By Debra Massaro
Along with the many resolutions and fanfare the coming of a new year brings, something bigger lurks on the minds of many Riverview area residents—tax season. The CPAs at Hamilton and Phillips are busy fielding questions from current and prospective clients, and the firm has seen steady growth.
Hamilton and Phillips CPA, located at 3447 Brook Crossing Blvd. is one of the oldest and largest firms in Brandon. It was founded in 1983 by Greg Hamilton, CPA who retired at the end of 2015. His partner, Laura Phillips, CPA, graduated from USF with a degree in accounting and serves as the firm’s managing partner. After Hamilton’s retirement, Phillips took on two new partners, Rachel Santana, EA and Dustin Orr, CPA. Santana, who has been with the firm for nearly 20 years, graduated from USF with a Bachelor’s Degree in accounting. She is certified with the IRS as an Enrolled Agent, which is considered an elite status among tax professionals. Orr, who has been with the firm for over 5 years, graduated with an MBA from USF and is both a CPA and an Investment Advisor Representative. Hamilton continues to see clients during tax season.
The passing of January 31, the last day for employers to mail W2’s to their employees, has clients flocking in to learn whether they have a refund coming to them or a check to write to the IRS. Santana reported that last year’s numbers were at a record high with ten percent growth over the prior year and additional growth expected this year.
“Our niche is to provide the best possible service at the best possible price with the best possible results,” said Santana. “We are a full-service firm serving our business clients all year long with bookkeeping, financial statements, audits, IRS Representation, retirement plans, and tax planning. The firm also files personal tax returns, both federal and state.
Hamilton and Phillips business clients run the gamut across Riverview, Apollo Beach, Brandon, and surrounding areas.
The firm also serves clients in other countries including Canada, Germany, France, Switzerland, Russia, Ukraine, military clients and more.
Santana feels the firm is set apart from the rest by the ease with which clients can manage their taxes in today’s the fast-paced world.
Clients have the option to email (scanned documents), mail, or drop off their tax information. For information, including frequently asked tax questions, visit www.cpabrandonfl.com or call 689-7480.
