04/18/2026
Important but long...
So a family member just told me about a national "BIG TAX PREP" office that was advertising how this was a record year for them and how the government's tax cuts were helping and refunds were so much bigger....yada yada yada....
There is a reason that I went back out on my own preparing taxes after working for a national "BIG TAX PREP" service. Let me break this down for you and the big lies with prep service and tax cuts....
Anyone, and I mean anyone, can be shown how to do their own taxes with some of the great free programs that are available. The right program will walk you through every question and deduction and expense. Many people choose not to because they are uncomfortable, and that is ok, that is why I am here. Yes, having a preparer with knowledge gives you security and there are things that we know that you are not familiar with.
With these "BIG TAX PREP" services, they hire new preparers every year. They don't always have experience. You are being charged astronomical fees for the prep, and even more fees for bank products like a rapid refund. The longer your tax prep program is open, the more you are charged. You aren't asked all the questions to look for deductions. You are having forms entered that you don't necessarily need to have entered. You have to work around their schedule to have your taxes prepared.
Most people that earn tips are low income and are already below the tax thresehold and have no tax liability anyhow....and you only get no tax on the half of your time and a half!.. The interest deduction on your new vehicle you bought in 25 is ONLY if the final assembly was completed in the US, and you only get a partial credit. No, not everyone gets the $2200 for each child..No, not everyone gets earned income credit. No, you can't not claim you work expenses any more. No, you can't itemize if your expense are not over your standard deduction and good tax prep person will look at it and tell you before wasting your time by trying to enter it in the system. I tell you that there is ABSOLUTELY NO REASON for you to pay 200, 300, 400, for a tax return!
DO NOT accept any prepared return if you DO NOT UNDERSTAND or are NOT HAPPY with your preparer or return.
I am mobile, I am all electronic. I do not charge high prices. My tax clients are my extended family. I know you, I know your kids, I know your work. I ask how your dog is. You don't have to take off work, drag the kids out, sit for hours waiting on me to do your tax prep. I explain that the reason you owe is due to your w4, and I tell you how you need to change it. I work around your scedule the best I can.
I explain your return. I teach you how to do a return if you want to learn.
I tell you that NO TAX ON OVERTIME OR TIPS IS BULLCRAP!!!
This year I have doubled my clients, and I am so grateful....but with that comes more things for me to remember. Getting older, that's a kicker! lol
More explaining, more phone calls, more computer time....BUT I LOVE IT!!! You guys are my family, I am here for you, not the IRS. I take the time to ask questions... To me, this is the best job in the world. It's not taxes, it's being part of a villiage. We used to say that it took a villiage to raise a child. Now, it takes a villiage just to survive. I am here for you...luv you guys!!
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