Today we’d like to introduce you to Emethia Washington.
Hi Emethia, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My journey in the tax industry began back in the 1990s, when tax forms and books were still mailed to your home. In the late 90s and early 2000s, I realized how much I enjoyed helping others with their taxes and decided this was something I wanted to pursue long term.
In 2001, I established Merritt Tax and Notary Service, starting out part-time while continuing to work a full-time, 40-hour job. For many years, I primarily prepared taxes during tax season for family and friends, slowly building experience and growing my client base.
In 2011, I went back to school at Rasmussen College with the goal of earning my bachelor’s degree in accounting. Along the way, I earned my associate degree in accounting, but when my stepdad passed away unexpectedly in 2014, I took some time off from school. That same year, I also decided to take a big step forward with my business by opening my first office.
From 2016 to early 2024, Merritt Tax and Notary was located on Capital Boulevard. During tax season, I worked full-time in the business, and after the season ended, I would return to full-time work elsewhere while running my business part-time. In 2021, I took a leap of faith and dedicated myself to working full-time in my business year-round.
Since then, Merritt Tax and Notary has expanded beyond tax preparation. We now offer bookkeeping services to help small businesses stay organized and compliant, and I also launched a property and casualty insurance agency, where I currently serve as the sole agent. Additionally, I am a certified IRS Acceptance Agent, which allows me to assist clients with ITIN applications and other specialized services.
From those early days of paper tax forms to now running a growing, full-service financial and insurance business, my journey has been one of perseverance, continuous learning, and a passion for helping individuals and businesses succeed.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The road has definitely not been smooth. My journey has been filled with challenges, both personal and professional, but each one has shaped me into the person and business owner I am today.
In the early years, I worked a full-time job while running Merritt Tax and Notary part-time during tax season. Balancing work, school, and family was difficult, and there were moments when I wondered if I could keep going. In 2007, I faced one of the most difficult times in my life when I was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer. That experience completely changed my perspective. With faith, determination, and the love and support of my family, I fought through it. Today, I’m cancer-free, but the journey taught me to never take a single day for granted and to keep pushing forward no matter how hard things get.
Then, in 2014, I experienced another heartbreaking setback when my stepdad passed away suddenly. That loss was devastating and caused me to pause my schooling and reassess my goals and priorities. It was also a turning point for my business, as I decided to focus on growing Merritt Tax and eventually opened my first office later that year.
Just when I felt like I was regaining my balance, 2020 brought another deep personal loss. My mom was diagnosed with cancer and, within just two short months, she passed away. Losing her was incredibly painful and challenging, especially while navigating the uncertainties of the pandemic and running my business.
Financial struggles were also part of the journey. In the beginning, I didn’t have access to many resources or funding. I built my business step by step, often on a very tight budget — from marketing to office setup to daily operations. There were also professional challenges, like earning my clients’ trust and keeping up with the ever-changing tax laws.
Even after I went full-time in my business in 2021, there were moments of fear and uncertainty. Leaving a stable paycheck to depend solely on my business was a big leap of faith, but I believed in my vision and knew that if I stayed committed, it would grow.
Through all these obstacles — cancer, personal loss, financial struggles, and the ups and downs of running a business — I’ve learned resilience, strength, and gratitude. These experiences gave me the compassion to serve my clients on a deeper level and the determination to keep building, no matter what challenges come my way.
It hasn’t been easy, but every trial has made me stronger and more determined to succeed. Today, I’m proud to look back and see how far I’ve come, and I use those lessons every day to guide my business and support others.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Merritt Tax and Notary is more than a tax office — we’re a trusted partner for individuals, families, and small businesses looking for personalized, reliable financial services. For over 20 years, we’ve been dedicated to helping our clients navigate taxes. We specialize in personal and small business tax preparation, bookkeeping services, and property and casualty insurance, providing solutions that are tailored to meet each client’s unique needs. As a Certified IRS Acceptance Agent, I’m also able to assist with ITIN applications and other specialized IRS services, making our office a valuable resource for clients who might not otherwise have access to these services. What sets Merritt Tax and Notary apart is our personalized approach. We take the time to truly listen and educate our clients, ensuring they understand their finances and feel confident in their decisions. Many of our clients have been with us for years — speaks to the trust and relationships we’ve built over time. I’m most proud of how far the brand has come and the community trust we’ve earned. Starting from humble beginnings — just me working part-time and helping family and friends — to now running a full-service office, every step of this journey has been driven by dedication and care. From opening our first office on Capital Boulevard in 2016 to moving to our new location in 2024, our growth represents the faith our clients have placed in us. For readers who may be learning about Merritt Tax and Notary for the first time, here’s what I want you to know:
We’re not just here to prepare your taxes or sell you an insurance policy. We’re here to partner with you year-round — to help you plan, grow, and feel secure. Whether it’s guiding a new business owner through their first tax season, helping a family protect what they’ve worked so hard for, or supporting someone through complex financial challenges, our mission is always the same: to serve with integrity, professionalism, and heart. Merritt Tax and Notary is a brand built on trust, education, and community — and we’re proud to be a place where our clients feel supported and valued every step of the way.
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
My biggest piece of advice is to start where you are with what you have, and don’t be afraid to grow step by step. When I first started Merritt Tax and Notary, I didn’t have all the resources or a clear roadmap — I just had a passion for helping people and a vision of what I wanted my business to become. Over time, I learned that consistency and persistence matter more than perfection.
It’s easy to compare yourself to others or feel discouraged when you don’t see immediate success, but growth takes time. Focus on building a strong foundation — whether that’s through education, certifications, or simply gaining hands-on experience. Every client you serve, every challenge you face, and every mistake you make is part of the journey and will teach you something valuable.
I also wish I had understood the importance of relationships and networking earlier on. No matter what industry you’re in, people do business with those they know, like, and trust. Build genuine connections, treat people with kindness, and your reputation will carry you further than you can imagine.
Another key lesson is to stay financially disciplined. It’s exciting to grow a business, but it’s crucial to keep your finances in order — track everything, reinvest wisely, and don’t be afraid to ask for help with bookkeeping or accounting.
Lastly, never stop learning. Tax laws, business trends, and client needs are always changing. The more you invest in your knowledge and skills, the more value you can provide to your clients.
Most of all, remember this: there will be tough seasons and setbacks. I’ve faced cancer, personal losses, and financial struggles, but I never gave up. Your resilience will determine your success. Stay focused, keep pushing forward, and believe in your vision — even when no one else sees it yet.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://merrittaxesandnotary.com/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/19gHKFDqYT/?mibextid=wwXIfr
