Business Details
42 Years
experience
Emergency
services
Trusted Tax and Accounting Services in Ponchatoula, LA
Established in 1984, ITL Accounting & Tax Service has built a reputation as a trusted, full-service accounting and tax firm serving Ponchatoula, Louisiana, and clients nationwide. Our team of Enrolled Agents and tax professionals delivers personalized, one-on-one service tailored to individual client needs, combining technical expertise with a commitment to accuracy and affordability. We specialize in personal and business tax preparation, tax reduction strategies, and year-end accounting services, while maintaining federal recognition to represent taxpayers before the IRS. Our office fosters a welcoming environment where clients are treated like family, supported by a secure 24/7 drop slot for document submissions and flexible appointment scheduling.With decades of combined experience, our team prioritizes ongoing education to stay current with evolving tax laws, ensuring clients receive informed guidance. We emphasize transparency, client education, and proactive problem-solving, offering free prior-year tax return analyses to identify potential refunds. Our dedication to community extends to local business consulting and supporting family-oriented initiatives, reflecting our belief that exceptional accounting services begin with genuine human connection.
Services
Tax Preparation
Business Tax Services
Prior Year Tax Analysis
Tax Reduction Strategies
Accounting Consultation
Details
- Year established: 1984
Highlights and features
- We offer personalized tax strategies developed by Enrolled Agent-certified professionals.
- Our 24/7 secure document drop slot provides convenience outside regular business hours.
- Free prior-year tax return analysis identifies missed refund opportunities.
- Decades of combined experience serving Louisiana businesses and residents.
- Year-round availability for tax planning and accounting consultations.
Associations and certifications
- Enrolled Agent (EA)
What people say
Exceptional personalized service
Knowledgeable Enrolled Agents
Accurate filings
Welcoming atmosphere
Helpful tax strategies
Services
Tax Preparation
We prepare accurate personal and business tax returns for all 50 states. Our Enrolled Agents stay current with changing tax laws to maximize deductions while ensuring compliance. Clients receive step-by-step guidance through the filing process, with options for in-person appointments or secure document submission.
Prior Year Analysis
Our specialists examine past tax returns to identify missed deductions or credits that could result in additional refunds. This service helps clients correct prior filings while learning how to optimize future tax strategies through documented findings and recommendations.
Tax Reduction Strategies
We develop customized plans to legally minimize tax liabilities using current regulations. Services include year-round consultation on deductible expenses, timing of income, and business structure optimization to help clients retain more of their earnings.
People
Lee Ann Barends
Owner/Enrolled Agent
With over 35 years in accounting, Lee Ann Barends (EA) combines technical expertise with personalized service. She specializes in tax preparation, new business consulting, and payroll solutions while leading ITL's team-focused approach to client care.
Tim Barends
Owner/Administrator
Tim Barends co-leads ITL with 30+ years of tax service experience. He manages administrative operations and client relations, applying advanced tax knowledge to support both individual and business clients' financial goals.
Laurie Hawkins
Staff Accountant
Laurie Hawkins provides bookkeeping, payroll, and sales tax services with 12 years of hands-on experience. She supports clients through detailed record-keeping and assists Lee Ann Barends with specialized accounting projects.
Questions
What documents do I need for tax preparation?
Bring W-2s, 1099s, mortgage interest statements, and records of deductible expenses. We'll help organize your documents during your appointment.
Can you help with past due tax returns?
Yes, we offer prior-year return analysis and preparation services to resolve back taxes and identify potential refunds from previous filings.
Are you available outside regular business hours?
Our 24/7 secure drop slot accepts documents after hours. Regular appointments are available Monday-Thursday during tax season.
How can I check my tax refund status?
We provide tools to track federal and state refunds online. Contact us if you need assistance interpreting refund status updates.
Do you offer tax planning services?
Yes, we develop year-round tax reduction strategies to help individuals and businesses legally minimize liabilities through strategic planning.
