Member of the Month Program
M ember of the Month
 March 2010 Member of the Month - Jo Ann Wilder, EA
Jo Ann Wilder, Collierville, TN, has been a devoted member of the NATP team for over 15 years! She has diligently served on the Tennessee Chapter Board as Chapter president and secretary, as well as chaired numerous committees. A fellow NATP member remarked, "Jo Ann has volunteered on the TN State Board for several years, attends every National Conference, volunteers at the Conferences, answers preparer questions on a volunteer basis, and acts as a problem solver."
Congratulations Jo Ann & thank you for your dedication to NATP!
Q. Please give a summary of your background in the tax industry – how you got started, if you were in another line of business before, etc. Include current tax-related activities and areas of specialization. If you have a tax business, please let us know where it is located/how many staff you employ/any other information you think is pertinent.
A. In 1992, with the love and support of my family and friends, I opened J & W Tax Service, Inc. in Collierville, TN. This was a dream come true. Early in my life I chose accounting as my career, but that road was cluttered with obstacles. I married, got divorced, and suddenly was a single mom. The hopes and dreams of owning my own business took a short vacation, but if you reach for the stars and keep the faith, dreams do come true. Working two jobs and supporting my daughter, I finally received my degree in accounting from the University of Memphis. I remarried in 1979 and started a new life. I began doing taxes part-time and worked with a local accounting firm along with helping my new father-in-law through some tough times. My mother-in-law became ill in March and suddenly passed away making that tax season very difficult. My love of Tiger Basketball made "March Madness" take on a whole new meaning. I stepped in to help my father-in-law with his tax business in a supporting role and ended up saving the business. Then, with the help of his knowledge and advice, I was able to branch out on my own. Although the field of accounting has many areas of expertise, I chose taxes because of the challenge they pose. I have always loved math, so it seemed to be a natural fit. Currently my business is incorporated, with full-time and part-time employees, and finally "Windows" is not something to be cleaned. The tax office is open all year, with a client base of 1800-2000 annually. I continue to remain dedicated to my family, friends, and clients.
Q. Please give a summary of how you found out about NATP and what benefits you find the most valuable – include any NATP activities you've participated in (Education, Mentoring, Instructing, etc.).
A. After spending several hours researching tax issues, NATP kept coming to the surface. If you can imagine for a moment 15 years ago, without the help of these fancy search engines like Goggle, NATP was discovered, itemized, and highlighted for the perfect fit. Acquiring information in a timely manner makes NATP a true leader in this tech savvy world of instant communications. Meanwhile, in an effort to continue my education in the tax industry, I attended an NATP 1040 Workshop. The instructor was knowledgeable, helpful, impressive, and smart when it came to tax codes. It was during this seminar that I discovered this was the organization to support and become an active member of. That was over 15 years ago and my feelings remain the same on what a wonderful organization NATP is and how the benefits far exceed the annual investment. Since joining NATP, I have formed many friendships, learning has never been easier than at the workshops, and the National Conferences and research department are stellar. I remember growing up my mother would say, "You get back tenfold what you give an organization." She was right.
Q. What do you feel are the biggest challenges facing tax professionals today? What could NATP do to better prepare them for those challenges?
A. The tax profession is facing huge challenges in the future that should improve our status to the general public. The call of licensure is at a peak and will happen at some point in the future. Those of us who are in the business need to be ever so vigilant in adhering to Circular 230 and abide by those guidelines. Education and knowledge are the keys to helping us keep updated on tax law changes and helping our clients. With the stellar education available through NATP, this can be accomplished. By NATP maintaining their quality instructors and courses, they are helping us to be prepared for the challenges that the future holds.
Q. What are your future career goals?
A. I love where I am at the present time, but I also desire to teach for NATP and become a part of their educational arm in the future.
Q. Did you ever have a "defining moment," an embarrassing moment, or another memorable experience related to your career in the tax industry?
A. I actually had two "defining moments". One was when I received my
accounting degree from the University of Memphis. It was on Mother's Day. I was the first in my family to graduate from college and my mother was so proud. What I had earned that day will live on with me forever. Education can never be taken away but can enhance your life forever. What a rewarding feeling to receive that degree on Mother's Day!
The other "defining moment" was much more recent. Being a person who always has something to say, it was surprising when I became speechless at the National Conference when I received a phone call following the National Board of Directors' candidate interviews. I was among many who vied for 4 national positions. There were 6 selected from the pool of candidates and Harry Picou, III, from LA, called and told me that I had made the "cut". I went silent! He said, "Jo Ann, are you there?" I squeaked out, "Yes, thank you!" That is all I could say. He laughed and said "Are you sure you are okay?" After confirming that I didn't pass out or anything, he did hang up. That was not only a defining moment, but also an embarrassing one.
Q. Please share any information that you'd like about your family, hobbies, community involvement, etc. In other words, your life outside of the tax industry!
A. For 30 years, I have been happily married to my wonderful husband, Randy. We have two successful daughters both in the accounting field and three fabulous grandsons. My husband and I are both amateur radio operators "Ham" involved in emergency communications through the EMA and locally served agencies. My oldest daughter, Mary, has MS so we are active in raising funds for MS in the local area by participating in the MS Walk and MS 150 Bike Ride. Each year we try to raise more funds than the previous year because it is so close to our hearts. My husband and I also volunteer for other various walks in the communication and safety areas to help non-profit organizations have a safer fund raiser.
Q. Any other information/concerns/suggestions you'd like to share with fellow tax professionals?
A. We need to work as a team to help build the community in which we work and play. However you can, become involved by volunteering for fund raisers by raising money or helping with a walk, run, or ride. What you receive by helping is much more than the time you actually spend helping. I am from Tennessee. We are the Volunteer State and I like to practice what our state is known for.
You can contact Jo Ann at jw1040ez@aol.com
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