by Nina Welch

Who would ever think that the word fun and taxes could be spoken in the same sentence? I’m happy to report that there’s a fun tax team at Taxpros+ in downtown San Clemente at 439 N. El Camino Real, Suite B. 

The businesses three owners focus on different aspects of the business along with tax preparation. Brenda Yecke is an enrolled agent, which the IRS recognizes as the highest level of tax knowledge. Jerry Bittick provides tax prep and bookkeeping. Vicky Wilson is the manager. When asked where the fun comes in, Wilson says, “It’s not a boring, stuffy office. It’s kind of like the neighborhood bar without the booze. We take what we do seriously but try to have a relaxing atmosphere. Taxes are intimidating. We have a friendly team spirit.”

As the face of the business, Wilson’s role is community connection. In that vein, she is on the Board of the Chamber of Commerce and the Downtown Business Association. She strives to attend every ribbon-cutting ceremony of the new businesses in town, as well as mixers and meetings, which puts her in contact with other business owners and the community.

Taxpros+ is celebrating its tenth anniversary next year. As a year-round business, they also offer bookkeeping and payroll services. During the season, which starts mid-February, they have five tax preparers and four on bookkeeping. According to Wilson, San Clemente has an entrepreneurial spirit. “Our town has a couple of ‘Shark Tank’ residents, and we have many clients that have started their own businesses.”

Of course, there can’t be an article on Taxpros+ without some tax tips. Wilson talks about the importance of keeping a log book to record mileage for small businesses that use their cars. Another important tip, according to Wilson, is to plan. If you own rental property, received a bonus, or are making big changes during a tax year, consult a tax professional.

Taxpros+ also has an investment business under their roof. They share their office with J.J. Wenrich, a Certified Financial Planner. It’s a separate service inside their location referred to as Taxpros+ Investing, which is a good connection for their clients. If a client wants to open an IRA, they introduce them to J.J., who also wrote a book titled “Teaching Kids to Buy Stocks.” 

“We would like people to know we’ve got them covered,” says Wilson. They collaborate with the client to assure that they haven’t missed something. They use the best practices in helping people understand how to keep their records and think ahead. 

When asked what her hobbies are, travel was Wilson’s answer. The tax business can be stressful, so twice a year, she and her spouse escape to Kauai for snorkeling, hiking and taking photos of sea turtles and flowers.