Bernice Stephens brings more than 15 years of experience in U.S., Bonaire, and foreign tax compliance an expertise shaped by both formal mentorship and deep, hands-on practice. Originally trained as a Registered Nurse, Bernice’s path into tax was unexpected but quickly became a calling. In 2010, while living in California, she began working part-time under the guidance of Bruce Zavon, a respected U.S. tax attorney based in Bonaire. Fluent in Dutch, Bernice was uniquely positioned to assist with both U.S. and local Bonaire tax filings. 

What began as a part-time role grew into a full career. By 2017, Bernice and her husband fulfilled their longtime goal of returning to Bonaire full time, where she took on increasing responsibility within Bruce’s practice particularly with local client relationships and compliance with BES tax rules. When Bruce retired in 2022, Bernice launched her own tax firm and assumed care of his Bonaire clients, while his U.S. client base transitioned to BNC Tax & Accounting. 

Bernice now works closely with individuals and small businesses on both sides of the tax system. She supports clients navigating Dutch Caribbean filing obligations, U.S. foreign reporting, and the nuanced intersections between the two. Her tax work is rooted in clarity, diligence, and a commitment to keeping clients fully informed. 

She is actively pursuing Enrolled Agent certification to deepen her U.S. tax credentials and continues to follow updates from the Bonaire tax office, the IRS, and relevant global tax authorities. Her approach is careful and collaborative if something is uncertain, she consults the team to ensure every client receives accurate, up-to-date guidance. 

Bernice brings warmth, integrity, and strong follow-through to her work. Her shift from healthcare to international tax has been both unexpected and deeply rewarding, a second career built on trust, attention to detail, and care for the people behind the paperwork.