Business Details
24 Years
experience
Your Trusted Partner for Accounting and Tax Solutions
At Merck & Shumen CPAs, we combine the experience of a large firm with the personalized attention that only a small firm can provide. Our clients return year after year because they know they are in capable hands, trusting us to manage both simple and complex financial needs. Founded in 2002, our firm builds upon decades of combined experience from our lead professionals, including expertise in tax planning, business valuation, and IRS representation. We specialize in strategic tax planning for individuals and businesses, financial planning for estates, auditing, and consulting for business development. Our team holds prestigious accreditations such as Accredited Business Valuation (ABV) and Personal Financial Specialist (PFS), ensuring specialized expertise in every service we deliver. We prioritize transparency, timely communication, and technical excellence, offering services like cost segregation studies, employee benefits audits, and international tax assistance.Our commitment to client satisfaction is reflected in our personalized approach, with team members actively involved in community engagement and continuous professional development. We serve clients in the Hudson Valley and beyond, leveraging advanced tools like electronic payroll systems and paperless bookkeeping to enhance efficiency. Our reputation as a trusted advisor is built on decades of service, with a focus on minimizing tax liabilities, optimizing cash flow, and providing actionable financial insights. By maintaining membership in organizations like the New York State Society of Certified Public Accountants (NYSSCPA), we uphold the highest standards of professionalism and industry leadership.
Services
Tax Services
Accounting Services
Consulting Services
Payroll Services
Estate Tax Planning
Cost Segregation Studies
International Tax Assistance
Audit Representation
Bookkeeping Services
Business Succession Planning
Details
- Year established: 2002
Highlights and features
- We offer over 35 years of combined experience in tax and accounting services.
- Our team includes ABV and PFS accredited specialists in business valuation.
- We provide customized cost segregation strategies to defer taxes and improve cash flow.
- Our employee benefits audits ensure compliance for companies with 100+ participants.
- We maintain transparent communication and use paperless systems for efficiency.
Associations and certifications
- NYSSCPA
- ABV
- PFS
Services
Tax Services
Our tax services include federal and state tax return preparation, strategic tax planning, and audit representation. We specialize in minimizing tax liabilities for individuals and businesses through methods like cost segregation studies and international tax compliance. With expertise in research credit calculations and transfer pricing, we ensure clients maximize savings while adhering to regulatory requirements.
Accounting Services
We provide comprehensive accounting services, including bookkeeping, payroll processing, and financial statement preparation. Our team offers customized electronic payroll systems, sales tax compliance, and paperless bookkeeping solutions. By handling day-to-day financial tasks, we enable businesses to focus on growth while maintaining accurate and timely financial records.
Consulting Services
Our consulting services focus on financial process optimization, business succession planning, and insolvency advisory. We help organizations enhance cash management, improve regulatory compliance, and navigate bankruptcy proceedings. With tailored strategies for mergers, acquisitions, and risk management, we act as trusted advisors to support long-term business sustainability.
Estate Tax Planning
Estate tax planning services include designing customized trusts, minimizing estate taxes, and preparing fiduciary tax returns. We assist clients in creating family limited partnerships and charitable trusts to preserve wealth across generations. Our team ensures compliance with complex estate tax regulations while aligning plans with individual client goals.
Cost Segregation Studies
Cost segregation studies identify personal property assets within real estate to accelerate depreciation deductions. This strategy defers taxes and improves cash flow for businesses in industries like hospitality, healthcare, and retail. We conduct detailed analyses to maximize tax benefits while adhering to IRS guidelines for properties acquired after 1986.
People
Richard J. Merck
Managing Director & Founder
Richard founded Merck & Shumen CPAs in 2002 after a career at KPMG Peat Marwick. He specializes in tax planning, business valuation, and IRS representation. Certified as ABV and PFS, he combines technical expertise with a personalized approach to client service.
Donald L. Shumen III
Director
Donald joined the firm in 2004 and became a shareholder in 2013. He focuses on tax reporting and consulting for corporations and nonprofits. A summa cum laude graduate, he brings precision and dedication to optimizing client tax strategies.
Leslie Lohrer
Bookkeeping Specialist
Leslie oversees bookkeeping, payroll, and sales tax services. With over 20 years of experience, she implements efficient systems for clients and leads the firm's paperless initiative to reduce environmental impact while ensuring accurate recordkeeping.
Arleen M. Schenck
Office Manager
Arleen manages billing, accounts receivable, and client relations. With IRS e-filing certification since 2004, she mediates between clients and tax authorities. Her 30+ years as a Notary Public enhance client trust in document authentication.
Evan P. Hapeman
Accountant
Evan prepares corporate and individual tax returns and handles bookkeeping. Graduating from SUNY New Paltz in 2013, he brings fresh expertise to auditing and tax compliance, supporting clients across diverse industries.
Questions
What services does Merck & Shumen CPAs offer?
We provide tax planning, accounting, consulting, payroll processing, estate tax planning, and cost segregation studies for individuals and businesses.
Are you available during tax season?
Yes, we operate Monday-Friday 9:00-5:00 and Saturdays 10:00-3:00 from January 1st to April 15th.
Do you handle international tax issues?
Yes, we assist with cross-border tax planning, entity structuring, and compliance for businesses with international operations.
What industries do you specialize in?
We work with healthcare, hospitality, manufacturing, retail, and nonprofit sectors, offering tailored financial solutions.
Can you help with business succession planning?
Yes, we advise on transferring business ownership while minimizing tax impacts and preserving family legacies.
