Five Questions With: David DiSanto

"WE FINISHED at noon on April 15, but the last two weeks of tax season does get a bit crazy with people putting in 15-hour days," said David DiSanto, managing partner at DiSanto, Priest & Co. /

Like most accountants, David DiSanto is breathing sighs of relief this week now that April 15 is behind him. DiSanto is the managing partner at DiSanto, Priest & Co., which has a staff of more than 30 CPAs.
After a brief respite, DiSanto’s attention is already turning to this tax year’s duties. He agreed to answer a few questions about April 15 and beyond.

PBN: How much sleep did you get in the days leading up to April 15? How many hours were you putting in?
DiSANTO:
We were certain to get plenty of sleep in the days leading up to April 15. It is important to stay sharp when preparing technical tax returns, so sleep is essential. We finished at noon on April 15, but the last two weeks of tax season does get a bit crazy with people putting in 15-hour days.

PBN: What does your firm do to mark the passing of the tax deadline?
DiSANTO:
We celebrate the completion of Tax Day by taking the entire firm for food and drinks at a local restaurant, and then everyone gets to go home. It’s our way to say thanks and to return everyone to their rightful owners – their family.

PBN: How many tax returns were you involved with filing this year?
DiSANTO:
Personally, about 100, but our firm processes about 2,500, and each partner averages around 300.

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PBN: Was there any particular new tax wrinkle that created filing problems this time around?
DiSANTO:
No new tax wrinkles, but the way returns are being filed is changing. Many states require e-filing, which adds a little complexity to the process, mostly in educating our clients.

PBN: Is the collection of fees more difficult this year because of economic conditions?
DiSANTO:
As far as collection of fees is concerned, the jury is still out. We will be sending out most of our invoices this week. My guess is that clients are going to take a little longer to pay than in the past.

BONUS QUESTION: Looking ahead, what’s the next deadline or task that you will be focusing on?
DiSANTO:
Our focus coming out of busy season will turn to areas where we, as accountants, financial planners and business consultants, can offer the most value to our clients. During tax season, we play the role of historian, recording what has already happened. From April 16 through Dec. 31, we direct our efforts to working with clients to help plan their financial future. We have built a firm with many talented people in many different areas – tax experts, business valuation consultants, investment advisers, insurance consultants, IT consultants – to name a few. It is at this time that we bring the most value to our clients with these services.

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