Meet Our Chicago Tax Experts
A team of dedicated professionals with deep expertise in Chicago, Illinois, and federal tax matters.
Chicago’s Premier Tax Strategy Team
At Chicago Tax Strategies, we’ve assembled a team of highly credentialed tax professionals with specialized knowledge of the unique tax landscape in Chicago and surrounding communities. Our experts bring decades of combined experience helping individuals and businesses throughout the Chicagoland area navigate complex tax challenges while identifying valuable opportunities for tax savings.
What sets our team apart is our deep understanding of the multi-layered tax environment that Chicago residents and businesses face. From Cook County property tax intricacies to Chicago-specific business taxes and Illinois state requirements, our professionals have the local expertise needed to provide truly tailored guidance.
Michael Rodriguez, CPA
MBA
CTEC
With over 20 years of experience in Chicago tax planning, Michael specializes in helping businesses structure their operations to minimize tax burdens while maximizing growth opportunities. His deep knowledge of Chicago’s neighborhood-specific tax incentives has helped numerous businesses optimize their locations for tax advantages.
Areas of Expertise:
- Chicago Business Entity Selection & Structuring
- Chicago Neighborhood Tax Incentives
- Strategic Business Tax Planning
- Cook County Property Tax Strategies
- TIF District & Opportunity Zone Planning
Michael is a graduate of the University of Chicago Booth School of Business and an active member of the Illinois CPA Society.
Jennifer Washington, EA
MST
Jennifer brings 15 years of specialized experience in individual tax planning for Chicago professionals and high-net-worth families. Her expertise in navigating both federal and Illinois tax requirements helps clients develop comprehensive strategies that account for Chicago’s unique tax environment.
Areas of Expertise:
- Individual Income Tax Strategy
- Investment Tax Planning
- Chicago Real Estate Investor Taxation
- Multi-state Tax Planning
- Retirement Tax Strategies
Jennifer holds a Master of Science in Taxation from DePaul University and is authorized to represent taxpayers before the IRS nationwide.
David Patel, CPA
JD
David combines his accounting and legal expertise to provide comprehensive tax solutions for Chicago businesses across various industries. His knowledge of both federal tax law and Chicago-specific business regulations allows him to develop strategies that address multiple layers of tax compliance and planning.
Areas of Expertise:
- Chicago Business Tax Compliance
- Tax Controversy Resolution
- IRS & Illinois Audit Representation
- Business Succession Planning
- International Tax Matters
David earned his JD from Loyola University Chicago School of Law and his accounting degree from University of Illinois at Chicago. He regularly contributes to tax publications focusing on Chicago business tax matters.
Sarah Lee, CPA
MSRED
Sarah specializes in real estate taxation throughout the Chicago metropolitan area. Her expertise in Cook County’s complex property tax system and neighborhood-specific real estate incentives makes her an invaluable resource for property investors, developers, and homeowners.
Areas of Expertise:
- Cook County Property Tax Appeals
- Real Estate Investment Strategies
- Chicago Opportunity Zone Investments
- 1031 Exchange Planning
- Real Estate Development Tax Incentives
Sarah holds a Master of Science in Real Estate Development from Roosevelt University and previously worked with the Cook County Assessor’s Office, giving her unique insight into Chicago’s property tax system.
Robert Kim, EA
CFP
Robert’s integrated approach to tax and financial planning helps Chicago individuals and families optimize their tax positions while building long-term wealth. He specializes in developing comprehensive strategies that consider both immediate tax savings and long-term financial goals.
Areas of Expertise:
- Tax-Efficient Investment Planning
- Retirement Tax Strategies
- Estate and Gift Tax Planning
- Tax-Efficient Charitable Giving
- Illinois-Specific Retirement Planning
Robert is a Certified Financial Planner™ professional and Enrolled Agent who frequently conducts tax planning workshops throughout Chicago’s neighborhoods and suburban communities.
