Need for tax services doesn’t end April 15

After working in the tax preparation business for 10 years with over 20 years total as an accountant, Marie Coppla decided to leave all of the cloned tax preparation businesses and start one of her own.

Coppla moved here in May 2013, and depending on her certification as an “enrolled agent,” she launched her new business, The Tax Lady.

Enrolled means that Coppla can represent taxpayers before the IRS. She became enrolled in December 2013.

“People tend to think they don’t need a tax preparer after tax season and most of the chains and franchises nickel and dime you to death. I don’t do business that way. I have a flat rate for specific things, depending on the size of the business or how complicated a return is.”

Coppla has a home-based mobile business, meaning she will come to the client versus having them come to her. She said her initial consultation is free. “It doesn’t cost a thing for someone to talk to me.”

“We can discuss filing extensions and if they are a business, I offer bookkeeping services as well.”

Coppla said she is in training to become a certified Quickbooks consultant as well, so she can help those using the Intuit system effectively.

“I’ve been using Quickbooks Pro for a number of years and it’s a good piece of software if it’s used correctly.”

Coppla also does payroll and payroll taxes, offers audit representation if necessary, and said she spends summer months preparing tax returns for individuals and businesses.

“The deadline for a business for file taxes is March 15, not April 15 and an extension only gives six months on any extension.

“If for some reason you get a letter from the IRS, it, too, will come during the summer months after tax season is over and I can help you deal with it.”

Coppla can assist with the accountability side of tax planning for estates, trusts and explain the mechanics of gift taxes.

She will also help those wanting to form F Corporations and C Corporations. She calls herself a “one-stop-shop.”

Coppla graduated from Salem State University with a BA in business administration with emphasis on accounting.

“I want to get my business out there, but I’m going to count on my professional service and my reputation to build my business. Some businesses use deceptive advertising to get clients through the door.

Coppla said she does intend to joining the Pahrump Chamber of Commerce at some point in the near future.

A relatively new business is expecting some changes soon. Stuff’d Deli and Convenience Store at 5581 N. Highway 160 is on the Gaming Control Board agenda for July 8 to provide gaming for its customers.

Owners Heather and Erica Tomkowiak purchased the location in July 2013 but took the time to do some remodeling before opening to the public in March.

Best Bet Products, a valley-wide provider of gaming machines, will install seven machines in the location after the board approves.

Partial Best Bet owner Shawn Holmes said he doesn’t foresee any issues and said Stuff’d Deli “will go live by Aug. 1 — maybe before then if we can get everything approved and installed.”