After graduating from Western Washington University in 2005, Lydia joined a certified public accounting firm in Bellevue, WA focusing on tax preparation for high net worth individuals and their privately held businesses.  Lydia then joined VSH CPAs where she helped lead the international tax department and was promoted to a partner position.  After working over ten years with certified public accounting firms, specializing in tax and consulting, Lydia founded Ahn Tax & Business Advisors, PLLC in 2015. In 2021, she is back at VSH CPAs in her role as Partner. Her areas of specialty include partnerships, real estate, professional services, cross-border business, foreign asset holdings and taxation of U.S. persons living abroad. Lydia helps businesses manage their world-wide tax liability and explore implications of cross-border investments and operations. Lydia is a regular presenter on cross-border and real estate topics in Washington, British Columbia and Alberta.

Education and Professional Memberships:

• B.A. in Accounting from Western Washington University
• Golden Gate University graduate courses: Principles of International Taxation and Taxation of Foreign Persons with U.S. Activities
• AICPA U.S. International Tax Certificate
• Transformation Leadership Program, Convergence Coaching
• Member, Washington Society of Certified Public Accountants
• Member, American Institute of Certified Public Accountants
• Member, Washington Society of Certified Public Accountants, International Tax Committee

Professional Recognition:

• 2022 CPA Practice Advisor 40 Under 40 Award
• 2016 WSCPA Outstanding Volunteer Leader Award – Recognizes an active WSCPA member for outstanding service and dedication and/or innovative and inspirational WSCPA leadership

Professional Activities:

• Board member and immediate past chair of the Bellingham Chapter of the WSCPA
• Board member of the Whatcom Dream
• Speaker, Pacific Tax Institute, Seattle, WA
• Speaker, Edmonton Chartered Accountant’s Forum North, Alberta
• Speaker, BC/WA Cross-Border Expo
• Speaker, Porter Hétu International, Vancouver, BC