Our Story

We started PayTheTaxes because tax season shouldn’t be a season of dread

One overpriced sandwich-shop accountant, three confusing software packages, and a tax bill nobody could explain. In 2012, our founder decided there had to be a better way.

Who We Are

Real licensed professionals, backed by technology that actually helps

PayTheTaxes is a team of 120+ CPAs, Enrolled Agents, and tax specialists across the United States — supported by an engineering group that builds tools no one else offers.

Our belief is simple: filing taxes should be as easy as ordering coffee, with the accuracy of a top-tier firm and the honesty of a neighbor who happens to be great with numbers.

Every return filed through our platform is reviewed by a human who passed a background check, holds an active credential, and answers when you call.

  • 100% U.S.-based licensed professionals
  • Average 12+ years of tax experience on staff
  • Background-checked, PTIN-verified on hire
Our Values

Four promises we make to every client

Accuracy first

Machines help, humans decide. Every number on your return is checked twice — once by software, once by a licensed pro.

Security always

256-bit encryption, multi-factor login, and a strict policy: we never sell or share your data. Ever.

Empathy in every answer

You can’t Google your way through an IRS notice. We explain in plain English and stay with you until it’s resolved.

Radical transparency

Our prices are printed, our deadlines are clear, and our advice is honest — even when it means billing you less.

Leadership

The people who set the standards

Each leader is still hands-on with client work — because you never outgrow good tax habits.

Sarah Mitchell

Founder & CEO · CPA

Ex-Big Four auditor who left to build a gentler kind of tax firm. 20 years in practice.

David Chen

Head of Tax · CPA

Leads our review standards and the deduction engine. Believes every filer deserves a second look.

Amara Okafor

Director of Audit Support · EA

Former IRS examiner turned taxpayer advocate. Has resolved 4,000+ notices without panic.

Marcus Delgado

Head of Small Business · CPA

Ran his own agency for 11 years before joining. Knows founder stress personally.

Licensed CPAs & Enrolled Agents IRS e-file Provider SOC 2-aligned practices Better Business Bureau A+
Milestones

A timeline of showing up for clients

2012

Founded in a Brooklyn kitchen

Sarah files her first 37 clients by hand — and personally answers every single follow-up question.

2015

First 1,000 returns

We hire our second CPA and build the review checklist that still guards every return today.

2019

Small business division launches

After two years of client requests, we launch dedicated S-corp, partnership, and payroll services.

2023

50,000 clients — and counting

Our team passes 120 licensed professionals while keeping the same 99.6% accuracy rate.

Today

Still answering every question

New tools every season, same promise: a real expert on your side, all year long.

Love the sound of that? Let’s get you started.

Join 50,000+ people who file with a licensed professional on their side — without the firm pricing or the waiting room.