Timalyn Bowens, EA

Where do you reside?
Louisville, Kentucky

What got you involved in the tax profession?
I knew I wanted to go into the accounting industry in high school but after taking my first tax class I became intrigued. In 2011, I had a full-time internship with Crowe Horwath, and it was love at first sight.

What is your day job?
I own Bowens Tax Solutions, a virtual tax relief firm.

Where do you see the tax profession going in the future?
I see us headed toward more representation work versus compliance work as artificial intelligence (AI) and other technology evolve. We live in a do-it-yourself (DIY) world and many taxpayers will believe they will be able to do their own returns. That not only opens the door for representation but also planning/consulting. Of course, there will always be taxpayers who value professionals for compliance work. But I believe the numbers will drop significantly over the next few years.

What inspires you?
When I see the light bulb come on for a taxpayer/small business owner when I’m able to explain a tax concept to him or her. I thrive off of educating taxpayers.

What are you most proud of personally or professionally?
I’m most proud of my 10-year-old daughter and “business partner,” Jamiyah.

What is your favorite quote or motto?
Remember who you are and whose you are.

What do you do for fun?
I spend time outdoors with my family and read.

Superpower you wish you had and why?
To get through the tax practitioner line within five minutes every time. If you’re reading this, you know why.

What is one goal you hope to accomplish in your lifetime?
To help establish an endowment at my alma mater to help students of color pursue a degree in accounting.

Advice to your 20-year-old self?
Life is short, enjoy the process, and live a little with no regrets. The work will always be there, enjoy yourself.

Favorite travel destination?
St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands

If you could have dinner with one historical figure, who would it be, and why?
Coretta Scott King because of her perseverance and strength that she had for her family and to make sure that the work she did with her husband continued even after his passing.

What’s a skill you’d like to learn?
Play golf

Favorite thing about your job?
I enjoy being able to help people get their life back on track by helping in this one area. It’s fulfilling to me to know the impact this has on a person’s life.

If you could be any character in fiction, who would you be?
Misty Knight from Luke Cage.