Ness Tax and Bookkeeping Service opened in 1999, in an old Harold’s Photo location on East 10th Street. Ness was successful enough that he opened a second office on West 57th street in Sioux Falls. Now, he’s taking over the offices of Bob Jacobson here in Garretson.
“I’m honored that Bob is trusting me with his longtime customers,” he said. “When Bob started talking about this, about retiring and me taking over here on his behalf I was very humbled and honored. I’m looking forward to come into the smaller business community, and most certainly want to be an involved part of downtown Garretson. I don’t want to see another empty spot on Main Street, and I’m happy to fill this one.”
Ness said that he loves his work because he gets to meet and know people from all walks of life.
“Taxes are the great equalizer, everybody pays taxes; every race, creed and age group,” he said. “People appreciate a personal touch, and I enjoy being a person that they can rely on to get a job that needs doing done right. I like to get to know the people I work for. Advise them on things like retirement and to avoid paying in on their taxes. For me, tax season is like a great big family reunion. I check in with all these people I know, see how they’ve been and how they’re doing. Help them avoid pitfalls and avoid mistakes they might not have seen coming. It gives me both personal and professional satisfaction to know I helped a person or a family, a business or a family business be more successful in what they do.”
For the last 10 years, Ness has also had a partner in the venture and says she’s added a lot to his business.
“My wife Mona has been with the company for ten years now,” he said. “She’s a certified public accountant, and so she’s focused more on the bookkeeping service side of the business. She does a great job. I certainly like her, and I know our clients do too, as I get frequent compliments about her and her work.”
Ness says that he and his staff will have regular office hours here in Garretson, open six days a week Monday through Saturday. Office hours will vary. Going forward he suggests that folks call to make an appointment.
“We’ll be opening at 9 a.m. and have extended hours weekdays until at least 6 p.m. and open Saturday 9 a.m. -1 p.m. and closed on Sunday. We will try stay open until 8 p.m. on Monday and Wednesday so people can drop off information. Robert's clients are used to dropping off tax information and then having him work on it and calling them back with questions, and I want people to know that they can continue to drop off information in this same manner. People are welcome at any of our three locations as I, personally, will be rotating between those locations.”
Ness Tax & Bookkeeping service will also be keeping the local office line used by Jacobson at 594-6484 if you have any questions. You can also email and appointments can be scheduled at nesstax.com.
