06/26/2026
After completing this year’s tax training, I’m walking away with so much valuable knowledge and an even greater appreciation for the profession I’ve chosen.
Over the past several days, we covered the rapid growth of Artificial Intelligence in the tax industry, new tax law updates, ethics, due diligence, IRS requirements, and many of the real-life situations we face as tax professionals every single day.
This year I attended virtually for personal reasons, but I can honestly say that next year I plan to be there in person. One of my favorite parts of these conferences is the opportunity to ask questions directly to IRS representatives, attorneys, CPAs, Enrolled Agents, and some of the most experienced professionals in our industry.
As I watched each session, I found myself answering many of the panel questions before they were answered, and it reminded me just how much I’ve grown over the years. The countless hours spent studying tax law, researching IRS publications, reading through guidance, and working through unique client situations have helped shape me into the tax professional I am today.
That doesn’t mean I know everything.
In fact, some of my own clients’ situations came to mind during training—returns still processing, unique tax issues, and complex questions I’d love to discuss with some of the experts. It was a reminder that no matter how experienced we become, there is always something new to learn.
One thing I admire about this profession is that the best tax professionals don’t stop learning, and they aren’t afraid to help one another. We may each own our own businesses, but we all share a common purpose: helping taxpayers navigate an ever-changing tax system while staying ethical, compliant, and informed.
During tax season, there are many times I find myself opening my “IRS Bible,” reviewing IRS publications, researching tax law, or digging through guidance to make sure I’m giving my clients the best and most accurate advice possible. Sometimes the answers aren’t simple, but that’s exactly why continuing education is so important.
Because of that, I’d like to extend an invitation.
If you’re a fellow tax professional and ever need someone to bounce an idea off of, discuss a tax situation, or collaborate on a difficult case, please don’t hesitate to reach out. I’m based in Zapata, Texas, and I truly believe that when professionals help one another, our clients benefit as well.
And if you’ve ever considered becoming a tax professional, I’d be more than happy to encourage and mentor someone who’s willing to learn. This career requires dedication, integrity, and a commitment to lifelong learning, but it’s also one of the most rewarding professions I know.
I also want to share a vision I have for On Point Taxes y Más.
I don’t want our office to simply be known as a place where people come to file their taxes once a year. I want it to become a trusted resource where our community can find knowledgeable professionals who truly care about helping people improve their financial future.
Many of the decisions people make throughout the year—health insurance, life insurance, retirement planning, financial planning, bookkeeping, payroll, business formation, and other financial services—often go hand in hand with income taxes.
So, if you’re a local professional with experience in health insurance, life insurance, retirement planning, bookkeeping, payroll, financial services, or another profession that complements what we do, I’d love to connect with you.
Even if you already represent another company or own your own business, I’d love to explore the possibility of having you occasionally work from a small desk or space inside our office so we can expand the services available to our community. There’s no pressure, no contracts, and no judgment—just professionals supporting professionals while providing more resources to the people we serve.
I truly believe we grow stronger when we work together instead of against each other.
Let’s continue learning, growing, and building something that benefits not only our businesses but our entire community.
Knowledge is meant to be shared, and together we can make a bigger difference.
— Margarita Barrera
On Point Taxes y Más
