Business Details
Your Trusted Partner for Accounting Solutions in Lexington, KY
Summers Mc Crary & Sparks is a locally rooted accounting firm dedicated to delivering comprehensive financial solutions for individuals, small businesses, governmental entities, and nonprofit organizations. Our team of four CPA partners, alongside certified and non-certified staff, brings decades of combined experience in accounting, taxation, and financial planning. We operate under core values of professionalism, responsiveness, and quality, ensuring clients receive tailored services that address their unique needs. Our expertise spans personal financial planning, retirement and estate strategies, elder care, and business accounting, including payroll, bookkeeping, and part-time CFO services. We specialize in tax preparation for individuals and businesses, IRS audit representation, and QuickBooks setup and training.Our commitment to strategic tax planning and internal controls helps clients minimize liabilities while maximizing growth opportunities. With a focus on industries such as construction, healthcare, law firms, and real estate, we provide actionable insights to support informed financial decisions. Our teams credentials include Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designations, Master of Business Administration (MBA) degrees, and affiliations with the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA). We prioritize long-term client relationships by offering personalized service and leveraging technology to streamline financial processes. Established in Lexington, KY, we serve local and regional clients with the agility of a small firm and the capabilities of a larger practice.
Services
Personal Financial Planning
Retirement Planning
Estate Planning
Elder Care
Small Business Accounting
Bookkeeping Services
Payroll Services
Tax Preparation
IRS Audit Representation
QuickBooks Setup
Highlights and features
- We offer personalized accounting services tailored to individuals and small businesses.
- Our team includes CPA-certified professionals with decades of combined experience.
- We specialize in strategic tax planning to minimize liabilities and maximize refunds.
- We provide QuickBooks setup and training for seamless financial management.
- Our firm prioritizes responsive service with a focus on client-specific needs.
Associations and certifications
- Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
- American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA)
- Certified ProAdvisor
Services
Personal Financial Planning
We develop comprehensive financial plans to help individuals achieve long-term goals, including retirement, education savings, and estate planning. Our strategies integrate tax considerations and investment analysis to optimize wealth preservation. Clients benefit from personalized guidance tailored to their unique financial situations and risk tolerance.
Small Business Accounting
Our services include cash flow analysis, budgeting, and financial reporting to support business growth. We assist with entity selection, payroll processing, and internal controls to ensure compliance. Clients gain actionable insights to improve profitability and operational efficiency through customized financial management solutions.
Tax Preparation for Businesses
We handle federal, state, and local tax filings for businesses, focusing on minimizing liabilities through strategic planning. Our team ensures compliance with evolving tax laws and deadlines. Services include entity structuring, merger support, and sales tax management to safeguard business interests.
IRS Audit Representation
We advocate for clients during IRS audits, managing correspondence and negotiations to reduce potential liabilities. Our experts analyze audit notices, prepare documentation, and represent clients throughout the process. This service ensures compliance while protecting clients' financial interests during tax disputes.
QuickBooks Setup
We configure QuickBooks systems tailored to business needs, including chart of accounts and payroll integration. Our setup ensures accurate financial tracking from day one. Clients receive training and ongoing support to maximize software efficiency for day-to-day accounting tasks.
People
Ryan R. Laski
Managing Partner
Ryan Laski, CPA, holds a Masters in Taxation and has led the firm since 2003. He specializes in tax strategies and financial planning, leveraging over 20 years of experience to guide clients toward financial stability.
Thomas S. Sparks
Audit Partner
Tom Sparks, CPA, brings 35+ years of expertise in governmental accounting and audit compliance. As a former committee chairman for the Kentucky CPA Society, he ensures rigorous financial oversight for public and private sector clients.
Emily N. Jackson
Partner
Emily Jackson, CPA, joined the firm in 2015 and became a shareholder in 2022. Her focus on nonprofit accounting and tax compliance helps organizations maintain financial health while achieving mission-driven goals.
Justin B. Nichols
Partner
Justin Nichols, CPA, specializes in business tax planning and mergers & acquisitions. With a Masters in Accounting, he has supported small businesses since 2016, emphasizing strategic growth and regulatory compliance.
Jessie Sandefur
Senior Staff Accountant
Jessie Sandefur, a 2019 graduate of Asbury University, provides hands-on accounting support. She assists clients with bookkeeping and tax preparation, combining fresh perspectives with technical expertise to streamline financial processes.
Questions
What accounting services do you offer for individuals?
We provide personal financial planning, retirement and estate strategies, and tax preparation tailored to individual needs.
How can you help small businesses with tax compliance?
We handle federal/state filings, payroll taxes, and strategic planning to ensure compliance while minimizing liabilities.
Do you offer QuickBooks training for new users?
Yes, we provide setup, training, and ongoing support to help businesses master QuickBooks for efficient accounting.
What should I do if I receive an IRS audit notice?
Contact us immediately—we’ll manage all correspondence and documentation to protect your interests during the audit.
Are your services available for nonprofit organizations?
Yes, we specialize in nonprofit accounting, including tax compliance and internal control frameworks.
How do you support business growth through financial planning?
We analyze cash flow, create budgets, and offer strategic advice to enhance profitability and long-term success.
Reviews (1)
Fiona Prince
May 02, 2025
Report
Here is the email that I sent to Susan Lacy and Ryan Laski regarding my personal experience with this firm. I did not receive any response:
Dear Ms. Lacey,
It has been a year since we got the horrifying tax bill that you sent us. On April 14th 2024 you told us in an email that our tax burden for 2023 had unexpectedly doubled from the previous year and that we needed to write checks in the amount of $59,691 for federal, state and first quarterly payment for federal.
We had to do it that very day. This was in addition to the estimated quarterly tax payments that we had made for 2023. Our annual income had nothing like doubled and we were shocked and dismayed. When I questioned you in a later meeting as to why the payments had doubled and tried to show you why it didnt make sense you said that I was being ridiculous. I cried on the way home.
Im happy to say that our marriage and our business both survived.
It was a close run thing for a while. When I had the numbers run again, incidentally by the person who had previously done our taxes, and that you said had done a good job, he said that it was one of the biggest errors he had ever seen. He said that it turned his stomach to read over your email with the incorrect payments listed. We will need to pay little or nothing for tax year 2024. Your colossal error dealt a huge blow to our lives.
Your hubris, when you were questioned, was breathtaking. I write to you now in the hope that in the future you will be more careful with peoples lives. If something seems radically different double check your numbers. Please.
Sincerely,
Dear Ms. Lacey,
It has been a year since we got the horrifying tax bill that you sent us. On April 14th 2024 you told us in an email that our tax burden for 2023 had unexpectedly doubled from the previous year and that we needed to write checks in the amount of $59,691 for federal, state and first quarterly payment for federal.
We had to do it that very day. This was in addition to the estimated quarterly tax payments that we had made for 2023. Our annual income had nothing like doubled and we were shocked and dismayed. When I questioned you in a later meeting as to why the payments had doubled and tried to show you why it didnt make sense you said that I was being ridiculous. I cried on the way home.
Im happy to say that our marriage and our business both survived.
It was a close run thing for a while. When I had the numbers run again, incidentally by the person who had previously done our taxes, and that you said had done a good job, he said that it was one of the biggest errors he had ever seen. He said that it turned his stomach to read over your email with the incorrect payments listed. We will need to pay little or nothing for tax year 2024. Your colossal error dealt a huge blow to our lives.
Your hubris, when you were questioned, was breathtaking. I write to you now in the hope that in the future you will be more careful with peoples lives. If something seems radically different double check your numbers. Please.
Sincerely,
