MEET GARY HOFF

Most of us do everything we can to avoid the subject of taxes, but Gary Hoff's professional life centers around it.

Hoff came to the University of Illinois in December of 2000 as an Extension Specialist in the Agricultural Law Group in the Department of Agricultural and Consumer Economics. Gary works closely with the University of Illinois Tax School as editor of the Federal Tax Workbook. The 700 page workbook is an integral part of the Tax School , but it is purchased and used in many other states as well. Hoff estimates around 13,000 tax professionals benefit from the material.

Hoff is a member (and past co-chairman) of the National Farm Income Tax Extension Committee, a group which meets annually with the IRS to update the Farmer's Tax Guide, a publication issued by the IRS and used by both farmers and tax preparers.

As part of his Extension appointment, Hoff makes tax presentations in and out of state and has traveled as far north as Minnesota and North Dakota, south to Alabama, east to West Virginia and west to California and Washington.

Gary brings his expertise in farm tax policy to farmdoc and has posted numerous articles in the Law and Taxation section of the website .

In addition to his work at the University, Hoff has a small private tax practice. He is an Enrolled Agent (EA), a credential awarded by the IRS allowing recipients to represent clients before the IRS. This designation is awarded by passing a rigorous exam, and maintained through completion of continuing education.

Hoff graduated from The Ohio State University in Agricultural Economics. Prior to coming to the U of I he had his own tax and accounting practice for many years, specializing in agricultural tax and accounting. He was also the National Tax Manager for Agrisolutions, Inc.

Hoff and his wife, Mary Kay, live in Mahomet. They have two sons, and four grandchildren. Their oldest son, Craig, lives in China with his wife, his son and his daughter. Their second son, Chris, lives in St. Louis with his wife and two daughters.

Hoff says he likes the Champaign-Urbana area a great deal, but he does not have much free time to enjoy it.

"Between editing the workbook and my private practice, my life is very busy," he said. 

To learn more about Gary Hoff, visit his homepage here.