Clare L Garner Jr ("Chip") has been a shareholder of the firm since 1986, responsible for tax planning and compliance for small business, high net-worth individuals, trusts and estates, nonprofit organizations, and common-interest real estate associations. His background has resulted in a focus on trust, estate & gift tax planning and compliance. He is also responsible for tax conflict resolution for IRS and state tax assessments.

Previously Chip worked in the Tax Department of in the Fort Lauderdale & Orlando offices of Arthur Andersen & Co, a "Big 8" firm back in the day. In addition serving on the AA&Co tax staff, he served as assistant firmwide tax coordinator for complex Florida state tax issues.

Chip's family is originally from Michigan & Illinois, and grew up in Pompano Beach where his dad started a dental practice back in 1959. He moved to Mount Dora when his boys were just toddlers to raise his boys in a small town atmosphere. His sons graduated from Eustis High School, and both went on to graduate from University of Florida in Gainesville.

Outside of the office you can find Chip gardening, enjoying his basset hound Lucy, reading history books, fishing, golfing and spending time with his family (including his beloved grandchildren Henry & Stella).

Education

• University of Florida: LLMT, Master of Laws in Taxation (Go Gators!) *
• University of Georgia: JD, Cum Laude (How ‘Bout Them Dawgs!) *
• Emory University: BA Economics/Mathematics, Phi Beta Kappa

         *Dilemma: Can’t figure out if I am I a Gator or a Bulldog?

Licenses

• Certified Public Accountant, State of Florida
• Attorney, State of Florida (inactive member)

Professional Affiliations

• Member American Institute of Certified Public Accountants
• Member Florida Institute of Certified Public Accountants
• Member Florida Bar Tax Section.
• Member Mid-Florida Estate Planning Council.

Community Involvement

• Member Lake-Sumter State College Foundation Board (Leesburg)
• Member Cornerstone Hospice Planned Giving Advisory Board (Tavares)
• Member First Green Foundation Board (Mount Dora)
• Member, St Patrick Church (Mount Dora)