The Tax Learning Center was founded by three tax professionals from three very different regions of the country - and the industry. Jeremy Wells, Brad Messner, and Tara Hendrickson each bring decades of experience, unique client perspectives, and a shared commitment to raising the typical standard of tax education.
What brought us together? A growing chasm we could no longer ignore.
In today’s tax education landscape, there are plenty of basic, introductory, 101-level classes – and plenty of niche or ultra-advanced deep dives. But for the growing professional, the one between those extremes, education often falls short – right into that chasm, with no support and no lifeline.
That’s where the Tax Learning Center was born.
Over several months of conversations, we realized just offering classes wouldn’t cut it. Something new was needed – tax professionals have been craving something better. They’re craving a platform that combines quality education and real mentorship.
We created TLC as a bridge – offering structured education that starts with fundamentals and builds toward real topic fluency – with guidance all along the way. Whether you’re just starting out, expanding your practice, or staying sharp for a broad, generalized clientele, we’re here to help you move forward with clarity, confidence, and purpose.
The three of us have all taught tax – in classrooms, at national conferences, and through one-on-one mentorship. Now we’ve combined our knowledge into a single mission: to build a learning experience that supports professionals like you – the ones doing real work, serving real people, and looking for something better than “just good enough” training.
We don’t believe in gatekeeping knowledge. We believe in growing professionals. We believe our industry needs more quality professionals like you – and we believe we can help you rise to meet that challenge head-on.
The Tax Learning Center Team
Jeremy Wells
Jeremy Wells serves as the Chief Operating Officer and Head of Tax at Steadfast Bookkeeping, where he combines operational leadership with in-depth tax expertise to drive strategic growth and ensure exceptional client service. With a sharp focus on compliance and financial clarity, Jeremy plays a pivotal role in guiding small businesses through complex tax landscapes.
He is actively involved in the broader tax professional community, holding multiple leadership roles. Jeremy sits on the Editorial Board of the EA Journal, shaping thought leadership for Enrolled Agents nationwide. He also contributes to the National Association of Enrolled Agents (NAEA) as Vice Chair of the Social Media Administration Committee, helping elevate the association’s digital voice. At the state level, he serves as Chair of the Education Committee for the Florida Society of Enrolled Agents (FSEA) and as a Director for the Florida Chapter of the National Association of Tax Professionals (FL NATP).
Jeremy’s expertise and insights have been featured in respected industry publications, including the NATP TAXPRO Journal and the NAEA EA Journal. Through his published work, professional service, and leadership roles, Jeremy continues to be a trusted voice and advocate for excellence in tax practice and education.
Tara Hendrickson
Tara Hendrickson is an Enrolled Agent with over 25 years of experience in individual and small business taxation. She is the second-generation owner of The Tax Shack Inc., a long-standing Washington-based tax practice, and a co-founder of The Tax Learning Center LLC.
Tara has spent more than a decade developing and delivering continuing education for tax professionals, including leadership and instructor roles with the Washington State Tax Consultants. She has presented at state-level tax conventions, served as a local chapter president, and mentored aspiring professionals across the Pacific Northwest.
Known for her supportive teaching style and focus on practical application, Tara specializes in helping professionals strengthen their foundational knowledge and thrive in the day-to-day realities of tax practice.
Brad Messner
Brad Messner is a third-generation owner of Messner & Fox, LLC located just outside of Pittsburgh, PA. He is the firm’s first Enrolled Agent and has 25 years of experience specializing in research credits, farming, commercial beverage (wineries, distilleries, and breweries), tech/startups, and corporate tax preparation as well as an in-depth understanding of data security, due diligence, and entity selection. Obtaining complimentary bachelor’s degrees in information systems and business management with a concentration in accounting from the University of Pittsburgh coupled with an MBA with a focus in information systems from the Indiana University of Pennsylvania, Brad has a robust background in accounting, financial systems, and information systems.
Brad also has over 20 years of experience developing security solutions for small and large global organizations and was recently awarded one of only five NSA NCAE-C scholarships from the Department of Defense for his PhD dissertation work on the security of blockchain, cryptocurrency, and financial systems. He also serves as a professor at the University of Pittsburgh with a focus on cybersecurity and information systems, teaching courses at both the undergraduate and graduate levels.
Brad is a nationally sought-after speaker on tax topics, blockchain, ethics, and cybersecurity, finding a balance between operational efficiencies and ensuring information integrity. His extensive work in data breach mitigation and recovery has awarded him the label as an industry expert in the security of accounting finance systems.
Brad is the 2023 Tax Professional of the Year, awarded by the National Association of Tax Professionals. He was nominated, voted on, and selected out of a membership of over 24,000 individuals for his dedication to ongoing education, outreach to new and younger members, and focus on trying to increase the overall effectiveness of tax professionals.