Results

I work with you on a personal level to determine the best solutions for your unique needs, then leverage my seasoned expertise to achieve the best possible results.

Relationships

I am your trusted partner in success. I offer a full range of professional tax services at a fair price and give you the attention you deserve.

Relief

Rest assured that when a need arises, I am ready and capable to handle everything for you so you can focus on what matters most to you.

Rev. Dr. David Cleaver-Bartholomew, PhD, EA

I have had a multifaceted career. My most recent focus has been in the area of taxation. I graduated with a BA in Accounting from the State University of New York at Oswego in 2015 with a 4.0 GPA, summa cum laude, and a member of Beta Gamma Sigma, an international honorary society for AACSB-accredited schools.

During my final two years at SUNY-Oswego I interned with The Bonadio Group in the tax area preparing individual returns (i.e., Form 1040). I also participated in the IRS’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program that serves low-income taxpayers. Upon graduation I passed all three sections of the IRS’s comprehensive Special Enrollment Exam on my first attempt and was granted Enrolled Agent status, the highest credential the IRS awards.

For the 2016 – 2020 tax filing seasons, I worked as a tax preparer for Empower Federal Credit Union in Syracuse, NY, preparing tax returns for individuals, couples, and families, and serving as the tax preparer to whom clergy tax preparation was assigned.

In the fall of 2020, I started DGCB Tax Service, my own tax preparation business. I currently have clients from many different walks of life throughout the United States and of different filing statuses. My clients have given me a 5 Star rating on Thumbtack, an online service website and directory that allows users to search for, rate, and hire local providers to work on a variety of projects, including financial services.

Not only am I a clergy person, but along with my wife, Dena, I am part of a clergy couple. Hence, I have a special affinity for and expertise in clergy taxes. In fact, clergy make up my largest group of clients as I have clients belonging to the United Church of Christ (UCC), the Episcopal Church, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), and the United Methodist Church.

Prior to this latest career focus, I spent three decades in various ministerial and educational roles. In addition to my degree from SUNY – Oswego, I have academic degrees from Southern Methodist University (BA), the University of Texas – Austin (M. Public Affairs), Yale University (MDiv), and Claremont Graduate University in California (MA and PhD).

I was ordained in the UCC in 1991 and have served local churches in Georgia, Tennessee, Michigan, Ohio, and New York. I have also served on UCC Conference and Association staff in Ohio, New York, and most recently in Southern New England as the Director of Stewardship and Donor Relations. Advising clergy and churches about tax matters was an important aspect of this role. In addition, I have worked ecumenically as I have served ELCA congregations in New York and on the Upstate New York Synod’s Finance Committee.

Academically, I have been an Associate Professor of Biblical Studies at the Ecumenical Theological Seminary in Detroit and have served as Adjunct Faculty for the Methodist Theological School in Ohio. I currently teach the Hebrew Scriptures for the New York School of Ministry.