Snow has started falling in the mountains and that means tax season is looming for everyone.

That is why today I am speaking with Parker and Aimee McAbery, owners and certified public accountants for San Jaun Accounting. Aimee and Parker are both number dynamos as well as adventure seekers. Oh, and they're also a happily married couple.

You both ran the Imogene Pass Run and I've seen you hiking on numerous mountain hikes. What other adventurous things do you two do?

In addition to trail running and hiking, we enjoy back country skiing, nordic skiing, backpacking and traveling.

Where are from and what brought you to Ridgway?

Parker grew up in Tulsa, Okla., and Aimee grew up in Golden, Colo. We moved to Ridgway like so many others for the mountains, serenity, and quality of life.

What made you both say "accounting!" for a career?

Aimee: I have always been a very detail oriented individual and numbers have always made sense to me, so after finishing high school, I enrolled in the accounting program at the University of Illinois. I really enjoyed my accounting classes and therefore pursued a degree in accounting. After receiving a bachelors in accountancy, I obtained my CPA certification.

Parker: I grew up in an entrepreneurial family. I was involved in the family business from a young age, which sparked my interest to pursue a career in business. I attended the University of Colorado's Business School. After a couple of accounting courses, I decided accounting was for me. I enrolled in the accounting program and graduated with a bachelors and masters in accounting. I then obtained my CPA certification.

What advantages does a husband/wife accounting team have that others may not?

We have always worked well together. We actually met while working at PricewaterhouseCoopers, a Big 4 Accounting Firm. We really enjoy working together, as we are able to bounce ideas off of each other, discuss tax strategies and implications, and take advantage of our different specialties.

I feel most people think they need to own a business to get the full advantages an accountant has to offer. What can you as accountants offer those who just get a paycheck and maybe own a home with their personal finances?

There are several tax benefits for individual taxpayers, such as real estate exchanges, IRA contributions, Health Savings Accounts, the Sale of Primary Residence exclusion, etc. As a CPA we can help individual taxpayers take advantage of tax benefits through individual tax planning.

What is the one bit of advice you would give to people such as me who feel they can do their own personal taxes every year?

Many people like to complete their own taxes rather than hiring a CPA. Oftentimes, taxpayers, completing their own return, fail to take advantage of a variety of tax benefits such as Health Savings Accounts, Tax Credits, Donating Appreciated Property, IRA Contributions, etc. As a CPA, we are required to keep current on the continually changing tax code. Therefore, in completing your return, we can ensure that you take advantage of all applicable tax benefits.

When should someone start thinking about their taxes, or should people always be thinking about their taxes?

Taxpayers should always be thinking about tax matters such as, quarterly estimated payments, adequate W-2 withholdings, real estate exchange implications and IRA contributions. There are many ways to minimize tax liabilities through tax planning.

Tax season is approaching, how do people get in touch with you?

The best way to contact us is via phone. Our office phone number is 626-4446.