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Richard E. Morris, CPA, MST

Executive Vice President | Director - Tax Services

"While the basics of our work for each client might be the same, each one’s situation is always unique. Understanding them and relaying that understanding is very important to building a mutually beneficial relationship."

Richard E. Morris, CPA, MST, chose a career in accounting because he enjoys problem-solving and finds helping owners of closely-held businesses work through their tax puzzles incredibly fulfilling. That enthusiasm, coupled with his self-proclaimed substantial quality of chugging along until the job is done, has served him – and clients – well for more than 35 years.

The analytical, creative and thorough executive committee partner and director of tax services at Councilor, Buchanan & Mitchell (CBM) works side-by-side with closely-held and family businesses, their owners, key personnel and executives to create optimal, custom tax planning and compliance strategies. Richard approaches every client with the mindset of “organic planning for the whole.” It’s not just “Tom’s Enterprises,” he explains, using a figurative example. It’s Tom, his family, and his key employees because Richard knows people go into business to make money for their family and community – not the government – so the primary goal is to help them minimize liabilities and capitalize on growth opportunities

He also has extensive experience in trusts and estates, corporate, individual and partnership taxation and planning, and advising on compensation, retirement planning and succession matters. Richard holds a Series 65 Securities License and has worked with various associations and boards on their investment policies and management.

Richard enjoys working closely with clients who have unusual or complex tax issues that require customized solutions beyond general tax compliance. He also has substantial involvement in not-for-profit tax and accounting issues, including public and private foundations, and unrelated business income tax issues. He also represents clients before the IRS and various state and city governmental agencies on many matters, and interacts with multiple levels of government and professional organizations to be at the forefront of current and pending tax legislation. It’s part of his effort to follow his own advice to “do your homework and always be prepared.”

His experience doesn’t stop at tax matters, though, as Richard often helps clients with corporate structuring, entity selection, transaction planning and analysis.

Industry-leading publications, such as the Washington Business Journal, frequently seek his thought leadership, and he has appeared on TV and radio to share his expertise. Richard has also been a speaker and instructor to numerous groups, associations and universities on tax, business formation and real estate issues.

Much of Richard’s work ethic inspiration comes from Meg Meeker’s book Strong Fathers, Strong Daughters, which taught him how to encourage his two daughters (and two sons), whose energy and enthusiasm are his most significant form of motivation, to grow up strong and confident. When he’s not helping clients, Richard dreams of driving across the United States using nothing but side and back roads to explore the hidden parts of the country.

Professional Qualifications and Education

  • Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Maryland
  • Series 65 Securities License
  • B.S. Accounting, Catholic University of America
  • M.S. Taxation, George Washington University

Professional Associations and Activities

Speaking Engagement:

  • 11.29, 12.7 & 12.8.2022; 12.7, 9 & 10.2021 – Year-End Tax Planning and Market Updates
  • June 29, 2021 – What to Know About the Biden Administration’s Proposed Tax Plan
  • December 10, 2020 – Year-End Tax/Financial Planning for Businesses and Individuals/ 2020 Market Update
  • June 10, 2020 – Navigating the SBA’s New PPP Loan Forgiveness Application and Dealerships
  • May 14, 2020 – Remote Work & Cybersecurity: Protecting Yourself and Your Clients (with Chesapeake Professional Liability Brokers)
  • May 1, 2020 – Q&A: The Small Business Administration, Relief Programs and Dealerships in the COVID-19 Era
  • April 7, 2020 – The CARES Act / SBA Paycheck Protection Program and Dealerships – How Will This Impact Your Business?
  • December 12, 2019 – Year-end Financial Planning, Investments and Tax Planning
  • May 14, 2019 – Corporate and Individual Tax Planning Under the New Tax Law (for the American Subcontractors Association)
  • October 10, 2018 -The Impact of Tax Cuts and Job Act on Businesses (For The Japan’s Members Society of Washington D.C.)
  • April 18, 2018 -The Impact of Tax Cuts and Job Act on Auto Dealerships (For The Washington Area’s New Auto Dealers Association)
  • February 13, 2018 – The 2017 Tax Cuts & Jobs Act: The Impact of the New Tax Legislation on Businesses and Individuals
  • January 23, 2018 – The 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (for the Greater Bethesda Chamber of Commerce)
  • December 14, 2017 – Gazing Into the Crystal Ball: What Final Tax Reform Might Looks Like (for the Greater Washington Society of CPAs’ 1st Annual Construction and Real Estate Conference)

Community Involvement

  • Johns Hopkins Health System (Finance Committee)
  • Sibley Memorial Hospital (Board of Trustees, Treasurer)
  • St. Peter’s Parish (Finance Council)

Articles & Interviews

Awards

  • Enterprise Worldwide “Brand Ambassador” Award (2014)