Founder & CEO, Service First Tax Service

For more than a decade, To’Bina Thornton-Stephens has been building more than a tax firm — she has been building financial infrastructure for individuals, entrepreneurs, and entire communities.

In 2014, she founded Service First Tax Service with a clear commitment to compliance, education, and integrity. What began as a tax preparation firm has grown into a comprehensive financial solutions company offering tax strategy, bookkeeping, financial reporting, and fractional CFO services. Since its inception, the firm has served more than 2,000 individual and small business clients, earning a reputation for precision, audit-ready compliance, and strategic financial leadership.

Known for her ability to quickly identify structural financial challenges, To’Bina often uncovers and corrects systemic issues that impact profitability and regulatory standing. Her work goes far beyond preparing tax returns — she operates as a financial architect for small businesses, helping owners understand operational costs, forecast responsibly, and build sustainable growth strategies.

Her influence extends deeply into education and mentorship. In 2023 and 2024, To’Bina launched and taught a 3.5-month Tax School rooted in policy-based, compliance-driven instruction. Across both cohorts, 100% of participants passed the IRS Annual Filing Season Program examination on their first attempt. She has mentored tax professionals across multiple states, guided three individuals through launching their own firms, and is currently developing a digital learning platform to expand structured tax education nationwide.

A committed community leader, To’Bina has served in board-level roles within the Wealth InvestHer Network, including Treasurer and Chairwoman, and holds leadership positions with Youth Community Agency, supporting youth-focused initiatives. She also partners with the Michigan Black Business Alliance as an instructor for its Capital Connect and Black Print programs, equipping entrepreneurs with the financial structure, projections, and operational insight needed to access capital and scale responsibly.

Through business leadership, mentorship, and community service, To’Bina Thornton-Stephens continues to advance her mission of economic empowerment — helping individuals and small businesses build financial systems that create stability, opportunity, and generational impact.