Family Values, Clear Communication, and Unmatched Dedication
Over 40 years ago, Chicagoans gave former IRS agent Hank Gory a nickname that stuck: Mr. Tax. And even though we officially incorporated as Individual Tax Service in 1997, it’s not uncommon for someone to walk in and ask for Mr. Tax by name. Why? Because when it comes to taxes, trust is everything. And here, Mr. Tax isn’t just a name—it’s family.
What began as Hank helping a couple dozen friends with their taxes has grown into a thriving family business. Today, Individual Tax Service is powered by Hank, his wife Deb, their three daughters, and a close-knit team of family and “adopted family” members. Together, we help more than 2,000 individuals and businesses file taxes and manage their accounting each year—serving clients in Chicago and across the country.
Every client we’ve gained over the years came to us through community connections: word of mouth, family tradition, or simply because they’ve driven by our iconic sign on 103rd Street. When we ask why they choose us, the answer is consistent—they know we listen.
At Individual Tax Service, we believe taxes aren’t just numbers on a page. They’re a snapshot of a person’s life or a business’s journey. By taking the time to truly understand our clients’ stories, we uncover deductions, credits, and opportunities others might overlook.
The trust we’ve built by listening is reflected in our high retention rates and the joy of serving families across multiple generations. We’re proud of what we’ve built as a family, but even prouder of the extended family we’ve created with our clients. Their stories, their savings, and the lifelong relationships we’ve fostered are the most meaningful measures of our success.