As National Small Business Week approaches, we’re shining a spotlight on the vibrant, hardworking tax professionals who power the NATP community. From big-city offices buzzing with activity to cozy neighborhood storefronts where everyone knows your name, our members are the trusted partners clients rely on year-round.

To celebrate, we asked our members to pull back the curtain and share what makes their offices truly special. The stories that came in highlight everything from niche specialties and one-of-a-kind client relationships to deep community roots and entrepreneurial spirit.

Get ready to meet the heart and hustle behind NATP’s small business champions and help us cheer them on during this week of recognition and appreciation!

Here’s a look at some inspiring business owners and the stories behind their businesses:

Conner Tax Service – Englewood, CO

Owner: Eliza Conner, EA

With over 20 years of experience, Connor Tax Service helps entrepreneurs achieve financial freedom. Through tax strategy sessions, financial coaching, YouTube and books, Conner breaks down complex strategies into simple, actionable steps.

Chaka Dinkins Bookkeeping Services – Oak Park, IL

Owner: Chaka Dinkins

Dinkins is an experienced bookkeeper and tax professional who serves individuals and small businesses with bookkeeping, tax preparation and business services. The goal is to help clients stay compliant with tax and accounting regulations, reducing the stress that often comes with meeting these obligations.

Hjortness CPAs, SC – Neenah, WI

Owner: Genaro S. Cardaropoli, CPA

Originally starting with his own book of business, Cardaropoli joined Hjortness CPAs, SC five years ago and became president. He now works to expand the business growth and level of service offered at the firm with more strategic tax advice.

Wolf Financial Group LLC – North Canton, OH

Owner: Tom Wolf, CPA

Wolf Financial Group LLC, licensed in Ohio, Arizona and Florida, provides a full suite of tax and financial services for individuals and businesses. Its offerings include tax preparation and planning, small business accounting, payroll, part-time CFO support and QuickBooks setup. Staff also assist with personal financial planning, estate planning and elder care. The firm’s mission is to simplify financial management so clients can focus on what matters most.

BIM Financial Services LLC – Kaplan, LA

Owner: Tangie Mouton

BIM Financial Services LLC is a nationwide firm offering tax preparation, bookkeeping, payroll, credit repair, notary services and business formation. With a CPA licensed since before 1970 and a tax professional with over 50 years of experience, the firm also serves as a service bureau providing tax software and training. BIM is dedicated to delivering affordable, respectful support to every client.

Tax Diva Services – Ava, MO

Owner: Deana L. Parsick, AFSP

Starting with 20 clients and now serving over 2,000, Tax Diva Services specializes in all types of returns, accounting and payroll.

All Taxes Done Right – Columbus, OH

Owner: Carmen B., EA

After spending several years working for different companies, Carmen felt that life after the military had finally settled enough to take the leap. Although getting started has been somewhat challenging, she remains hopeful that the future will be bright.

Upton Tax Service – Afton, OK

Owner: Terra L. Neal, AFSP

As a fourth-generation tax preparer, Neal specializes in farm and business tax returns.

Bruce R. Paglia – Needham, MA

Owner: Bruce R. Paglia

Paglia launched his business on his parents’ dining room table, later moving to a home office and expanding to a second location in 1984. After his son’s passing 12 years ago, he closed the second office but continues to serve many longtime clients. Now focused on Schedule business rentals, farm and basic individual returns, Paglia also manages family stock portfolios, writes financial commentary and mentors young people on building financial freedom.

Sanchez Income Tax & Translation Services, LLC

Owner: Zoraida Sanchez, AFSP

Sanchez operates an e-file tax preparation business and is an authorized ITIN acceptance agent. The business also offers income tax classes, consulting, business registrations and licensing, bookkeeping and sales tax reporting. Additional services include translations, notarizations, notary signings, immigration assistance and more.

Steponkus Tax Service – Milton, WI

Owner: Barbara Steponkus, EA

Started in 1992 with 62 clients, Steponkus Tax Service has greatly expanded with referrals and other business buyouts.

Narron CPA – Hampstead, NC

Owner: Robin Narron

Narron CPA is a small firm focused on small business clients. They advise their clients as well as work with them on their accounting and tax needs.

The Tax Place – Memphis, TN

Owner: Pamela P. Pickett

After 15 years working for another business, Pickett ventured out on her own five years ago. As an “older, widowed woman,” it was an intimidating step, but the risk paid off. Today, her business is thriving in her rural community.

Belmoore Financial Solutions – France

Owner: Lisa Belmonte

Belmoore Financial Solutions is committed to making tax preparation as stress-free as possible through personalized, one-on-one service. With a knowledgeable team and expertise in individual, small business and rental taxes, Belmonte provides customized solutions tailored to each client’s needs. The business focuses on customer service and up-to-date tax knowledge to ensure the best possible outcomes.

