Alamo Bookkeeping & Tax service owner Sharon Hinchman explained that, while working for Chevron in the 1970s, she bought her first house. Prompted by her ignorance of the tax consequences of homeownership, she enrolled in a tax-prep class as a way to "defend" against the unknown. At that time, Chevron offered classes to employees, right on the Chevron campus—they even underwrote the cost.

One class led to several others, and before long, Sharon Hinchman was a licensed Enrolled Agent (EA). Enrolled Agents are certified to represent clients against the IRS, in any dispute or action involving a taxpayer and the government. Sharon's first audit involved an appeals hearing, with Chevron's legal counsel sitting beside her. It was a daunting experience; "trial by fire" is how she described it, but she found she loved the work.

After Chevron, she worked for several years at Grant Thornton (the world's largest accounting firm) as a manager of International executive tax services. In 1995 Sharon left the 80-hour work week behind with no regrets, and started her own business.

Professionalism and Honorability with Alamo Bookeeping & Tax Service

Sharon Hinchman is a community presence on the quaint little block in Alamo CA where Alamo Bookeeping & Tax Service is housed. Sharon is a charter member of the Danville CA Community Band, playing French horn alongside musicians like the lead clarinetist from the 91^st Army Reserve Band, and other wonderful players. In fact, she and other members of the Danville Community Band fill in for deployed members of the 91^st, when asked.