Services / Tax

Our perception of taxes is different.

From closely held businesses and individuals to estates, trusts and corporations, our team continually practices in many areas of tax planning and compliance. We deal with federal, state/local and international taxes.

Taxes are complex, but can create opportunities for your business, which is where we come in. Through years of experience, our trusted tax advisors proactively search for opportunities with new regulations, continuously conduct research and participate in education to keep up with changing laws. In turn, we strive to keep our clients informed and to provide them with financial clarity. 

Estate planning is critical for business owners and their loved ones. We are experienced in analyzing current estate plans, preparing complex estate, gift and trust tax returns, estate administration, establishing family trusts and private philanthropic foundations and planning for the succession of a closely held businesses.

Our firm’s membership in DFK International provides us, and our clients, access to over 200 member firms who stand ready to provide local assistance in 85 countries.

Wilkins Miller makes a difference for me and my company. Their team is trustworthy and truly cares about their clients. We rely on them to guide us both personally and professionally for accounting and financial advice.

– Chuck Knight

We look to Wilkins Miller’s team for advice because of their understanding of our business and expertise in our industry. They constantly help us navigate through complex issues to help drive our business decisions.

– Marl Cummings IV

While Wilkins Miller is a bigger firm, it doesn’t have that feel. We don’t get lost in the shuffle and we’ve always felt like the team is attentive to our needs. They go out of their way to do the research, answer our questions and explain our options.

– Holli Parks

Our partnership with Wilkins Miller has been a large part of our success. They study our practice and report on ways to continually improve. We think it’s important to invest in staying fresh and cutting edge, and we look to their team to help.

– Matt White

Service Leaders

Scott L. Browning, CPA, MTA

Partner

Patricia M. Bessonen, CPA

Partner

Leigh S. Knosher, CPA, MTA

Partner

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Scott L. Browning, CPA, MTA

Partner

As a partner of Wilkins Miller, Scott Browning has worked in public accounting since 1996. Upon earning a Bachelor of Science in Commerce and Business Administration from The University of Alabama and a Master's of Taxation from The University of Alabama, Scott began his career with a national accounting firm in Birmingham before joining the firm.

Scott specializes in federal and multi-state tax compliance and planning for corporations, partnerships, individuals, and trusts and has strong experience in the preparation of financial statements, bookkeeping, contractor's licenses, and representation in Internal Revenue Service and state department of revenue examinations.

He is a member of the Association of International Certified Public Accountants and the Alabama Society of Certified Public Accountants. Scott sits on the board of directors for The University of Alabama Federal Tax Clinic and is the treasurer for the Dauphin Island Sea Lab. He was a part of the Alabama Society of Certified Public Accountants Leadership Academy Class of 2012 and was named one of Mobile Bay magazine's "Forty Under 40."

Outside of work, Scott enjoys spending time with family, hunting, fishing and watching the Alabama Crimson Tide.

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Scott L. Browning, CPA, MTA

Partner

As a partner of Wilkins Miller, Scott Browning has worked in public accounting since 1996. Upon earning a Bachelor of Science in Commerce and Business Administration from The University of Alabama and a Master's of Taxation from The University of Alabama, Scott began his career with a national accounting firm in Birmingham before joining the firm.

Scott specializes in federal and multi-state tax compliance and planning for corporations, partnerships, individuals, and trusts and has strong experience in the preparation of financial statements, bookkeeping, contractor's licenses, and representation in Internal Revenue Service and state department of revenue examinations.

He is a member of the Association of International Certified Public Accountants and the Alabama Society of Certified Public Accountants. Scott sits on the board of directors for The University of Alabama Federal Tax Clinic and is the treasurer for the Dauphin Island Sea Lab. He was a part of the Alabama Society of Certified Public Accountants Leadership Academy Class of 2012 and was named one of Mobile Bay magazine's "Forty Under 40."

Outside of work, Scott enjoys spending time with family, hunting, fishing and watching the Alabama Crimson Tide.

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Patricia M. Bessonen, CPA

Partner

As a partner of Wilkins Miller, Pat Bessonen has worked in public accounting since 1983.

Pat specializes in the areas of financial reporting for closely held businesses and not-for-profit organizations, outsourced accounting services, income tax preparation and estate and gift tax planning for individuals. She has worked with clients in many industries including retail, wholesale and service industries.

She is an active member of the America International Certified Public Accountants, Alabama Society of Certified Public Accountants and Estate Planning Council of Mobile, Alabama.

Outside of work, Pat enjoys traveling and spending time with her family and friends.

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Patricia M. Bessonen, CPA

Partner

As a partner of Wilkins Miller, Pat Bessonen has worked in public accounting since 1983.

Pat specializes in the areas of financial reporting for closely held businesses and not-for-profit organizations, outsourced accounting services, income tax preparation and estate and gift tax planning for individuals. She has worked with clients in many industries including retail, wholesale and service industries.

She is an active member of the America International Certified Public Accountants, Alabama Society of Certified Public Accountants and Estate Planning Council of Mobile, Alabama.

Outside of work, Pat enjoys traveling and spending time with her family and friends.

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Leigh S. Knosher, CPA, MTA

Partner

Leigh joined Wilkins Miller in 2002 and was named partner in 2017. She brings over thirty years of experience in public accounting and specializes in federal and multi state taxation. Leigh's experience includes working with a national accounting firm as well as owning her own accounting practice in Fairhope.

Knosher earned a Bachelor of Science in Commerce and Business Administration from The University of Alabama and a Master's of Taxation from The University of Alabama.

She is a member of the Association of International Certified Public Accountants, the Alabama Society of Certified Public Accountants and Impact 100 of Baldwin County. Leigh also serves on the national board for Distinguished Young Women.

In her spare time, Leigh enjoys traveling, paddle boarding, yoga, personal training, and reading.

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Leigh S. Knosher, CPA, MTA

Partner

Leigh joined Wilkins Miller in 2002 and was named partner in 2017. She brings over thirty years of experience in public accounting and specializes in federal and multi state taxation. Leigh's experience includes working with a national accounting firm as well as owning her own accounting practice in Fairhope.

Knosher earned a Bachelor of Science in Commerce and Business Administration from The University of Alabama and a Master's of Taxation from The University of Alabama.

She is a member of the Association of International Certified Public Accountants, the Alabama Society of Certified Public Accountants and Impact 100 of Baldwin County. Leigh also serves on the national board for Distinguished Young Women.

In her spare time, Leigh enjoys traveling, paddle boarding, yoga, personal training, and reading.