Business Spotlight: Qual-i-Tax Takes Pride In Commitment To The Community

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By Rochelle Karina
Q: When did the business first open, and what was the inspiration?
A: I started the practice in 1980. I was working as the Assistant Comptroller for a small company and the Comptroller resigned and I approached the president and asked him to consider me as his replacement. His answer was: “Valerie, I’m sorry but a woman could never hold that position.” I promptly turned around, went to my desk and gave my two week notice. At that point, I realized it was time to take control of my destiny and the best way to do that was to start my own business.
Q: What prompted you to go into this field?
A: Math was always one of my better subjects in school. I realized how important it was to understand how money worked. Things like paying taxes, budgeting and reconciling my bank statement became priorities.
Q: What prompted the choice for the Arnold location?
A: We have two locations — one on West Street in Annapolis and now our second in Arnold Station Shopping Center. I live in Severna Park and I recognized that even though Qual-i-Tax is well known in the area, most people in the Arnold/Severna Park area don’t find it convenient to cross the Severn River Bridge. My daughter, Christy Bennett, CPA, manages the Annapolis location. I manage the Arnold location along with my nephew Ken Fortier, Esq. our attorney on staff.
Q: What sets your business apart?
A: Because we are a family operated business, we all have a vested interest in being sure our clients are properly served. We try to help those who not only have tax returns to be prepared, but we help people who have back tax issues as well. Over the past few years with the downturn in the economy, many have been placed in a situation where they can not pay their taxes. We have been able to help those people by having over 30 years experience dealing with the IRS. We have heard the horror stories of people going to the national firms and not being properly taken care of. It’s been very rewarding to be able to help taxpayers in this area of our practice.
Q: Tell us your philosophy on community involvement.
A: We are a member of the Severna Park Chamber of Commerce. We work with the accounting teachers at AACC and offer internships for students.
Q: What charitable events has the business been involved in?
A: Most recently, for each return that came in as a result of our grand opening in Arnold $50 was donated to SPAN.
Q: Looking forward, what do you see for the future of the business?
A: We hope to become the professional, affordable, local alternative to the national firms for tax preparation. We are open year round and have a vested interest in our community.
Q: What makes the community special and how has that impacted your business?
A: Maryland has been my home for the last 40 years. The Severna Park area has a special charm with its small neighborhoods and access to water — not to mention a wonderful area to bring up a family. We hope we can provide our services here for generations to come.

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