At EmpowHer, we love to share the journeys of extraordinary women who inspire and uplift others. Recently, we had the privilege of interviewing Ciera Jones, a tax strategist and mompreneur with a mission to help female entrepreneurs navigate the complex world of taxes. Here’s an in-depth look at her story and the invaluable advice she shared with us.

 Meet Ciera Jones: Wife, Mom, and Tax Strategist Extraordinaire

Ciera Jones wears many hats. She is a devoted wife, a mother of five, and a dynamic tax strategist. Despite her busy life, Ciera is passionate about empowering women entrepreneurs to manage their finances effectively and stay compliant with the IRS.

From Busy 20s to Business Success

Ciera’s journey to becoming a tax strategist is both relatable and inspiring. "I was busy in my 20s," she laughs, alluding to the challenges and experiences that shaped her. Now, at 36, Ciera uses her knowledge and skills to help others avoid the pitfalls she once faced. Balancing motherhood and a career, she epitomizes resilience and determination, showing that it is possible to thrive in both personal and professional realms.

The Heart of Her Business: A+ Tax and Financial Solutions

Ciera is the founder of A+ Tax and Financial Solutions, a company dedicated to helping female entrepreneurs pay less to the IRS, understand their financial health, and increase productivity. Her primary focus is on tax preparation, but she also offers bookkeeping services to ensure her clients' financial records are in top shape. Her holistic approach to financial management helps clients not only stay compliant but also optimize their financial strategies to support business growth.

Common Tax Issues and Solutions

Ciera has seen it all when it comes to tax preparation for entrepreneurs. Here are some common issues she encounters and her solutions:

1. Lack of Organization: Many entrepreneurs fail to keep track of their income and expenses, leading to a chaotic tax season. Ciera advises keeping detailed records and using a separate bank account for business transactions to avoid commingling funds.
2. Misunderstanding Deductions: Entrepreneurs often miss out on valuable tax deductions. Ciera highlights the importance of understanding eligible deductions, such as home office expenses, travel costs, and business-related meals. She emphasizes that every business expense, no matter how small, should be documented to maximize deductions.
3. Cash Transactions: For those who operate primarily in cash, Ciera recommends maintaining a receipt book and using a spreadsheet or bookkeeping software to track all transactions. This helps create a clear paper trail that is essential for tax reporting. She also advises transitioning to more digital payment methods to facilitate easier tracking and reporting.

The Importance of Professional Help

Ciera stresses the value of seeking professional assistance with taxes and bookkeeping. "You don't know what you don't know," she says, emphasizing that a tax professional can save you money and prevent costly mistakes. She encourages entrepreneurs to reach out for help early, rather than waiting until they face issues with the IRS. Her proactive approach includes regular financial check-ups and consultations to ensure that her clients stay on track throughout the year.

Practical Tips for Entrepreneurs

Ciera offers several practical tips for entrepreneurs to manage their finances and taxes effectively:

• Separate Finances: Use a dedicated bank account for business transactions to keep personal and business finances separate.
• Track Expenses: Keep detailed records of all business expenses and consider using bookkeeping software to stay organized. She suggests tools like QuickBooks or Wave for small business owners.
• Understand Deductions: Educate yourself on eligible business deductions and ensure you take advantage of them. Ciera provides workshops and resources to help clients stay informed.
• Plan Ahead: Start preparing for tax season well in advance to avoid last-minute stress and potential errors. She recommends setting aside time each month to review and organize financial documents.

Real-Life Impact

One of Ciera's clients, a mobile detailer, initially struggled with tracking cash transactions and understanding deductible expenses. Under Ciera's guidance, he transitioned to using a bookkeeping app and started meticulously tracking his expenses, from fuel to maintenance costs. This not only streamlined his tax preparation process but also revealed areas where he could save money, ultimately boosting his business's profitability.

How to Connect with Ciera Jones

Ciera is active on various social media platforms and offers a free 15-minute consultation for those interested in her services:

• Website:
• Instagram
• Facebook
• LinkedIn
• TikTok

Ciera Jones is dedicated to helping female entrepreneurs achieve financial clarity and success. Her journey from a busy mom in her 20s to a successful tax strategist is a testament to her hard work and determination. Ciera's expertise and personalized approach make her a valuable asset to any entrepreneur looking to navigate the complexities of business finance. At EmpowHer, we celebrate Ciera's contributions and look forward to sharing more stories of women making a difference in their communities and beyond.