Michael J. Amato, owner of Independent Tax & Financial Planners, P.C., was born in Philadelphia in 1957. Graduated Archbishop Ryan High School (1975) and went on to LaSalle University (1979), where he received a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting (Magna Cum Laude). Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation was conferred by the Commonwealth of PA, Dept. of State, State Board of Accountancy in February of 1980. Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP™) credential was conferred by the International Board of Standards and Practices for Certified Financial Planners in March of 1989. Life & Health Insurance license was conferred by PA Dept. of Insurance in July of 1991. Certified Fund Specialist (CFS) was conferred by the Institute of Business and Finance in December 2001. Certified College Funding Specialist (CCFS) was conferred by the National Institute of Certified College Planners in October 2005. Personal Financial Specialist (PFS) designation was conferred by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) in July 2006.Mr. Amato's former experience includes senior positions with an internationally prominent big 4 CPA firm, where he was responsible for a full-range of tax and financial accounting services for his company's clients, which included individuals and small to medium size businesses.He started ITFP in 1981.He is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), PA Society of Tax & Accounting Professionals (PSTAP) and the Bucks County Estate Planning Council.Securities offered through Avantax Investment Services℠, Member FINRA, SIPC. Investment advisory services offered through Avantax Advisory Services℠. Insurance services offered through Avantax Insurance Agency℠Please visit www.avantaxwealthmanagement.com/social_policy for more information.