Joe Imel/Daily NewsPete Buser (from left), John Buser, Kaye Buser, Melissa Maners and Mike Buser are part of the staff at Professional Tax Service, 600 U.S. 31-W By-Pass.

Each week, the Daily News profiles a locally owned business.

Name of business: Professional Tax Service

Location: 600 U.S. 31-W By-Pass, Fairview Plaza Shopping Center

Contact: pete1040@bellsouth.net or www.1040.com/protax, 781-4141

Type of business: Income tax preparation and representation, professional accounting services

When did it open? Oct. 1, 1985.

Owners: Pete and Kaye Buser

Number of employees: 24

Specialties: We offer high quality professional income tax preparation for a fair and honest fee. As a licensed, enrolled agent we are able to offer audit assistance and representation for both the Internal Revenue Service and the state of Kentucky. We assist taxpayers with an offer and compromise when they are unable to pay their tax bill. Additionally, we provide a full accounting and payroll service for small business owners. We are QuickBooks certified. As the endorsed local provider for Dave Ramsey, we are able to assist our clients in any and all financial matters.

How did the business get started? Pete and Kaye opened the first H&R Block office in Bowling Green in 1968. After 17 years and opening more than 20 other Block offices, it was time to work for Pete and Kaye so we struck out on our own in 1985, establishing Professional Tax Service. Three of our four children along with 20 other very dedicated employees make Professional Tax Service the very best place to seek help with your tax and accounting needs.

What are your biggest challenges as a business? Staying abreast of the ever-changing Internal Revenue Service tax code and trying to educate the consumer that using tax software in a box is a lot like pulling your own teeth. The complexity of the tax law dictates the necessity of professional tax preparation.

What’s your business philosophy? We offer 100 percent satisfaction. Our goal is to treat our clients as we would like to be treated ourselves. If we do not achieve that goal we will do what it takes to achieve 100 percent satisfaction. We strive to hire caring, people-oriented, satisfaction-guaranteed employees.

What issues are affecting your industry? Obviously the national and local economy impacts our business just like everyone else. Money is tight and we are in the money business. We are fortunate to be in a professional service industry in that we can help assist our clients to help them pay lower taxes at a time when every penny counts. We are in a unique position to assist and advise the local business owner as he or she struggles with a bad economy.

What are the factors that make your business successful? We are a locally owned family business. We are not a national chain paying large franchise fees. We are honest and straightforward with our advertising. We do not use bait and switch business practices. We work hard and only for our clients. We are experienced experts in helping our clients pay the lowest income tax legally possible. We are seasoned accountants who meet personally with each client and conduct face to face interviews to ensure no stone is left unturned with regard to tax saving strategies.

How do you handle competition? We really have no competition. We offer the very highest quality income tax preparation and accounting services at a very reasonable fee. As far as I know, you can not find that service anywhere else. Just ask our more than 12,000 clients.

What is your advice to someone thinking about opening a business? You must have a passion to succeed so make sure you are going to love what you do. Do your homework. Talk to similar business owners. Talk to your tax accountant. Do not open a business with a relative, next door neighbor or best friend. Partnerships were invented by the devil himself. Start slow, do not jump in head first, learn to crawl before you walk. Most business owners work much harder with longer hours and make less money than they did as an employee but they are happier and absolutely LOVE what they do.