Today we’d like to introduce you to Marc Duperval.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Marc. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I took up accounting in college. While pursuing my degree, I came across a job posting about becoming a tax preparer. This was the semester before I graduated plus the position was in my field so I figured why not. I was always good with math and attention to detail so I thought it would be a good fit. It turned out so. It did indeed start out slow, but as the years went on, I built my clientele and my reputation as a tax professional. From starting off as a mentee, learning the business to now owning my own tax franchise and renting personal office space is still surreal to me.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Things didn’t go as fast as I would’ve liked. My first year as a tax preparer, I think I only did 5 returns. My mom didn’t even trust me to do her taxes that the first year. It’s hard to build that trust when you first start out especially for something as serious as taxes. You are dealing with the IRS, client’s personal information, some answers you may not know, etc. It was very tough at first.
Please tell us about Tax Ready North.
The company name is Tax Ready North. We provide fast and convenient tax preparation services. We specialize in personal income taxes and small business taxes. We are known for our convenience. Our tax preparers can come to you if need be. We feel that is our 1%. Being able to provide that convenience of knowing your taxes can be done by a professional at your house. You don’t have to rush and get the paperwork together or find documents. They will all be at home already. We also have office space that you can come to to get your taxes done. We work out of a space near the new Braves stadium, Suntrust Park as well as a space downtown near Mercedes Benz Arena. Our integrity is what we are most proud of. That is also what sets us apart. We will not steer you wrong nor get over on you to make a dollar. There have been plenty of times where I have told a client that their tax situation was pretty simple and walked them through how to do it themselves instead of charging them. All I ask in return is for referrals and to remember us when their situation gets a little bit more complicated. It doesn’t hurt me to teach someone. Personally, I think taxes is something we should have been taught from high school and up. I don’t mind losing a “sale” to give a quick lesson on taxes. People actually remember that as well. They come back the next year. They send their friends and family.
If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
I would have taken it more seriously in the beginning. Like I said, I only did about five people in my first year as a preparer. Those five people were just close friends. I didn’t market myself like I should have. I didn’t really have that entrepreneurial mindset that I have now. They don’t teach you to want that in school. The next year I probably did about 15 returns. Still didn’t take it too serious. It was just some extra money. A good side hustle. It wasn’t until my third year when I did about 30 returns that I knew I had something. People were consistently coming back to me. People knew me as the tax guy. So yeah, I would say wasting time and not taking it as serious. I could be so much farther than where I am now, but everyone has their own timing. I’ve had to understand that.
Contact Info:
- Website: Taxreadynorth.com
- Phone: 678-809-5277
- Email: taxreadynorth@gmail.com
- Instagram: @taxreadynorth
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