SANDPOINT — James Hutchens, P.A. - Certified Public Accountants has been a staple in the community for over 20 years.

Known for his expertise and customer service, Hutchens has been voted the Best of Bonner County several times, placing first each of the last three years. In an effort to bring the ever-growing community more diversified services while maintaining the same quality of service, James Hutchens, P.A. will merge with Capstone Certified Public Accountants effective Jan. 1. Capstone Certified Public Accountants, LLC is based out of Bend, Oregon.

“We are excited about this new partnership and the ability to bring our clients additional services,” said Hutchens, who assures clients he is not going anywhere.

“Sandpoint reminds me of Bend ten years ago,” said Lance Brant, managing partner at Capstone CPAs. “It’s a fast-growing, beautiful place with so many opportunities to help people. Capstone and James Hutchens, P.A. share the mission to help businesses grow making this acquisition a natural fit.”

In addition to tax preparation, bookkeeping and payroll services, Capstone Certified Public Accountants also offers business valuations, auditing and assurance services, litigation support services - including divorce, and business consulting.

Over the last 16 years, Capstone Certified Public Accountants, LLC has grown from a single CPA working at one location with no clients to six CPAs working at three locations in Central Oregon with over 3,000 clients. With the addition of the Sandpoint, Idaho firm, Capstone will experience a growth spurt to a total of five offices, more than 40 employees, including 8 CPAs and increasing the client base to more than 5,000. 

The merger with Capstone Certified Public Accountants appears to be the perfect fit for Hutchens. “As my clientele has continued to grow, it’s important to me to continue to be able to offer the personalized service I have taken pride in over the past several years,” he said. “Capstone CPAs is a firm with similar philosophy and approach, and I’m looking forward to working together with them to serve our clients.”

While Hutchens will continue to review tax returns, he plans to focus more on consulting.

“Having additional staff to assist me will allow me the time to offer a service I strongly believe is invaluable to my clients - an opportunity to consult and help them optimize their financial health,” said Hutchens.

As the office expands, it is necessary to also expand office space. For that reason, effective January 1, the bookkeeping staff will be in an office across the parking lot from their current office, 1207 Michigan St., Suite A. “The bookkeeping staff will also have direct lines so their clients no longer will need to go through the main switchboard,” Hutchens said.

The merger will take effect January 1. Hutchens will continue to be present in his Bonners Ferry office each Thursday.

“I look forward to being able to bring the community expanded services and continuing to help my clients maximize their financial health,” said Hutchens. “And depending upon when people feel it is safe to gather, we look forward to having an open house so the community can meet my partners.”

Information: 208-265-2500.