Meet Julie Wrobel-Eckard | Enrolled Agent

We had the good fortune of connecting with Julie Wrobel-Eckard and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Julie, what’s something about your industry that outsiders are probably unaware of?
How much continuing education I take every year. I”m required to take 24 credit hours of education but I usually take 50 or more. I’m always trying to learn more things to help my clients.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
My husband and I started our tax business 30 years ago. He was doing taxes by going to people’s home but thought we should open a storefront to compete with H&R Block. The first year I only helped on the weekends and really had very little experience doing taxes. In 1994 I was laid off from my corporate job and decided to take over the storefront so he could expand his home service. We started with about 250 clients and now 30 years later we do over 1600 returns a season in just the office. In 2009 I spent the off season studying for the Enrolled Agent exam. It is 3 exams covering all of the tax law. I passed all 3 test and was approved by the IRS as an EA. It was a lot of work but one of my proudest accomplishments.

Over the years I’ve learned that treating my customers well has grown my business more than any advertising. We are well known in our community. Many of our clients referrer us to their friends and family.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
National Association of Tax Preparers (NATP) – The organization has help me not feel so alone in the tax business. It is a great recourse for problem solving and education. I’ve also met so many wonderful tax professionals through conferences and social media.

Website: www.aapriltax.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aapriltax

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/aapril-tax-service-waukegan-2?osq=aapril+tax+service