Our Mission
Our mission is to take a genuine and heartfelt interest in all of our clients, learn and understand their financial goals, and meet or exceed their expectations. For our clients, we are dedicated to working hard, providing outstanding tax preparation and consultation services in a timely, effective, and efficient way while maintaining the highest standards of professional integrity. Within our firm, we will foster a working environment that is enjoyable, dedicated, and educated, based on mutual respect and open communication. We encourage teamwork, loyalty, and innovation. Within our community, we will continue our long tradition of superior service, leadership, and endorsement of licensed tax professionals.
About Us
We have been serving the community in this area for over 10 years. We are well versed in all types of tax preparation including individuals, businesses, corporations, partnerships, trusts and estates, non-profit organizations, and state tax returns. Check out some of the other services we offer under the "Services" page. We’re also convinced that you’ll find our office staff helpful, friendly, and courteous.
As an Enrolled Agent with years of experience, Tax Services of Hawaii works to maximize your tax savings with professional tax preparation services. Located in downtown Honolulu, our tax professionals are experts in all areas of taxation, including corporate, estate, individual, partnership and federal, local and state taxes.
We keep up-to-date with the changing tax laws, as well as your changing life events, such as the birth of a child, a new business, new home, or inheritance. As Enrolled Agents, we adhere to certain ethical standards and codes of professional conduct established by the IRS.
We have developed this website to keep you up-to-date with the latest tax law changes and tax planning strategies. Let us simplify your life! Need a copy of your tax return? Get it fast by accessing your documents anytime with our password secure portal. Want the latest tax deadlines delivered to your e-mail box? Sign up for our e-mail client newsletter full of valuable tax planning strategies.
WHAT IS AN ENROLLED AGENT?
Enrolled Agents—The Licensed Tax Professionals. An enrolled agent is a person who has earned the privilege of practicing, that is, representing taxpayers, before the Internal Revenue Service.
Enrolled agents, like attorneys and certified public accountants (CPAs), are generally unrestricted as to which taxpayers they can represent, what types of tax matters they can handle, and which IRS offices they can practice before. In contrast, practice before the IRS is much more limited for other individuals such as un-enrolled tax return preparers, family members, full time employees, partners, and corporate officers.
Ten Reasons You Need an Enrolled Agent:
- The profession has been regulated by Congress since 1884.
- Enrolled Agents are licensed by the federal government.
- Enrolled Agents are the only tax professionals who receive their right to practice from the United States Government.
- Enrolled Agents are authorized to appear in place of the taxpayer at the Internal Revenue Service.
- Only Enrolled Agents are required to demonstrate to the IRS their competence in matters of taxation before they represent a taxpayer.
- Enrolled Agents take a difficult two-day examination administered by the IRS, which covers taxation of individuals, corporations, partnerships, estates and trusts, procedures and ethics.
- Enrolled Agents are required to complete a minimum of 24 hours per year of continuing education to keep them abreast of any and all tax law changes. Our national association (NAEA) requires a minimum of 30 hours per year which also includes ethics.
- Enrolled Agents are bound by Circular 230, which gives them limited client privilege in situations where the taxpayer is being represented in cases involving audits and collections matters.
- Enrolled Agents are subjected to a rigorous background check conducted by the IRS.
- Unlike CPAs and attorneys, who may or may not choose to specialize in taxes, ALL Enrolled Agents specialize in taxation.
MEET OUR STAFF
Meet Gorden Gates, President of Tax Services of Hawaii. Gorden believes “Honesty & Integrity is the Cornerstone of Business”. Utilizing more than 25 years of tax and accounting experience, Gorden specializes in servicing small to mid-size businesses and individuals. Gorden started Tax Services of Hawaii to provide business owners with tax strategies to legally and legitimately reduce their tax bill each and every year.
Married to Kelli for 30+ years, he enjoys spending time with his 3 adult children, traveling the world and playing golf with his friends and ohana. Nāu ‘oe kama’āina a i noho ma ka ‘āina momona, e ho’olohe i ke kūikawā kākou ‘ohana o nā mea kālā i ‘ike ‘ia e ho’olālā ‘ia ai ka mana’o maika’i loa!
Meet Kelli Gates, Office Manager and Chief Bookkeeper. A graduate of Baldwin-Wallace, this Ohio native provides bookkeeping services to many of our clients in addition to handling the accounting work for Tax Services of Hawaii. An Ohio native, she enjoys reading, spending time outdoors at the beach, hiking or her new endeavor...golf.
Meet Sheri, our Office Manager! Many of you have probably spoken to Sheri on the phone or via email and know that she definitely has the aloha spirit when dealing with our clients. Born and raised in Hawaii, Sheri embodies the warmth and friendliness that the islands are known for. She is always ready to lend a helping hand, ensuring that our clients feel supported and valued.
Sheri’s extensive knowledge of local customs and her deep-rooted connection to the community make her an invaluable asset to our team. Whether it’s coordinating appointments, answering questions, or providing guidance, Sheri goes above and beyond to make sure everyone’s needs are met with a smile.
Meet Tony Forsythe, Executive Vice President of Tax Resolutions Services of Hawaii, President of Tax Resolution Group and an Enrolled Agent with over 25 years of dedicated experience ready to leverage his expertise for your benefit. As a federally authorized tax practitioner, Tony’s proficiency spans the entire spectrum of taxation, encompassing everything from strategic tax planning to meticulous preparation and effective resolution.
Consider Tony your financial bulldog—he thrives on challenges, particularly when advocating for his clients. Specializing in audit resolution, he fearlessly stands up for you, ensuring your interests are safeguarded. Tony is proudly affiliated with the American Society of Tax Problem Solvers, showcasing his commitment to staying at the forefront of tax problem resolution.
Beyond the tax world, Tony finds joy in activities like golfing, swimming, and basking in the serenity of the beach.
Meet Steven Montgomery. Steven is our Case Manager and responsible for ensuring client satisfaction. He’s also a Tax Preparation specialist with a passion for tax resolution and customer satisfaction! Though his journey in the tax relief realm is relatively new, his dedication to ensuring clients’ financial stability is seasoned and unwavering. Steven is diligently honing the skills to serve clients better each day.
Currently progressing towards becoming an Enrolled Agent, Steven embodies the core values of transparency, reliability, and client empowerment that Tax Resolution Services of Hawaii stands for. Outside of the office Steven spends his time with his wife and family, golfing, hiking and surfing the north and south shores of Oahu.
Introducing Lauren Files!
Lauren is a dedicated and friendly tax preparer and bookkeeper here at Tax Resolution Services Of Hawaii. Originally from Washington State, Lauren brings a wealth of experience and a strong work ethic to our team. She has worked with organizations like Kuilei Cliffs Foundation, where she enhanced their outreach and branding, and at Deloitte Tax LLP, preparing federal and state income tax returns for a diverse clientele.
Lauren holds a Master of Science in Taxation from Gonzaga University and a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration from Washington State University.
In her spare time, Lauren loves surfing, volunteering, and dancing. Her approachable nature and eagerness to learn make her a valued member of our team.