Title: Owner and Tax Preparer
Company: Ameritax
Location: Santa Maria, California, United States
Lauralee Phillips, Owner and Tax Preparer at Ameritax, has been recognized by Marquis Who’s Who Top Business Owners for dedication, achievements and leadership in the field of Individual Tax Law.
Ms. Phillips is recognized for a long and successful career spanning over 40 years in the tax and accounting industry, earning recognition for her expertise in individual tax law. Since 1982, she has owned Ameritax in Santa Maria, California, where she works as both a preparer and a bookkeeper. In this capacity, Ms. Phillips manages all aspects of the business, including handling both appointments and walk-in clients, filing paperwork and client correspondence. She is also responsible for bookkeeping tasks and managing bookkeeping accounts. Ms. Phillips’s commitment to professionalism, accuracy and timely service has garnered significant respect within the community and contributed to the longevity of her business.
Following the retirement of her business partner in 2019, Ms. Phillips assumed full responsibility for Ameritax, continuing to provide year-round support to her clients rather than limiting her availability to the tax season alone. This approach has allowed her to meet client needs whenever they arise and maintain strong relationships with those she serves, some of whom have been loyal clients for more than three decades. The highlight of Ms. Phillips’ career has been her remarkable longevity in the business world, during which she has engaged in tax preparation, teaching, public speaking at events, volunteer work and a variety of other professional endeavors.
Before founding Ameritax, Ms. Phillips worked as an enrolled agent at H&R Block for over a decade. During her tenure there, she achieved enrolled agent status and gained valuable experience in tax preparation. When the owner sold the business, Ms. Phillips decided to establish her own venture, forming a partnership that lasted over 20 years before she became a sole proprietor.
Earlier in her career, Ms. Phillips was employed as an accounting clerk at 20th Century Fox from 1974 to 1982. In this role, she developed her skills in financial management and accounting practices within a major corporate environment.
Ms. Phillips’s educational background included coursework at Valley College in 1973, after graduating from Hollywood High School in 1971. She credits her academic foundation, particularly her aptitude for mathematics, as instrumental in shaping her career path. Ms. Phillips has always enjoyed working with numbers and finds satisfaction in balancing tasks, which made accounting a natural fit for her interests and abilities.
Active in her professional community, Ms. Phillips is a member of the California Society of Enrolled Agents, reflecting her commitment to ongoing professional development and engagement with industry peers. In addition to her work-related endeavors, she has demonstrated a strong commitment to civic engagement. She was actively involved as a VITA volunteer during her younger years and served as a volunteer at California Polytechnic State University.
Throughout her career, Ms. Phillips has attributed her success to maintaining a personal touch with clients, offering competitive or below-market rates and being available year-round on a limited basis. These qualities have helped build lasting client relationships and contributed to the continued success of her business. Looking ahead, Ms. Phillips aspires to continue working so long as she remains mentally able, motivated by the encouragement of loyal clients who value her dedication and expertise.
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