Shirlee Hattem, EA/ATA/ATP/ECS:

Tax Expertise You Can Trust

When you’re looking for someone to prepare your taxes, plan your financial future, or help with IRS problems, the professional you choose matters. You want more than just a preparer who can plug numbers into a form. You want someone who understands the tax code deeply, who can represent you before the IRS if needed, and who has the experience to guide you toward smart strategies.

That is exactly what Shirlee Hattem, EA/ATA/ATP/ECS, offers. Shirlee has been in the tax field since 1988. Over the decades, she has worked with thousands of clients, ranging from individuals filing their first return to large corporations managing complex, multi-state obligations. Her career covers the full spectrum: small businesses, family-owned companies, entrepreneurs, and established enterprises.

Shirlee’s qualifications go far beyond ordinary. She holds four respected designations: Enrolled Agent (EA), Accredited Tax Advisor (ATA), Accredited Tax Preparer (ATP), and ECS (a specialized credential in complex tax strategies, estates, and planning). Each credential carries its own set of responsibilities and expertise. Together, they make her one of the most qualified professionals you can have in your corner.

Below, you’ll learn what each of these designations means in the world of tax preparation, why they matter to you, and how Shirlee brings them together to deliver exceptional service.

EA — Enrolled Agent: The IRS-Recognized Tax Expert

The Enrolled Agent (EA) designation is one of the most powerful credentials in the tax world. It is granted directly by the Internal Revenue Service. Enrolled Agents are federally licensed tax practitioners with unlimited rights to represent taxpayers before the IRS.

To earn this credential, a professional must either pass a rigorous three-part examination that covers individual tax, business tax, and representation practices—or must have years of qualifying experience working for the IRS itself. Enrolled Agents must also complete annual continuing education to stay current with changes in tax law.

For clients, this means Shirlee can:

• Represent you before the IRS. If you receive a notice, face an audit, or need to negotiate a payment plan, Shirlee can speak directly to the IRS on your behalf.

• Navigate complex tax rules. From depreciation schedules to partnership allocations, she knows how the law applies to your unique situation.

• Ensure ethical, compliant practices. EAs must adhere to strict ethical guidelines set out in Circular 230, giving you peace of mind.

This credential alone would make Shirlee an excellent choice. But she didn’t stop there.

ATA — Accredited Tax Advisor: Advanced Planning for Complex Needs

The Accredited Tax Advisor (ATA) designation is awarded to professionals who demonstrate advanced competency in tax planning and consulting. Unlike the EA, which focuses heavily on representation and compliance, the ATA goes deeper into strategy.

An ATA knows how to look at the big picture of your finances—your business structure, your investments, your retirement plans, even your estate goals—and help you design a tax strategy that saves money legally and efficiently.

Here’s what Shirlee can do with her ATA expertise:

• Business planning. Advising on whether your company should be structured as an LLC, S corporation, or C corporation, and adjusting as circumstances change.

• Retirement strategies. Helping you choose between retirement plans (SEP, SIMPLE, 401(k), defined benefit) to maximize deductions and prepare for the future.

• Compensation planning. Guiding how you or your employees are paid to minimize payroll taxes and maximize after-tax benefits.

• Succession and estate considerations. Planning for business transitions, buyouts, or family transfers with minimal tax consequences.

With Shirlee’s ATA knowledge, you’re not just filing taxes—you’re building a plan that works for years to come.

ATP — Accredited Tax Preparer: Accuracy and Compliance on Every Return

The Accredited Tax Preparer (ATP) credential highlights a professional’s skill in preparing accurate tax returns for individuals. It requires demonstrated knowledge of the Form 1040 series and all of its related schedules and attachments.

This credential ensures that Shirlee is more than just a strategist—she’s also meticulous when it comes to the details of your annual filing. That means she can:

• Spot deductions and credits. Education expenses, child tax credits, energy credits, and health coverage exemptions—Shirlee knows them all.

• Handle complex returns. From rental property schedules to small business income to capital gains and losses, nothing gets overlooked.

• Reduce errors and red flags. Careful preparation means fewer chances of triggering an IRS notice.

• Adapt to life changes. Marriage, divorce, dependents, education, home purchases, and other changes are handled with precision.

The ATP credential emphasizes accuracy and ethics—two qualities that Shirlee has demonstrated throughout her decades-long career.

