Today we’d like to introduce you to Crissy Ellis
Hi Crissy, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I have been preparing income tax since 1998, I was introduced to tax preparation from a close friend that had an office in my hometown New Orleans, La. She trained me and I began working with her for several years. Then in 2005 I was forced to relocate to Houston, TX due to hurricane Katrina and from there I was trying to decide if I wanted to continue my journey in taxes or go in a different direction so I took a couple years off from doing taxes. I started back doing taxes in 2008 when I began working for Liberty Tax service and I worked with them for 8 seasons until 2016 and I made the decision to take a step out on faith and start my own tax business. I started my business from the ground up, doing everything on my own with the help from anyone such as obtaining the necessary credentials from the IRS, taking continuing education courses, getting my software and doing all my own marketing to obtain clients. Fast forward to 2023, I wanted to grow my business and I thought the only way I can do that is by opening up a brick and mortar location so I can have walk in traffic. So I opened a brick and mortar in the Heights of Houston for the 2023 tax season but business didn’t do as well as I hoped due to the location and the demographics of the location so once tax season ended in April I closed the store and started working the business from home again until the 2024 tax season begins, when I open a new B & M location in a different area. The services I offer my clients are professional tax preparation services, tax consultation and bookkeeping. I am also a registered notary public agent for Texas as well as a licensed Insurance Agent specialized in life, accidental and health insurance.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
There has been some struggles along the way such as, trying to grow a large client base, retain clients, marketing the business, trying to obtain business funding and trying to compete with the competition that is out there because new tax preparers and offices are opening everyday.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
My business is a minority business, owned and ran by a woman. My business is a reputable company that is registered with the BBB and has an A+ rating. I prepare and file income tax for clients as well offer bookkeeping services, notary public services and I am a licensed insurance agent in the field of life, accidental and health insurance. The majority of my clientele is low incomed individual tax clients but I do prepare small business returns as well. I am always in compliance with the IRS and state. What truly sets my tax preparation business apart from others in the industry is the unwavering commitment to personalized service and comprehensive financial education, tailored to meet the unique needs of each client. Unlike many larger firms that often prioritize volume over individual relationships, I invest the time to understand my clients’ specific financial situations, goals, and concerns. This client-centric approach enables me to provide not only expert tax preparation services but also strategic insights that empower my clients to make informed financial decisions throughout the year, rather than just during tax season. I also prioritize transparency, helping clients understand the tax implications of their decisions, which builds trust and confidence.
I want my readers to understand that our offerings are meticulously crafted with the customer in mind, ensuring that every product and service we provide not only meets but exceeds expectations.
We pride ourselves on building lasting relationships with our customers, listening to their feedback, and continuously evolving to meet their needs. Ultimately, our goal is to create a community where every individual feels valued and inspired, fostering a sense of loyalty and trust that transcends mere transactions. We invite our readers to explore everything we have to offer and join us on this journey toward a brighter, more sustainable future.
We’d love to hear about how you think about risk taking?
I believe that taking risks should be informed by self-awareness and critical thinking, allowing individuals to secure the foundational pillars of their aspirations while being open to the transformative power of uncertainty. I see risk-taking as not merely a gamble but rather an essential strategy for growth, learning, and achieving one’s goals.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @crissysincometaxsvc
