‘Tis the season for taxes and the team of Tax Savvy Women (TSW) Financial Tax Service is open for business in downtown Riverbank. The four partners, Darlene Barber-Martinez Arlene Figueroa-Morales, Silmia Thorn Sermeno, and Miranda Morales-Gutierrez bring decades of combined experience to the Riverbank community.
The business offers several services including personal and business taxes, bookkeeping, payroll, financial services, notary public and ITIN Acceptance. They can also assist those that speak Spanish.
Although tax season can be a bit hectic, the ladies all enjoy helping the public get their taxes done.
“This is a second full time job during tax season,” said Figueroa-Morales. “We do taxes for clientele all over the area and I even do taxes for clients out of the state.”
They do accept walk-ins throughout the week and will accept appointments on Sunday.
TSW is committed to its downtown location and truly hope to bring businesses back to the downtown area.
“We have seen a growth over the three years that we have been here,” said Figueroa-Morales. “We have gotten a lot of new clients and a lot of referrals.”
The biggest challenge this tax year, the ladies explained, is the Affordable Care Act.
“It is difficult for all of us, the IRS included,” expressed Figueroa-Morales. “It is not only a challenge for the taxpayers but for the tax preparers as well.”
“A tax myth that I would like to clarify is that the Affordable Care Act of 2014 does not affect everyone,” added Barber-Martinez. “If you meet certain criteria you may receive a tax credit or if not, you may receive a tax penalty.”
If there is something that the ‘tax savvy women’ do not know, they are confident in saying that they will research it and get the answers necessary for their clients.
“We are committed to providing the best service that we can,” stated Figueroa-Morales. “We have a lot of experience.”
Every year tax preparers are required to complete education for both Federal and State tax laws and these women are no expectation. They are all certified California Tax Education Council (CTEC) registered Tax Preparers.
The ladies also offered the community a few tips to consider when filing taxes this tax year.
“Keep good records of your expenses and make sure that the right dependents are listed on the W2 correctly otherwise they may have to pay taxes at the end of the year,” said Sermeno.
“The best thing is to make sure that you keep all your documents that are tax related in one place and bring it to your appointment whether we need it or not,” said Figueroa-Morales. “We will tell you if we can use it or not so if it is tax-related, bring it with you.”
“The most I enjoy about preparing taxes is helping people to receive the maximum allowable tax credits that they can, especially the Earned Income Tax Credit,” stated Barber-Martinez. “The Earned Income Tax Credit (ETIC) is a benefit for working people who have low to moderate income. A tax credit means more money in your pocket.
“It reduces the amount of tax you owe and may also give you a refund.”
TSW is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. until 8 p.m., on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and on Sundays by appointment. Spanish speaking clients are welcome as well as walk-ins. For more information call the Tax Savvy Women at 209-863-1040.
