James S. Bone, CPA, MBA

Jim provides property tax, accounting, and consulting services to California businesses and individuals as the Director of State and Local Taxes for the Newport Beach, California, CPA firm of Squar, Milner, Reehl & Williamson CPA's and Consultants.

Professional:

Property Tax: Jim was appointed to the Assessment Appeals Board in Orange County in 1977, just after California's voters approved Proposition 13. Over the next 13 years, Jim was a leader in the implementation of the new law as thousands of cases came before the Board. Since 1990, he has provided property tax consulting services to clients in Southern California, focusing on complex, technical issues. Beginning in mid-1996, Jim has been actively involved in the California Board of Equalization's revisions of its Assessors Handbook series. The first of four books he worked on, AH 501 Basic Appraisal was adopted by the BOE in October, 1997; the others, Advanced Appraisal of Real Estate, Advanced Appraisal and Assessment of Business Equipment and Personal Property, and Assessment Appeals were adopted during 1998.

Author on Property Tax Matters: Jim is the author of the California Property Tax Handbook, a compilation of property tax law and guidelines by subject, which was published in 1991. A new book for property owners and their advisors, Property Tax California Style is in its final editing stages and is due out in June, 2000. In addition, Jim has written a number of articles on property taxation, and was the property tax editor for Speidell's California Tax newsletter.

Accounting: James Bone & Associates, provided accounting, income tax, and general consulting services to small businesses and individuals in Southern California from 1976 to 1999. In 1999, Jim joined Squar, Milner, Reehl & Williamson, and provides income tax and consulting services in their Newport Beach offices. Prior to founding James Bone & Associates Jim served in controllership positions with Health Industries and The Handyman Stores, and as a staff accountant with Peat, Marwick, Mitchell &anp; Co. (now KPMG Peat).

Background:

Education: After growing up in the Point Loma area of San Diego, Jim attended Oregon State University and graduated from San Diego State University with a B.S. in accounting. While working at The Handyman Stores, he attended US International University and received an MBA in finance. Recent courses in geology occasionally help with appraisals, but mostly help with Jim's interest in plate tectonics.

Personal: Jim lives in Mission Viejo, California. Jim was a professional drummer for a number of years, and he still has his vintage ‘60's Gretsch drum kit. He recently refurbished the kit and added modern cymbals. Even though the last professional job was many years ago, Jim occasionally plays with local bands.

Jim enjoys his three daughters, Cristy, Katie, and Suzi, and two grandsons, Gabriel and Tyler, both three years old. After years of watching daughter Suzi in club soccer through State and Regional successes, Jim became a U.S.S.F. referree at youth and adult levels until knee problems forced retirement. Geology, especially the tectonic history of Southern California, replaced ref'ing until recently. Jim occasionally participates in earthquake awareness programs as a USGS Volunteer for the Pasadena office.