Turning Numbers Into Stories of Trust

How one Las Vegas tax professional built a business rooted in service, education, and community care.

The small office hums with the quiet shuffle of papers and the rhythmic tapping of a calculator. On one wall hangs a certificate from the IRS, evidence of years of training and compliance. On another, a bulletin board displays community flyers in both English and Spanish. Behind the desk sits Yoshi Castillo, founder of Fantaxtic Services LLC, smiling warmly as she greets a client who has walked in with the weight of tax season on their shoulders.

“I like to help people,” Yoshi says. “It’s a job that I enjoy. I actually take the time to explain things, because I know how overwhelming this can feel.”

For nearly two decades, Yoshi has been turning complicated numbers into clear guidance for her clients. Hers is not just a story about tax returns and paperwork, but about resilience, bilingual service, and the deeply personal connection between a business owner and the community she serves.

From Real Estate Dreams to Tax Season Realities

Yoshi’s journey into financial services was not the result of a straight career path but rather a sudden turn brought on by crisis. In 2007, as the housing market collapsed, she found herself at a crossroads. At the time, she was a realtor, thriving in a booming industry that suddenly came crashing down.

Instead of walking away defeated, Yoshi looked for a new way to serve. “I had a few accounting professional friends who had a business like this,” she recalls. “I had studied a little bit about taxes in school, so I decided to learn more.”

She began building her business from the ground up. What started as a necessity quickly became a calling. By 2008, her fledgling company, Fantaxtic Services LLC, was beginning to grow. She named it with a clever twist—replacing the “s” in “fantaxtic” with an “x,” creating Fantaxtic. It was a subtle wordplay that made people smile and remember her brand.

By 2012, she had as many as five tax preparers working under her. She managed her staff, handled her own clients, and expanded into additional services, including notary work, legal document preparation, and insurance brokerage. Her business thrived in part because she was bilingual, serving a largely Hispanic clientele who appreciated her fluency and cultural understanding.

“At least 75 percent of my clients are Hispanic,” she says. “That’s how my business really prospered in the beginning.”

Resilience Through Shifting Times

The road, however, has not been without challenges. The COVID-19 pandemic reshaped the way businesses of every kind operated, and tax services were no exception. Foot traffic declined, clients struggled financially, and Yoshi’s team of preparers shrank.

“After COVID, the business started to go down,” she explains. “I lost a few preparers. Now I am in the hiring process again, maybe for one or two, but it’s a different market right now.”

She has seen the ripple effects firsthand. When her small business clients struggle, she feels it too. “If they get affected, I get affected,” she admits. “Those are the bigger tickets, the ones where I do S-Corps and their books. So I’m focused on growing that side of the business again.”

Despite setbacks, Yoshi continues to push forward with adaptability. She is preparing for the rigorous three-part exam to become an Enrolled Agent, which will allow her to represent clients directly in IRS proceedings. It is a step she once thought unnecessary, but in today’s changing market, she knows it will open doors to larger clients who need advanced expertise.

“Before, I didn’t really need that,” she reflects. “Now, with everyone trying to do their own taxes on TurboTax, I feel like I need to focus on a different type of market.”

Service That Goes Beyond the Numbers

Walk into Fantaxtic Services, and you will notice something that sets it apart: time. Yoshi gives her clients something many tax professionals do not, which is the patience to explain, teach, and guide.

“Other places just do the tax return and send you on your way,” she says. “I spend the extra time. I explain how credits work and what could be a potential audit. A lot of people appreciate that.”

Her honesty builds trust. She refuses to inflate refunds or bend the truth for the sake of keeping a client. Instead, she educates them on what is real and sustainable. “Sometimes people come in saying another preparer told them they’d get more back, but it’s not correct. I would rather take the time to explain and be honest than mislead them.”

Her services extend well beyond tax preparation. She helps fill out legal paperwork, though always with the clear recommendation that clients consult an attorney first. She notarizes documents, provides insurance brokerage, and even supports nonprofit organizations with their filings. She has also added digital marketing to her toolbox, building websites and managing social media for select business clients.

“I’m basically a jack-of-all-trades,” Yoshi says with a laugh. “I even help nonprofits get established.”

Building Connection Through Bilingual Care

The heart of Fantaxtic Services lies in its accessibility. From the start, Yoshi’s ability to serve clients in both English and Spanish has made her business a cornerstone for Hispanic families and entrepreneurs in Las Vegas.

Between 2008 and 2012, she recalls, those were the years her business “really blossomed.” Her bilingual skills not only helped her clients feel comfortable but also gave them clarity in a world of financial jargon that often feels intimidating even in one’s native language.

Her cultural fluency created loyalty. Families returned year after year, and referrals spread quickly. Many clients who began with personal tax returns eventually trusted her with their businesses, insurance needs, or nonprofit filings.

Modernizing for a Digital World

Yoshi knows that small businesses must evolve with the times. In 2008 and 2009, she ran commercials on Univision and Telemundo, which worked then but have little effect now. “Everybody’s on their phone,” she says. “Social media is where people are paying attention.”

So she taught herself digital marketing. She built her own website, manages her own social channels, and is increasingly using platforms like TikTok to educate and connect. “TikTok is different,” she admits with a smile. “I have to get my face out there more, but it’s important.”

Her social media handles are all the same—@fantaxtic_elvegas—making it easy for people to find her across Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.

Why the Community Trusts Fantaxtic Services

At its core, Fantaxtic Services is not just a tax preparation office; it is a place where people feel seen and guided. Yoshi has spent nearly two decades making sure her clients are not rushed out the door with more questions than answers.

Her impact extends beyond paperwork. By helping Hispanic families navigate taxes, by supporting small business owners with their books, and by offering services that tie into every stage of life, she has created a trusted hub in her community.

She also understands the struggles of self-employed workers in the gig economy, from Uber drivers to independent contractors, who often do not realize what deductions they can claim. These solopreneurs find in her a patient advisor who helps them maximize their earnings without crossing into risky territory.

The community loves her because she offers more than a service—she offers peace of mind.

Looking Ahead With Determination

As Yoshi looks to the next year, her focus is clear: strengthen her business, attract larger clients, and continue educating those who need her most. She knows challenges will come, but she faces them with the same resilience that carried her through the 2007 housing collapse and the COVID-19 downturn.

“I’m working on becoming an Enrolled Agent,” she says. “That will help me represent clients at a higher level and attract the type of clients who need real, big help.”

Her journey is a testament to adaptability, integrity, and the power of bilingual service. Whether she is helping a first-time taxpayer, a seasoned business owner, or a nonprofit director, she brings the same commitment to clarity and trust.

For Yoshi, success is not just measured in numbers. It is measured in the relationships she builds, the stress she eases, and the confidence she gives her clients to face financial challenges head-on.

To connect with Fantaxtic Services LLC, visit their website or find them on Facebook: FANTAXTIC SERVICES LLC, Instagram: @fantaxtic_lvegas, and TikTok: @fantaxtic_elvegas.

This feature is part of The Business View Journal’s Local Spotlight Series — your trusted source for discovering the best small businesses in your community.