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Rob Starner
Rob Starner was born and raised in Northwest Arkansas and completed his high school education at Rogers High School in 2001. He initially pursued higher education at Johnson County Community College in Kansas, but soon returned to his hometown, continuing his studies at NWACC. Life took a significant turn when Rob became a parent at a young age and gained sole custody of their son, leading him to prioritize providing for his child over continuing his education.
Rob’s early career was marked by various temporary jobs to make ends meet. In 2003, he seized an opportunity to work at a CPA firm, starting in roles that involved filing documents, data entry, and other clerical tasks. Despite working for nominal pay and relying on government support such as WIC, Daycare Assistance, and low-income Housing Assistance, Rob managed to provide for his son and unknowingly embarked on a career path that would exceed his expectations.
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At Starner Tax Group – Pea Ridge, Rob demonstrated a remarkable work ethic and capability for growth. He quickly transitioned from clerical work to more responsible roles, such as managing client interactions, closing tax returns, and eventually running the front desk while taking on various essential business duties. By 2005, Rob had expanded his skill set to include preparing tax returns for the firm.
In the same year, Rob reignited their pursuit of higher education by enrolling in American Intercontinental University. Juggling demanding work schedules, especially during tax seasons, he successfully obtained an associate degree, followed by a bachelor’s degree in Business Management with a focus on Accounting and Finance in 2010.
Rob’s tenure at Starner Tax Group saw him rise from a full-time tax preparer during tax seasons to a key player in coordinating and managing office tasks. His responsibilities included project management, managing accounts receivables, and assisting with marketing and production campaigns in the off-season.
A significant milestone in Rob’s career was achieved in 2013 when he became an Enrolled Agent, passing all three parts of the Enrolled Agents Exam. This qualification granted Rob the highest credential offered by the IRS and the authorization to practice before the IRS for audit representation.
Rob’s expertise continued to deepen over the ensuing years, gaining extensive experience in handling audits, installment agreements, notice representations, lien and levy releases, and Offer in Compromise cases. Preparing over 1,000 returns annually for several years, Rob honed his skills as a Tax Preparer and Enrolled Agent.
In 2018, Rob embarked on a new venture by buying out a portion of the business from his former employer, fulfilling his aspiration of owning a practice. Since then, Rob Starner has assembled a skilled team and served a diverse clientele in Northwest Arkansas, surrounding states, and across the country.
Today, Rob is grateful for the opportunity to advocate for a multitude of taxpayers and to lead an exceptional staff that shares his dedication to customer satisfaction and navigating the complex world of taxation.
Terri Kauten
Terri started working for Starner Tax Group at the Rogers location before it opened in August of 2017. She grew up in Iowa until she moved to Oklahoma City in 1990. She obtained her Bachelor of Business Management Degree with a Business Management and Human Resources focus while working full-time, and she graduated with honors. Terri moved from Oklahoma City. OK to Indianapolis, IN 1997, then moved to Bentonville, AR in 2017. Her experience consists of 20 years at City Securities Corporation, an independently owned brokerage firm, in Indianapolis in Human Resources until she moved to Compliance, Licensing, and Continuing Education. She worked closely with FINRA and the SEC in her position at the brokerage firm. She also offers Human Resources and Office Management experience. Prior to moving to Indianapolis, she worked at Oklahoma City Community College as the assistant manager in Human Resources for 4 ½ years, and prior to that she worked for the Oklahoma City Metro Transit as a supervisor.
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Terri is the Office Manager and Payroll Administrator at the Rogers office. She manages the administrative staff, and helps manage and track the workflow to assist the office staff with handling the needs of our clients in a timely manner. Terri works in check-out when needed, assisting clients with the completion of their tax returns, and she also assists with the completion of amendments, regulatory notices, paper filed returns, oversees accounts receivables, and process payroll and files federal and state reports for 50 – 60 clients.
Tanya Vandiver
Tanya Vandiver, E.A. is a Master Tax Advisor with over 11 years of experience. She has received the highest credentials offered by the IRS, the Enrolled Agent (EA). This authorizes her to represent taxpayers before the IRS. The services she offers include individual and business tax returns, back tax filing, notices, and lien & levy issues. Tanya enjoys working with clients to resolve tax related issues, as well as tax planning.
Jennifer Ramirez
Jennifer started part-time with Starner Tax Group in 2022. She grew up in Chicago until she moved to Arkansas in 2007. Jennifer pursued higher education at Grantham University in Business Management in 2013. Her experience consists of 10 years of Tax Return Preparation. Before joining Starner Tax Group, she managed a Tax firm in the Fort Smith, Arkansas/Oklahoma area.
She moved to Northwest Arkansas in 2019 where she began a new journey in the Transportation field at JB Hunt Transport as a Claims Admin. During this time she worked weekends for Starner Tax Group because of her passion for helping people with their taxes. Jennifer recently made the switch and is now working full-time with Starner Tax Group to better serve her clients year-round, expand her knowledge, and provide exceptional tax and customer service.
