Joe Gervasi, CPA, CA, TEP

Partner, Tax Specialist

Joe is a trusted advisor to his clients regarding all the tax-related needs of their business or estate. He answers queries with the speed they expect when dealing with a high-level firm and a trustworthy individual delivering great service.

A graduate of York University, Joe received a Special Honours Economics degree in 1991. Outside of his CPA, CA designation, he is both a member of the Canadian Tax Foundation and a designated Trust and Estate Specialist (TEP).

He joined the Stern Cohen team as Tax Director in September 2013 and became Partner in October 2014.

Joe’s extensive experience as a tax specialist has given him a knowledge base that is both broad and detailed. He has dealt with clients in industries including manufacturing, real estate, financial services and high-tech. Joe has helped these clients in areas including:

• Trusts and alternative structures
• Corporate and personal tax planning
• Cross-border issues
• Mergers
• Acquisitions and reorganizations
• Estate and succession planning

Trusts and estates are complex fields. Fortunately, Joe holds the TEP designation establishing him as a trust and estate specialist. TEP is recognized worldwide as a way to formally distinguish qualified practitioners from non-specialists who only occasionally deal with trusts and estates.

Joe has spent time giving back to his community while coaching kids in both baseball and hockey. Although he says he loves all sports, his all-time favourite is hockey — he calls himself an “avid enthusiast” of the sport.

What is your greatest professional achievement?

Being involved in a number of complicated tax issues where I saved clients a significant amount of money.

What’s the most rewarding thing about being an accountant?

I find the most interesting thing is helping solve issues for our clients, and when I’m able to offer solutions for any of their problems.

What’s different about Stern Cohen?

I think what differentiates us is that our clients see more interaction with seasoned experts at our firm. They get exceptional service and timeliness out of it.