A family-led firm for stress-free tax preparation and planning
Approachable, by design
Family-run for more than 75 years, we prepare every return the way we always have: personally, fast, reliably, and affordably.
We're here to make your tax preparation and planning simple and stress-free. Reach out to us anytime with your questions or concerns, and our friendly team will be more than happy to assist you on your financial journey.
Navigating the world of taxes can sometimes feel overwhelming, but you don't have to face it alone. Our approachable team is here to help simplify the process, ensuring clarity and peace of mind every step of the way.
The people you'll work with
A small team means you always know who is handling your return, and exactly what is happening.
Pete VanZandt
Owner
Pete graduated from Niagara University with a BS in Economics in 1974. After college, Pete worked in mortgage banking at Security Trust Company and eventually moved to Sales Management at Rochester Products Division of General Motors. He has been the sole proprietor of VanZandt Associates since 1993 taking over the family business started by his father in 1952. Pete added financial planning and investment services to the business in 1995 after attaining his Series 7 securities license.
In 1995, after moving to Maryland with his family, Pete continued serving his Rochester area clients with wintertime trips to New York and expanded the business gaining clients primarily in Maryland but also other states where his clients resided.
In 2025 he began transitioning the business to his son Kyle VanZandt and family friend Donna Schmidt. Pete continues to be involved in the business, with a primary focus on Maryland and New York, but his roots will always be in Rochester, NY
Kyle VanZandt
Associate
Kyle VanZandt is excited to be a member of the next generation of VanZandt Associates, after last year’s inaugural season. With a current home base in Buffalo and a childhood in Rochester, Kyle is a Western New Yorker through and through. He holds an MFA from Harvard University/MXAT and a BA from Wagner College. While not in the office, Kyle performs on stages all over WNY.
Donna Schmidt
Associate
Donna Schmidt is an associate at VanZandt Associates, the family tax preparation practice founded by Ray VanZandt more than 60 years ago. She works alongside Peter and Kyle VanZandt to give individuals and small business owners personal, reliable tax preparation, whether clients come in for an appointment, drop off their documents, or mail them in.
Donna brings more than 40 years of business leadership to her work. That includes 34 years at Xerox, where she rose to Vice President of Managed Print Services and Office Solutions, and seven years managing compliance and operations in senior care. She holds an Executive MBA from the University of Rochester’s Simon Business School and is a QuickBooks Certified bookkeeper. Because she understands both the numbers and the realities of running a business, she’s a valuable resource for small business owners at tax time. Clients can count on her to be careful, approachable, and focused on getting their return done right.
Questions, answered plainly
A few things people ask before they hand us a return. If yours is not here, we will answer it directly.
How do I request an appointment?
Use the appointment request form on our website, or contact us by phone or email. Tell us your preferred date and time, and we’ll confirm your appointment with you.
What should I bring to my appointment?
Bring your income documents, such as W-2s and 1099s, along with any records of deductions or credits you plan to claim. Please also bring your driver’s license or other government-issued photo ID and a copy of last year’s tax return.
Why choose VanZandt Associates?
We’re a family practice founded by Ray VanZandt more than 60 years ago. Clients come to us for personal attention, dependable service, and affordable rates, and you’ll work directly with an experienced associate rather than an app or a different preparer every year.
Contact us today for your personalized tax preparation
Reach out anytime with your questions or concerns; call, email, or send a message and we will take it from there.