Fast-Growing Black-Owned Tax Software Firm In Birmingham to Add 66 High-Paying Jobs
SmartWiz, a rapidly expanding Black-owned tax software company in Birmingham that leverages advanced artificial intelligence to streamline work for tax professionals, is scaling up its operations and creating 66 high-paying jobs. Alabama Commerce Secretary Ellen McNair said the growth underscores the state’s ability to support innovative tech firms poised for national impact.
A High-Growth Expansion
Founded in 2021 by a team of tech entrepreneurs and tax professionals, SmartWiz has quickly become one of just 16 IRS-approved tax software providers in the world. The company’s platform is simplifying compliance for preparers, CPAs, and accounting firms across the country, adding momentum to Birmingham’s reputation as a rising tech hub.
The expansion marks a significant leap for the startup, which currently employs 10 people at Innovation Depot. Over the next five years, SmartWiz plans to add 66 new roles with an average annual salary of $81,136, excluding benefits, and invest $125,000 in equipment. “Our goal is to put our software in the hands of every tax professional in the United States,” said CEO Tevin Harrell, emphasizing plans to recruit top engineering, sales, and customer support talent in Alabama.
Startup Origins and Technology
SmartWiz began as the brainchild of five Auburn University students—Tevin Harrell, Olumuyiwa Aladebumoye, Jordan Ward, Justin Robinson, and Bria Johnson—who set out to make tax preparation less painful for professionals and clients. Today, the fintech’s AI-driven tools aim to reduce manual work, minimize errors, and speed up filing processes, enabling firms to handle more clients with greater accuracy and consistency.
Why Birmingham—And Why Now
The company’s commitment to Birmingham was tested during its latest investment round, when it was offered an opportunity to relocate to Los Angeles with $3 million in funding. SmartWiz chose to stay rooted in Alabama, citing the strength of the Innovation Depot ecosystem, ease of doing business, and access to meaningful networks. “People are your biggest investment,” said Harrell, noting regional support for workforce training as a key factor in their decision to grow locally.
Incentives, Talent, and Support
The Alabama Department of Commerce is backing the project with performance-based tax incentives tied to job creation milestones. State workforce agency AIDT will provide services valued at $780,000 to support hiring and training. “SmartWiz’s decision to grow in Birmingham reinforces that Alabama has the talent, resources, and business climate innovative companies need to succeed,” Secretary McNair said, calling the expansion a boost to the state’s tech ecosystem.
SmartWiz has benefited from a robust startup support network, including a $50,000 Alabama Launchpad award and participation in the Birmingham Business Alliance’s Small Business Intensive program. Additional funding has come through Innovate Alabama’s State Small Business Credit Initiative, along with investments from prominent backers. According to Commerce recruitment lead Gary Walton, this is “the blueprint in action,” reflecting Alabama’s intentional investments in talent development, startup capital, and collaborative networks.
Local Impact and Economic Momentum
The City of Birmingham and Jefferson County are supporting the expansion with combined local incentives totaling $231,000 tied to job creation. The Birmingham Business Alliance estimates the project will generate an economic impact of $9.6 million over the next two decades. Local leaders say the decision to grow in place demonstrates that high-potential tech companies can scale from Birmingham while contributing to a diverse and resilient regional economy.
SmartWiz’s growth is expected to contribute to a mix of high-quality roles—from software engineering to customer success—that offer strong career pathways. With its base in Innovation Depot, the Southeast’s largest tech incubator, the company is positioned to tap into Birmingham’s deepening bench of tech talent, university partnerships, and entrepreneurial resources.
What’s Next
As SmartWiz ramps up hiring and product development, the company aims to expand market share among tax professionals nationwide while deepening its Alabama footprint. With investments in AI, customer support, and training, leadership sees a path to building a category-leading platform from Birmingham. “We’re building the next unicorn tech company right here in our state,” Harrell said, underscoring the firm’s long-term commitment to Alabama and its workforce.
