Today we’d like to introduce you to CATHERINE MBARGA-HOSEIN.
Hi CATHERINE, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
My journey into accounting and tax services started while I was working at the DC Department of Corrections. At the time, I was preparing taxes for family and friends on the side. One day, an inmate asked me, “Ms. Mbarga, you’re so young—why are you here?” I jokingly said I was there to have fun and make money, but that moment stuck with me.
Later, he brought me a book, The Mentor; The Kid & the CEO by Napoleon Hill. I read it within 24 hours, and something shifted inside of me. That was the turning point. I enrolled in a 6-month accounting program at Ashworth College and completed it in just 8 weeks.
In 2016, I partnered with someone who promised to mentor me in the tax business. I invested in software and trusted the process, but after the tax season, I was only paid $400. That experience taught me a powerful lesson: if I wanted to build something real, I had to do it myself.
From there, I took matters into my own hands—calling the IRS to learn how to obtain my PTIN and EFIN, registering my business, and working through the process with the State of Maryland to become properly licensed. Some people helped, others didn’t—but I stayed consistent.
I officially launched my business in 2017, and since then, I’ve continued to grow and evolve. I earned my bachelor’s degree in business administration with a concentration in Accounting from Excelsior University, and I am currently pursuing my master’s in taxation at Loyola University.
Today, I run my business as a wife and a mother of three—my greatest blessings. What started as helping family and friends has grown into a full-service firm, and my mission is to not only prepare taxes, but to educate and empower others to build wealth in the right way.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
No, it has not been a smooth road. There have been many challenges along the way. Early on, I trusted the wrong people in the industry and was underpaid after putting in real work, which taught me to value my skills and protect my business. Learning how to navigate IRS requirements, licensing, and compliance on my own was also difficult—especially when guidance was limited or inconsistent.
Building a business while working, going to school, and raising a family came with its own pressures. There were long nights, financial sacrifices, and moments of doubt. But every challenge forced me to grow, become more disciplined, and truly understand my field.
Those struggles shaped me into the business owner I am today—stronger, more knowledgeable, and committed to doing things the right way for both myself and my clients.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about CATHERINE ACCOUNTING & TAX SERVICES LLC?
Catherine Accounting & Tax Services LLC (C.A.T.S) is a full-service accounting firm focused on helping individuals and small business owners stay compliant, organized, and financially confident. We specialize in bookkeeping, tax preparation, IRS compliance, and business consulting, serving clients across the DMV and nationwide.
What sets us apart is our approach—we’re not just here to file taxes. We focus on education, accuracy, and long-term strategy. Many clients come to us after dealing with mistakes, audits, or confusion, and we help them clean up, understand their numbers, and move forward the right way. We’re known for handling complex situations, including amended returns, IRS issues, and business structuring.
We also take pride in being transparent and firm on doing things correctly. We don’t promote shortcuts or “maximum refund” tactics without proper documentation. Our goal is to teach clients how the tax system actually works, so they can build real wealth and stay compliant.
Brand-wise, I’m most proud of the trust we’ve built and the impact we’ve had. What started as helping family and friends has grown into a business that not only serves clients but also educates entrepreneurs through C.A.T.S Academy—giving them the tools to start, structure, and scale their businesses properly.
What I want people to know is this: we stand for clarity, compliance, and confidence. When you work with us, you’re not just getting a service—you’re getting guidance, structure, and a long-term financial partner.
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
The most important lesson I’ve learned is to trust myself and move with knowledge, not shortcuts. Early in my journey, I realized that not everyone will guide you the right way, and sometimes you have to figure things out on your own. That taught me to invest in understanding my field deeply and to build my business on accuracy and integrity.
I also learned that doing things the right way will always take you further than doing things the fast way. In this industry, it’s easy to focus on quick money or “maximum refunds,” but I chose to focus on compliance, education, and long-term results.
That lesson has shaped everything about my brand—I don’t just provide a service, I make sure my clients understand what’s being done and why. Because real success isn’t just making money, it’s building something that lasts and stands up to scrutiny.
Pricing:
- 350 individual
- 400 1099
- 600-800 w2 and 1099s
- 800-1200 1065 partnership
- 800-2200 s corp
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.cattaxpro.com
- Instagram: @cattaxpro
- Facebook: catherine Accounting & tax Services llc
