Ep #3: How Joel Yaeger Built an Integrated Tax and Wealth Advisory Firm

Ep #8: Rocky Lippold on Why AI Will Make Tax Work More Human

Dave Haase sits down with Rocky Lippold, founder of Freedom Tax Accounting & Tax, who has an unusual story of retiring three times and coming back stronger each time. Rocky just acquired a practice with 850 clients, adding to his existing 400 clients, and is eyeing another acquisition before tax season. His approach to growth centers on personal relationships and face-to-face meetings, even driving hours to meet clients in person for onboarding sessions. Rocky shares how he built his practice with family members including his accountant daughter, retired brother, and wife who worked as a paralegal for 26 years. He discusses managing 200 Amish clients with extensive Schedule F returns, implementing Tax Dome and Juno for efficiency, and his belief that AI will actually make tax work more human by handling data entry while accountants focus on client relationships. Rocky emphasizes the importance of admitting mistakes to clients and taking time to truly understand their businesses rather than just processing returns. Key topics covered: [00:00] Intro [01:37] Military tax beginnings and multiple retirements [03:23] Building practice back up through acquisitions [05:38] Growth mindset despite retirement attempts [08:33] Training remote family staff members [09:40] In person client onboarding preference [10:08] Detailed client onboarding process [12:00] Acquiring 200 Amish farming clients [15:19] Tax Dome and Juno integration goals [18:10] Going paperless after RV lifestyle [20:31] Future of tax profession with AI [22:21] S corp conversion saves $17000 annually [23:07] Human element remains crucial with AI [27:50] Growth advice and owning mistakes [31:48] Just do it philosophy Rocky's philosophy is simple but powerful - the human element in accounting cannot be replaced, and the best tax professionals will spend more time with clients, not less, as technology handles the routine work. The Modern Tax Pros Podcast is brought to you by Juno, AI tax prep software built for tax pros who are sick of 60-hour weeks. ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

Ep #7: Paul Whelan on Automating Tax Workflows and Practice Management Systems

Dave Haase sits down with Paul Whelan, EA and Founder of Whelan Advisory Group, to discuss building and scaling a modern solo tax practice. Paul shares his journey from working at a local firm to starting his own practice 2 years ago, focusing on small businesses under $5 million in revenue. He explains how he provides comprehensive services from bookkeeping to tax planning, positioning himself as a single point of contact for local business owners who prefer face-to-face relationships over virtual-only firms. Paul dives into the technology stack that enables his solo practice to compete effectively. He discusses implementing Canopy for practice management, Ignition for proposal automation, and Stanford Tax for document collection. The conversation explores how modern tax professionals handle misinformation from social media, stay current with changing tax laws, and manage the seasonal demands of tax work while maintaining work-life balance. Paul also addresses pricing strategies in an industry where practitioners have historically undercharged for their expertise. Key topics covered: [00:00] Intro [01:08] Paul's accounting journey and firm foundation [02:29] Local small business focus strategy [04:19] Full service approach benefits [07:57] Biggest challenges facing tax professionals [10:26] Managing tax law changes effectively [12:17] Essential practice management technology stack [14:44] Adopting new technology successfully [16:01] Full tax automation vision [20:06] Work life balance during tax season [24:04] Integrating multiple software systems [30:22] Five year practice growth plans [32:04] Strategic pricing and capacity management [36:19] Practice management software evolution [38:17] Future of tax professional services This episode offers practical insights for tax professionals looking to modernize their practices and build sustainable solo operations in today's competitive market. The Modern Tax Pros Podcast is brought to you by Juno, AI tax prep software built for tax pros who are sick of 60-hour weeks. ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

Ep #6: AI Automation in Tax Practice with BlueSky Wealth Advisors Head David Blain

