New business opens in Gentry

GENTRY - Mid America Tax & Accounting, LLC, celebrated its new Main Street business with local chamber members at a ribbon cutting on Thursday.

The new business, located at 213 East Main Street, offers tax preparation services, grant writing, book keeping, web design and Latino services.

The business is owned and operated by Janet Freels, who moved to Gentry from Alaska three years ago. She has much experience in the financial field, having worked as the finance and project director for a senior center in Chugiak, Alaska. Her service there gave her experience in HUD housing, grant writing, financial accounting and more. She has a bachelor's degree in psychology and an associate's degree in human services.

Michael Freels, an associate in the new business and a nephew of Janet, also brings much experience to the new business. He is a Gentry resident and has lived in Arkansas since 1985. He is a trained tax preparer and has spent much time studying tax laws and finding answers to difficult tax accounting situations.

In addition to his training in tax preparation, Michael speaks fluent Spanish and has worked as a registered interpreter in the state of Arkansas. As such, he is not only able to help Hispanic residents with tax preparations; he can also assist with other paperwork required for residency and citizenship.

The Freels have roots in Gentry too, being relatives of the Backers who at one time owned and operated Backers' Variety Store, just across the street and down the block from their current business location.

"We can prepare all taxes except corporations and non-profits," said Janet. "We can do self-proprietors and partnerships, too," she added.

"We offer our services at reasonable prices," she said. "People work hard for their money and look forward to their return. They shouldn't have to give most of it up to pay preparer's fees," she said.

Mid America Tax & Accounting is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, but also at other times by appointment. The business can be contacted at 736-5000. A new website is also under construction, with the web address of matax.net.