Accounting firm moves from KC across river into Kansas, for tax incentives

Feb. 07 — A well-known Kansas City certified public accounting firm has relocated its offices and 22 employees to Leawood, lured by new Kansas incentives that eliminated personal income taxes on profits earned at what are called pass-through businesses.

Meara Welch Browne, which had been at 800 W. 47th Street in the Country Club Plaza, has relocated this week to an office building at 2020 W. 89th St. in Leawood. John Meara, a principal at the firm, said today the company’s new home is located just across the border at State Line Road.

Meara said the new Kansas program, which allows owners to avoid paying the 6 percent personal income taxes on their profits from the company, clinched the deal. The program, approved last year at the urging of Gov. Sam Brownback, was aimed at benefiting pass-through businesses such as Escorps, LLCs and partnerships.

“I think there could be a mass migration to Kansas if Missouri doesn’t do anything about it,” Meara said. “Twenty-two people have been provided huge incentives to move and once we get there; all the profits are not taxed by Kansas.”

The firm, which provides audit, tax and business support services, also will receive benefits from other Kansas incentive programs. Meara said it was too early to know the total amount of other tax incentives the firm expects to receive. The company will occupy about 7,500 square-feet in the building.

Meara also noted the building on State Line Road where his firm relocated also is the new home of SelectQuote Senior Insurance Services. SelectQuote announced in December it was relocating to Kansas, bringing 150 jobs, because of incentives. The firm had been at 9200 Ward Parkway in Kansas City.

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