OUR EXPERIENCED TAX PROFESSIONALS IN THE WOODLANDS, TX
Michael Kress, CPA
Partner
Michael has over 23 years of income tax compliance and consulting experience, handling complex tax matters for C corporations, S corporations, partnerships, and trusts. Taking care of his clients is Michael's top priority, he prides himself on being responsive, answering questions quickly, returning emails promptly, and always getting the job done.
Background
Michael is originally from the Chicago area and relocated to Texas in 2010; he currently lives in the Katy area. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Accountancy and Master of Science in Taxation from DePaul University in Chicago.
On a Personal Note
When he's not at work, Michael is likely watching sports or spending time with his wife, Dawn, and their children, Will and Maddie.
Tim Freese, CPA
Managing Partner
Tim has over 30 years of experience advising businesses on their most important tax issues, helping clients preserve capital, increase profitability, and take advantage of opportunities. His expertise spans partnership and corporate taxation, entity structuring, mergers and acquisitions, oil and gas, business succession planning, and international tax reporting for U.S. companies with operations abroad.
Tim works with entrepreneurs, family-owned businesses, and corporations and partnerships of all sizes, including U.S. companies with international operations. "Listening to a client's needs and making the complex environment of tax regulation understandable are the qualities that help me provide value," Tim says. "Enhanced responsiveness and tailored attention are elements I strive to bring to every client relationship."
Background
Tim is a graduate of Loyola University New Orleans, originally from New Orleans — the Crescent City. He relocated to Texas in 1996 for greater career opportunity and has lived in The Woodlands area ever since. Tim is a recipient of the prestigious Top Ten Award for achievement on the CPA exam, having scored the highest mark in Texas for his exam session — an honor that led to an invitation to speak to the incoming class of CPAs at their swearing-in ceremony in Austin.
On a Personal Note
Tim and his wife, Daphne, have been married 40 years and have raised three daughters in The Woodlands area, two graduates of Sam Houston State University (one in accounting) and one graduate of Lone Star College now pursuing a career in Respiratory Therapy. Instilling a drive for achievement and self-reliance in his daughters is one of Tim's proudest accomplishments. The family continues to grow, with six grandchildren so far.
Sylvia Peralez, CPA
Partner
Sylvia's commitment to her clients is unparalleled, driven by a genuine desire to help others that shows up in every relationship she builds. That mindset, combined with over 17 years of tax and consulting experience, has made her a highly valued partner to business owners navigating growth, transition, and everything in between.
Clients quickly find that Sylvia understands the importance of family, business ownership, and the desire to pass that legacy on to heirs or chosen successors through a smooth transition, minimizing taxes and maximizing value along the way. She works closely with families to provide guidance on risk mitigation across trust and estate tax compliance needs at the federal and multi-state levels. When required, her experience and persistence have proven invaluable for clients facing difficult IRS matters.
Background
Sylvia has always called the Greater Houston area home. She grew up in Tomball and is an alumna of the University of Houston, where she earned her bachelor's degree in Accounting from the Bauer College of Business while working as a mom putting herself through school. She went on to become a Certified Public Accountant in the State of Texas. After several years at a mid-size firm in the Houston Heights, she joined Freese, Peralez & Associates as a Partner, serving the Houston Metro area from the firm's base in The Woodlands.
On a Personal Note
Sylvia has raised her four children in Spring, Texas: a 23-year-old daughter who earned a bachelor's degree in Biology from Trinity University and is now pursuing a master's in Marine Biology at James Cook University in Australia; a 20-year-old son who reported to Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego in 2021; and 13-year-old fraternal twins active in soccer, football, and track at Klein ISD. Sylvia strives to instill humility, empathy, and integrity in all of her children. In 2016, she participated in a six-way kidney swap as a donor, helping save the lives of a close friend and two strangers she'd never met — a reflection of the person and role model she continually strives to be.
Jenny Lyons
Human Resources Coordinator
Jenny joined Freese, Peralez & Associates in November 2017 as Administrative Coordinator and was promoted to HR Coordinator after several years with the firm.
She graduated from Sam Houston State University in 2011 and brings 15 years of customer service experience to the role, she's often the first voice you hear when you call the office. Her dedication to HR continues to support the firm's growth by managing the team's needs behind the scenes.
Background
Jenny was born in New Orleans, Louisiana, and has called The Woodlands, Texas home for over 20 years.
On a Personal Note
Outside of work, Jenny enjoys spending time with her son, traveling, and staying active, especially running outdoors when the weather cooperates. She likes to combine her love of running with charitable races, doing good for a cause while feeling good herself.
