Stax Tax

I’m that person that In 2005, I attempted to go back to school (private school) and drop out after three semesters in with two federal student loans. Shortly after, the collections people started calling and sending letters all the time. I panicked, and with ignorance I decided to file my last income tax, leave my dead-end job and “live off the grid” (running from debt collectors). See, my thought was that if I just waited 7, 10 or 15 years the student loan debt would just “go away”.

2014, I finally made it back to working on the books here and there (still thinking I’m dodging the credit collectors). I really felt home free from the collectors, when I would file taxes for those “here and there” jobs and I get a refund. 2017, I started a really nice job with decent pay. Older now and thinking of all the vacations and life I wanted to finally live and enjoy, I started really wanting more from my money, and desperately desired help and insight about money management, all the while wondering if I would one day ever be able to acquire financial wealth. I began attending workshops and reading articles to help me better understand money. Feeling my age was against me, and at almost 50, I didn’t have the years to work and invest and retire to live comfortably; depressed about my future, I was thinking a lot about how I wasted so much time and money in my youth. Funny thing about retrospection; . . . I started noticing how this younger generation had a very different relationship with money. They appeared to have the tendency to have it, first of all. And many were even enjoying life while making it. Making this connection inspired me to want to get my finances together. “I have a good work ethic”, “I’ve never been afraid of work”. It’s just that I never was taught or figured out how to make my money work for me outside of paying bills (minus that student loan, lol).

Years ago, I lived in Atlanta and eventually moved back to NY. Facebook has been a good way for me to keep up with how my friends are doing, and for years I had been watching one of my friends fearlessly set out and make it her mission to learn about finances. I’ve watched her grow in to her own and eventually she mastered her own finances and put herself in a position where she is buying properties, cars and securing investments that affords her the opportunity to pay for her college education, take care of her family and to only work for herself. Proud of her success and further inspired, I realized I had access to the right people that were already in my life being my example. All hope was not lost after all.

A few years up until now of my observing her skills and I knew that by the time my taxes would come around again, I was going to reach out to her and see if she would be my long distance “tax lady”. Ashamed at first to reach out and ask for help because of the age difference, but too broken (financially) to just sit another second without “doing something, I humbly picked up the phone, reached out and got honest about my not having any idea how to take care of my money and that I really needed some serious help, no matter what the cost

Last year (2019) while doing my tax returns, STAX TAX (her company) alerted me that my taxes were going to be garnished for my defaulted student loan. I was asked if I still wanted to file. I asked if I had a choice. To my surprise I had choices. I told them my vision and I was advised to get into the loan forgiveness program and do exactly what they told me to do and wait until next year to file those taxes. Who knew I could wait 3 years without penalty from the IRS to file. I did exactly what I was told by STAX TAX. In October when I received the letter stating that in December my loan would be out of default and back in good standing I called STAX TAX for more advice. I was told to call FedLoan and get my loan on an Income Based Repayment plan. In addition to the advice, my 2018 income taxes were filed.

Although I’ve worked hard throughout my whole life, I never enjoyed the money I earned. Even though enjoyed the satisfaction of knowing my rent and bills were paid, I was really scared of knowing about what make my money work better for me. In the past, anxiety would set in when the bank statements arrived and I would even go as far as not even opening them. I knew as long as I worked, my check would be deposited and any overdrafts the bank would handle it.

Yes, I was that person, lol

Because of my NEW determination about fixing my finances I find myself calling STAX TAX often for advice. My latest challenge was trying to get a credit card. I called and expressed that desire and with anxiety all the way STAX TAX stayed with me on the phone and walked me through the whole process. Within 30 minutes I was offered my very first EVER-IN-LIFE credit card with a $500.00 limit! Moving forward, my affirmation and determination for this year with the help of STAX TAX is that I am going to increase my credit score.

Yes, I was pleasantly surprised and grateful to be informed that STAX TAX was expanding their services and now assisting with fixing credit.

Although the owner and I share a long history together and are friends, I INSIST that I be treated as a customer and be charged for the services. I watched this young black single mom of 2 work so hard to get to where she is today and It is my honor and the very least I can do to support her every step of the way. There is no comparison to the level of integrity they offer; honesty, transparency, and trust when it comes to money are things that are priceless. Why wouldn’t I want to allow this company to help me gain my financial freedom. With this company guiding me, I know I have no choice but to win.

My grand dad (to me as a child about 7-9yrs): If you cannot buy what it is you need and want straight out with cash, you dont need it. Do not ever mess with them credit cards.

My friends & I (in conversation as a young adult about 21-24yrs): Chile, if they give me a credit card, Im finna use it till the wheels fall off, and they gonna’ have to catch me if they want me to pay them back.

-Tired of robbing Peter to pay Paul,

Thank you for it STAX TAX!

Im very happy with Stax Tax. They take care of their clients...

The owner is very knowledgeable. She’s available whenever you need her, and pay on time!!!!

Got me the most refund for my tax situatuion. Lucy was able to identify things other prepares missed and she also fixed a previous year return