In an exclusive interview, the El Cajon tax preparer spotlights the human cost of disorganization and calls for better support for self-employed workers.
EL CAJON, CA / ACCESS Newswire / August 1, 2025 / In a new interview, Shammas Tax preparer Andre Shammas offers more than tax insights-he issues a call to action. With deep roots in immigrant experience and a career spent helping people make sense of personal and small business finances, Shammas emphasizes the urgent need for better systems and awareness for self-employed professionals.
“We didn’t have much, but we kept track of what we did have,” says Shammas, reflecting on his family’s early financial struggles after immigrating to the U.S. in the 1990s. His words underscore a growing issue in today’s workforce: many Americans, particularly those in gig and freelance roles, are navigating complex tax responsibilities with little guidance or infrastructure.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, over 16 million Americans are now classified as self-employed. Yet many of these individuals do not have access to payroll systems, tax withholding support, or employer-provided benefits. Shammas has seen firsthand how this lack of structure leads to stress, missed deadlines, and costly mistakes.
“The biggest issue I see isn’t fraud,” he explains. “It’s people waiting too long. They’re trying to pull everything together at the end of the year.”
This delay, he says, often leads to missed deductions, surprise IRS notices, and unnecessary financial pressure. But Shammas doesn’t blame his clients. Instead, he points to the absence of accessible education and tools for non-traditional workers.
“Most of the time, they don’t need dramatic fixes,” he says. “They just need a plan-and someone who won’t make them feel judged.”
Shammas’s approach is built around consistency, empathy, and manageable routines. Whether it’s setting calendar reminders, organizing digital folders, or using basic spreadsheets, his goal is to help clients create sustainable habits. “If you build a rhythm, even a basic one, you’re already ahead of the curve,” he explains.
Beyond offering support at Shammas Tax and Shammas Bureau, Shammas believes the larger conversation must shift. Self-employed workers are a vital part of the economy, yet many feel isolated when it comes to tax planning and financial structure.
“They might be raising a family, working two jobs, or running a small business from their garage,” Shammas notes. “That context matters.”
He advocates for year-round engagement, not just a seasonal scramble. “People think of taxes as something you deal with once a year,” he says. “But really, it’s part of your bigger picture. Planning ahead gives you options.”
Shammas believes that addressing the issue isn’t about turning every worker into an accountant. It’s about ensuring people have the tools and confidence to move forward. “You don’t need to know everything to move forward,” he adds. “You just need to start.”
Call to Action
Andre Shammas’s insights highlight the urgent need for awareness, support, and education for the self-employed. If you are a freelancer, contractor, or small business owner, consider taking action now:
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Review your financial records monthly, not just at tax time
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Use simple tools like spreadsheets or mobile apps to track expenses
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Set reminders for quarterly taxes and estimated payments
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Seek advice-not just in April, but throughout the year
Tax planning doesn’t need to be overwhelming. But it does need to start earlier. As Shammas puts it: “Being prepared gives people peace of mind. And that’s worth a lot more than just saving money.”
About Andre Shammas
Andre Shammas is a tax preparer at Shammas Tax in El Cajon, California. With a personal history rooted in immigration and community resilience, Andre brings empathy, clarity, and consistency to the complex world of personal and small business taxes. He specializes in helping self-employed individuals and small business owners build systems that work-without judgment or overwhelm.
To read the full interview, click here.
Contact: info@shammastax.com
SOURCE: Andre Shammas
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