Call Now
Website
Call
Business Details
28 Years
experience
Trusted Accounting & Tax Services in Lincoln, NE
Labenz & Associates was founded in 1998 with a clear mission: to deliver comprehensive, solutions-based tax, accounting, and consulting services grounded in expertise and long-term vision. Our team combines traditional accounting practices with strategic foresight, positioning ourselves as leaders in serving individuals, financial institutions, fiduciaries, and closely held businesses. We prioritize deep client relationships, ensuring timely, personalized service while maintaining a proactive, hands-on approach to address evolving financial and regulatory challenges. With decades of collective experience, our professionals are recognized for technical proficiency in areas such as business valuation, litigation support, estate planning, and tax compliance.

Our commitment to excellence is reflected in our certifications, including Accreditation in Business Valuation and Certified in Financial Forensics, as well as our active involvement in professional organizations like the American Institute of CPAs. We serve clients across industries, including banking, agriculture, real estate, and manufacturing, offering tailored strategies to minimize tax liabilities, optimize financial planning, and support business succession. Our reputation for quality service is built on a foundation of integrity, transparency, and a dedication to exceeding client expectations through consistent, reliable expertise.
Services
Tax Planning & Consulting Business Valuation Personal Financial Planning Litigation Support Cost Segregation Estate Tax Planning Retirement Planning Corporate Tax Compliance Fiduciary Tax Services Multi-State Tax Reporting
Details
  • Year established: 1998
Highlights and features
  • We offer over 25 years of experience in tax and accounting services since 1998.
  • Our team includes AICPA-certified professionals with specialized accreditations.
  • We provide proactive, hands-on service with a focus on long-term client relationships.
  • Our expertise spans diverse industries including banking, agriculture, and manufacturing.
  • We combine technical proficiency with strategic planning to minimize tax liabilities.
Associations and certifications
  • American Institute of Certified Public Accountants
  • Nebraska Society of Certified Public Accountants
  • American Society of Cost Segregation Professionals
What people say
Professional and responsive Quality service Close personal attention
Services
Tax Planning & Consulting
Our tax planning services focus on minimizing liabilities through proactive strategies tailored to individual and business needs. We analyze clients' financial situations to identify opportunities for savings while ensuring compliance with evolving regulations. Our expertise in multi-state taxation and business entity structuring helps clients optimize their tax positions.
Business Valuation
We provide accurate business valuations for estate planning, sales, or succession purposes. Our certified professionals use industry-standard methodologies to determine fair market value, supporting informed decision-making for mergers, acquisitions, or ownership transitions. This service includes detailed reporting for legal and financial purposes.
Personal Financial Planning
Our financial planning services address retirement, estate, and investment strategies to build long-term wealth. We create customized plans considering tax implications, risk tolerance, and life goals. This includes retirement cash flow analysis and estate tax mitigation techniques for high-net-worth individuals.
Litigation Support
We offer expert testimony and forensic accounting services for legal disputes. Our team analyzes financial records to quantify damages, trace assets, and provide court-admissible reports. This service supports attorneys in complex cases involving business valuations, fraud investigations, or divorce proceedings.
Cost Segregation
Our cost segregation studies identify accelerated depreciation opportunities for real estate investments. By reclassifying property components, we help clients reduce tax liabilities and improve cash flow. This service includes compliance with IRS guidelines for new construction or acquired properties.
People
Janet M. Labenz
Partner
With over 30 years in public accounting, Janet specializes in taxation, valuation, and estate planning. She holds a Master of Science degree and is accredited in business valuation and financial forensics by AICPA.
Ronald K. Jester
Partner
Ron brings 35+ years of experience in business taxation and regulatory compliance. He holds a Master of Professional Accountancy and the Certified Management Accountant designation, focusing on agriculture and real estate sectors.
Kristian H. Rutford
Partner
Kristian specializes in corporate taxation with 40+ years of experience. He earned his Master of Professional Accountancy from the University of Nebraska and holds AICPA accreditation in business valuation.
Richard J. Labenz
Tax Partner
Rich offers 40+ years of expertise in international tax planning and ASC 740 compliance. Former KPMG tax partner, he focuses on corporate taxation and succession planning for family-owned businesses.
Vonita L. Wood
Partner
Vonnie specializes in fiduciary taxation and not-for-profit organizations. With 25+ years at Labenz, she serves on the American Society of Cost Segregation Professionals and Lincoln Estate Planning Council.
Questions
What accounting services do you offer?
We provide tax planning, business valuation, financial statement compilation, litigation support, and personal financial planning tailored to individuals and businesses.
How are you different from other accounting firms?
Our team combines technical expertise with proactive service, offering personalized solutions and decades of experience in specialized industries.
Do you handle multi-state tax compliance?
Yes, we assist with multi-state business taxation and reporting requirements for corporations and pass-through entities.
Can you help with business succession planning?
We develop succession strategies, including business valuations and ownership transition plans for family-owned enterprises.