This time of year can be pretty busy for Magic City Momma of the Month, Dee Edwards.
In addition to working at Accurate Tax Services, which she owns with her husband, Michael Edwards II, who is senior pastor of The Celebration Church, Edwards also owns several other businesses and is mom to two kids, Michael III, age 13 and Aubrey, age three.
“My family is the building blocks to our success, and we truly hold each other’s hand every step of the way. From my three-year-old to my 13-year-old, we are all involved in each other’s endeavors. If we aren’t at gymnastics with Aubrey, we’re at a sporting event with Michael III, assisting my husband with ministry or we’re all involved in business in some form. And it works for us. We know that we can depend on each other. Throughout our business endeavors, you could find our son greeting clients, my daughter passing out paperwork to clients—yes at three. It’s important for our children to see each other supporting one another.”
During tax season, Edwards’ focus is on making things easier for others, especially those who may be feeling a little trepidation.
“According to the IRS, a tax return preparer is trusted with your most personal information. They know about your marriage, your income, your children and your Social Security numbers—all of the sensitive details of your financial life,” she said. “If you pay someone to prepare your federal income tax return, the IRS urges you to choose that person wisely. Most tax return preparers provide outstanding service. However, each year, some taxpayers are hurt financially because they choose the wrong tax return preparer. The IRS has released a new directory for tax preparers who meet certain requirements. I would recommend searching the directory first. Being listed in this directory ensures that the tax preparer has a PTIN (preparer tax identification number) and has passed the IRS required test or has met certain qualifications. Tax return preparers have different levels of skills, education and expertise. You can learn more about the several different types of return preparers on IRS.gov/chooseataxpro.”
Edwards say that even though some may be hesitant about using a small company to do their taxes, there’s no need to fear.
“There is also a misconception and perception that if a tax preparer works for a larger firm such as H & R Block, it means they are more qualified than the smaller firms such as Accurate Tax Services. However, our tax preparers are trained, knowledgeable, experienced and all tax managers are listed in the IRS directory. This goes to show that bigger isn’t always better,” said Edwards, whose company also offers business coaching, bookkeeping, and financial services and assists small business owners with financial planning and profit strategies.
“I would urge every reader to choose a tax professional that works and cares about their situation. When choosing a tax preparer make sure they choose a company they trust that is willing to work with them during and after tax season.
“I’m asked how I manage to juggle our businesses and be successful at being a great mother, wife and business owner and there are a few things that are important to me. One, I involve God in everything I do—keeping him the center of life and business helps us balance life. Two, create a daily to-do list for my family and business. Many of us have a list for things we need to get done in our business, at work or even around the house. But my list extends to my family as well. I want them to know that they are just as important as anything else on my list. Three, stick to my schedule. When I first started out in business, I would work continually from sun up to sun down. Now, I create a business schedule and I stick with it. Outside of business hours, my time is devoted strictly to my family.”
To learn more about Dee Edwards or to get help with your taxes or bookkeeping, contact her at 1-855-6GETMAX or www.accuratetaxservices.net.
