Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Toya Meadows . We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Toya , thanks for joining us today. To kick things off, we’d love to hear about things you or your brand do that diverge from the industry standard.

At Simple Tax Solutions, we take pride in our unique approach to client service and problem solving within the tax industry. While many tax firms focus solely on compliance and paperwork, we have made a conscious effort to prioritize education and empowerment for our clients. Instead of just completing their tax returns, we take the time to explain the process, answer their questions, and provide them with resources to better understand their tax situation.

One of the ways we diverge from the industry standard is through our emphasis on proactive tax planning. Rather than simply reacting to our clients’ financial information at tax time, we work with them throughout the year to strategize and optimize their tax positions. This approach often results in significant tax savings and a deeper understanding of their financial health.

An illustrative example of this difference in approach occurred with a small business client who had always struggled with understanding their tax obligations. By taking the time to educate them on various tax deductions and credits available to small businesses, we were able to help them save a substantial amount of money, which made a meaningful impact on their bottom line. This difference mattered because it not only saved them money but also empowered them with the knowledge to make informed financial decisions going forward.

Our commitment to education and proactive tax planning sets us apart in the industry, and we believe it brings real value to our clients. We are proud to be able to offer a more personalized and holistic approach to tax services, and we believe it makes a tangible difference in our clients’ financial well-being.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I’m Toya Meadows and I’m a passionate and dedicated AFSP tax professional with a deep rooted commitment to helping individuals and businesses navigate the complexities of tax and accounting. My journey into this field began during my high school years when I filed my first tax return by hand and paper. I attended college and after gaining valuable experience contracting for a local tax firm while maintaining a full time job, I recognized the need for a more personalized and client focused approach to accounting and tax services, which led me to establish my own firm, Simple Tax Solutions.

Simple Tax Solutions offers a wide range of tax and accounting services, including individual tax preparation, business tax planning, bookkeeping, credit restoration, and financial consulting. What sets the firm apart is its unwavering dedication to client education and empowerment. My team and I prioritize not only completing tax returns accurately and efficiently but also ensuring that clients understand the process, are equipped with the knowledge to make informed financial decisions, and are positioned to maximize tax savings.

One of the aspects I’m most proud of is the impact my firm has had on clients’ financial well being. Whether it’s helping individuals navigate complex tax regulations or assisting businesses in optimizing their tax positions, my team and I take pride in the tangible difference we make in our clients’ lives. Our commitment to building long term relationships, delivering personalized service, and achieving the best possible outcomes for our clients is what defines the brand.

Potential clients, followers, and fans should know that at Simple Tax Solutions, they can expect a caring, knowledgeable, and proactive approach to tax and accounting. My team and I are dedicated to providing top notch service, personalized attention, and expert guidance to meet each client’s unique needs. We are passionate about demystifying the world of taxes and finance, and we look forward to being a trusted partner in our clients’ financial success.

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 important lesson I had to unlearn was being passive aggressive with friends whom I’ve hired. I realized the need to separate business from personal relationships, set clear boundaries, and communicate effectively in the professional context.

The backstory behind this lesson involves observing the dynamics of hiring friends and experiencing the impact of blurred lines between personal and professional interactions. I’ve learned that maintaining a healthy working relationship requires clear boundaries and effective communication, especially when working with friends.

While it has been challenging to witness some friends come and go due to professional differences, I’ve come to understand that certain aspects of business are non-negotiable. In this process, I’ve recognized the importance of setting clear expectations, providing constructive feedback, and ensuring that professionalism is upheld, regardless of the personal relationship.

Unlearning the tendency to be passive aggressive and embracing the importance of clear boundaries and effective communication has been essential in creating a more sustainable and professional working environment, while also preserving personal relationships outside of the professional setting.

Can you talk to us about how your side-hustle turned into something more.

Absolutely, my side hustle did indeed evolve into my full time business and career. It’s been an incredible journey from starting out as a contractor at a local tax firm while working a full time job to eventually launching my own firm along with an IRS accredited academy and becoming deeply involved in the tax and accounting industry.

When I first began contracting at the tax firm, it was primarily to earn extra income for things like travel expenses and catching up on bills. At that time, I had not envisioned leaving my full time job. However, as I delved deeper into the world of taxes, I discovered a true passion for the field and a desire to expand my knowledge and expertise. Simultaneously, I found that my work in the tax office was not only fulfilling but also lucrative.

The pivotal turning point came when I made the decision to invest in myself by pursuing additional classes and trainings to further enhance my skills and understanding of tax laws and regulations. This commitment to continuous learning and professional development empowered me to take my expertise to the next level.

Moreover, a significant milestone was reached when I partnered with a close friend to launch Mind Your Assets Tax School, an IRS accredited academy. This endeavor allowed me to share my knowledge and passion for taxes with others while creating a platform that provides valuable education and job opportunities to aspiring tax professionals.

Throughout this journey, I also recognized the importance of community involvement and surrounding myself with the right people. Engaging with the community not only allowed me to give back but also helped me build a network of support and collaboration. By aligning myself with like minded individuals and industry experts, I was able to gain valuable insights and guidance that contributed to the growth and success of my business.

Overall, the transition from a side hustle to a full time career was marked by first, God then followed by a commitment to continuous learning, seizing opportunities for growth, and building strong, supportive relationships within the industry and the community. This journey has been incredibly rewarding, and I am grateful for the opportunities that have allowed me to turn my passion into a thriving and fulfilling career.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.simpletaxsolutions.info
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/simple.tax.solutions
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/simpletaxsolutionsllc
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/toya-meadows

Image Credits
JTM Productions