ECS — Specialized Certification in Complex Tax Strategy

The ECS credential (sometimes referred to as Estate and Complex Specialist or similar advanced certifications) represents additional specialized training in estate taxation, elder-care tax issues, and complex planning strategies.

This area of practice matters more than ever as families and businesses deal with multi-generational wealth transfers, trusts, and complicated ownership structures. With ECS expertise, Shirlee can:

• Navigate estate and trust taxation. She understands fiduciary accounting, distribution deductions, and special IRS elections for trusts.

• Help with elder-care planning. For families caring for aging parents, she integrates medical deductions, long-term-care issues, and caregiver tax responsibilities.

• Assist with intergenerational wealth transfers. Whether it’s setting up education funds or planning gifts, Shirlee knows the tax consequences and benefits.

• Work on complex ownership cases. Family businesses, real estate entities, and charitable strategies often require ECS-level understanding.

For clients with more than straightforward income and deductions, this specialized knowledge is a tremendous advantage.

How Shirlee Helps: More Than Just Filing

With these four credentials combined, Shirlee provides a 360-degree approach to taxes. Her services extend far beyond filling out forms.

1. Preparation

Shirlee prepares accurate returns for:

• Individuals with all levels of complexity, from simple W-2 wages to intricate investment portfolios.

• Small businesses, including sole proprietorships, partnerships, LLCs, and corporations.

• Estates and trusts requiring fiduciary returns.

• Multi-state filings for individuals and companies operating across state lines.

2. Planning and Tax Avoidance Strategies

Filing correctly is one thing—but paying less tax legally is another. Shirlee helps clients with:

• Entity optimization. Choosing the best legal and tax structure for your business.

• Timing strategies. Deciding whether to accelerate or defer income and expenses.

• Retirement planning. Structuring contributions and distributions for maximum benefit.

• Family strategies. Using credits, deductions, and gifting rules to minimize taxes.

• Real estate planning. Handling depreciation, 1031 exchanges, and passive activity rules.

These proactive strategies can save thousands of dollars, year after year.

3. Help with Tax Legal Problems

Not all tax professionals are equipped to step in when problems arise—but Shirlee is. As an EA, she can represent you directly before the IRS or state taxing authorities. Services include:

• Responding to IRS and state notices.

• Handling audits with preparation, documentation, and negotiation.

• Setting up payment arrangements or seeking penalty abatements.

• Filing amended returns to correct past mistakes.

• Coordinating with attorneys and financial advisors when legal and tax matters overlap.

Whether the problem is small or serious, Shirlee’s calm expertise and ability to act on your behalf take the stress off your shoulders.

A Track Record Since 1988

Credentials are important, but experience tells the real story. Shirlee has been working in the tax profession since 1988. That’s more than three decades of tax seasons, each with its own challenges, law changes, and economic shifts.

Over the years, she has:

• Served thousands of individual clients, including students, retirees, and families.

• Worked with small businesses in industries ranging from retail to services to real estate.

• Guided large corporations with complex filing needs and multi-state or multi-entity structures.

• Helped clients through audits, IRS correspondence, and state disputes.

• Built long-term relationships where planning and preparation go hand-in-hand.

That longevity reflects reliability. Clients return year after year because they trust her judgment, her accuracy, and her dedication to their best interests.

Why Choose Shirlee Hattem

Choosing a tax professional is one of the most important financial decisions you make. Here’s why Shirlee stands out:

• Four respected credentials. EA, ATA, ATP, and ECS give her both breadth and depth of knowledge.

• Over 35 years of experience. Since 1988, she has weathered every change in the tax code.

• Thousands of satisfied clients. Individuals, small businesses, and corporations all rely on her.

• A balanced approach. Preparation for today, planning for tomorrow, and protection if problems arise.

• Personalized service. Every client’s situation is unique, and Shirlee takes the time to understand yours.

Final Endorsement

If you want a tax professional who does more than fill out forms—someone who helps you prepare accurately, strategize wisely, and defend your interests confidently—then Shirlee Hattem EA/ATA/ATP/ECS is the professional you need.

With decades of experience, thousands of satisfied clients, and four powerful credentials, Shirlee offers the complete package. She can:

• Prepare your returns with precision.

• Build strategies that reduce your tax liability year after year.

• Stand by your side in front of the IRS or state authorities.

• Guide you through personal, business, estate, and complex tax situations.

Your money matters. Your peace of mind matters. And with Shirlee Hattem on your side, both are in good hands.