A New Name, the Same People You Trust
- September 2, 2025
After decades of serving the Morehead community under the name Duane James, CPA, we’re turning the page on a new chapter. As our team has grown and our services have evolved, we felt it was time for our name to reflect not just one individual, but the collective experience, care, and commitment behind everything we do. We’re proud to announce our firm is rebranding with a new name that represents all of us, and the relationships we’ve built with you.
Don’t worry, nothing is changing about how we work with our clients. Our office will still be rooted in the same values that built our reputation: honesty, clarity, experience, and a low-pressure approach to financial services. If anything, we’re more energized than ever to continue providing the kind of personalized support you’ve come to expect from us.
We understand that taxes and accounting can feel overwhelming, especially when the rules seem to change every year. That’s why we make it our mission to stay current on tax law, keep your best interests in mind, and be a resource you can lean on; not just during tax season, but all year long.
We also continue to embrace the convenience and environmental benefits of going paperless. With secure digital tools, streamlined communication, and transparent pricing, we make it easy for you to stay organized and get the help you need, whether you’re filing a simple return or managing the finances of a growing business.
The Faces Behind The Name
If you’ve worked with us before, you already know we’re a close-knit team of professionals who care deeply about what we do. Our clients aren’t just case files or tax returns; they’re people, families, and business owners, each with their own goals and challenges. That’s why we’ve built a team of professionals who bring both deep expertise and genuine care to every relationship.
Duane James, CPA
For more than 30 years, Duane James has been a steady presence in the tax and accounting world. His journey began in Ashland, Kentucky, and eventually brought him to Morehead, where he earned his Bachelor of Business Administration from Morehead State University. He quickly fell in love with the area’s natural beauty and its people and decided to make Morehead home. Throughout his career, Duane has held leadership roles, passed all parts of the CPA exam on his first try, and even earned recognition as a Franchise Owner of the Year. His professional experience spans everything from being CFO of a web-based travel company to serving on the advisory board of a Fortune 500 company. But if you ask Duane what he loves most, it isn’t awards; it’s helping people. Whether he’s guiding a small business through tax season or simply answering a question from a longtime client, Duane leads with clarity and compassion. Outside the office, you’ll likely find him on the golf course, playing tournaments with his brother or practicing for the World Am in Myrtle Beach. He shares life in Morehead with his wife Judi, their three children, and ten beautiful grandchildren.
Sarah Holbrook, CPA
Sarah Holbrook brings a fresh perspective and a strong sense of purpose to her work as a CPA. Originally from Olive Hill, Kentucky, Sarah now lives in Morehead with her husband Isaiah, their daughters Camille and Evie, and their dog Gus. After graduating from Morehead State University with a degree in Accounting, Sarah continued her education at Marshall University, where she earned a Master’s in Accountancy. Her early career in healthcare finance laid the groundwork for her transition into public accounting, where she found a passion for working one-on-one with small business owners. At our firm, Sarah wears many hats, handling tax prep, payroll, and bookkeeping with precision and care. Clients appreciate her approachable style and her commitment to staying accessible. She’s always just a phone call or email away, ready to help troubleshoot a question or walk someone through their year-end reports. In her spare time, Sarah enjoys family time, beach vacations, live music, and cheering on her favorite basketball teams. She’s also a proud supporter of Shriners Children’s Hospital, where she was once a patient herself.
Aimee Carter, CPA
Aimee Carter is a seasoned Certified Public Accountant with over 20 years of experience in public accounting. A graduate of Morehead State University, she holds a Bachelor of Business Administration with an emphasis in accounting. Throughout her career, Aimee has served a broad range of industries and developed specialized expertise in trusts, estates, and nonprofit organizations. Originally from Mt. Sterling, Kentucky, Aimee is known not only for her technical knowledge and professionalism but also for her dedication to building strong client relationships and delivering thoughtful, reliable financial guidance. Outside of her professional life, Aimee is deeply involved in her community. She serves as the music director at Solid Rock Apostolic Church, where her husband, Daniel, has pastored for over 15 years. Together, they have three children—Mariah, Kaylee, and Caleb—and a beloved family dog, Charlie. In her spare time, Aimee enjoys reading, shopping, family time, and relaxing near the water.