Maria Lopez, CPA
MBA
Maria focuses on the unique tax needs of Chicago’s diverse small business community. Her practical approach helps entrepreneurs throughout Chicago’s neighborhoods navigate complex tax requirements while implementing strategies to minimize tax burdens and reinvest in their businesses.
Areas of Expertise:
- Small Business Startup Tax Planning
- Chicago Business License Tax Requirements
- Self-Employment Tax Strategies
- Industry-Specific Tax Planning
- Chicago Home-Based Business Taxation
Maria earned her MBA from Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management and serves on the board of the Hispanic Business Network of Chicago.
Our Credentials & Professional Standards
The Chicago Tax Strategies team maintains the highest professional standards and credentials in the tax industry. Our commitment to ongoing education ensures we stay current with the constantly evolving tax landscape at the federal, state, and local levels.
Professional Designations
Our team members hold a variety of prestigious credentials that require rigorous education, examination, and continuing education:
Continuing Education & Professional Development
Tax laws change constantly, particularly in Chicago’s dynamic tax environment. Our team exceeds minimum continuing education requirements to ensure we’re always at the forefront of tax strategy and compliance.
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Annual Chicago Tax ConferenceOur entire team participates in this comprehensive update on Chicago-specific tax developments.
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Illinois CPA Society Tax WorkshopsRegular participation in specialized sessions on Illinois state tax matters.
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Chicago Real Estate Tax SymposiumAnnual event focusing on property tax and real estate investment tax strategies in Cook County.
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Federal Tax UpdatesComprehensive review of federal tax changes and their impact on Chicago taxpayers.
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Industry-Specific Tax WorkshopsSpecialized training in taxation for Chicago’s key industries including technology, hospitality, professional services, and manufacturing.
Our Core Values
Expertise
We maintain deep knowledge of Chicago’s unique tax landscape, combining local insights with federal and state expertise to provide truly comprehensive guidance.
Meet Our Chicago Tax Experts
A team of dedicated professionals with deep expertise in Chicago, Illinois, and federal tax matters.
Chicago’s Premier Tax Strategy Team
At Chicago Tax Strategies, we’ve assembled a team of highly credentialed tax professionals with specialized knowledge of the unique tax landscape in Chicago and surrounding communities. Our experts bring decades of combined experience helping individuals and businesses throughout the Chicagoland area navigate complex tax challenges while identifying valuable opportunities for tax savings.
What sets our team apart is our deep understanding of the multi-layered tax environment that Chicago residents and businesses face. From Cook County property tax intricacies to Chicago-specific business taxes and Illinois state requirements, our professionals have the local expertise needed to provide truly tailored guidance.
Michael Rodriguez, CPA
MBA
CTEC
With over 20 years of experience in Chicago tax planning, Michael specializes in helping businesses structure their operations to minimize tax burdens while maximizing growth opportunities. His deep knowledge of Chicago’s neighborhood-specific tax incentives has helped numerous businesses optimize their locations for tax advantages.
Areas of Expertise:
- Chicago Business Entity Selection & Structuring
- Chicago Neighborhood Tax Incentives
- Strategic Business Tax Planning
- Cook County Property Tax Strategies
- TIF District & Opportunity Zone Planning
Michael is a graduate of the University of Chicago Booth School of Business and an active member of the Illinois CPA Society.
Jennifer Washington, EA
MST
Jennifer brings 15 years of specialized experience in individual tax planning for Chicago professionals and high-net-worth families. Her expertise in navigating both federal and Illinois tax requirements helps clients develop comprehensive strategies that account for Chicago’s unique tax environment.
Areas of Expertise:
- Individual Income Tax Strategy
- Investment Tax Planning
- Chicago Real Estate Investor Taxation
- Multi-state Tax Planning
- Retirement Tax Strategies
Jennifer holds a Master of Science in Taxation from DePaul University and is authorized to represent taxpayers before the IRS nationwide.
David Patel, CPA
JD
David combines his accounting