Today we’d like to introduce you to Richard Ponce.
Hi Richard, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
It’s a family business. My parents got divorced when I was around 9 years old. I missed my father. My stepmom told me that if I wanted to spend time with my father I should come work with him. I was 10 years old. My father started me with filling out schedules that I would type out on three part carbon paper. Eventually I started noticing how the numbers were transferred between forms and I learned tax prep that way. One of my brothers was working with a client that had stocks and I was intrigued? How could one own companies like Disney and Ford? I got very interested in the stock market then and I started my journey toward my Bachelor in Finance. After graduation I got my first real job as an Examiner at the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc ( now FINRA). In that position, I audited stock brokerage firms for the NASD. In 1991 I left to work in a similar position at the US Securities and Exchange Commission. I left that position in 1999. I earned my MBA in 2001. I ended up in a Compliance role at various entities between the years 2000 and 2006. In 2007 I sold compliance contracts on the West Coast. In 2009 I did a short stint as an Examiner Trainee with the National Credit Union Administration. In 2010 I returned to the Securities industry as a Compliance person. During this time I earned my Enrolled Agent license in 2015. I subsequently left the Securities business in 2021 to concentrate on my tax business.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The road was bumpy. There were times when I had to decide if I could pay the rent, for food, books, gasoline, tuition, etc. After a while, I was able to balance work and studies with my social life with the latter taking a back seat to my studies.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I always want my clients to have buy-in when we prepare tax returns. I speak more than one language which really helps. I am most proud of earning an MBA and being an Enrolled Agent with the IRS, the highest certification offered by the Agency. What sets me apart from others is my 30+ years experience in the securities markets and my Masters.
We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you?
In my opinion the only luck I have is the one I make. This comes from the experiences I have had with people from many different cultures and backgrounds and being respectful to them. To remember that we are all human makes the experience that much more pleasant and fulfilling.
Pricing:
- $350 minimum fee for personal returns
- $750 for LLC/Corporate Minimum
- $250 fee for Veterans
- $750 for Trusts
Contact Info:
- Website: https://rcptax.com
Image Credits
The Agencies listed
