Steve began his career with one of the Big Four firms. Prior to joining WP+D, he was a partner with Dennis, Schmich & Co., Ltd., in Phoenix, Arizona. With nearly 30 years of professional accounting experience, he provides comprehensive tax planning and consulting to individuals, partnerships, corporations, and financial and private foundations. Specializing in estate and trust tax planning, he helps individuals and families avoid probate by evaluating estate planning documents, trusts designations and beneficiaries, and asset valuations. Emphasizing well-thought-out tax planning prior to death, he educates clients regarding gifting limitations, transfer tax equivalent credits, generation skipping-transfers, split gifting, spousal trusts, marital deduction gifting, education and medical gifting, gift tax exclusions, and deceased spouse unused exemption (DSUE). He assists clients with late returns, non-filing, state tax collections, liens, levies, installation agreements, voluntary disclosures, and tax shelter audits. He also provides tax and accounting services before and during IRS examinations, and civil, administrative, and judicial matters. Collaborating with other professionals, he analyzes and organizes appropriate information to defend complex tax litigation matters. Outside of the office, Steve explores Arizona’s roadways and scenery on his Harley-Davidson, plays golf, and spends time with his family.