Today we’d like to introduce you to Abdessamad Ait Ali.
Abdessamad, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I worked for the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts (CPA) for seven years as a Tax Auditor. During that period I met many people from accounting clerks to CEOs to business owners and I learned a lot from them. I noticed that people on the other side (private sector) had more incentives to perform well, and I had hope that one day the same thing will happen to me given the circumstances at that time. With a drastic change in the state management team, my life plan had to change too. Also in the back of my mind, my old boss’s advice lingered. He had advised me to start my own business. I looked for a state tax consulting firm that would allow me to be independent and make as much money as I wanted. This way my time and income would be under my control. After two months I found the best match and joined a private state tax consulting firm. Six months later, I realized that I should really start my own business. I would help only the taxpayers that I choose and help them in my own way. I could take time off when I want to and just be the boss of myself!
Starting out was not easy, I went from being an accounting major, to being jack of all majors: Making cold calls to taxpayers under audit, advertising and monitoring my campaigns, performing the tax consulting, and billing. At first, I thought I did not have it in me. But, once I landed my first job and saw the happiness in the taxpayer’s face when the audit was concluded (which prevented their business from shutting down) I got that push I needed to keep going and look for other taxpayers who needed help (most of them don’t think they do). After only seven months, I saved taxpayers 1.2 million dollars in taxes, penalty and interest.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Overall, it has been a pleasant experience, I love the opportunity to help others with their state tax audits, and I assist taxpayers who owe from four figures to six figures liabilities. The potential income is unlimited, with that comes many obstacles. The first one is making a name in the tax consulting market. Being a one-man show is challenging. I have to be the sales person, tax consultant, and controller. This takes time from performing more tax consulting jobs. Also, a few taxpayers that look for cheaper service providers are hard to deal with. Another issue is the refusal of some clients to post online reviews. Online reviews are the best marketing tools. Those clients do not wish to have their names published online even if they are very satisfied with my services and would write me a recommendation letter if I requested one.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with State Sales Tax Consulting – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
I run a state tax consulting firm that assists people under state tax audits. I have seven years of experience in the following state taxes: Sales & Use Tax, International Fuel Tax Agreement (IFTA) and Severance Tax.
Some of my clients call me when they first receive a Notice of Audit from the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts (CPA) and this is the best way to help them. Most of them call me after they have received the tax bill I also offer a service where I can review the business for state tax compliance before a taxpayer is selected for an audit.
I also offer a service under Voluntary Disclosure Agreement (VDA). This is where a taxpayer will call me if they found out that they made a mistake in the state tax and want me to help review their case and submit the tax to the state.
I am honest, experienced and hardworking. The CPA and my clients know that. The fact that I worked for seven years with the CPA and I reached Tax Auditor V tells a lot to the state Tax Auditors that I deal with. I also worked in two different Audit Offices and supervisors and managers know me by name.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
I plan to target bigger taxpayers and invest in a professional marketing plan. I have no plans to hire other employees.
Pricing:
- $140/hr. consulting fee plus $55/hr. travel fee (when the taxpayer engages my firm before the audit has started, or just started)
- 25% contingency (when the taxpayer engages my firm after they have received the tax bill)
Contact Info:
- Address: 1855 Barker Cypress Rd, Ste 140 #34
Houston, TX 77084 - Website: www.StateSalesTaxConsulting.com
- Phone: 713-298-8804
- Email: info@statesalestaxconsulting.com
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/state-sales-tax-consulting-houston-2
Getting in touch: VoyageHouston is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
