Hidden Gems: Meet Mike Garcia of Reliable Trust Income Tax

Today we’d like to introduce you to Mike Garcia.

Hi Mike, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Reliable Trust Income Tax was born out of a vision to revolutionize the way people approach tax preparation, and it’s been an incredible journey to where we are today. Over a decade ago, I noticed a significant shift in how society embraced new ways of doing business. People were becoming more open to innovative concepts—whether it was grabbing coffee from a drive-thru, hopping into a stranger’s car for a ride, or shopping online for virtually anything. These changes signaled a growing acceptance of convenience and flexibility in how services were delivered.

That’s when the idea struck me: why not bring that same level of convenience and trust to tax preparation? I saw an opportunity to create a virtual and mobile tax preparation business that could meet clients where they were, both physically and digitally. The goal was to make tax services more accessible, efficient, and stress-free for individuals and businesses alike.

Starting with just a laptop and a vision, I built Reliable Trust Income Tax from the ground up. It wasn’t always easy, but by staying true to our mission of providing reliable, personalized service, we’ve grown into a trusted name in the industry. Today, we’re proud to serve clients across the country, helping them navigate their taxes with confidence and ease. It’s been a rewarding journey, and I’m excited to see where the next decade takes us as we continue to innovate and adapt to the ever-changing needs of our clients.”

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Has it been a smooth road? Not at all. Like any entrepreneurial journey, building Reliable Trust Income Tax has come with its fair share of challenges—and we still face them today. When I first started, the concept of virtual and mobile tax preparation was virtually unheard of. Convincing people to trust a new way of handling something as important as their taxes wasn’t easy. Many were hesitant to move away from traditional in-person services, and it took time to build credibility and prove that our approach was not only effective but also more convenient.

Then came the COVID-19 pandemic, which, in many ways, was a turning point for us. Suddenly, the world was forced to adapt to remote and virtual solutions, and people had no choice but to give us a shot. It was a blessing in disguise. The pandemic allowed us to showcase our exceptional customer service, flexibility, and the comfort of filing taxes virtually. Clients who were initially skeptical became some of our biggest advocates.

But with every opportunity comes new challenges. The same shift that helped us grow also opened the door for larger corporations to adopt virtual tax preparation services. These big players have the resources and reach to dominate the market, which makes it harder for smaller businesses like ours to compete. It’s an ongoing challenge, but it doesn’t discourage me. In fact, it motivates me.

I often think about the story of that small movie rental company that started in the shadow of a giant video rental store. That small company, Netflix, went on to revolutionize an entire industry. I believe in that kind of potential for Reliable Trust Income Tax. We may not have the resources of the big names yet, but we have the vision, the passion, and the commitment to innovation. My dream is to make Reliable Trust a household name, standing alongside the businesses that have redefined how we live—whether it’s the way we get our coffee, the way our food is delivered, the way we get our groceries, or even our entertainment. We’re here to revolutionize tax preparation, and I’m working every day to make that dream a reality.

As you know, we’re big fans of Reliable Trust Income Tax. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Reliable Trust Income Tax is here to make tax season seamless and stress free. We understand how busy life can be, whether you are balancing a 9 to 5 job, managing a household, or navigating school and work. That is why we have built a service that is fast, convenient, and completely hassle free. With our secure, user friendly platform, you can easily upload your documents from anywhere, whether at home, work, or on the go—and trust us to handle the rest. Our experienced approach ensures accuracy and maximizes your deductions, so you keep more of your hard earned money.

What sets us apart is our commitment to innovation and security. Long before virtual services became the norm, we were pioneering mobile and remote tax preparation, offering a safe and efficient alternative to traditional in person filing. We use industry leading technology to protect your sensitive information, giving you peace of mind every step of the way. Whether you are a first time filer, a busy parent, or a student juggling multiple responsibilities, we take the time to understand your unique situation and provide personalized service tailored to your needs.

There’s a good reason why so many people already trust us to make tax season easier, smarter, and more convenient.

Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
Representing yourself well is the first and last impression you’ll make, so always approach every interaction with intention and authenticity. When it comes to finding a mentor or networking, focus on connecting with people and opportunities that genuinely interest you. As Steve Jobs once said, ‘You can’t connect the dots looking forward; you can only connect them looking backward.’ Success often comes from a series of seemingly unrelated experiences—working at a certain job, pursuing education, or meeting someone who mentors you in an unexpected way. These moments, when reflected on later, reveal how they all contributed to your growth.

Finding a mentor who truly helps you grow is rare these days. When you do find someone like that, someone who genuinely invests in your development—become a sponge. Absorb everything you can: their knowledge, their mindset, and even their mistakes. A great mentor doesn’t just give you answers, they help you ask the right questions and see opportunities where others see obstacles. But it’s not enough to just find a good mentor, you have to stay hungry to learn. As I once read, we all have what’s referred to as a “teachability index”. The second you think you know it all is when your level of intellect has reached its peak. So, if you’re fortunate enough to find a great mentor, be the student with a high teachability index. Stay curious, stay humble, and never stop asking questions.

By staying open to new experiences, building meaningful relationships, and learning from those who’ve walked the path before you, you create a web of opportunities that can lead to business, growth, and success. The key is to trust the process, stay curious, and keep moving forward, even when the path isn’t clear.

Pricing:

• $130 – W2 Employees
• $195 – 1099 | Self Employed | Independent Contractor

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.reliable-trust.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reliabletrustit
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ReliableTrustIncomeTaxServices/