This week, we head out to the midwest to meet our tax pro. Christopher J. Wittich is a supervisor in the tax department at Boyum & Barenscheer PLLP with offices in Minnesota (see how I totally didn’t mention the Vikings there and I could have?). Christopher also blogs for the firm at www.BoyBarCPA.com/blog. Here’s what Christopher had to say:
1. Where are you now?
Sitting in my cubicle surrounded by my four monitors.
2. What’s your official title and what does it mean?
Tax Supervisor at Boyum & Barenscheer PLLP which means I prepare and review tax returns, do research and planning, and somewhat supervise staff that are working on tax projects that I will review.
3. What books are on your night stand?
Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis (although I haven’t started it yet)
4. If you weren’t working in the tax profession, what would your dream job be?
Definitely something sports related, probably a sports talk radio host or fantasy football writer.
5. What’s the last movie that you saw (DVD or in the theatre)?
I got to see an early showing of the new Batman movie at an IMAX theater, it was amazing. It pays to have friends who get free tickets to stuff like that.
6. Tax is a huge subject. What’s your area of special interest?
I enjoy blogging about taxes at my company’s website and I also enjoy doing research. Looking for a kernel of information about taxes can actually be fun.
7. What’s the best tax or financial advice that anyone ever gave you?
Free is a good price. I think my Dad said it first, now I say it all the time.
8. Coffee or tea?
Neither, I don’t like hot liquids.
9. Name five artists on your iPod (or mp3 player).
Maroon 5, The Rocket Summer, The Fray, The Script, and Jackson 5
10. What would I be surprised to know about you?
I love to play Ultimate Frisbee and my nickname is Ravenous Tiger.
11. What college did you attend (in what subject)?
Went to the University of Minnesota, first an undergrad in Accounting and then the Master of Business Taxation
12. If you had the opportunity to make one change in the tax code tomorrow – an extra credit, a disallowed deduction, whatever – what would it be?
I would outlaw publicly traded partnerships; they are such a big hassle to enter into tax returns.
13. What’s the best thing on TV right now?
The Daily Show and Colbert Report, especially during the political campaign season.
14. What do you think Congress will repeal first: estate tax or AMT?
I would say neither is likely, but maybe the estate tax just because politicians can’t understand how AMT really works. It would be easier for them to just chop off the estate tax.
15. If Uncle Sam handed you a huge refund check right now, what would you do with it?
Invest it or buy gummy bears, I could go either way.
16. Biggest tax newsmaker: Obama, Bloomberg or Buffett?
Obama, everything a president does is going to make news
17. And, other than taxgirl, what’s your favorite tax related web site?
http://rothcpa.com/blog-index/ for tax info and tax links and http://goingconcern.com/ which is more of a guilty pleasure tabloid for accountants
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Thanks Christopher!
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If you’d like to recommend a tax pro to be featured send your suggestions to inquiry (at) taxgirl (dot) com. Self-nominations are totally okay and, in fact, encouraged!
