Her Story
About Candis
Candace McCauley-Smith, is an accomplished tax professional, business owner, and financial education advocate with more than 25 years of experience in taxation. Her career began in the tax department at DirecTV, where she gained expertise in property tax before expanding into sales and use tax. In 2005, after completing tax training with H&R Block, Candace transitioned into income tax preparation and developed a passion for helping individuals and businesses navigate the complexities of tax law. Her dedication to learning and professional growth led her to become an Enrolled Agent, a federally licensed tax practitioner authorized to represent taxpayers before the IRS.
In 2017, Candace founded Tax Lady to You LLC, where she provides tax preparation, consulting, and advisory services with a focus on education, accuracy, and empowerment. She holds a bachelor’s degree from California State University, Long Beach College of Business, which she completed while preparing for the Enrolled Agent examination. Throughout her career, Candace has continued to expand her knowledge through research, mentorship, and professional development, crediting mentors such as Maha and Dr. Cosette White for encouraging her growth and commitment to excellence in the tax profession.
Beyond tax preparation, Candace is passionate about financial literacy and community impact. She champions financial education for lower-income communities and foster youth aging out of care, believing that access to knowledge is a powerful tool for building financial stability and independence. Through her work, outreach, and teaching, Candace continues to empower individuals to better understand taxes, make informed financial decisions, and create stronger futures.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Candis
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to persistence, continuous learning, and preparation. I have remained committed to studying, expanding my knowledge, and learning through both mentorship and on-the-job experiences. Earning professional credentials, staying focused on education, and maintaining a commitment to service have been key factors in my personal and professional growth.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I have received was the encouragement to pursue professional credentials and continue investing in my growth. A colleague, Maha, encouraged me to take the Enrolled Agent exam, which became an important step in advancing my career. I have also benefited from the continued guidance and wisdom of experienced professionals, including Dr. Cosette White, who has emphasized the importance of mentorship and lifelong learning.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this industry is to commit to learning, continue developing their skills, and pursue professional credentials that strengthen their expertise. In the tax field especially, it is important to practice strong research skills, verify information using primary sources, and develop the ability to analyze situations carefully so you can confidently provide accurate guidance.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the greatest opportunities in my field is expanding financial literacy and education programs, especially for underserved communities, including foster youth transitioning into adulthood. There is a significant need to provide individuals with the knowledge and resources to make informed financial decisions. One of the challenges is balancing the demands of tax season, which can create time and capacity limitations when trying to participate in additional outreach and volunteer efforts.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that are most important to me are financial education, service, integrity, and empowerment. I believe in providing trustworthy guidance, serving communities that need support, and helping others gain the knowledge and confidence to achieve their goals. Teaching and empowering others remain central to both my professional mission and personal values.
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