'We are numbers people who like people even more than numbers.'
Our team members are tax specialists, accountants and bookkeepers with more than 100 years of combined experience across a wide range of business and individual issues. Our network of trusted advisors includes whatever expertise you need for your business and personal situation.
We’re also fluent in Spanish. Hablamos español.
STEVE STAUSS
Steve Stauss
Founder & Enrolled Agent
Steve Stauss founded Stauss Tax Services in 2010 to serve the Santa Fe area. A fluent Spanish speaker and practicing Buddhist, Steve spent time in in California, Texas, Washington State and Mexico City before calling New Mexico home. He worked in the computer industry for more than 25 years for companies like IBM and Hewlett-Packard and for several start ups.
Always one to enjoy research, he began delving into the intricacies of the tax code and became an Enrolled Agent. EAs are tax experts authorized by the U.S. Department of the Treasury to represent taxpayers before the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
Steve was also actively engaged in advocating for legislation in New Mexico recognizing Enrolled Agents as tax professionals on par with CPAs and attorneys. As a result, Enrolled Agents now have the same standing in New Mexico as they do at the federal level.
Steve believes in giving back to the community where he lives. He serves on the board of several nonprofits, including The Masters Program charter school and The Rotary Club of Santa Fe. He has also served as a member of several charitable committees and for five years was data management chair for the annual auction at his sons’ school. A life member of the Sierra Club, he has an interest in environmental protection and preservation.
A love of learning, languages and photography means he travels widely with his wife Elena. Often, they are visiting their seven children who live around the country.
Memberships & Affiliations
- National Association of Enrolled Agents (NAEA)
- American Institute of Certified Public Accountants
- Santa Fe Rotary Club
- Trusted Advisor Network
- Past Director and Vice-President, New Mexico Society of Enrolled Agents
- Past board member, Thubten Norbu Ling Buddhist Center
- Past board member, Cypress Cove Home Owners Association
- Life member, Sierra Club
Education
- BA, Geography, UC Berkeley
- MA, Applied Linguistics, San Jose State University
- Fellow, National Tax Practice Institute®️ (NTPI)
PAULA SCARPELLINO
Paula Scarpellino
Office Manager
Paula keeps the administrative functions of the office on course by answering phones, scheduling appointments, and handling client files. As the organizational heart of the company, much of what Paula does can’t be quantified, and she’s the cheerful voice on the phone and smiling face when you visit the office.
Paula has provided administrative support to several non-profit organizations and businesses around town, including the Santa Fe Desert Chorale, the Santa Fe DWI Program, and First National Bank of Santa Fe. Paula has a BFA in theater and spent many years performing, directing, volunteering, and serving on the Board of Directors for the Santa Fe Community Theater. She is married and co-owns a business with her husband.