In her own words: Amanda Neff, tax expert

Northern Nevada Business Weekly: Tell us about Amanda L. Neff Accounting.

Amanda Neff: I prepare local and state income tax returns for individuals. I also provide tax planning strategies and support throughout the year. We have approximately 150 clients. My mom is the office manager it's great working with her!

NNBW: What role do you play in the company?

Neff: I do a little of everything, but all of the tax preparation.

NNBW: What kind of boss are you?

Neff: I'm not a boss; my mom gets to do whatever she wants.

NNBW: How did you get into this profession?

Neff: My mom dated a wonderful man named Skip Anderson for 10 years. It was his business for many years before I came along. Unfortunately, Skip developed complications from diabetes. As he got sicker he realized he wanted his business to continue, so he asked me if I wanted to join him and learn the ropes. I agreed and left my job as a vet tech. Skip died two years later on August 11, 1995. I miss him terribly, but am proud to have been given the opportunity to keep his legacy alive.

NNBW: What do you enjoy about it?

Neff: Mostly, my clients. A large percentage of them have been coming to my office for many years, and new clients are by referral only. I'd like to think I have more than just a business relationship with them. Of course I also love playing with numbers, especially when they cooperate and produce a favorable bottom line on a tax return!

NNBW: What do you find annoying or frustrating about it?

Neff: Ugh dealing with the IRS! You can call and ask the same question to several different IRS employees, and chances are you will get a different answer every time.

NNBW: What effect has the changing economic environment had on your company?

Neff: I've had a few clients who tried to prepare their own returns to save money, but most came back declaring, "There's a reason I need to pay you to do this."

NNBW: How do you spend your time away from the office? Why are these activities important to you?

Neff: I love to be outdoors in the warmer months walking, swimming, camping. I'm also a voracious reader. Love a good mystery book. And after a hard day at work TV can be a great distraction.

NNBW: Who were your childhood heroes?

Neff: When I was preparing to enter middle school my family moved to a different part of Reno. I had to go to a new school away from all of the friends I grew up with. I was lonely and scared. Then I met a girl named Heather Christiansen. She was so full of life, so beautiful and popular. She reached out and befriended me I was so happy! She helped me learn to laugh at life and like myself more. I wish I knew where she was today so that I could thank her.

NNBW: What's the best advice anyone ever gave you?

Neff: Life is measured in moments, not minutes.I read that somewhere a few years back and it really touched me. As I've gotten older I'm realizing how important moments can be.

NNBW: If you could have dinner with any celebrity, who would it be and why?

Neff: Oh my God David Duchovny! I know it's not very profound, but that man has rocked my world ever since "The X-Files" came on the air. Hubba, hubba!

NNBW: If you could change one thing about your business, what would it be and why?

Neff: I guess it would be our location. The neighborhood around us has deteriorated quite a bit, but the house we're in is cute, paid for and we won't let anyone run us off!

NNBW: What is the one thing you most want people to remember about you?

Neff: That I was kind-hearted, helpful and loyal.