About Us

Welcome to PhilIP B Hebner CPA, EA!

Working with the IRS is like trying to play a game where the rules are always changing.

(Ever played Magic: The Gathering? Yep—it’s a lot like that.)

Trying to stay in compliance with these ever-changing tax rules gets a lot of honest, hard working people into trouble with the IRS. It’s our mission to resolve these taxpayer problems with permanent solutions, showing the dignity and respect to our clients that they deserve.

  • We’ll fix your tax problems and show you how to avoid them next time.
  • We’ll help you stay organized and out of tax trouble long-term.

That’s the Philip B. Hebner, CPA, EA promise.

But I didn’t start out doing this sort of work after I graduated from the University of Washington in 1992. I tried a 17-year stint as a software developer first (but had no time for life outside of work), moved on to sales next (but it wasn’t technical enough for me), and finally discovered my unexpected love for taxes after sitting in a 101 training class for a local tax chain office.

That’s when I got hooked and started working toward gaining certifications in my field: first my EA status (Enrolled Agent), then on to earning my CPA (Certified Public Accountant). I love to go to bat for clients with the IRS, and I’m currently sitting for the USTCP exam to represent clients in Tax Court.

My team and I deliver the highest quality of work while helping clients understand tax law and how to make it work for them. I fix problems first and then teach taxpayers what they need to know so that their problems stay resolved.

When I’m not at work, I love spending time with my grandkids and sailing with my wife on the ever-changing waters of San Francisco Bay (which is a lot like navigating the ever-changing rules at the IRS, coincidentally).

Questions? My talented staff is here to help.

Our Team

Philip B Hebner

CPA, EA

Owner

As a graduate of the University of Washington, I’ve been serving clients with tax and accounting work since 2005. My son prompted me to complete my CPA certification when he said, “Dad, why aren’t you a CPA? I have to explain to my coworkers at the FDIC what an Enrolled Agent is.” I’m now the owner of this growing tax and accounting office with truly remarkable staff at my side. I feel especially privileged to be able to explain tax laws to my clients and help them move forward in reaching their goals.

Monica McGinnis

Director of First Impressions

Monica manages our office with stellar systems and a knack for remembering client names and stories. With a bachelor’s degree in business management from Arizona State University and a background in customer service, she’s an integral part of making our office and clients work together happily and smoothly. Monica serves as Philip’s executive assistant and also directs our communications and marketing.

Diane Duey

Director of Finance

Diane attended George Washington University for her undergraduate studies and earned her master’s degree from San Jose State University. She gained extensive experience in taxes, accounting, and personal financial planning while working at a nationwide tax firm for many years prior to joining our team.

Jackie W.

Director of Tax Resolution

Jackie is an Enrolled Agent and holds a master’s degree in taxation. She has a strong background in tax and accounting, and currently assists our clients in resolving their tax debt with the IRS.

Brian Grey

Tax Preparer & Enrolled Agent

Brian is an Enrolled Agent and has been in the income tax profession for more than 30 years. He has developed much of his expertise at nationwide tax preparation firms and has been in full-time practice since 2016, which includes tax preparation, audit representation, consultation, notary, public, and academic tutoring services. He holds a bachelor’s degree in fine arts from Pratt Institute.

Tatyana Shevnina

Tax Preparer & Enrolled Agent

Tatyana has been preparing taxes for 15 years and representing clients before the IRS since 2016. What was initially a side job soon became her full-time profession as she came to appreciate client relationships and the satisfaction of making a difference. Tatyana holds a bachelor’s degree from UC Davis in managerial economics.

Join our team!

Philip Hebner, CPA is hiring. We are currently looking for 1040 tax preparers with experience in CCH Axcess. This position would be remote and part-time. If you are interested please contact us at Phil@SantaCruzCountyCPA.com or fill out the form below.

    LET ME HELP:

    Friend,

    ‘Closers’ have run their numbers, and they know that certain IRS problems can net them big fees. Sure, they’ll quote you a smaller fee during the so-called “financial analysis” in the beginning stages of the process – but they also know that there are lots of different ways that they can tack on additional fees during the process so that no matter what, they will get paid.

    I would like to invite you into a different kind of process.

    Mind you – I am a PITBULL when it comes to negotiating on behalf of my clients in front of the IRS. I have plenty of stories to prove it.

    I want to fight for you – and you will never have to speak with the IRS yourself.

    Click on the button below to take your first step. Feel free to poke around our site and discover why I’ve been called “The Most Trusted Tax Professional in Santa Cruz County.”

    PS — If you are discussing your tax situation over the telephone with other firms, be sure to ask them one important question:

    “Are you a licensed tax professional that is legally eligible to offer me tax advice, or are you a salesman?”

    This is by far the single most important question you should ask anybody trying to offer you tax advice. If they are a salesperson, I highly encourage you to run quickly in the opposite direction.

    PPS – Already ready to come in?

    I don’t blame you…many folks are fed up with the other options out there. Our schedule is very full…but if you call us at (831) 251-0861 or Email Us, we’ll give you two options for coming in right away! We will NOT make dealing with a tax professional as painful as it’s been in the past!

    Talk again soon,

    Philip B Hebner CPA, EA
    (aka. PitBull Hebner)