Turning Tax Anxiety into Peace of Mind

How a Tax Expert Turned Life Lessons Into Lifesaving Solutions

Today, we’re excited to shine the spotlight on Harold J. Blotcher EA, the force behind HAROLD J BLOTCHER EA INC!

Read on to discover how a side gig selling bingo markers evolved into a thriving tax and IRS resolution practice built on integrity, service, and personal connection. In this blog, we take you behind the scenes of Harold’s entrepreneurial journey, from humble beginnings to becoming a trusted advocate and advisor for his clients.

Question #1 - What inspired you to start your business, and what keeps you passionate about it today?

In 1980 I left my job to go into business full time in a company that started out as a side gig in 1978 selling bingo markers to charity bingo games in Massachusetts. I was able to do this because my potential customers operated in the evening. It was a bit of a struggle in the beginning and I had to work a part time job to make ends meet. After a couple of years it had grown enough to require my full attention and over the next 20 plus years it continued to grow until I sold it.

After working out some health issues we decided to relocate to Florida in 2009. I had no interest in retirement and in 2010 I went to work for one of the major franchises as a seasonal tax preparer and after the second season I decided that I would start my own Tax Service.

Many of the clients that I had helped over those two years were complimentary. I decided to study for the Enrolled Agent exams and in October of 2012 I became an Enrolled Agent and I was open for business. I remain passionate because I know I help a lot of people and they appreciate my service as shown in the many thank you notes, cards and emails I receive.

Question #2 - What problem does your business solve, and what makes your approach different?

My business solves several problems. The public has an innate fear of the IRS. When tax time comes around they have anxiety and they feel stressed. My job is not just to prepare a tax return. Any rookie can take documents and plug them into a tax software program. But there is more than that. I ask questions if I suspect there is something more, and often there is. My clients are comfortable with me because they know that I always do my best to make sure that they will pay the least amount of taxes allowed by law. A client will sometimes not want to take a deduction they deserve for fear of audit, but I make sure that they understand that there is nothing to fear.

I also solve problems for people who are having problems with the IRS. Again, I calm them down and relieve the stress. Once they come to me, they no longer have to talk to IRS personnel, and we work to help alleviate whatever issues they may have. A major difference in my approach from the large companies is the fact that my clients have my personal attention from beginning to end. Another major difference in my approach to helping people with tax problems is that I will quote a flat fee price and there will be no hidden charges. I am with them from beginning to end, all for just the one fee.

One final point is that my clients know that I am available for them all year round, and they can always call me anytime with questions or concerns.

Question #3 - What’s one thing most people don’t know about your industry or business, but should?

One thing that people should know about my industry is that tax laws are constantly changing, which requires people in my business to keep up. The U.S. tax code is almost 7,000 pages long, containing approximately 3.5 million words. There are minimum requirements for continuing education; however, to properly keep up with changes requires much more. Also included is a requirement for a high standard of ethics, which also requires keeping up.

Question #4 - Can you share a recent success story or proud moment?

I recently settled a couple of audits for 50% and I’m working on three Offers in Compromise cases, but I would like to tell a story about my first resolution case that was a learning experience for me.

I got a text from someone who found me on LinkedIn. Client owed IRS $55,000. When I met the client I let him assume I was more experienced in tax resolution than I was. It was always stressed in continuing education to be sure to get the retainer for the full price. I was feeling sorry for the client and I agreed to take a 1/3 retainer and get the rest at the end.

Case settled for $3,200 and client was able to come up with money to pay IRS, but I never got the rest of the fee. First and last time that happened.

Question #5 - How can fellow members or readers best support your business right now?

Fellow members are already supporting me in the best way by referring clients to me, for which I am most appreciative. I’ll finish by saying I have belonged to many networking organizations, and this has by far been the best and most interesting group of people I have been associated with in all the years I have been in business.

CONNECT ON SOCIAL MEDIA : Facebook + LinkedIn

WEBSITE : https://haroldjblotchertaxes.com/

What’s a favorite quote, book, or piece of advice that guides your business mindset?

One major piece of advice that I read about in a book, written by someone who started a tax service, was: go to where people need your services. Find underserved communities. I actually called the author, and he told me about how he began marketing to the LGBT community and how it helped kick-start his business. I had a client who is a member of that community, and he advised me where to advertise. I got almost immediate response, and I am still getting results from that same ad that has been running every two weeks for 12 years.

Thank you Harold!

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If you're a business owner, a fellow entrepreneur, or simply curious about what it takes to build a business with heart, we invite you to connect with local business owners and entrepreneurs like Harold at our weekly business networking group, CG Business Connections, every Tuesday from 8:30-9:30am at the Venue at 1201!