Curtis Root, CPA, CSEP

Merging the two aspects of helping people have a better life and analyzing issues is what led Curtis to public accounting. He attended Wabash Valley College in Mt. Carmel, Illinois, where he graduated in 1991 as a member of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society.  Realizing that his future was in accounting, Curtis left the family farm in Wabash County to further his education at Eastern Illinois University in Charleston. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in business with a major in accounting in December of 1993 and successfully completed the CPA exam in November of 1994. Curtis is licensed to practice public accounting in the State of Illinois.

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For Curtis, being of service to others is not something to be done; it is a way of life. Being a Certified Public Accountant has allowed him to work directly with people on a daily basis to help them make good financial decisions. “Good decisions are usually based upon good planning and being informed. I take great pride in trying to find the best solutions for people. I make every effort to not only solve problems but also to plan for the future and the many unknowns that are yet to come."

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Good planning takes a great deal of knowledge. Since becoming a CPA in 1994, Curtis has experience in a vast array of areas. Serving as an accountant, he has helped businesses establish sound business processes, create meaningful financial information, and has consulted with them to make good business decisions. He has also provided audit services for manufacturing, construction, and service companies, as well as, not-for-profit organizations, counties, municipalities, townships, and school districts. Curtis has assisted in the implementation and utilization of accounting software programs including extensive knowledge of using QuickBooks for small businesses.

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Providing advanced tax services is where Curtis differentiates himself from many other professionals. He has extensive knowledge in farm and family business taxation and planning for minimization of self-employment taxes. He has also established himself as someone who does 360 degrees of planning. He provides tax efficient solutions and advice that are ethical. He consults on issues relating to business formation, entity selection, and tax compliance.
 
He also has completed the stringent curriculum and requirements for certification as a Certified Specialist in Estate Planning® (CSEP) and is able to authoritatively advise his clients on complex estate planning matters. “Estate planning deals primarily with establishing and implementing a plan to effectively distribute a person’s wealth to others. Proper planning is only effective if done prior to death. Most people fail to properly plan their estates and unfortunately many times create unpleasant situations for their heirs.” With a 360-degree planning concept all areas relating to finances are considered in the planning process to provide a complete strategy for maximizing a person’s potential.

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Curtis and his wife Debbie have lived in Tuscola since 1994. They have two children and have been active members of the community.