My first involvement in the tax preparation business happened in my dad’s third year as a tax professional and first year he had an office (in San Diego). This was back in January of 1999 and I was a Junior in high school. (I know, right? I AM OLD). After track practice and during the weekends, I’d work for him as an office assistant. His business was called D.R. TAX. (It’s D.R. and not doctor. That’s how he wanted it and it worked.)
The main thing I did was while my dad was interviewing the client in the front desk, I would type the client information and W-2 data in the old Windows 98 computer behind him. After he finished his main Q&A, he would slide his roller chair over to my area and ask if I was done. I’d say yeah and slide out the way. He’d finalize and do one last verification. After that HP laser printer fired up and printed out the 1040’s and 540’s, I’d staple them along with the W-2’s, place it in a white folder along with a D.R. Tax business card slotted, and handed it off to my dad for the client to sign. All that in an hour to an hour and a half, if it was possible.
We were like a well-oiled machine, and I really enjoyed that time. Before that, I’ve always respected my dad, but we bonded a lot more once he got me involved in the business. Now, 20 years later, he’s still in business and I’m trying to strike it on my own. The tax prep landscape has changed so much since then, but I hope to establish myself.
From Top, Clockwise: Me, Dorilyn, Bill Labestre, Janilee
