I began my professional career in December 1994 while I was a senior at Manchester College.  I thought my internship was with Ruckman & Associates, but when I showed up for my first day on the job, I was informed that they had been purchased by American Express Tax & Business Services effective January 1, 1995.  I completed my internship and graduated from Manchester College with a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting in May 1995.  I was hired as a full-time staff accountant following graduation and have worked in the same office in Columbia City since graduation.  The name has changed twice since then. The first name change was to Starr CPA & Associates in January 2005, and then on September 1, 2019, I purchased the firm from Starr CPA & Associates, and now am 100% owner of Duffitt & Associates, LLC.

My professional areas of expertise include tax planning and preparation for businesses and self-employed individuals. My main areas of focus are individual, corporate, partnership, fiduciary & estate tax preparation & consultation.  I also serve as a business consultant by setting up & training clients on using QuickBooks computer software, reviewing and discussing client prepared financial statements, and offering timely advice on various business issues.  I also assist clients with their weekly and bi-weekly bookkeeping needs.  I am an Enrolled Agent, licensed to practice before the IRS.

I grew up in Elwood, Indiana, but moved to Columbia City in 1995 after graduation.  I currently live in Churubusco and have been married to Nila since May 2008.  We attend Sugar Grove Church of God in Churubusco.  We serve on the Community Support Team for Whitley County Youth for Christ and on the Churubusco Business, Education, and Community board.

I am actively involved with Junior Achievement of Whitley County, serving as a treasurer and classroom volunteer.  I also serve on the Whitley County Chamber finance committee.

I am a huge baseball and football fan!  My favorite baseball teams are the St. Louis Cardinals, Cleveland Indians, Fort Wayne TinCaps, and the Churubusco Eagles!  My favorite football teams are the Churubusco Eagles and Manchester University Spartans!  I have been able to serve as the public address announcer for both Churubusco football and baseball since 2009!  I announce both Varsity and JV games.  My wife Nila handles the baseball announcing for games before April 15, and after then she runs the scoreboard.  During football games, Nila serves as a spotter and keeps a drive chart so I can announce all scoring drives, yards, plays, and time.

We are accepting new clients, and I would appreciate the opportunity to serve all your individual or business tax and accounting needs!  My motto is TAXES ARE LOTS AND LOTS OF FUN, and I truly believe in my motto and enjoy helping clients prepare accurate and correct tax returns while paying the least amount of tax as the tax code allows!