Today we’d like to introduce you to Kristie Harris.
Hi Kristie, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I started doing taxes almost 10 years ago. At the time I had fallen on hard times trying to make ends meet and I needed to make some fast. It was hard trying to take care my apartment and child and expenses that come along with everyday life. During that time, I was an assistant store director for HEB I made pretty decent money, but I still was not making ends meet. well one day was at work I was meeting with the tax company that sets up in the store every year during tax season. I was just going to show her where she would be setting up. It was one lady I helped her with the area she was going to be in in the store and she and I got to chatting. I asked her how he started doing taxes, I mentioned that I have always done my own taxes since I was 18.I understood it very well. She said have you thought about getting paid for it. I told her no. She said if you have been doing your own taxes this long and you have a pretty good understanding you can start you a business. I asked her how. She told me to go to the IRS website and apply for a PTIN (Practitioner Tax Identification Number) and something called and EFIN (Electonic Filing Identification Number). You need these two numbers to file tax returns for profit. She also let Me know that I needed tax software.
I listened to her got my PTIN and EFIN then I borrowed $250 from my sister because I was broke. Within 3 days of having that conversation with who I call the Tax Lady I had a whole business. It felt so good. Over the next few years, I was in a partnership with some friends, then we decided to part ways, no bad blood or anything. I then worked by myself for the next year.
By this time, I had increased my knowledge of tax laws, small business taxes, overall, just educating people on how taxes work.
One night while posting on social media I came across this guy name Prince Donnell. He posted a picture of a huge group of people in downtown Philadelphia, and he had a business called Jumping Jack Tax. The people picture were Jumping Jack Tax partners. What Prince Donell was doing was providing a platform for us to by providing the tax software and also so much valuable training on how to promote your brand and grow your business. I was so intrigued by what Jumping Jack Tax had to offer I said to myself I have to be a part of this.
I followed Jumping Jack Tax for a whole year and the next year I decided I wanted to become a partner. What I love about this company was that you couldn’t just sign up and here you got I am a partner. Before you could receive the Jumping Jack Tax License and Software you had to complete Tax school. we would do 5am calls where it would be devotion motivation and going over our business. The support was A-1. I completed my first year as a partner and one day he said he had a big announcement. During this call he let us know that Jumping Jack Tax was going move to the franchise side of the business and there will not be a partnership program anymore I was so excited to hear this because whoever thought I would own a tax franchise.
So today here I am today a 2 time graduate of Texas Southern University (BBA in Marketing, MS in Administration of Justice) and the 5th Franchisee of Jumping Jack Tax.
While I am growing my business, I am currently studying to be an Enrolled Agent, this is the highest credential you can receive from the IRS and you would be considered a tax expert. With this credential, you have the same practicing rights as a lawyer and a CPA when it comes to tax representing someone in front of the IRS. I would like to grow my business to offer tax resolutions for people who are in debt with the IRS.
My journey started with me just having a conversation and putting my skills to use. The best decision I have ever made.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
Overall, it has been a smooth road, my business has grown year over year, and I look forward to the continued growth.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Jumping Jack Tax?
I am a franchisee of a Black owned tax company by the name of Jumping Jack Tax. The corporate office is based out of Philadelphia and the CEO is Prince Donnell.
Jumping Jack Tax is a company that focuses on the financial services and financial literacy. The services that we offer are Tax preparation for individual, and small business, notary services and also Bookkeeping.
What set us apart from others is that we are not the tax company that is here during tax season only we are here year round. We give personalized attention to our clients and again after-tax season is over you can still reach us.
What I am most proud of brand wise is that we are black owned, and we focus heavily on financial literacy and giving back to the community,
What matters most to you? Why?
People Matter to me. I have always worked in the service industry mostly retail but becoming a tax professional I have personally put some relief on a client’s face when they see I have saved them money or helped clear up a tax situation for them that has been a huge stress reliever for them. I started out doing this just to make some quick money but today I go above and beyond for my clients because it personally makes me feel good.
Contact Info:
- Email: kristieharris@jacktaxes.com
- Website: www,jumpingjacktaxes.com/kristieharris
- Instagram: @kristiejumpingjacktaxes
