By Cali Bagby

Journal general magager/editor

Lopez Island resident Sara Waugh has started a new accounting and tax preparation business on the island: Woodland Tax Solutions LLC. Sara has lived on Lopez for the past eight years with her daughter.

“I passed the IRS Enrolled Agent exams in 2016, and with my prior tax preparation experience and Mathematics B.A. from Columbia University, I thought it was a good time to go into business for myself,” says Sara. “As an Enrolled Agent, I am a federally licensed tax practitioner, and I have unlimited rights to represent taxpayers before the IRS.”

Sara is excited to start the tax season, focusing on individual and business returns, including Partnerships, S-Corporations, and C-Corporations. She also takes bookkeeping clients. “I have a 2017 Quickbooks Online Certification, so I am happy to help clients with Quickbooks,” she says. “So many people here have their own businesses, and I am happy to help business owners create accurate financial statements that are necessary for their tax returns.” Sara works with clients throughout the San Juan Islands and beyond.

Sara grew up in New York State, and she and her family started coming to Lopez Island when she was ten years old. “I was a summer kid. My brother, sister and I loved to ride our bikes and play tennis near the school. I remember getting soft ice cream at the old store on sunny days.” Sara enjoys spending time with her family, including her parents, sister and brother-in-law who all live on Lopez. “If I’m out at an event, it usually has to do with my daughter, such as a ballet or tap performance – she keeps me busy!” says Sara. Sara is also the Treasurer of the Lopez Island Conservation Corps, and she can be found walking on the beach or hiking island trails when not working. To contact Sara, call (360) 468-2827 or email WoodlandTaxSolutions@gmail.com.