Business Details
32 Years
experience
Trusted CPA Services in Chattanooga, TN
Ruhling & Associates is a full-service Certified Public Accounting firm based in Chattanooga, Tennessee, dedicated to providing comprehensive tax and accounting solutions for individuals, businesses, and nonprofit organizations. With over three decades of experience in public accounting, our team combines technical expertise with personalized service to meet the unique needs of clients across diverse industries, including healthcare, real estate, and retail. We prioritize proactive tax planning, meticulous preparation, and strategic financial guidance to help clients minimize liabilities and achieve long-term goals.Our commitment to excellence is reflected in our deep understanding of evolving tax regulations and our focus on delivering tailored advice that aligns with each client's financial objectives. By fostering close relationships and maintaining a client-centric approach, we ensure that every individual and business receives the attention and expertise necessary to thrive in today's complex financial landscape.
Services
Tax Planning
Tax Preparation
Estate Planning
Small Business Accounting
QuickBooks Services
Details
- Year established: 1994
Highlights and features
- We have over 30 years of experience in public accounting.
- Our team provides personalized attention to each client.
- We specialize in tax strategies for diverse industries.
- Our staff holds advanced certifications in accounting and taxation.
- We combine technical expertise with local market knowledge.
Associations and certifications
- Certified Public Accountants (CPA)
Services
Tax Planning
Our tax planning services focus on legally minimizing tax liabilities through proactive strategies tailored to individual and business needs. We analyze current financial situations, identify opportunities for deductions and credits, and implement plans to optimize after-tax income. With expertise in evolving tax codes, we help clients defer income, reduce estate taxes, and structure investments for maximum efficiency.
Estate Planning
Estate planning ensures your assets are distributed according to your wishes while minimizing tax burdens. We assist clients in creating wills, trusts, and advanced directives, addressing probate avoidance and family-specific concerns. Our team coordinates with legal experts to protect inheritances, manage healthcare directives, and develop strategies for intergenerational wealth transfer.
Small Business Accounting
We provide comprehensive accounting solutions for small businesses, including bank reconciliations, financial statement preparation, and general ledger maintenance. Our services ensure accurate financial reporting, cash flow management, and compliance with tax regulations. By handling day-to-day accounting tasks, we allow business owners to focus on growth while maintaining financial clarity.
QuickBooks Services
Our QuickBooks expertise includes setup, training, and ongoing support to streamline financial operations. We help businesses implement cloud-based solutions, optimize software functionality, and resolve technical issues. By ensuring accurate data management and real-time financial insights, we enhance efficiency for clients using QuickBooks for accounting needs.
Tax Preparation
We prepare accurate and compliant tax returns for individuals and businesses, leveraging software to identify potential deductions and credits. Our process includes electronic filing for faster refunds, payroll withholding adjustments, and year-round planning to reduce future liabilities. We ensure adherence to federal and state regulations while maximizing client savings.
People
David Ruhling
Owner
David Ruhling, CPA, has over 30 years of public accounting experience. He specializes in tax and small business consulting, serving clients in healthcare, real estate, and nonprofits. He graduated from Southern Adventist University in 1987 and is active in local community organizations.
Emily Collins
CPA
Emily Collins, CPA, specializes in partnership taxation and long-term healthcare industry clients. She holds a Master's in Taxation and brings prior private-sector experience in income tax compliance. She joined Ruhling & Associates in 2014.
Michael Tang
CPA
Michael Tang, CPA, focuses on rental real estate clients and corporate tax returns. He earned his Bachelors of Accountancy in 2012 and joined the firm in 2023. His expertise includes multi-entity tax planning and compliance.
George Escobar
Staff Accountant
George Escobar, CPA candidate, works on corporate and nonprofit taxation. He earned his Master's in Accountancy from UTC in 2021 and joined the firm full-time in 2021 after prior public accounting roles.
Margarita Fisher
Staff Accountant
Margarita Fisher brings 20+ years of accounting experience across industries in North and South America. She specializes in QuickBooks, cash flow management, and bilingual financial support for diverse clients.
Questions
What tax planning services do you offer?
We provide strategies to legally reduce tax liabilities, including income deferral, deduction optimization, and estate tax planning tailored to individual and business needs.
Do you specialize in any industries?
Yes, we serve healthcare practices, real estate, retail, nonprofits, and small businesses, offering industry-specific tax and accounting expertise.
What QuickBooks services are available?
We offer QuickBooks setup, training, cloud integration, and troubleshooting to streamline your accounting processes and improve financial management.
How do you handle estate planning?
We create customized plans using wills, trusts, and advanced directives to ensure asset distribution aligns with your wishes while minimizing probate and taxes.
Are you available for year-round tax advice?
Yes, we provide ongoing tax guidance to help clients adjust strategies as regulations and personal circumstances change.
What sets your firm apart?
Our combination of CPA expertise, personalized service, and industry specialization ensures clients receive strategic, actionable financial solutions.
