47+ years of professional CPA experience. Specializing in estate and trust tax returns, with over 60% of clients navigating estates, trusts, and K-1s. David M. Kaufmann, CPA serves Fruita, Grand Junction, and clients across Colorado.
From straightforward individual returns to the most complex estate and trust matters, David brings 47+ years of precision and care to every engagement.
Preparing income tax returns for trusts and estates. If gross income is $600 or more, these returns are required — we handle the complexity so you don't have to.
Preparing K-1 tax information forms with mailing envelopes for beneficiaries and heirs. Determining how income is taxed — to the trust, estate, or beneficiaries directly.
Review of trusts and wills for tax consequences — including whether capital gains will be taxed at lower rates to beneficiaries or higher rates to the trust or estate.
Determining whether a final individual income tax return is required for a decedent, handling IRA withholding decisions, and navigating all personal tax filing requirements.
Comprehensive tax services for small business owners. David's breadth of knowledge keeps your business compliant and structured for minimal tax exposure year over year.
Other CPAs call David dozens of times a year for help with difficult tax issues. If your case is complex, don't guess — consult a specialist who even specialists consult.
Using date-of-death basis adjustments to minimize or eliminate gains on sale of trust or estate assets
Requesting brokerage firms compute date-of-death values for investments
Combining trusts and estates where possible to simplify and reduce tax burden
Determining the best year-end and tax due dates for a trust or estate
Strategic elections within trust or estate returns to reduce total taxes
Helping trustees and personal representatives gather required information and set up proper recordkeeping
Determining timing for distributions to beneficiaries and heirs to minimize taxes
Analyzing whether trust- or estate-owned property can be sold at a loss for tax purposes
Assisting trustees and personal representatives with fully closing out trusts or estates
Determining the proper level of IRA withholding for estates and trusts
David M. Kaufmann has been a Certified Public Accountant for over 47 years, building a practice centered on one of the most complex and sensitive areas of tax law: estates, trusts, and the tax needs of the people who inherit from them. Based in Fruita, Colorado, David serves clients throughout the Grand Junction area, across Colorado, and beyond state lines.
More than 60% of David's clients are estates, trusts, beneficiaries of estates and trusts, or individuals who receive K-1s — making him one of the most specialized estate and trust CPAs in Western Colorado. His philosophy is simple and client-first: "We want to give you the same advice and assistance that we would like to receive, if we were in your shoes."
David's expertise has earned the trust of fellow CPAs, law firms, and attorneys who call on him for help with their most difficult and contentious tax matters. When other tax professionals need guidance, they call David.
"My law firm worked with Mr. Kaufmann on a very contentious estate, and I have found him to be upstanding, brilliant, knowledgeable, and extremely helpful. My firm is based in Michigan and Mr. Kaufmann is based in Colorado, so it's not likely we will have too many future interactions, but I highly recommend Mr. Kaufmann for tax purposes pertaining to decedents' estates."
"Mr. Kaufmann has been an invaluable resource. I lost my dad and had trouble navigating the complexities related to filing taxes. I am the responsible party in my family so it has been very difficult and stressful managing everything by myself. His guidance has been a tremendous help. I would absolutely recommend him to anyone. Thank you, Mr. Kaufmann!"
"I've had David prepare several years tax returns for me. He is incredibly knowledgeable and well informed about all of the latest tax laws and changes. Whether trust returns, or small business situations, he's the best I have found. I'm happy I found him and would not hesitate to recommend him very highly for any tax work needed."
Ready to get started? Call or email David directly. An introductory phone or in-person meeting is always welcome — no obligation.
PO Box 700
Fruita, CO 81521-0700