Today we’d like to introduce you to Nicole Banks.
Hi Nicole, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
If I’m being honest, taxes were never part of my plan. I didn’t grow up dreaming of becoming a tax professional. I was simply doing what I had to do to provide for my family.
My journey started in 2011 when I enrolled at Lamar Institute of Technology, majoring in Applied Science in Business Administration. As graduation approached in 2013, I needed to secure an internship. That’s when I landed an opportunity at a local tax office in my city. I started at the bottom—data entry, organizing client files, collecting documents, and making sure everything was IRS compliant. I was learning the behind-the-scenes work before I even realized how important it would become.
In 2018, I was asked if I wanted to become a tax preparer. I doubted myself. At the time, I still didn’t know what I wanted to do with my life or where I truly saw myself. I honestly thought my future was in the corporate world. But I stepped out on faith because I was already doing the work—and something in me said to try.
As time went on, I started seeing more opportunity. That’s when it hit me: I could build something bigger.
One day, I asked my husband, Ivan Banks, if I could quit my 9–5 and go all in with taxes and life insurance. His response was simple but life-changing: “If we do this, you have to go all in.”
At the time, we were struggling. He could have easily said no. Instead, he trusted me. We went from a two-income household down to one, not knowing how all the bills would get paid or if the tax business would even grow. Carrying that level of faith wasn’t easy—but it pushed me forward.
I was scared. I was confused. I was still learning and studying. I made mistakes along the way—but I learned from every single one and turned them into lessons. I knew what it would take to get my family out of the financial situation we were in, so I went all in anyway.
What started as learning how to prepare tax returns turned into a deep commitment to understanding the business behind the work. I didn’t just want to hand clients refunds and move on. I wanted structure, compliance, and something that would last. I invested in education, mastered IRS guidelines, and built systems the right way.
I founded Banks Tax Services and grew it into a fully compliant tax preparation business focused on accuracy, integrity, and sustainability. As my experience grew, so did my vision. I saw too many people entering the tax industry without guidance, credentials, or structure—so I created what I wish I had when I first started, all while still learning and growing myself.
The following year, what started as a vision to help other women grow became reality. I hosted my very first tax class with 16 PTIN holders. That’s when I knew I needed more structure—and to truly look the part. I founded Banks Tax Pros, my software company designed to support tax professionals beyond just filing returns. I also created Banks Tax Pros University, a full training platform where aspiring and existing preparers are set up properly—from credentials to real-life scenarios, practice returns, and hands-on software training. Everything is built to help people succeed the right way.
To support growth on the backend, I built Flow Connex—my CRM system—to help entrepreneurs automate their businesses, manage clients, and scale with structure instead of chaos.
Securing my Master EFIN has allowed me to go beyond building for myself and open doors for others—helping preparers, EROs, and service bureaus enter the industry with compliance, clarity, and confidence.
I call myself a generational curse breaker because I’ve beaten the odds stacked against me. Teen motherhood. Limited resources. I kept building anyway—with intention, faith, and discipline.
Today, I’m not just preparing taxes. I’m building systems, educating entrepreneurs, and creating legacy. My story is proof that struggle doesn’t get the final say. With structure and purpose, survival turns into strategy—and strategy turns into legacy.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
No, it definitely hasn’t been a smooth road.
One of my biggest struggles was finding my identity and not fully knowing my worth in the beginning. I watched other people’s success stories and felt like theirs looked better than mine. I compared timelines, growth, and visibility, and at times it made me question myself. Being in a saturated industry made that even harder. There’s constant noise, misinformation, and distractions that can pull you out of alignment if you let them.
Another hard lesson was dealing with disloyalty. I did business with my heart, and not everyone handled that with the same integrity. I had to learn the difference between having a support system and having people around you who actually share your vision. Everyone can’t go where you’re going—and everyone isn’t supposed to.
I also made mistakes along the way. Instead of giving myself grace, I beat myself up for them—forgetting that I’m human, still learning, and still growing. Some of those mistakes required hard conversations I didn’t want to have, but needed to have. Learning how to address things head-on, set boundaries, and stand firm in my decisions wasn’t easy, but it was necessary.
What kept me grounded through all of it was keeping God first. Prayer, boundaries, and discipline became non-negotiable. I learned how to drown out the noise, stay focused on my purpose, and move with integrity even when it wasn’t popular. I stopped explaining myself, stopped entertaining distractions, and became intentional about protecting my peace and my vision.
The road wasn’t smooth—but it was necessary. Every struggle sharpened me. Every lesson strengthened my leadership. And every obstacle reminded me why I do what I do.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Banks Tax Services LLC?
Banks Tax Services is my Tax Preparation business. This is where the work happens at the ground level. We specialize in accurate, compliant tax preparation with a strong emphasis on due diligence and client education—not just chasing refunds. We also provide bookkeeping, notary services, and business formation, helping clients build and maintain strong financial foundations year-round, not just during tax season.
We don’t just plug in numbers. We take the time to truly understand each client’s tax situation because clients have different tax situations . We educate ourselves on the details of your tax situation so we can help you understand your tax return—not just hand you a refund amount and move on. Our goal is for every client to leave comfortable and confident, knowing their tax situation was explained clearly, the credits they qualified for were reviewed, and they understand how and why their return was prepared the way it was. We also focus on positioning clients for a better outcome in the next tax season through education and planning.
What sets me apart is I travel to different cities to educate myself on the tax laws and updates to be able to provide accurate information to my partners and community. I teach from real experience. I’ve built systems while actively operating in the industry. I understand the compliance risks, the pressure, and the responsibility that comes with this work. I believe in education, structure, and sustainability.
Brand-wise, what I’m most proud of is trust. My name is my brand, and I protect it. I’m known for transparency, consistency, and for telling people the truth—even when it’s uncomfortable. I’m proud that my platforms help people move from survival mode into strategy—and from strategy into ownership and legacy.
What I want readers to know is this: My brand isn’t about building something that lasts. Whether you’re a client, a student, or a partner, you’ll receive honesty, education, and systems designed to protect you and help you grow.
That’s what my brand stands on—and that’s what it will always stand on.
We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you?
Contact Info:
- Website:
- Tax business – bankstaxservices.com
- Banks Tax Pros University – bankstaxpros.com
- CRM – https://flowconnex.com/
- Instagram: @bankstaxservices and @bankstaxpros
- Facebook: Banks Tax Service and Banks Tax Pros
Image Credits
James Ural, Kelsha Pouncy, Lydell Nelson Jr.
