Alumnae

This Graduate-Owned Business is Truly a Family Affair!

TAX TIME is HERE!

Have no fear! St. Claire’s Income Tax Service is ready to help you get through tax time—and with a 10% discount to Maryites, at that! [Pictured at left are Claire Ferrand Winder, Lisa Ferrand Spurlock, and Jenelle Spurlock]

While employed by South Central Bell, Claire Ferrand Winder, ‘70, helped friends and family prepare their income taxes. A friend, Bernell St. Cyr, who also prepared tax returns, encouraged Claire to go into the business with him on a part-time basis.

In 1985, Claire left Bell, and she and Bernell started St. Claire’s Income Tax Service, converting an extra bedroom in her home to an office.

Known for her dedicated service to St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church, many who know her assumed that the ‘Saint’ in St. Claire was in honor of St. Paul. But, Claire explains, “When Bernell and I decided to go into business together, we simply combined our names and came up with St. Claire’s.”

As the business grew, Claire soon called in reinforcements in the form of her younger sister, Lisa Ferrand Spurlock, ‘75, followed by her daughter Jennelle Spurlock, ‘97.

Although a chemist with the FDA by trade, Lisa took an early retirement in 1995, enrolled in a few tax classes, and came on board fulltime.

Jennelle, who holds a masters degree in Computer Systems, has added web design and management to the growing list of services offered by St. Clare’s.

“We do everything the big boys do—but at a fraction of the cost,” said Claire. “We offer rapid refund, refund application loans, pick-up and delivery services, and up to $20.00 credit for referrals—so call a friend then call St. Claire’s.”

“More recently, we’ve joined with the Rhodes Funeral Home Community Outreach program, which offers estate planning, advanced funeral planning and grief counseling,” said Claire.

In addition to a Maryite discount, St. Claire’s also offers a 10% discount to graduates of St. Augustine, and Xavier Prep.

Hey! A Maryite offering discounts to Yellow Jackets and Purple Knights?

Claire laughs and explains, “My husband is a graduate of St. Augustine, and Bernell’s wife is an alum of Xavier Prep.

Besides, I never did entertain that silly rivalry thing between the schools. Many of the friends I went to elementary school with attended Prep while I went on to St. Mary’s Academy. It’s important for us to stick together and take care of one another—no matter what school we went to.”

St. Claire’s has recently ventured into the supplemental insurance business by becoming an independent sales associate for AFLAC.

“We wanted to expand the business to offer complete financial packages to all our clients. We’re small, but we do our best to provide all financial services.”

St. Clare’s also handles all your small business financial needs—payroll, LLC, and filing of all federal forms.

As the end of the year draws near, gather your tax information and give Clare a call. Don’t forget to bring along a friend so that you can take advantage of the $20.00 referral bonus!

St. Clare’s Income Tax Service
12140 Morrison Road
Phone - 246-5669
Fax—246-0662