Searching “Tax Strategist Near Me”? Here’s What You Need to Know

Searching for “tax strategist near me” but overwhelmed with all the options out there?

I get it. Finding the right tax strategist and CPA is tough, and there’s a lot at stake. And truly, I get worked up about this topic – because there are a lot of fake tax strategists out there. They’re really good marketers, but they’re selling services that they’re not qualified to provide.

If you’ve been typing “tax strategist near me,” into Google over and over only to be totally overwhelmed, here are some tips on how to differentiate true experts from those who are scamming people.

3 Tips When Searching for “Tax Strategist Near Me”

1. Look for Real Expertise

There are some great marketers out there. You’ve probably seen the claims some of these so-called “tax strategists” make. Promises like “$10,000 in guaranteed tax savings” or “deductions you’ve never thought of” sound too good to be true… usually because they are. A quick search into some of these offers will tell you that many “tax strategists” don’t have the qualifications to back up their claims.

Here’s an example: one program I saw gave a $10,000 savings guarantee(by the way, it’s illegal to guarantee any amount of savings from tax strategy… so you should be wary of anyone who does!).

However, the fine print revealed that failing to meet their promise only earned clients a $100 Amazon gift card… yes, really.

What’s worse is that the qualifications of the team behind this program were questionable. Of the advisors listed, many lacked CPA (Certified Public Accountant) or EA (Enrolled Agent) credentials, which are essential certifications for legitimate tax professionals in the United States.

2. Remember that Credentials Matter

When you’re Googling “tax strategist near me” and considering your options, credentials should be non-negotiable. Certified professionals like CPAs, EAs, or Certified Tax Coaches (CTCs) undergo years of training and are held to high ethical standards. They stay updated on tax laws and regulations, so your strategy is both effective and compliant.

Unfortunately, many businesses rely on inexperienced advisors who don’t have the expertise you need as a tax strategist. A client of ours once got help from a tax service who was really popular on social media. It quickly became evident that the strategies implemented by their previous “tax strategist” were not only ineffective but also raised major red flags with the IRS.

For example, their plan included an improperly structured qualified employee achievement plan that saved just $300 annuallybut violated tax code.This is an auditor’s dream, unfortunately.

Additionally, their business had no tax basis – essentially, they had taken so many losses that any further distributions could be taxed at capital gains rates.

3. Look Out for Red Flags

If you’re searching “tax strategist near me,” make sure you watch out for these red flags before making your hire:

Lack of Licenses or Credentials:Be wary of anyone who claims to be a tax advisor but cannot provide proof of CPA, EA, or CTC certifications.

Overpromised Savings:Guarantees like “we’ll save you $10,000 or your money back” should raise red flags.

Generic Strategies:Cookie-cutter approaches that don’t consider your unique financial situation may do more harm than good. Tax strategies should be tailored to your specific needs.

No Personal Relationship:Tax strategy isn’t just about crunching numbers. It’s about understanding your goals and helping you achieve them. If your strategist isn’t interested in building a relationship, that’s a red flag.

What Sets Real Tax Strategists Apart

Finding the right tax strategist near you means looking for someone who goes beyond surface-level solutions. A qualified strategist will:

• Review your income, expenses, and long-term goals to create a strategy tailored to your needs

• Help you plan for the future and find opportunities to save before the year ends

• Save you money withouttriggering an IRS audit

You Don’t Have to Work with a Tax Strategist Near You

Here’s the truth:You don’t have to work with a tax strategist near you. You can work with a virtual firm and get the personal, high-touch service you deserve!

Itispossible to have a great relationship with your CPA. One of the best parts of working with a good, qualified tax strategist is the ability to build a personal relationship with them. Unlike huge, impersonal firms that treat clients like numbers, qualified and experienced strategists will take the time to get to know you and your business… even as a virtual firm. And you deserve that!

Want to See the Results of Real Tax Strategists?

Tax strategy is not one-size-fits-all. If you’ve been burned by flashy promises in the past, it’s time to prioritize expertise and a firm you can trust. Check out the results of real tax strategists here,orlearn more about how to spoke fake tax strategists here.

Disclaimer: This article is not meant to be tax advice. This is not an all-inclusive list of business advice. Different rules may apply to each individual taxpayer’s specific situation. Please consult with your accountant. May contain affiliate links.