OUR ROOTS
Lee Stephens started his tax preparation business in 1983 when his son, Justin, was just two years old. His first office was on 4th street in downtown Santa Rosa, where he prepared taxes by hand and on those old green screen Apple computers. He was one of the first tax preparers in Sonoma County to offer his clients the ability to E-file their returns (he even had an article in the Press Democrat about it)! Lee ran the company until he passed away in 2015 after a 7-year battle with cancer.
JUSTIN STEPHENS
Owner and Enrolled Agent
Born and raised in Santa Rosa by two tax preparers, Justin Stephens grew up immersed in the tax business. After working multiple tax seasons alongside his father, Justin built a successful career in sales management, holding leadership roles with companies such as Magnolia Audio/Video and La-Z-Boy Furniture Galleries.
He later returned to the family business to continue his father’s legacy and now leads Stephens Tax Services with a modern, client-focused approach. Justin lives in Rohnert Park with his wife, Cassandra, and their children, Benjamin and Levi, and is also the proud father of Abigail. In his free time, he enjoys reading, board games, and cheering on the San Francisco Giants.
Clara Frost
Enrolled Agent
Clara has a strong commitment to helping individuals navigate their taxes with clarity and confidence. She holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting and brings more than ten years of experience, including several years focused on individual tax preparation.
Federally authorized to represent taxpayers before the IRS, Clara enjoys problem-solving and working with numbers, but most of all values helping clients who find taxes confusing or overwhelming. She is skilled at translating complex tax information into clear, easy-to-understand guidance and strives to ensure every client feels supported throughout the process.
Originally from Mendocino County, Clara lives in Windsor with her family and chickens.
Sergio Hernandez
Enrolled Agent
Sergio has more than three years of experience in tax preparation. He works closely with individuals and small businesses to ensure accurate filings and proactive tax planning, and he enjoys helping business owners better understand their finances so they can make informed decisions.
Born and raised in Sonoma County, Sergio has a strong connection to the local community and enjoys spending time outdoors when he’s not working.
Brian Dobbie
Tax Preparer
Brian brings over 30 years of experience in customer service, business development, and leadership. He is passionate about taking care of people and is committed to delivering world-class service to every client he serves.
Much of Brian’s career was spent in specialty consumer electronics and custom installation, where he first met Justin Stephens more than 20 years ago. Over the years, Brian and Justin worked together in a variety of roles, building a strong professional partnership and a lasting friendship that ultimately led Brian to join the Stephens Tax Services team.
Jen Elliott
Office Manager
Jen has been an integral part of Stephens Tax Services since 1996. With decades of experience and a steady, dependable presence, she plays a key role in keeping the office running smoothly. Jen lives in Windsor with her husband, Grant, and enjoys traveling, adventure, and spending quality time with her four grandkids.