AUGUSTA, Ga. (WJBF) – Tax season is upon us, and April Edwards of A&E Tax Service is making sure her clients are filing their tax forms correctly…. and on time!
Edwards sits down with WJBF to talk about how she got started in tax services and gives some words of wisdom on how to get the best results when it comes to your finances.
Thank you for joining us on Celebrating Black Excellence. How did you get started with A&E Tax Services?
I started out as just me – doing taxes for myself. A friend of mine reached out to me and said, “Hey, you want to taxes and make some money?” And I’m like, “I’d rather do taxes and maximize my tax return, and not owe the IRS any money. Can you show me how to do that?” And she says, “Sure.” So I started under the umbrella of One Stop Taxes, the largest virtual tax group in the United States. So, I started under them, and I got all of the training under them. Then, I’m like, “Well, why am I paying them a percentage when I could just be doing this on my own, and I could regulate my prices?” So that’s how I started. I started with One Stop, and then, I ventured out on to my own.
Now, you are known as the Financial Freedom Queen. First of all, where did that come from?
Because I’m a Queen, and I do finances! (Laughs)
Who gave you that name?
I did. (Laughs)
So, why are you the Financial Freedom Queen?
Because I harp on financial freedom. Not only do I get you the money, but I give you knowledge on how to invest that money or how not to spend it or waste it. Because a lot of times, as we get money, we lack things throughout the year, and first thing we want to do is go get that stuff. We will need to think about the future and our generations to come. So, I teach things like that just as a courtesy added on to my service.
What type of services do you all actually provide?
So, of course, tax preparation, bookkeeping, notary. I actually register then for sam.gov and SBA.
We also do budgeting and business plans. too.
If people want more in-depth information, how can they get that?
I will send them to my website, aetaxservice.org, and book a consultation.
What has the response been from the community when it comes to your services?
I love the community. I do it virtually in all 50 states, but it’s the in-person clients. They always grab my cards on the way out because they’re pleased with the service. I just see growth in them as they want to know more about the other services. They come for tax preparation, but they look around on my wall and want to know more about the other services I offer. I’m always willing to share that knowledge and help people grow and get to be able to sell financially.
Now, as I mentioned, this is tax season, and you have those who wait until the last minute to get the taxes filed. What advice can you give to get that in?
First, I would say check your I.D.; make sure it’s a valid I.D. Then, I would say make sure you have all of your documents, whether you’re 1099, a W-2, or self-employed, just make sure you have all of your documents that are needed. Also, you need have any receipts, Cash App, bank statements… anything you could prove that you spent the money. A lot of people think just because they are self-employed, that they call it side hustles, and there is no such thing. You’re self-employed. You’re doing this service for money. Therefore, you are self-employed. I want to get them out of the habit of saying, “I do this as a hustle.” No, you’re self-employed. So, just have your receipts, and if you book appointments, have that and that can be a document that we can use. So, I would say just be well-prepared.
Why should people choose to work with you at A&E Tax Services?
I love that question. What sets me apart from everybody else – the big box companies – is that I’m very personal, so I have clients calling me, and my mom and sister always say, “Do your phone ever stop?” I’m available 24 hours… if I’m awake! If I’m not, then, I would definitely return your message or call as soon as possible in the morning. I assist with clients that come from other companies that need amendments or need something adjusted on their taxes, or they received a letter from the IRS saying, “Hey, we need this from you,” I’m still available to assist whether they are my client or not.
Now, you’re also a part of the Greater Augusta Black Chamber of Commerce. How has that organization been beneficial to you?
Man, that’s been a blast. One of the services is being right here on Celebrating Black Excellence. If it hadn’t been for them, I would not have known about Black Excellence. I’ve done so much marketing through them. I’ve met so many local businesses, and we collaborated. Just information once a month… I’m the person that likes to go inside. So, I like to go inside the building for the trainings. Just learning about score, learning about so many opportunities, and just the networking is just that amazing. I’m like, I’m new. I haven’t even been to the new members orientation yet, and I’ve gained all of this already.
Now, what advice do you give budding entrepreneurs?
Go for it. Even if you’re scared, do it anyway. There is never going to be a right time. You’re going to always come up with excuses. Go for it, do it, and don’t listen to the negative energy or the negative naysayers. You’ve been given that gift for a reason, so you have to honor it, just accept it, and do it. Just do it.
Now, once again, if people want more information about you or any tech services, how can they get that information?
I would say go to the website, aetaxservice.org, and it has all of my links to my social media, my contact number, and my email address.
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