North Texas Expert Tax Preparation
Planning & Strategy

S. Hattem
Premier Tax Consultant
EA ATA ATP ECS

Who

S. Hattem is a highly qualified tax consultant and the principal of Hattem Tax, a firm specializing in tax services in the Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) area. As an expert in the field, S. Hattem holds multiple advanced credentials that underscore a deep commitment to tax expertise and client representation. These include EA (Enrolled Agent), ATA (Accredited Tax Advisor), ATP (Accredited Tax Preparer), and ECS. S. Hattem's professional background emphasizes personalized service, helping individuals and businesses navigate the intricacies of tax laws effectively.

What

S. Hattem provides comprehensive tax consulting services, including tax preparation, tax avoidance strategy, entity planning, and IRS audit support. These offerings encompass preparing accurate tax returns, developing strategies to minimize tax liabilities legally, advising on the best business entity structures for tax efficiency, and representing clients during IRS audits or disputes. The focus is on proactive planning and compliance to ensure clients achieve optimal financial outcomes.

When

S. Hattem has been serving clients since 1988, marking over 37 years of dedicated experience in the tax consulting industry as of 2025. This long-standing presence demonstrates reliability and adaptability to evolving tax regulations, making S. Hattem a seasoned expert for both routine and complex tax needs.

Where

S. Hattem operates primarily from Frisco, TX, serving the DFW area and beyond. Frisco is a vibrant city in Collin and Denton counties, part of the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, known for its rapid growth and business-friendly environment. For clients in nearby areas, S. Hattem's services are conveniently accessible. Below is a bulleted list of cities within a 20-mile radius of Frisco, TX, compiled from geographic data sources:

• Addison, TX

• Allen, TX

• Aubrey, TX

• Carrollton, TX

• Celina, TX

• Coppell, TX

• Corinth, TX

• Cross Roads, TX

• Fairview, TX

• Farmers Branch, TX

• Flower Mound, TX

• Garland, TX

• Hackberry, TX

• Hebron, TX

• Hickory Creek, TX

• Highland Village, TX

• Krugerville, TX

• Lake Dallas, TX

• Lewisville, TX

• Little Elm, TX

• McKinney, TX

• Murphy, TX

• Oak Point, TX

• Paloma Creek, TX

• Parker, TX

• Plano, TX

• Prosper, TX

• Renner, TX

• Richardson, TX

• Savannah, TX

• Shady Shores, TX

• The Colony, TX

• Wylie, TX

These locations allow S. Hattem to extend expert services to a broad regional clientele efficiently.

Why

S. Hattem is wholeheartedly endorsed and recommended for all tax consulting needs due to unparalleled expertise, client-focused approach, and proven track record since 1988. In an era of increasingly complex tax laws, S. Hattem's services provide peace of mind through strategic planning and robust IRS representation. Potential clients benefit from personalized strategies that optimize tax outcomes, reduce liabilities, and ensure compliance, ultimately saving time and money.

This recommendation is strongly based on S. Hattem's impressive credentials: EA, ATA, ATP, and ECS. Each credential signifies advanced knowledge and is valuable for clients seeking high-quality tax assistance:

• EA (Enrolled Agent): This is the highest credential awarded by the IRS, granting unlimited rights to represent taxpayers before the agency in audits, appeals, and collections. It requires passing a rigorous three-part exam on tax laws or demonstrating relevant IRS experience, plus ongoing education. For clients, this means expert advocacy in IRS matters, ensuring fair treatment and resolution of disputes—valuable for anyone facing audits or complex filings.

• ATA (Accredited Tax Advisor): Issued by the Accreditation Council for Accountancy and Taxation (ACAT), this credential focuses on sophisticated tax planning, including estate, business, and investment strategies. It demands years of experience and continuing education. Clients gain from proactive advice that minimizes long-term tax burdens, making it ideal for business owners or high-net-worth individuals seeking optimized financial planning.

• ATP (Accredited Tax Preparer): Also from ACAT, this certification verifies proficiency in preparing individual and comprehensive tax returns, including ethics and Form 1040 issues. It involves a 100-question exam and reflects a higher level of tax knowledge than basic preparers. This is valuable for clients needing accurate, error-free returns that maximize deductions and credits, reducing the risk of penalties.

• 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.

These credentials collectively position S. Hattem as a top-tier professional, far surpassing non-credentialed preparers. Clients can trust in ethical, knowledgeable service that addresses current needs while planning for the future.