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 Man (yes she's a little camera shy!) our Office Admin and soon to be newest tax professional. 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.
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.
Meet Christine Mealy, aka “Chrissy”, your trusted Enrolled Agent and tax resolution expert here at Tax Resolution Services of Hawaii. With years of experience in the tax arena, I bring a wealth of knowledge and a commitment to helping clients navigate the complexities of tax matters.
As an Enrolled Agent, I am federally authorized to represent you before the IRS. My expertise covers a wide range of tax resolution services, from strategic tax planning to meticulous preparation and resolution of tax issues. I thrive on challenges and take pride in being a dedicated advocate for my clients.
My extensive experience extends across various sectors, including small businesses and real estate, allowing me to address the unique needs of diverse clients. I understand that each tax situation is unique, and I am here to provide personalized solutions tailored to your specific circumstances.
I believe in building lasting relationships with my clients, and my goal is to alleviate the stress associated with tax matters while achieving the best possible outcomes. Join me on this tax resolution journey, and let’s navigate the complexities together. Your financial peace of mind is my priority!
Meet Rikki Torres, an Enrolled Agent and MBA professional, is a seasoned expert specializing in Tax Resolution. Renowned for his adept handling of intricate issues across diverse scenarios, Rikki is dedicated to minimizing risk and optimizing client savings. His focus extends beyond immediate resolutions, employing forward-thinking Tax Planning strategies to maximize future returns for his clients.
Beyond the complexities of tax matters, Rikki finds joy in spending quality time with his young children. Outside of family moments, he channels his passion for security into teaching self-defense, aiming to empower individuals in their everyday lives. Rikki’s approach to tax matters is guided by a service mentality and a teacher’s disposition, striving to make the intricate world of taxes seem simple for his clients.
Meet Hector Justin Martinez, your reliable certified tax professional and dedicated advocate for all your taxation needs. A proud graduate of the University of Southern California, Hector brings over 14 years of steadfast experience and commitment to his clients. He is committed to guiding clients through the intricate world of taxes, helping them overcome financial challenges with precision and expertise.
Hector’s extensive experience covers a broad spectrum, including real estate, small businesses, manufacturing, construction, healthcare, retail sales, non-profit organizations, first responders, and the restaurant industry. His diverse background equips him to address the unique needs of clients in various sectors.
Beyond the office, Hector’s expertise and passion extend into his personal life. He finds joy in spending quality time with family and friends, cherishing beachside moments, and embracing invigorating workouts at the gym. As a proud USC sports enthusiast, he brings that same level of dedication to his clients.
Discover how Hector can be your lifelong ally, not only in financial matters but also in maximizing life’s precious moments. Let him assist you with your tax burdens and problems, ensuring that you can focus on what truly matters.
Introducing Dinah Tovar Armas, a proud CSUF Accounting Alumni driven by a passion for precision and financial empowerment. As your guide through the intricacies of taxation, Dinah is poised to navigate with you. From maximizing returns to ensuring strict compliance, embark on a collaborative journey where your financial goals seamlessly intertwine with our shared success story.
Let’s not just navigate the labyrinth of taxes; together, we’ll craft a strategic roadmap for your prosperity. Every financial decision will serve as a stepping stone toward a brighter and more secure financial future.
Outside the realm of numbers, Dinah dedicates her free time to exploring diverse culinary cuisines and cherishing moments with loved ones. Join Dinah in making your financial journey not just a process but a personalized path to success.