Paul G. Neiffer, CPA, is a nationally renowned agricultural finance expert with over four decades of experience shaping the financial success of farms and businesses. Known as “The Farm CPA,” Paul has built a career defined by his unparalleled ability to merge practical farming insights with sophisticated financial strategies. His deep understanding of the unique challenges faced by agricultural producers and businesses makes him one of the most sought-after advisors in the field.

Born and raised on a wheat farm near Dixie, Washington, Paul developed an early appreciation for the complexities and opportunities in agriculture. That foundation has remained a guiding principle throughout his career. Today, Paul owns farmland in Iowa, Missouri, and Washington, actively participating in crop-sharing for commodities like corn, wheat, soybeans, and dry peas. On his alfalfa farm near Dayton, Washington, Paul finds joy operating combines and tackling the steep hills that remind him of his farming roots.

Paul’s journey in accounting began at the University of Washington, where he earned a degree in Accounting in 1983. Becoming a Certified Public Accountant the following year, he quickly discovered his passion for helping agricultural businesses navigate financial challenges and thrive in competitive markets. As a Principal at CliftonLarsonAllen LLP (CLA) for 12 years, Paul helped lead the Agribusiness and Cooperatives Group, where he developed innovative solutions in tax planning, estate planning, and succession strategies tailored to farmers and agricultural producers.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Paul has become a celebrated thought leader in the agricultural industry. He authors the monthly FarmCPA column for Top Producer Magazine and regularly updates his blog, FarmCPAReport.com, with fresh insights on agricultural taxation, financial management, and legislative developments. Previously, Paul authored more than 2,000 posts on FarmCPAToday.com, a blog he established before he joined CLA, which became a vital resource for those in the agricultural sector.

Paul’s expertise has been featured in prestigious outlets such as the Wall Street Journal, Bloomberg, and Tax Notes, earning him recognition as a leading voice in farm tax and policy discussions. His advocacy for farmers extended to Capitol Hill, where he played a pivotal role in shaping the “grain glitch fix” to Section 199A and championed policies like the Section 179 deduction for agricultural businesses. These contributions demonstrate his unwavering commitment to advancing the interests of the farming community.

As a dynamic educator and speaker, Paul has shared his knowledge with thousands of CPAs and industry professionals nationwide. From the AICPA Ag Conference to the Land Investment Expo, Paul captivates audiences with his expertise on topics ranging from tax planning and estate succession to farm management accounting and legislative updates. His weekly appearances on RFD TV further amplify his mission to make complex financial topics accessible and actionable for agricultural stakeholders.

Paul’s dedication to fostering financial transparency and best practices is reflected in his leadership roles. As the past president of the Farm Financial Standards Council (FFSC), he championed the use of accrual-basis financial statements for agricultural producers, a vital tool for informed decision-making. He also served as the chair of the AICPA Ag Conference, helping shape industry discussions and advancing financial literacy in agriculture.

Today, as an independent consultant, Paul combines his decades of expertise with a genuine passion for helping farms and businesses succeed. His commitment to his clients extends far beyond spreadsheets and tax forms—he partners with them to solve problems, seize opportunities, and build sustainable futures. This holistic approach has earned him the trust and admiration of a diverse clientele, from small family farms to large agribusinesses.

While Paul’s professional accomplishments are remarkable, his personal life reveals the depth of his character. He is deeply family-oriented, living in Parker, Colorado, with his wife. Together, they enjoy spending time with their four sons and four grandchildren. A voracious reader, Paul consumes over 100 books annually, finding inspiration and relaxation in the written word. He also enjoys golf, pickleball, and, of course, his “combine therapy” on the farm.

Paul G. Neiffer embodies the ideal combination of practical experience, technical expertise, and visionary leadership. Known as “The Farm CPA,” he remains steadfast in his mission: to empower farms and businesses with the financial strategies and tools they need to grow and prosper in an ever-changing world.

Character:

Paul exemplifies authenticity and integrity, balancing his professional expertise with a genuine understanding of the challenges faced by agricultural businesses. His down-to-earth personality and farming roots make him relatable and trustworthy.

Knowledge:

With over 40 years of experience in farm taxation, accounting, and legislative advocacy, Paul is a master of his craft. His contributions to policy reform and his educational outreach position him as a top authority in agricultural finance.

Strategic:

Paul’s ability to anticipate challenges and create forward-thinking solutions has helped countless farms and businesses achieve their financial goals. His legislative advocacy and tailored succession plans showcase his strategic brilliance.

Communication:

Whether through his writing, speaking engagements, or one-on-one consultations, Paul has a talent for making complex financial topics understandable and actionable, ensuring his audiences and clients are always well-informed.