LBE Consulting PLLC

Owner: Lisa Franklin

LBE Consulting PLLC has provided high-quality tax and accounting services since 2009, with a strong commitment to educating and empowering taxpayers. The firm supports the community through speaking engagements, volunteer programs like VITA and the ABA Tax Section, and LITC clinics. Focused on mentorship and continuous growth, LBE Consulting PLLC leads with education at every opportunity.

JFK Consultancy – Plano, TX

Owner: Joseph Kerner

Kerner recently relocated to Plano, TX, after spending most of his career in the Columbus, Ohio area. An enrolled agent, he is now rebuilding his client base while living with his son, Michael.

ARS Accounting LLC – Hanover, PA

Owner: Ageana Spurlock, EA

Spurlock founded the business after 13 years working for small CPA firms, where she saw clients frustrated by late filings and lack of personal attention. Wanting to change the narrative, Spurlock built her firm to offer small businesses personalized, timely service – creating a trusted space where clients feel supported and can focus on what they do best.

Eugenia A. Graber – Kissimmee, FL

Owner: Eugenia A. Graber, RTRP

Graber started the business in 1990 after 10 years with H&R Block, building a client base of over 400 by 2001. After relocating to Florida, most clients were transitioned to another preparer, though many chose to stay. In recent years, Graber has downsized to about 70 clients and plans to retire next year.

Penny Pinch Tax LLC

Owner: Linda Schweitzer, AFSP

Penny Pinch Tax LLC is a queer-owned, trans-affirming local business dedicated to making tax filing less stressful. They prioritize personalized service, offering thorough reviews of each return and helping clients plan for future changes. This year, they launched the “Take a Penny, Leave a Penny” program, partnering with local nonprofits to provide tax assistance to those in need. Penny Pinch Tax LLC focuses on individual and sole proprietor returns, as well as nonprofit 990 preparation and bookkeeping.

SW Bookkeeping

Owner: Susan Wilson

Wilson began preparing taxes as a side gig for friends and family, which quickly grew into a thriving business. After retiring from the state five years ago, Wilson expanded the practice from 60 to over 300 tax clients and from five to more than 50 accounting clients, now serving four towns. With the help of seven part-time employees, mostly family, Wilson hopes to eventually pass the business on to a granddaughter and is grateful for the unexpected growth and success.

Small Business and Accounting Solutions of Oklahoma, LLC – Ponca City, OK

Owner: Doreen H. Abbott

As a small, woman-owned company, Abbot leads her firm in providing the bookkeeping, payroll and tax services needed by other small businesses.

APEX Tax & Small Business Advisors – Fort Wayne, IN

Owner: Barbara A. Mendez

APEX Tax & Small Business Advisors is a local, female- and family-operated firm focused on making tax, bookkeeping, and business advisory services accessible and welcoming. Founded by Barbara Mendez in 2016, APEX quickly tripled in size, expanding its team with family and long-time clients. Beyond tax preparation, the firm supports clients with tax planning, accounting setup and small business networking. APEX is deeply committed to community impact, donating to client-chosen charities and helping women and minorities achieve business ownership.

Parkers Prairie Tax Service – Ottertail, MN

Owner: Jessica Christensen, EA

Parkers Prairie Tax Service offers tax preparation, tax advisory, and payroll services to support individuals and small businesses in achieving financial stability.

Small Business Accounting Services

Owner: Lorraine (Lorry) Sorgman, EA, MST, USTCP

SBAS, LTD operates two businesses: Small Business Accounting Services, founded in 1983, and Back Tax Consulting, launched in 1999 to help taxpayers with delinquent tax issues. Over the years, SBAS has maintained a strong track record with offers in compromise, emphasizing that success depends on knowing the process and presenting a simple, clear case. Sorgman emphasizes how each taxpayer’s situation is unique, making representation a challenging and rewarding field.

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At NATP, we deeply value the contributions of small businesses as they bring diverse perspectives, real-world experience and a personal commitment to excellence that elevate our entire membership. These stories are just a glimpse into the hardworking individuals who make up our membership and the tax community we know and love.

While people are often terrified that a simple mistake on their annual federal income tax return will result in an IRS audit, the truth is that minor errors are not uncommon and often easily rectified. In some situations, the IRS would prefer that you don’t file an amended return because the agency will correct minor math errors and either request that the taxpayer pay additional tax or refund an overpayment. However, knowing which situations require an amended return can often trip up taxpayers.

To help taxpayers who believe they may need to file an amended return, we are providing answers to some common questions.

What is an amended return?

An amended tax return is simply a form(s) filed by a taxpayer to correct errors made on a tax return. Most individual taxpayers will use Form 1040-X, Amended U.S. Individual Income Tax Return, to file an amended return.

Form 1040-X can be filed electronically or on paper, but the electronic option is only available for the current tax year and the prior two tax periods. Corrections to older returns must be paper filed. If the amended return corrects a paper-filed return from the current processing year, the amended return must also be paper-filed.

A taxpayer may e-file up to three amended returns per tax year, but any additional returns filed by the taxpayer will be rejected after the third return is accepted.

When should you file an amended return?