Dave Haase sits down with David Blain, the CFA and founder of BlueSky Wealth Advisors, to explore how combining tax preparation with wealth management creates superior client outcomes. David shares his unconventional path from West Point graduate and military special ops to building a practice that integrates tax compliance with comprehensive financial planning. He explains why clients benefit from having one trusted advisor handle both their investments and tax strategy, rather than coordinating between separate professionals. The conversation dives deep into how AI automation is transforming tax practices and freeing professionals to focus on higher-value advisory work. David details how his team uses Juno's computer vision technology to extract data from tax documents, allowing administrative staff to participate meaningfully in the tax process while tax preparers focus on strategic planning. He also shares his systematic approach to advisory workflows, using CRM automation to ensure no planning opportunities are missed based on client income and complexity levels. Key topics covered: [00:00] Intro [01:43] Military to wealth management journey [04:23] Combining tax and wealth management [06:59] Adding value beyond compliance work [11:21] Future of tax preparation industry [14:43] Building advisory workflows and systems [19:47] AI transforming tax strategy identification [23:03] Data integration challenges and solutions [28:13] Human judgment in tax decisions [34:29] AI limitations in complex scenarios [40:01] Structured vs conversational AI outputs [44:45] Team transformation with automation tools [47:25] Staff happiness and job elevation This episode offers valuable insights for tax professionals considering advisory services and firm owners looking to leverage AI for better client service and team satisfaction. The Modern Tax Pros Podcast is brought to you by Juno, AI tax prep software built for tax pros who are sick of 60-hour weeks. ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

Ep #5: Building a Tax Practice Around Freelancers and Self Employed Clients

Dave Haase sits down with Adam Manning, Founder of Nomadic Solutions, to discuss building a tax practice that serves small businesses and self-employed clients others often overlook. Adam shares how he grew from helping 2 clients to running a full practice in just 2 years, with a unique focus on tattoo artists and gig economy workers. He explains his approach to making tax services affordable while staying profitable through automation and clear boundaries. The conversation covers Adam's transition from corporate controller to practice owner, his interview process for qualifying clients, and how he structures services for freelancers who need guidance but can't pay traditional rates. Adam discusses the challenges of serving cash-based businesses like tattoo shops, where many artists live paycheck to paycheck but are increasingly willing to become legitimate business owners as the industry grows and gains social acceptance. Key topics covered: [00:00] Intro [01:36] Nomadic Solutions Origin Story [03:52] Serving Tattoo Artists and Freelancers [06:24] Advisory Services for Gig Workers [08:32] Industry Challenges and Revenue Scaling [11:55] Balancing Profitability with Service [15:23] Client Boundaries and Selection Process [17:15] Managing Complex Bookkeeping Workflows [21:40] Communication Standards and Client Fit [25:29] Automation Tools and Tax Dome Integration [29:05] Practice Management Software Transitions [33:16] Fractional CFO Services Expansion [35:18] Remote Client Relationship Building [38:12] AI Impact on Tax Preparation [42:28] Future of Human Expertise A practical discussion on building sustainable tax practices that serve underserved markets while maintaining profitability and work-life balance. The Modern Tax Pros Podcast is brought to you by Juno, AI tax prep software built for tax pros who are sick of 60-hour weeks. ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

Ep #4: The Real Value of Tax Professionals in an AI World with Yehuda Tenenbaum

Dave Haase sits down with Yehuda Tenenbaum, EA and founder of Y10 Tax Solutions, to explore his journey from reluctant do-it-yourselfer to successful tax professional. Yehuda shares how he transitioned from running finances for his wife's summer camp to building his own accounting firm, making the leap to full-time practice in December 2023. Their conversation reveals why the current landscape offers unprecedented opportunities for new tax professionals willing to carve out their own niche. The discussion dives deep into client management strategies that separate successful practices from struggling ones. Yehuda and Dave explore the critical importance of setting boundaries, firing problem clients, and how A-plus clients who pay on time and communicate well often receive unlimited access to their accountants. They also tackle the role of AI in tax preparation, explaining why professional expertise remains irreplaceable for complex tax situations and behavioral change management, even as technology advances. Key topics covered: [00:00] Intro [01:00] From Summer Camp CFO to Tax Pro [02:13] Choose Your Own Adventure in Accounting [03:37] Why AI Won't Replace Tax Professionals [05:20] The Value Proposition of Professional Tax Help [08:10] Building Client Relationships Through Results [10:20] Setting Boundaries with A-Plus Clients [12:04] The Emotional Impact of Financial Services [14:50] Energy Management and Difficult Clients [17:26] Specialization vs Complex Tax Returns [20:12] Building Professional Networks for Support [22:00] Deep Learning and Reading IRS Instructions [24:27] Meeting the Guy Who Writes Form 1116 [25:47] Practical Continuing Education with Real Returns [27:05] Connect with Yehuda and Final Thoughts This episode offers practical insights for both new and experienced tax professionals looking to build sustainable, profitable practices while maintaining their sanity during tax season. The Modern Tax Pros Podcast is brought to you by Juno, AI tax prep software built for tax pros who are sick of 60-hour weeks. ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.