Firm Profile
Mountain State Tax Service began serving taxpayers of the Potomac Highlands in 1987. Since day one, they have maintained a simple philosophy, “Taxes Made Easy, Taxes Done Right.” Empowered with integrity, transparency, and expert knowledge of tax law, Mountain State Tax Service has followed this sentiment and delivered friendly, professional service to each of its clients.
The tax professionals at Mountain State Tax Service constantly study and monitor both federal and state tax codes and continually exceed all professional education requirements. Through this attention to detail and diligence in practice, Mountain State Tax Service is able to assist and advocate for clients of all sizes. Mountain State works on behalf of a broad range of taxpayers and is experienced and ready to assist in any tax matter.
Mountain State Tax Service was founded and operated by Joseph R Brennskag for 30 years. After his passing, the practice remains family-owned and is run by his son John and his wife Aleta. Joe’s philosophy of accessible and straightforward tax preparation and resolution services still serves as the guiding principle for the business. To learn more about Joe, click here.
Mountain State Tax Service maintains two conveniently located offices. Either office is ready to assist you with your tax filing, planning, and compliance needs.
John J Brennskag, EA
John Brennskag is a second-generation tax professional and the son of Joseph Brennskag, the founder of the firm. After contributing to the practice in various roles throughout his education, John joined the team full-time in 2011 and now co-owns the firm with his family.
In 2016, John earned the prestigious Enrolled Agent (EA) designation from the Internal Revenue Service. This status, achieved by passing rigorous examinations and demonstrating expert knowledge of the tax code, grants him the distinction of being a federally licensed tax practitioner with unlimited rights to represent taxpayers before the IRS.
John is an active member of the National Association of Enrolled Agents, the National Association of Tax Professionals, and the Maryland Society of Accounting and Tax Professionals. Additionally, he serves on the board of directors for the McCoy-McMechen Museum and is a member of his church council.
Micah N Melton, EA
Micah is an experienced financial professional with a diverse background across multiple business sectors. After several years in the banking industry, Micah joined Mountain State Tax Service in 2020.
Micah earned an accounting degree from Shenandoah University and was inducted into Beta Gamma Sigma, the International Honor Society for AACSB-Accredited Business Schools. Additionally, Micah has expertise in freight trucking, non-profit organizations, and community development.
In March 2024, Micah was awarded status as an Enrolled Agent (EA) from the Internal Revenue Service after passing a series of comprehensive examinations and demonstrating expert knowledge of the tax code. Bearers of this prestigious designation are the only federally licensed tax practitioners who also have unlimited rights to represent taxpayers before the IRS. He is a member of the National Association of Tax Professionals.