Business Details
Your Trusted Partner for Accounting and Tax Solutions
As a seasoned team of Certified Public Accountants and IRS Enrolled Agents, we provide personalized accounting and tax services tailored to both businesses and individuals. Our philosophy centers on building long-term relationships through integrity, professionalism, and accessibility, ensuring clients achieve their financial goals. With decades of experience, including specialized expertise in aviation tax planning, we offer innovative solutions without the constraints of larger firms.Our commitment to continuing education ensures clients receive up-to-date strategies, while our participation in the AICPA Peer Review Program underscores our dedication to quality and transparency. We serve clients nationwide from offices in West Chicago, IL, and Savannah, GA, combining technical excellence with personalized service.
Services
Accounting & Bookkeeping
Aviation Tax Planning
Tax Preparation
Audit Representation
Business Consulting
Highlights and features
- We offer decades of experience in accounting and aviation tax planning.
- Our team provides personalized, accessible client service.
- Specialized expertise in federal and state tax audit representation.
- We maintain AICPA Peer Review Program-certified quality standards.
- Our professionals exceed minimum continuing education requirements.
Associations and certifications
- AICPA Peer Review Program
What people say
Timeliness and professionalism
Great staff
Dedication and knowledge
Superior analysis
Best business decision
Services
Accounting & Bookkeeping
Our accounting and bookkeeping services ensure accurate financial records and compliance for businesses. We handle general ledger maintenance, payroll processing, and financial statement preparation. Clients benefit from tailored reporting to meet loan covenants and operational needs, supported by a team committed to continuous education and industry-specific expertise.
Aviation Tax Planning
Specialized tax planning for aircraft owners and aviation operators minimizes federal and state tax exposure. We advise on ownership structures, FAA compliance, and excise tax strategies. Our teams aviation expertise ensures clients navigate complex regulations while optimizing financial outcomes through proactive, industry-specific solutions.
Tax Preparation
We prepare comprehensive tax returns for businesses and individuals, including complex filings for estates, trusts, and aviation entities. Our approach combines meticulous compliance with strategic planning to reduce liabilities. Clients receive personalized guidance to ensure accuracy and avoid audit risks.
Audit Representation
Our firm represents clients during IRS and state tax audits, handling communications and documentation. We leverage deep regulatory knowledge to resolve disputes efficiently, minimizing penalties and stress. Services include income, payroll, and sales tax audit defense for businesses and individuals.
Business Consulting
We provide strategic consulting as outsourced CFOs, offering budgeting, cash flow analysis, and succession planning. Our team develops financial models and forecasts to support growth decisions. Clients gain actionable insights tailored to their industry, ensuring long-term profitability and operational efficiency.
People
Pete Messina
Managing Principal
With over 40 years in public accounting and aviation expertise, Pete Messina leads Messina & Associates. His focus on year-round client collaboration and aviation tax planning has earned industry recognition. He donates his piloting skills to medical transport charities.
Peter J. Messina, Jr.
Co-Managing Principal
Peter Messina Jr. specializes in tax law and digital accounting advancements. He holds an MSA and EA license, serving as CFO for a cancer research nonprofit. His expertise spans multi-industry tax minimization and technological integration in financial services.
Kris Berger
Payroll & Sales Tax Specialist
Kris Berger brings 20+ years of accounting experience, focusing on payroll and sales tax for restaurants and aviation. She holds a B.S. in Business/Accounting and completed the Annual Filing Season Program, ensuring precise compliance for complex industries.
Penny Dillehay
CPA
Penny Dillehay offers 40 years of tax and accounting expertise, specializing in quality control and nonprofit organizations. A licensed CPA in Illinois and Georgia, she contributes deep knowledge of food, auto, and healthcare industries to client engagements.
Toby Browne
Business Advisory
Toby Browne provides 20+ years of banking and financial advisory experience. He specializes in loan structuring, SBA financing, and crisis management. His background includes underwriting and managing loans up to $100M, offering clients strategic financial solutions.
Questions
What industries does Messina & Associates specialize in?
We serve aviation, automotive, healthcare, construction, technology, and nonprofit sectors, offering tailored accounting and tax solutions for each industry’s unique challenges.
Do you offer aviation-specific tax services?
Yes, our aviation tax planning includes federal/state compliance, ownership structuring, and excise tax strategies for aircraft owners and operators nationwide.
How does Messina & Associates handle audit representation?
We represent clients during IRS and state audits, managing documentation and negotiations to minimize liabilities and resolve disputes efficiently with expert guidance.
Can you assist with complex individual tax returns?
Yes, we prepare complex returns for high-net-worth individuals, including estate, gift, and trust tax planning, ensuring compliance and strategic tax savings.
What sets Messina & Associates apart from other firms?
Our combination of aviation expertise, AICPA peer-reviewed quality, and personalized service ensures clients receive strategic, compliant, and accessible financial solutions.
