Our Mission:
Our mission is to serve hard-working individuals with exceptional, personalized services delivered fast and affordably, enhancing financial knowledge that builds stronger families and communities. We specialize in individual tax filing, small business bookkeeping, and financial education for everyday taxpayers.
Who is Sage & Savvy Taxes?
Hi, I’m Jodi Phillips, founder and CEO of Sage & Savvy Taxes.
I’m so glad you’re here! I’ve worked in many fields over the years — education, psychology, business operations, and tax preparation — all of which taught me how to help people stay organized, confident, and informed about their finances.
Life has taken me on quite a journey too, from adopting children and living abroad to moving across the country and navigating big life changes. Each experience has made me more understanding, patient, and resourceful.
I’m also proudly neurodivergent, which means when I set my mind to something, I’ll dive deep until it’s done right. That same focus and care are what I bring to every client I work with.
Why taxes?
I started doing my own and my family’s taxes years ago, sometimes they were simple and sometimes not so much. Each year, I’d dig into the details, making sure everything was done right and understanding what to expect come refund time. That curiosity turned into a passion, and I began volunteering with the VITA program to help low-income and elderly individuals file their taxes for free.
Through that experience, I realized how many people don’t have affordable, reliable tax help. Many either turn to expensive firms or rely on confusing DIY software that treats taxes like a guessing game. My goal is to bridge that gap by offering knowledgeable, approachable, and affordable tax support with no gimmicks or upsells, just clarity and care.
When I’m not running the business or deep in tax season, you can find me watching TV, listening to podcasts, investing, or doing puzzles (my longest Wordle streak is 456).
I love cooking, Indian food, spending time with friends and family, and going for runs. Learn more about me and my experiences on the blog.
Training and Credentials
Bookkeeping
I completed the Intuit Academy Bookkeeping Professional Certificate, where I learned everything from bookkeeping basics and financial statement analysis to managing assets, liabilities, and equity in accounting. I also earned the QuickBooks Online Advisor Pro Level 1 Certification and have been working with a local CPA/EA firm since 2024, helping with day-to-day bookkeeping and accounting tasks. It’s been a great way to apply what I’ve learned while continuing to grow my skills in real-world settings.
Tax Preparation and Certification
My tax journey started through the IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program, where I trained and certified each year from 2018 to 2023 at the Regular, Advanced, and HSA levels. In 2021, I completed H&R Block’s Tax Knowledge Assessment for the Tax Associate level, and I’m currently working toward additional certifications through the Intuit Tax Academy — including Tax Level 1 and Tax Level 2, expected in 2025–2026.
I’ve recently completed IRS-approved continuing education courses, which cover Federal Tax Law, Ethics in Tax Preparation, and the Annual Federal Tax Refresher exam. My business is listed on the IRS Preparer Registry, and I’m always committed to staying up to date with the latest tax law changes and compliance requirements.
Beyond formal training, I’ve prepared tax returns for decades — for myself, family, friends, and through VITA — and I genuinely enjoy helping people feel confident and stress-free during tax season.