An amended return is usually filed to correct errors with the following information provided on the initial return:

• Amount of tax owed
• Reported income
• Number of dependents
• Filing status
• Claimed tax credits or deductions
• Certain claimed deductions affected by legislative changes

An amended return is also used to claim tax relief if the taxpayer was affected by a federally declared natural disaster that changes their tax liability. This is sometimes necessary when the victims of natural disasters must file their federal returns before action is taken to provide them with tax relief.

The IRS also offers a free online tool to help taxpayers determine whether to file an amended return.

When should you not amend?

In most cases, an amended return is not required when the taxpayer discovers a math or clerical error on a recently filed return. The IRS usually finds these errors while processing the return and will send you a bill for any underpayments it uncovers. If the agency determines that you overpaid your taxes due to the error, it will refund the overpayment amount.

How long do you have to amend?

If the amended return will result in a tax refund, the taxpayer must file their Form 1040-X within either three years from the original filing deadline or two years of paying the tax due for that year, whichever is later. Extensions are not included when determining the date the return was due. Still, if the statutory due date falls on a Saturday, Sunday or legal holiday, it must be filed on the first day that is not a weekend or holiday.

For taxpayers not seeking a tax refund, there is no time limit for filing an amended return to correct a previously filed return.

What if I owe the IRS money?

If the amended return shows the taxpayer underpaid their tax due for the year at issue, taxpayers who e-file their Forms 1040-X can make a payment using IRS Direct Pay. Taxpayers who cannot pay the full amount may request a payment plan/installment agreement. A check should be included with the Form 1040-X if paper-filing the form.

Do not make any payments for any interest or penalties you may also owe. The IRS will calculate those amounts and make any needed adjustments.

Should you discover you made a mistake on a previously filed return, a tax preparer can often help. A qualified tax professional understands the rules and regulations that apply to amended returns and can guide you through the process to ensure the amended return is correct and help limit the penalties and interest that may be accruing on any taxes you underpaid in previous tax years.

If you are a tax professional and looking for more information on amended returns, check out our on-demand webinar on filing amended returns for individual taxpayers that will be available beginning in May.

The enrolled agent (EA) credential is the highest tax professional designation granted by the IRS, and passing the Special Enrollment Examination (SEE) is a key step to earning it.

While CPA exam pass rates are around 45-55%, EA exam pass rates are significantly higher at approximately 65-70%. Those stats are an encouraging starting point, but how can you ensure you will pass the exam the first time?

What’s on the exam, and how can you study to prepare for success?

What’s on the EA exam?

The SEE is a closed-book exam divided into three parts:

1. Part 1: Individuals
   • Topics include income, deductions, credits, and return prep for individuals
   • Hot spots: Filing status, adjustments, and specialized returns
2. Part 2: Businesses
   • Focuses on taxation for sole proprietors, partnerships, and corporations
   • Hot spots: Depreciation, business expenses, entity rules and basis
   • Often considered the most comprehensive and complex section
3. Part 3: Representation, Practices and Procedures
   • Tests ethics, IRS practices and taxpayer rights
   • Hot spots: Circular 230, audits, appeals and preparer penalties

The IRS also publishes detailed exam content outlines for each part, available through Prometric test centers.

Exam format

Each part of the EA exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions, which you’re given 3 ½ hours (210 minutes) to complete.

Of those 100 questions, 85 are scored, and 15 are unscored experimental questions that don’t count toward your final score.

The IRS grades on a scale of 40–130, and you’ll need a scaled score of 105 to pass.

After you answer the first 50 questions, you’ll have the option to take a scheduled break.

Once you begin the second half of the exam, you won’t be able to go back to review or change your answers from the first 50 questions.

How to study for (and pass!) the EA exam

Applying dedication, a little strategy and partnering with NATP will help you achieve success.

Keep in mind that you can take the three parts in any order and on your own schedule. Assess your strengths and either start with what’s easiest to gain confidence or tackle the most challenging part first to get it out of the way.

Take time to build a study plan that fits your life, giving yourself up to two or three months per section – or longer if needed! Passing scores carry over for up to three years.

Other study tools and tips include:

• Time + repetition - Study daily in short chunks

• Learn together with a friend or online group

• Utilize NATP courses and education for weak spots/more in-depth knowledge

• Choose a reputable test prep company to guide your journey

NATP members have free access to Gleim’s EA Review System for part one of the SEE, which includes:

• In-depth study guides based on the IRS-provided outlines

• Adaptive quizzes that target weak spots

• Practice exams that mimic the actual test

• A large bank of multiple-choice questions with software formatting identical to the SEE

• Videos, lectures and flashcards

• Mentor support

  Final EA exam study tips

  No matter where you are in your tax career, becoming an EA is 100% achievable for you.

With the right mindset, resources and preparation, you can pass the EA exam on your first try – and open doors to more clients, income and possibilities.

NATP is here to help

We’re building a free library of guides, blogs and tools to help you become an enrolled agent. Drop your email below, and we’ll send new resources as they’re released. 👇