STEPHEN THOMPSON

Stephen Thompson started his career at Wilkinson as a part-time co-op student in 1984, and worked his way up to partner in 1996. After completing the CICA in-depth tax course in 1991, Steve made personal and corporate taxation his specialty. His interest in taxation issues led to the 1996 publication of his best selling book, Beat The Taxman! Easy Ways to Save Tax in your Small Business, which addresses the challenges small business owners face and offers strategies to help them succeed

“One issue small businesses often face,” says Steve “is that owners tend to get caught in the day-to-day operations and don’t have time to think strategically about where they are going in the future. An example might be that their business has become successful but no planning has taken place on how to protect this success from tax and creditors. We can create a strategy and structure for the business owner to overcome these issues to help protect their business - creating even more wealth in the future.”

Small businesses comprise a large part of Wilkinson’s client base and Steve derives great personal satisfaction in helping these owner-managers minimize taxes and build wealth. This desire to help others success is reflected - not only in his book - but also in the tax advice he gives Canadians through appearances on TV shows like Canada AM, national radio programs, and articles published in the Globe and Mail and Your Office magazine.

In addition to obtaining his CFP, The Certified Financial Planner designation, and completing the Canadian Securities course, Steve is also a member of STEP, the Society of Trusts and Estates Practitioners and the Canadian Tax Foundation. As part of his work as a tax specialist, Steve concentrates on areas such as business advisory and business planning, as well as estate and succession planning.

Steve’s tax expertise and unique approaches to solving his clients’ problems makes him a valued part of Wilkinson’s talented team.