For tax filers, it is the best of times if you are getting a refund, but perhaps the worst of times if you owe the IRS. For those who prepare taxes, it’s the busiest time of the year.
Donna Carter opened Copperhead Tax Services 13 years ago at 4820 Armour Road in Columbus.
“It was slow going at the beginning, but about two weeks in, with no customers, two sisters from Opelika came in. I helped them with their taxes. That led to preparing taxes for their families and friends. My business grew from there,” Carter explained.
Donna is a hometown girl. She was raised in Benning Hills and graduated from Spencer High School. When she was a high school senior, she started working in accounting for WC Bradley. Later, she worked for a company in Manchester, GA, which transferred its corporate office to New York. She was offered a position with them, but felt that her hometown would be a better fit.
Carter is also licensed in insurance sales, with a focus on life insurance, and accounting, payroll, and bookkeeping for businesses.
“During and after the pandemic, that part of my business expanded because some small businesses, and even a few larger ones, didn’t have the resources to keep up with the rules and regulation changes in tax laws.”
For the 2025 tax year, applying to taxes filed in 2026, there are some major changes. Under the “One Big Beautiful Bill,” those changes include increased standard deductions, $31,500 for married joint filers, a higher Sales and Local Tax (SALT) deduction cap of $40,000, and an increased $2,200 child tax credit. Income tax brackets remain 10%–37%, and new deductions for tips, overtime, and seniors are in effect.
Carter explains tax returns line by line, the latest tax changes, and everything individuals and businesses need to know to stay ahead. In fact, the motto of her company, Copperhead Tax Services, is “We get you every penny you deserve.”
She also recommends asking for the credentials of an enrolled agent.
“It doesn’t mean you pay more for the services, but the person preparing your taxes has taken an oath to be morally and ethically responsible for the preparation of your taxes. We are held to a standard of due diligence. That is not always the case with tax preparation services. In fact, tax preparers aren’t even governed. Most non-credentialed, paid tax preparers face no federal competency or licensing requirements beyond obtaining a Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN).”
While part of her job is educating folks about tax laws and other services offered, the rest is about creating relationships.
“My granddaughter asked me, ‘Mimi, what are your clients?’ I started to say they are people who come in so I can help them with their taxes. But before I could say it, I said they are my friends, and the fact that they trust me with their most personal information means so much to me.”
For more information, visit Copperhead Tax Services or call 706-366-9704.
The deadline for filing taxes is April 15, 2026.
