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About Kokua Tax

At Kokua Tax, our mission is simple: to help Hawai‘i families and small businesses find financial peace — with alohapono, and a deep sense of kuleana.

We believe tax help should come from people who understand your story, your challenges, and the true cost of living in the islands.

Whether you’re facing IRS debt, struggling to get caught up, or just need honest guidance, we’re here to mālama you through it — with compassion, expertise, and integrity.

Why Local Matters

At Kokua Tax, we’re not a mainland call center or a faceless national tax company.
We’re your neighbors — born from the same community we serve.
We understand the real cost of living in Hawai‘i — the price of groceries, housing, gas, and raising a family here — because we live it too.

That local knowledge makes all the difference when working with the IRS.
Mainland firms use cookie-cutter templates and outdated “national standards.”
We show the IRS your true financial story — the Hawai‘i story — so your case reflects what you can actually afford.

Big Mainland Firms See Numbers. We See People.

Most large national tax companies spend their money on TV ads, not follow-up.
Clients often talk to salespeople instead of licensed professionals — and once payment is made, communication becomes slow or nonexistent.

That’s not who we are.
At Kokua Tax, every client matters. You’ll work directly with experienced, licensed professionals who mālama (care for) your case from start to finish.
We’ll explain things clearly, stay in touch, and always act with pono — integrity and respect.

We Treat Clients Like ‘Ohana

To us, tax resolution isn’t just about numbers — it’s about people.
It’s about helping families protect their homes, their income, and their peace of mind.
When you walk through our doors (or call our office), you’re not just another case file — you’re part of our ‘ohana.

We take our kuleana seriously: to help our clients find relief, regain control, and move forward with confidence.
With Kokua Tax, you’re never alone — we’ll stand with you every step of the way, the local way.

Our Promise to You

Because we live here too, we understand what “making ends meet” in Hawaii really means — and we make sure the IRS understands it too. 

Local Understanding

We know the realities of living and working in Hawai‘i.

Personal Service

You’ll always talk to real people who care, not call-center reps.

Aloha & Integrity

Every case handled pono — with honesty, compassion, and respect.

Ongoing Support

Even after your tax issue is resolved, we’ll be here to help you stay compliant and stress-free.

Kokua Tax— Helping Hawai‘i Families Find Relief with Aloha.

Because doing right by our clients isn’t just business — it’s our kuleana.

The Kokua Way

At Kokua Tax, we believe that helping our clients isn’t just about taxes — it’s about people, families, and community.
Our work is guided by values that reflect the spirit of Hawai‘i and the heart of aloha.

Our Core Values

Aloha First

We know the realities of living and working in Hawai‘i.

Pono in All We Do

We believe in doing what’s right — for our clients, our community, and the IRS process. Integrity is at the heart of every resolution we build.

Kuleana to Our Clients

We take our responsibility seriously. When you trust us with your tax situation, we carry that kuleana with pride and commitment — seeing it through from start to finish.

Mālama with Purpose

We don’t just solve tax problems — we mālama our clients. We guide, educate, and empower you to move forward with confidence and stability.

Local Roots, Real Results

We live here, work here, and understand what life in Hawai‘i truly costs. Our local insight helps you get fair, realistic outcomes that mainland firms just can’t match.

More Than Tax Help — A Relationship Built on Trust

When you choose Kokua Tax, you’re choosing more than a service — you’re choosing a partner who stands beside you with aloha and unwavering support.
We’re here to help you move forward, protect your ‘ohana, and live life with peace of mind — the local way, the Kokua way. 

 

Meet the Kokua Tax ‘Ohana

At Kokua Tax, we believe that helping clients isn’t just about taxes — it’s about people, families, and community.
Our team is made up of experienced, licensed professionals who live and work right here in Hawai‘i.
We mālama each client with aloha, integrity, and a shared commitment to doing things the pono way.

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Gorden Gates
Enrolled Agent — Lead Tax Strategist

Gorden is the founder and Lead Tax Strategist at Kokua Tax, bringing over 15 years of experience helping clients across Hawai‘i with complex tax and advisory matters.
He specializes in advanced tax planning for business owners, real estate professionals, and high-income clients, helping them build smart, compliant strategies that minimize taxes and reduce stress.

Known for his calm, insightful approach, Gorden believes in treating every client like ‘ohana and every plan as a reflection of true kuleana.
When he’s not developing strategies or resolving IRS issues, he enjoys exploring local eateries, spending time with family, and appreciating playing golf in many parts of the world.

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Steven Montgomery
Enrolled Agent — Co-Founder & Tax Resolution Advisor

Steven has been instrumental in building Tax Resolution Services of Hawai‘i Inc. and shaping Kokua Tax’s dedicated Tax Resolution Division.
With a deep knowledge of IRS processes and a passion for problem-solving, Steven helps clients overcome even the toughest tax challenges — always with patience, clarity, and aloha.

Based in Kāne‘ohe, O‘ahu, Steven is married with one child and enjoys surfing, golfing, cheering for the Seattle Seahawks, and spending time with his ‘ohana.

He believes every client deserves a second chance and takes pride in helping them find a path back to financial balance.

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Sheri Man
Client Services GE TaxSpecialist

Sheri has been part of the Kokua Tax ‘ohana for over five years and is often the friendly first voice clients hear when they call.

Starting as the firm’s receptionist, she’s grown into a key team member handling client care and specializing in Hawai‘i General Excise Tax (GET) resolution cases.

Sheri’s blend of expertise and compassion ensures every client feels supported and understood throughout the process.
When she’s not at work, she enjoys spending time with her ‘ohana, traveling to Las Vegas, and caring for her dad and grandkids.

Ready to Find Your Path to Pono?

We know reaching out can be hard. This conversation is 100% confidential and without obligation. We’re here to kokua.