Today we’d like to introduce you to Ebony Rickenbacker.
Ebony, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My name is Ebony Earth Rickenbacker, and I founded Rickenbacker’s Tax Preparation Services, LLC in 2017. My journey began with a passion for finances and a deep awareness that many individuals feel overwhelmed or intimidated by financial concepts simply because they haven’t been given the tools or understanding to navigate them with confidence.
I’ve always believed that finances don’t have to be complicated or frightening. When broken down and applied to everyday life, they become much more approachable. I’ve seen firsthand how people transform once they begin to understand their finances—whether that’s filing taxes, starting a business, or planning for retirement. That shift from fear to confidence is what inspired me to start RTPS, LLC.
I created this business to be a trusted and relatable voice for individuals seeking clarity and direction. My goal has always been to show people that financial freedom is possible through strategy, education, discipline, and consistency—without gimmicks or shortcuts. We start with a strong foundation by ensuring tax compliance, because filing taxes on time is not just a requirement—it’s a gateway to opportunities like building credit, securing assets, and establishing both personal and business credibility. For entrepreneurs, it also plays a critical role in contributing to self-employment taxes, which supports long-term retirement planning.
Today, RTPS, LLC provides services including tax preparation, tax advising, business structuring, and budgeting. As we continue to grow, we plan to expand into payroll services. While our offerings evolve, our commitment remains the same: to go above and beyond for every client, delivering both exceptional service and meaningful results.
Although we primarily serve clients in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area, we’ve also had the privilege of working with individuals beyond the DMV. At RTPS, LLC, we believe that understanding your finances is a powerful step toward achieving the financial freedom many aspire to—and we are dedicated to helping our clients realize that every day.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Entrepreneurship is not a smooth road, and I believe it’s important to be transparent about that. My journey has been filled with challenges, growth, and transformation—much like the life cycle of a caterpillar.
Every business begins in the “egg stage.” This is the idea phase—the quiet, internal process where you wrestle with questions like, Should I start? Am I ready? Is this the right move? For me, this stage was about developing the vision for what would eventually become Rickenbacker’s Tax Preparation Services, LLC.
From there, you move into the “caterpillar stage,” where the work truly begins. This is the phase where you are actively building, learning, and moving forward with determination. Just like a caterpillar constantly consumes to grow, this stage requires you to absorb knowledge, gain experience, and, inevitably, make mistakes. It’s also where many entrepreneurs experience financial loss and growing pains as they try to find their footing.
Then comes the most critical phase—the “pupa” or cocoon stage. This is the transformation stage, where everything slows down and becomes deeply introspective. On the outside, it may appear that nothing is happening, but internally, everything is being rebuilt. This is often the point where an entrepreneur evaluates the true cost of continuing and asks, Is this worth it? Do I keep going, or do I walk away? I consider this the “do or die” stage of entrepreneurship.
For me, this was the most challenging part of my journey. It required me to confront myself and truly understand my purpose. In full transparency, when I first started RTPS, LLC, my focus was on financial success. However, during this transformation stage, I realized my purpose was much greater. I discovered that my calling was to help others understand their financial struggles, overcome them, and gain the confidence to take control of their financial lives.
Emerging from that cocoon, much like a butterfly, I carried forward the lessons, resilience, and clarity I had gained. That transformation allowed me not only to grow as a business owner but also to serve my clients with greater purpose and intention.
So no, the journey has not been easy—but every stage has been necessary. Each phase shaped who I am today and strengthened the foundation of my business.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Rickenbacker’s Tax Preparation Services, LLC (RTPS) was built with one mission in mind: to serve people with integrity, clarity, and care during one of the most stressful financial seasons of their lives. We are not just here to “file taxes”—we are here to educate, empower, and advocate for our clients so they can make confident financial decisions beyond tax season.
At our core, we specialize in individual and small business tax preparation, with a strong focus on Schedule C filers, entrepreneurs, and families who want to better understand their finances. We take pride in breaking things down in a way that actually makes sense—no confusing jargon, no rushing clients through the process, and no one-size-fits-all approach. Every return is handled with intention, accuracy, and a genuine desire to see our clients win.
What truly sets RTPS apart is our heart posture. We lead with transparency, honesty, and compassion. Many of our clients come to us overwhelmed, misinformed, or even fearful because of past experiences—and we don’t take that lightly. We meet people where they are, walk them through the process step by step, and make sure they leave not only satisfied, but informed. We believe knowledge is power, and our goal is to give that power back to our clients.
Brand-wise, what we are most proud of is the trust we’ve built. RTPS is known for being reliable, thorough, and client-centered. We don’t cut corners, and we don’t compromise our standards. We stand on doing things the right way—even when it takes more time—because our clients deserve accuracy and peace of mind.
Looking ahead, our vision is to continue growing as a trusted resource in our community—not just for tax preparation, but for financial literacy and long-term financial wellness. We want our clients to feel supported year-round, not just during filing season.
At the end of the day, RTPS is more than a business—it’s a service. And we take that responsibility seriously.
Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
Yes, over the past year, I’ve been intentional about investing in personal and professional growth through books that challenge my mindset and strengthen my perspective. Some of the most impactful reads for me have been Disruptive Thinking by T.D. Jakes, Power Moves by Sarah Jakes Roberts, Damaged but Not Destroyed by Michael Todd, The Let Them Theory by Mel Robbins, The Garden Within by Dr. Anita Phillips, and I am currently reading Supercommunicators by Charles Duhigg.
Each of these books came into my life during a pivotal season—what I describe as the “pupa stage” of my entrepreneurial journey—and provided clarity, encouragement, and direction when I needed it most. Disruptive Thinking challenged me to embrace innovation and step outside of traditional boundaries. Power Moves reminded me that strength and vulnerability can coexist, especially as a woman balancing business and family. Damaged but Not Destroyed reinforced the importance of perseverance and trusting that challenges serve a purpose.
The Let Them Theory gave me the freedom to release what no longer aligns with my growth, while The Garden Within helped me understand the importance of acknowledging my emotions without allowing them to dictate my actions. Most recently, Supercommunicators has been teaching me the value of connection—reminding me that despite our differences, there is always common ground if we are willing to truly listen.
These resources have not only supported my growth as an entrepreneur but have also strengthened me personally. They’ve helped shape how I lead, how I serve, and how I show up for others. I firmly believe that continuous learning is essential, and the right resources at the right time can be transformative—not just for business, but for life as a whole.
Pricing:
- Individual Filing Starts at $250
- Business Filing Starts at $400
- Business Structuring Starts at $350
Contact Info:
- Website: www.rickenbackerstaxprep.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rickenbackerstaxprep/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61583013922886
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@RickenbackersTaxPreparationSer
- Email: [email protected]
