Melissa G. Dunham
CPA, MTax, MBA
About
Expertise
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Testimonials
Melissa serves a variety of clients in diverse industries, including manufacturing and distribution, service and investment companies. She works closely with her clients to develop tax planning strategies, help identify areas of improvement and perform research projects. She is a proactive business advisor to her clients, bringing value to the relationship beyond just compliance services, working side by side in achieving their goals.
Focusing on the firm’s core tax practice, Melissa specializes in corporate tax returns including C corporations, S corporations, partnerships and LLCs. In addition to corporate tax planning, she provides tax compliance and planning services for closely-held businesses and their owners.
Melissa participates in a variety of firm committees, charitable campaigns and community activities. As a member of the firm’s tax committee and BMF University (the committee responsible for the ongoing education and development of its professional staff), Melissa acts and as an internal advocate for staff and clients on education, advisory and best practices.
Melissa’s primary responsibilities include coordinating all aspects of the tax engagements with the client and partners. She works closely with staff in the planning, executing, supervising and reviewing engagements. In 2019, Melissa was recognized as a Woman of Professional Excellence and received the coveted 30 For the Future Award, presented by the Greater Akron Chamber Young Professionals Network.
Specializations
- Business Tax Compliance
- Family-Owned Businesses
- Individual & Wealth Preservation
- Manufacturing & Distribution
- Retail & Consumer Products
- State & Local Tax Services
Education
- Bachelor of Science in accounting and business administration, Westminster College
- Master of Business Administration, Kent State University
- Master of Tax, The University of Akron
Certifications
- Certified Public Accountant
Professional and Civic Memberships and Activities
- American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), member
- Ohio Society of Certified Public Accountants (OSCPA), member
- Community Support Services, board treasurer and finance committee chair
- Lake Girl Scouts Service Unit, treasurer
- Akron Tax Club, board member
- Leadership Akron/Women’s Network Community Leadership Institute, Class 3
Awards and Accolades
- 2019 Woman of Professional Excellence, Women’s Network
- 2019 30 For the Future Award Recipient, Greater Akron Chamber/Young Professionals Network
CliftonStrengths
- Arranger
- Positivity
- Includer
- Activator
- Adaptability
Research & Development Accounting Method Changes (Section 174)
Under the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA), the tax treatment of research and development (R&D) expenses have changed. These costs, also known as research and experimentation (R&E) costs, impact all taxpayers that have R&D expenses, not only. Read More >>
2022 Year-End Tax Legislation Guidance
Congress has come together and agreed on an $1.7 trillion omnibus appropriations bill that was signed by The President last Thursday. Unfortunately, The Bill did not contain tax provisions that many were hoping for, such as the expanded Child. Read More >>
2022 Year End Tax Planning for Businesses and Individuals
As another year ends, we still have uncertainty whether a tax package will be included in legislation to extend expiring tax credits, delay or remove the change to the treatment of research and development expenses or if the child. Read More >>
We really enjoy working with Melissa, we have yet to ask a question she can’t answer! Proactive in reaching out and supporting us through any issues we have and graciously answering all our questions and supporting our future plans.”
April, 21
We have been working with BMF from the last several years and are extremely happy working with Melissa. She is very professional in every aspect of the service as well as her communication. She is able to solve our critical issues in a timely manner.
April, 21