We recently connected with Freddy Djogo and have shared our conversation below.

Freddy, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?

My company, Refund Express LLC have two missions.

Mission 1 – Leveraging the tax code to the fullest extent for my clients. My goal is to teach my clientele tax avoidance strategies so they can build wealth for themselves and/or their loved ones. I want them to understand that Tax Preparation is just tax compliance; It means you are just complying with the tax laws and regulations from January to April. If unprepared, you only have 4 months to come up with a strategy to lower your tax burden. That is too short. Tax Preparation is not meant to build wealth. On the other side, there is Tax Planning; Tax Planning is all year long. You have literally 12 months to study your tax situation and figure out the best strategies to reduce your taxes significantly. My motivation behind that mission is to see people having control over their finance and enjoy life to the fullest.

Mission 2 – I’m originally from the Ivory Coast. I’m African, but globally I belong to the black community. For years, I saw my community going thru financial and societal hardships all around the globe. I’m exhausted to see us at the bottom of the scale. My mission is to share financial tips with the community and fight for our unity. Without unity and financial knowledge, poverty will always beat us.

Freddy, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I’m Freddy Djogo, 32 years old, and I’m originally from the Ivory Coast. I came to the U.S. in 2010 and went to college at the University of Toledo, Ohio. My major was Accounting and I graduated with a Bachelor degree in 2014 and a Master Degree in 2016.

In 2016, an Internship with a Public Accounting firm changed my views on taxes. I’ve realized that the business owners and investors usually paid less taxes than employees. I grew up to be the perfect employee. I went to school to get the best grades, then find a great job. I thought that was the way of life until I realized that I was condemned to pay higher taxes if I remained an employee. I’ve shared my knowledge with my circle then decided to found my own Tax firm that same year, 2016.

Refund Express was born and I made a promise to myself to never let my loved ones pay more taxes than they have to. Over time my clientele grew organically and I kept gathering more knowledge.

In 2021, Refund Express became a Limited Liability Company. I’ve increase my presence on Social media, especially Instagram and TikTok to spread my knowledge to a larger clientele.

Refund Express LLC is offering Tax Preparation and Planning services. I’m teaching my clients and follower tax tips to leverage the tax code to its fullest extent. I want my clients to pay less taxes than they have to because it is their right. I’m a Tax Strategist and I teach my clients not to focus only on Tax Preparation, that is just tax compliance; In other words, you just complying with the tax laws and regulations by filing your returns before the end of the tax season. Tax Planning aims for financial freedom; it helps clients understand their tax situation and come up with tax avoidance strategies to reduce their taxes or avoid them totally. Tax avoidance strategies are legal and at the disposition of all taxpayers.

I’m also using my platform to encourage the black community to strive for financial freedom. Our community has been plagued by societal and financial issues for years. As a whole, the black community is poor and lack financial knowledge. My goal is to teach financial tips to the community and strive for unity.

Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?

Authenticity has been the most effective strategy for growing my clientele. Beside my technical knowledge, my motivation needs to come from within. I’m teaching from my heart.

Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?

Book 1: Coach Corey Wayne – Understanding Relationships

Book 2: Robert Kiyosaki – Rich Dad, Poor Dad!

The first book helped me discover who I really was. It helped me build my resilience and improve my emotional intelligence in personal and professional relationships.

The second book helped me understand money. It provided me additional knowledge on taxes and investments. I’ve learned financial discipline.       

Contact Info:

• Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/refund.express
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@refundexpress
• Other: www.tiktok.com/@refundexpress