Overview
Ryan has 16 years of experience in public accounting and is a Tax Manager in ORBA’s Tax Group. He is adept at individual, partnership, corporate, federal and state income tax returns for small to mid-size clients in a variety of industries, with a focus on legal and professional services firms, construction, real estate, and manufacturing and distribution. His in-depth knowledge of state and local tax laws has enabled him to research federal and state tax issues for planning and strategy purposes and prepare tax research memoranda, written documents for submission to the IRS and other taxing authorities on behalf of clients.
He also has experience training staff accountants on tax and accounting concepts, compliance with procedures and accounting software, managed internship programs, and has delivered project and performance reviews for junior staff members.
Overview
Ryan has 16 years of experience in public accounting and is a Tax Manager in ORBA’s Tax Group. He is adept at individual, partnership, corporate, federal and state income tax returns for small to mid-size clients in a variety of industries, with a focus on legal and professional services firms, construction, real estate, and manufacturing and distribution. His in-depth knowledge of state and local tax laws has enabled him to research federal and state tax issues for planning and strategy purposes and prepare tax research memoranda, written documents for submission to the IRS and other taxing authorities on behalf of clients.
He also has experience training staff accountants on tax and accounting concepts, compliance with procedures and accounting software, managed internship programs, and has delivered project and performance reviews for junior staff members.
Proactive
As a Section Leader in the United States Navy, Ryan is a natural leader with the ability to oversee every phase of client projects from start to finish, with attention to detail and precision. His experience as a client engagement manager allows him to utilize his excellent communication skills, with an emphasis on thorough preparation, efficient scheduling and effective oversight of projects. Ryan works closely with clients to ensure they are informed of all major developments in tax and accounting as they develop.
Outside of the Office
Outside of the office, Ryan like spending his time outdoors with family and friends. During the summer, he enjoys exploring all the various exotic food options that Chicago’s diverse neighborhoods have to offer. He likes spending time at his family’s lake house or making new friends on the golf course. Ryan also relishes spending time in the kitchen, trying out new recipes, watching the latest television shows or reading a vast variety of books.
Certifications & Licenses
- Certified Public Accountant
Memberships & Affiliations
- American Institute of Certified Public Accountants
- Illinois CPA Society
- United States Navy
Education
- B.S., Business, Accounting and Finance, Indiana University
Blogs
Walking Away from a Real Estate Contract: How Is a Forfeited Deposit Treated for Tax Purposes?
Often, when a real estate deal falls through, the buyer forfeits the down payment or deposit. When this happens, what are the tax implications for the buyer and seller? The answer, as with many tax questions, is “it depends.” In this case, it depends on whether the property is considered a “capital asset.” Internal Revenue […]
Foreclosure: Tax and Other Financial Implications
Despite the record-high prices in real estate, some homeowners and landlords have experienced financial hardships due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Although the federal government and many states provided some relief — in the form of mortgage forbearance and moratoriums on foreclosures and evictions — many of these programs have ended or will soon end. As […]
Newsletters
Wealth Management Group Newsletter – Winter 2025
ORBA’s Wealth Management Group’s 2025 Winter Newsletter encourages employees to take advantage of the Health Savings Account potentially provided by their employer and advises high-net-worth investors on best tax practices.
Real Estate Group Newsletter – Summer 2024
ORBA’s Real Estate Group’s Spring Newsletter discusses the various legal and tax considerations of owning various types of real estate, including out of state residential rentals.
Real Estate Group Newsletter – Fall 2023
ORBA’s Real Estate Group’s Newsletter covers the changes to the Alternative Cost Method (ACM) and urges real estate professionals to document their material participation in business operations.
Real Estate Group Newsletter – Summer 2022
ORBA’s Real Estate Group’s Newsletter covers the basics of offering free lodging to property managers and provides guidance on the Internal Revenue Code Section 163(j).
Real Estate Group Newsletter – Spring 2022
ORBA’s Real Estate Group’s Newsletter examines how developers in urban markets with an oversupply of multifamily housing and/or an undersupply of hotel rooms can benefit from an attractive revenue opportunity and covers the tax rules for short-term rentals.
Tax Connections Newsletter – Summer 2020
Our Tax Connections Summer 2020 Newsletter explains the CARES Act provision that provides refund opportunities for excess business losses, details IRS guidance that provides more time to invest in Qualified Opportunity Funds and explores the benefits of being able to sign off on retirement plan elections remotely.
News
ORBA Welcomes Ryan Kertes to Tax Group
Ostrow Reisin Berk & Abrams, Ltd. (ORBA), one of Chicago’s largest public accounting firms, is pleased to welcome Ryan A. Kertes to the Tax Group as a Tax Manager.
