Dan Hanson and Kristy Hurley have joined the staffs of Tri-State Tax & Accounting and Refunds USA.

Hanson was born and raised in Austin and has lived in Austin for the last 29 years. He has a bachelor of science degree in accounting from St. Cloud State University. Hanson previously worked as an insurance and quality control auditor and now he has been working as a tax accountant for 10 years. He has one son and enjoys hunting, fishing and playing golf. Hanson said he believes that it is much more rewarding to help a friend than to help a customer, so he is looking forward to getting to know many and making new friends as he works within the community.

“I like tax preparation because every tax return has a perfect answer based on the client’s goals and future planning. I especially like to work with people. There is a perception that the IRS is ‘out to get you’ and many people are fearful when filing their tax returns. I really try and explain to them that the IRS can be very reasonable and fair as long as we follow the tax laws (which are constantly changing),” Hanson said. “It’s every American’s responsibility and obligation to pay their fair share of tax, but not one penny more!

“Over the years I have worked at a number of firms and companies and have encountered many differing philosophies and styles. I too have a certain style pertaining to my work in the tax field. In my short time at Tri-State Tax & Accounting and Refunds USA, every single person I have met seems to share my point of view. It’s very gratifying to work with such a team of pros that care so deeply about their technical expertise but care even more about the people they serve. We seem to have that as a common goal and I am very proud and honored to be a part of the tax team,” Hanson said.

To make an appointment with Hanson, whose tax expertise lies in the preparation of individual and small business tax returns, call Tri-State at 373-2185.

Hurley was born and raised in Albert Lea, but just recently returned to the area after a few years away. She has a bachelor of arts degree in family ministries/counseling from Moody Bible Institute in Chicago. She has traveled widely and spent several years living abroad, in such places as Germany, Greece and Amsterdam. She and her husband Kaleb have most recently been serving as Christian missionaries with an organization that takes students all over the world.

“I really enjoy traveling, exploring new cultures and spending time with my husband,” she said.

Hurley said she misses the traveling and culture of her previous work, but is glad to be back in Albert Lea serving within the community. She worked for Refunds USA two years ago and is happy to step back into the busyness of tax season and all of the details that go into serving the local community well.

“I am excited to be back in the area and am glad to be working with Tri-State Tax & Accounting and Refunds USA once again. This firm values integrity and excellence and I’m privileged to work for them and be a face that represents this business.”

Tri-State Tax & Accounting is a full-service tax and accounting firm started by David Schreiber in 1983. Schreiber opened his second office, Refunds USA in downtown Albert Lea, in the fall of 2003.

Schreiber said he is excited about welcoming Dan and Kristy to the firm. “Dan has 10 years of tax preparation expertise and received his ‘Enrolled Agent Certification’ from the IRS. An ‘EA’ is equivalent to a CPA, but in taxation. What an asset it is to have his experience and professionalism. His customer service philosophy also blends well with ours. We also feel blessed to have Kristy Swanson Hurley return to work year-round in our tax offices. Kristy has high standards of honesty and integrity and is a very organized and hardworking person. She’s already putting her skills into reorganizing the office and implementing systems that will make this tax season run even smoother than in previous years. It’s always exciting to have new staff that bring fresh ideas to our tax team,” Schreiber said.