What We Do
The Bass Tax Group specializes in corporate tax provisions (ASC 740 / FAS 109), tax compliance, and tax consulting for mid-size to large U.S. domestic and international corporations.
We can help you stay compliant with all of your corporate tax needs. Our team of professionals can handle the most complex tax provision matters and serve as your organization’s tax department. Or we can help your existing tax department achieve success.
Our History
It started with a clear vision and passionate dedication.
Neil D. Bass, CPA, founded the Bass Tax Group (formerly known as SmarTax) in 2006 with the intention of helping SEC registrants in the New York / New Jersey area meet their income tax accounting goals. Neil’s background as a Big Four tax auditor helped springboard the concept of the Bass Tax Group. Starting with just a single member, our team has since grown to several professionals providing a wide variety of corporate tax services to businesses of various sizes. Our team of experienced professionals have a wide range of backgrounds, from Big Four corporate tax to Information Technology. Our commitment to professionalism, efficiency and client service will help you or your organization achieve its goals.

Neil Bass
Managing Member
Phone: 973-240-7400 x500
Fax: 973-240-7399
Email: nbass@basstaxgroup.com
Neil D. Bass founded the Bass Tax Group (formerly known as SmarTax) in 2006 with the intention of helping SEC registrants meet their income tax accounting goals. Neil’s background as a Big Four auditor helped springboard the concept of SmarTax.
Neil’s specialties include ASC 740 (FAS 109) accounting for income taxes, corporate tax planning and strategy, international tax matters, acquisitions and divestitures and tax examination representation.
Neil helps companies meet their tax compliance goals, implement strategies for effective tax rate planning, and survive tax and financial audits. His work for consumer products, healthcare, high-tech, banking, and manufacturing companies includes U.S. multinational companies, inbound U.S. groups, and middle-market companies.
Before founding the Bass Tax Group, Neil was with a Big Four accounting firm. Prior to that, he worked in the banking industry and for a regional accounting firm.
Neil earned his Bachelor of Science in accounting and Masters in Taxation from Rutgers University. He is also a Certified Public Accountant.

Margaret Otash
Senior Manager
Phone: 973-240-7400 x502
Fax: 973-240-7399
Email: motash@basstaxgroup.com
Margaret Otash is a Senior Tax Manager at the Bass Tax Group (formerly known as SmarTax) where she provides tax compliance and consulting services to large multinational clients. Margaret is also a staffing practice leader where she supervises and trains new hires. She has an extensive professional background, which includes over 20 years of experience in both public and private accounting.
Margarets tax experience includes ASC 740 (FAS 109) accounting for income taxes, FIN 48- Uncertain Tax Positions, federal and multi state tax compliance, research and tax planning, and audit defense.
Prior to joining the Bass Tax Group, Margaret was a tax manager with KPMG in the Greater New York area. Prior to that, she was an internal auditor for a Fortune 500 insurance company.
Margaret earned her Bachelor of Science in accounting and Masters in Taxation from Seton Hall University. She is also a Certified Public Accountant.
Karen Zappetti
Senior Tax Associate
Phone: 973-240-7400 x503
Fax: 973-240-7399
Email: kzappetti@basstaxgroup.com
Karen Zappetti joined the Bass Tax Group in 2020 as a tax accountant where she provides a variety of tax services to our multinational corporations, partnerships, and individual clients. Karen’s tax experience includes international transfer pricing, federal and multi state tax compliance, research and tax planning and audit defense.
Prior to joining Bass Tax Group, Karen was a Manager of international Taxation for Johnson and Johnson in New Brunswick, New Jersey and was primarily responsible for the international tax planning and compliance in the areas of the intercompany goods and services, use of intangible property and product sourcing. Prior to that she worked for Bristol Myers Squibb and Ernst & Young LLP in the federal and international tax departments.
Karen earned her Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Villanova University and her Masters in Taxation from Seton Hall University. She is also a Certified Public Accountant.
