Meet Ed Lopez | EL TAX GUY

We had the good fortune of connecting with Ed Lopez and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ed, is your business focused on helping the community? If so, how?
As the face of the company, EL TAX GUY has been working on helping inspire entrepreneurs and small to large corporations by uniting as a network to provide charitable services and resources to our South Bay communities.

This prestigious member group is called South Bay Social Network. The network started the summer of 2023 and has been involved in providing free community events like: Back to School, Free Haircuts for kids, Thanksgiving dinners and X-Mas Toy Giveaways.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
The main thing that sets me apart from other tax professionals is the working life experiences that I’ve encountered over the years. I’ve personally worked in the industry of mortgage financing, home improvement, education, medical and now entertainment.

These are all tax related, situations that require deep understanding and has been a big focus for helping educate my new and existing clients.

A big lesson has been the lack of education or research undocumented individuals from all over the world will have about opportunities or resources avaliable to them here in the USA. Like the ability to legitimately start your own business, finance a car or purchase a home, just like any other american.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Monday – COSM LA for Monday night football

Tuesday – Lunch at Carnitas El Artista in Inglewood for taco tuesday, Los Angeles Ale Works brewery in Hawthorne for drinks

Wednesday – Attend live tv show recording or Tour Dodgers stadium, dinner at The Marsico Spot in Lawndale

Thursday – Firing range and King of Wings in Lawndale for Thursday Night Football

Friday – Afternoon massage and Comedy show in the evening

Saturday – Breakfast at Tarasco Mexican food in Lawndale, Dodgers game and Hustler casino

Sunday – Sofi Stadium tailgate party and Rams home game

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
First and foremost, I wouldn’t be in the position I am today without the rock solid support of my beautiful wife Francis Lopez. She has been the encouraging factor of EL TAX GUY’s success.

From 2005 to 2008, I worked in the mortgage finance industry. Due to the recession at the time and upside down changes in mortgage values, the company I worked for was forced to shut down it’s doors nationwide, putting more than 5,000 employees out of work.

It was a struggle to find another job that would fulfill my 6 figure income and cover our expenses. I had to settle for a Customer Service/Sales job for a roof repair company, only making about $35,000 salary. Francis at the time was a full-time nursing student, worked a part-time job, while managing the care of our kids.

While Francis had one year left in the nursing program, I knew I needed career stability. Francis encouraged me to pursue a career in the medical field. So I decided to attend El Camino College and challenged myself to a medical career as a Respiratory Therapist.

In 2014, while studying in the program and struggling financially, my tax preparer at the time Andre Taylor offered to mentor me an gave me the opportunity to work under him as a certified tax preparer and assist in growing his business.

In 2015, I graduated from the Respiratory Therapy program and worked as Respiratory Care Practitioner for the #1 hospital in Southern California, Cedars Sinai Medical Center in Berverly Hills, while also establishing a career in tax practice.

Andre had to shut down his tax business in 2019 due to health reasons, leaving me with nowhere to go, now planning my own path. Andre passed away in March of 2020 during the pandemic.

EL TAX GUY was established in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic. This was a very difficult time for me as I was focused on starting my own business, but also had my full time front line RT job saving lives.

With 11 years of tax preparation and advisory experience, I decided to take the next step. On 8/23/2024, I decided to retire from my Respiratory Therapy position and just focus on growing my tax practice.

Special thank you to my wife Francis for sticking near me, my never forgotten mentor Andre for opening my eyes to this tax world, Cedars Sinai for giving new grad a place to call home for 9 years, and also want to thank all of EL TAX GUY ‘s loyal clients for their continued support.

Instagram: @eltaxguy

Facebook: Ed Lopez (EL TAX GUY)

Other: https://dot.cards/eltaxguy

Image Credits
Leuzinger High School MCA Production