We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Shackisha Clark. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Shackisha below.

Shackisha, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you recount a story of an unexpected problem you’ve faced along the way?

One of the most unexpected—and frankly disheartening—challenges I’ve faced in my career is dealing with individuals who expect high-quality professional work without being willing to pay for it. As a tax and financial professional, I’ve had clients who approach me, clearly aware of the value I bring, but they only want to pay if they “like” the outcome—even if that outcome is governed by legal facts and not my effort.

I’ve had people literally say, “I’ll pay you if I get a refund,” or “Can you just do it first so I can see?” One example that really stuck with me was a man who had claimed exempt nearly the entire year, despite earning close to $60,000—a solid income for a single household. He came to me for tax preparation and expected a refund. When I explained that his refund wasn’t likely because no taxes were withheld all year, he basically wanted to walk away without paying for the time, expertise, and resources I had already invested. He didn’t want to pay unless there was a favorable result for him, as if my value depended solely on the outcome, not the integrity or accuracy of the work.

What’s even more frustrating is watching these same individuals knowingly choose unqualified or shady tax preparers who promise big refunds in exchange for lower fees—risking audits, penalties, and legal trouble—all to avoid paying a fair rate for honest work.

As a professional with high integrity, this can feel like a punch to the gut. You want to help people, but you also have to protect your time, energy, and value. I had to learn to put boundaries in place: clear pricing, upfront deposits, and firm contracts. It’s a hard lesson, but it taught me that my work is worth the price—and the right clients will always recognize and respect that.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

My name is Shackisha Clark, and I’m the founder of Lifetime Tax Professionals—a brand built on integrity, empowerment, and real results. I got into the tax industry back in January 2018 when I started working at a tax firm and had the privilege of learning the basics from an amazing woman named Amber. She gave me just enough to get started—but everything else I’ve learned over the past nine years has come from my own hands-on experience, research, and drive to master the field.

Amber also introduced me to the world of insurance, and I’ve now been providing health and life insurance services for five years. That includes helping clients find the right policies to protect themselves and their families, while also staying compliant and financially secure.

At Lifetime Tax Professionals, we solve a range of problems:
✅ Tax preparation and planning for individuals and businesses
✅ Helping clients understand and resolve tax issues with the IRS
✅ BOI filing assistance
✅ Setting up reliable health and life insurance coverage
✅ And offering consultations and education so clients feel informed—not overwhelmed

What sets my business apart is not just the quality of service, but the honesty and clarity I bring. I’m not just chasing a check—I care about making sure clients are truly set up for success. My clients trust me because I take the time to explain what they’re signing, what’s expected, and what the long-term benefits are. I don’t sugarcoat or cut corners.

What I’m most proud of is sticking with it—especially during the hard seasons. I built this from the ground up, and I’ve made it to a point where I don’t have to work for anyone else but myself. That level of freedom means everything to me, and I hope it inspires others to go after what they’re passionate about too.

If you’re looking for a professional who will treat your money and peace of mind like it matters, Lifetime Tax Professionals is here for you. I’m not just offering services—I’m offering solutions that last a lifetime.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

One thing that’s really tested my resilience is dealing with clients who expect high-quality work but don’t want to pay for it. Some people want to see results before they’re even willing to invest—despite knowing the work is solid and professional. They’ll even admit the value, but still choose to go elsewhere for something cheaper, even if it could get them in trouble.

At first, that was discouraging. But instead of letting it stop me, I used it as fuel. I learned to set clear boundaries, require deposits, and stand firm in my value. I kept showing up, kept learning, and kept serving with integrity. That mindset shift helped me grow, and today I’m proud to run a business that reflects not only my skill, but my strength.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

One of the biggest lessons I had to unlearn was the mindset of struggle and survival that I grew up around. I come from a family history where working a 9-to-5, no matter how draining, was seen as the only path to stability. But deep down, I knew that life wasn’t for me.

I had to unlearn the idea that hard work only counts if it leaves you tired and underpaid. I chose to believe that I could create something of my own—something that worked for me, not against me. Launching Lifetime Tax Professionals was my way of breaking that cycle. Now, my business pays me what I used to earn at a traditional job—but with far more freedom and peace. I’ve learned that success doesn’t have to come through struggle. It can come through strategy, faith, and consistency.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Lifetimetaxprofessionals.com
• Instagram: @lifetime_tax_professionals