Judy K. Porter, Tax Specialist
Judy K. Porter is a Senior Tax Preparer at Bluegrass Accounting, bringing over 26 years of dedicated experience in tax preparation and accounting. Her expertise covers a wide range of clients, including individuals, small businesses, partnerships, and farmers. Judy’s client-centered approach is the cornerstone of her practice. She believes that preparing taxes is about more than just numbers; it’s about building lasting relationships. Known for her straightforward and honest guidance, Judy strives to make the annual tax process a pleasant and stress-free experience. Before dedicating her career to tax services, Judy built a strong foundation in management as a supervisor for Fashion Bug. Outside of the office, Judy is a lifelong equestrian and lives on a farm with her horses, which she considers her buddies. She enjoys trail riding at scenic Kentucky locations like Cave Run Lake and Carter Caves.
Judi James, Tax Specialist
With an impressive 40 years of experience in the accounting industry, Judi James is a dedicated Tax Specialist at Bluegrass Accounting & Tax Solutions. Judi understands that taxes can be a major source of stress, and her primary goal is to put every client at ease. Known for her patience and approachable nature, she has a unique talent for making everyone feel comfortable and confident. Judi’s journey in the accounting world is a story of dedication and growth. She began her career as a receptionist and processor before taking tax classes that ignited her passion for helping clients with their returns. A graduate of Morehead State University, Judi is also a Registered Nurse, a background that speaks to her caring nature. Alongside her husband Duane, she owns Giovanni’s of Olive Hill, KY, where they are deeply involved in community events, including feeding local sports teams after home games.
Melanie Hill, Accounting & Payroll Specialist
Melanie Hill is a business professional with over twenty years’ experience in business management. She holds both a Bachelor of Business Administration and a Master of Business Administration from Morehead State University. At Bluegrass Accounting, Melanie’s focus is on the payroll and accounting needs of clients. Her many experiences in the business world give her the ability to step in where needed and keep our clients’ needs met, especially during the bustle of tax season. Melanie resides in her hometown of Flemingsburg, Kentucky, and has two children, Allie and Benjamin. She also owns a catering business and says one of her biggest joys in life is bringing people together with her food.
Marjie Scott, Administrative Assistant
As the Administrative Assistant for Bluegrass Accounting & Tax Solutions, Marjie Scott is often the first friendly face to greet clients. She plays a vital role in the daily operations of the firm, ensuring the flow of client appointments runs smoothly. Marjie brings over 25 years of diverse business experience to the team, having held positions in both accounting offices and at the St. Claire regional health care system. What Marjie enjoys most about her role is the firm’s inviting atmosphere, and she is a key contributor to that very environment. A lifelong resident of the area, Marjie lives in Morehead with her husband of 35 years, Richie, and enjoys spending time with her four children and three grandchildren.
Staying Ahead in a Complex Tax Landscape
Each year, clients come to us with familiar questions: How do I get the biggest refund? What deductions am I missing? Should I file early? Whether you’re managing a business or filing as an individual, tax preparation can feel like a lot to handle. That’s why we focus not only on completing returns but on educating and guiding you through the bigger picture.
We work hard to stay current on IRS regulations, Kentucky state tax updates, new deductions, and small business tax strategies. Our team provides proactive planning that can help you lower your tax liability, stay compliant, and avoid surprises down the road.
We know your time is valuable. With our team in your corner, you can focus on what matters most: Whether that’s growing your business, spending time with family, or enjoying a round of golf on a sunny Kentucky afternoon.
A New Chapter Begins
As we move forward under our new name, we do so with deep gratitude for the clients and community who have supported us over the years. We’re proud of what we’ve built—and even more excited for what’s ahead. If you’re looking for a trusted partner to help with tax preparation, accounting services, or financial guidance, we’re here for you.
Let’s take something off your plate. Reach out today to schedule a consultation or just say hello. We can’t wait to welcome you to the next chapter.
Frequently Asked Questions
It’s never too early. We recommend reaching out in the fall to get ahead of any changes in your income, deductions, or business expenses. Year-round planning helps you avoid surprises and maximize your return.
Common documents include W-2s, 1099s, mortgage interest statements, records of business income/expenses, and receipts for deductible expenses. If you’re unsure, our team can provide a personalized checklist based on your situation.
Absolutely. We offer complete accounting services for small businesses, including bookkeeping, payroll, tax prep, and ongoing consultation. Whether you’re self-employed or managing a growing team, we’ve got you covered.
Yes! We handle both federal and state tax filings, and we stay current on all Kentucky tax law changes to make sure you stay compliant.