is able to blend the accounting expertise with "speaking the language" of the manager. Mark has completed a comprehensive course on tax preparation as well as accounting, and has taken and passed the EA exam in 2005.Continuing education is important to Carol and Mark. Keeping up-to-date with tax law changes can maximize benefits to you. To that end, they attend numerous seminars and classes put on by the IRS, tax preparer associations, and accounting groups. Tax season is by far their busiest time of the year. However, the tempo between tax seasons is slower, allowing them to focus on accounting clients and training.Maintaining professional excellence for ourselves and our colleagues has always been important to us. Therefore we have developed and promoted the Cedar Rapids Tax Group, a group of tax professionals that share educational opportunities.We are also active in the Iowa Chapter of NATP ( National Association of Tax Professionals ), with Carol on the Board of Directors ( President in 2009 ).