1 - How is working with you different from my current CPA or tax preparer?

Your current tax preparer is likely excellent at compliance and filing—getting your taxes done accurately and on time. That's important work, and we respect it.

What we do is different: We focus on proactive tax reduction and strategic planning. Most tax preparers prepare your return based on what already happened. We work with you throughout the year to help you make decisions that legally minimize your lifetime tax liability. The difference is preparation vs. planning.

Frequently asked questions

2 - Do you prepare tax returns, or just provide advice?

We offer BOTH, but here's our approach: your tax advisor shouldn't necessarily be your tax preparer.

For tax preparation, We have a network of trusted professionals we work with depending on your needs and complexity. However, no matter who prepares your taxes, we will review and discuss your return WITH YOU every year. We won't let you sign the authorization to e-file until we review and approve the return. If we need to meet with your tax preparer because something's wrong, we'll do that.

3 - How often will we meet?

This depends on the engagement, but most clients benefit from quarterly or monthly meetings to stay proactive and adjust for changes. Typically, monthly for business owners and quarterly for individuals/investors

4 - How much does this cost?

Most of our clients self-fund advisory costs with current year tax savings. That's the goal, and usually tax savings outweigh your costs by several multiples. It will always depend on your opportunities and execution but typically our clients save between 10%-30% on income tax liability. Tax savings will also depend on your income and starting tax liability.

We aren't cheap. We charge for our time because we deliver real value: analyzing your entire financial situation, implementing strategies specific to your circumstances, holding you accountable as we develop habits that will reduce your tax liability year over year , and ensuring everything is audit-proof.

1. Implementation focus: Strategies are cheap—implementation is valuable. I don't just tell you what to do; I work with you throughout the year to ensure you actually do it correctly and realize the tax savings when you file.

2. Accountability: You're paying me to hold you accountable. When you're paying as a monthly, you'll feel motivated to get your money's worth, and that accountability is what turns good advice into actual results.

3. Ongoing education: I spend significant time every week meeting with other tax professionals and doing continuing research and planning. The tax code changed significantly in 2025, with more changes coming. Every course I take means I know strategies that most local CPA firms don't implement for their clients.

5 - What do you need from me to get started?

We start with:

1. Prior year tax returns

2. Basic financials for your business

3. A conversation about your goals

From there, we build a custom tax strategy tailored to you.

6 - What if there aren’t many tax-saving opportunities for me?

Then we’ll tell you. Not everyone is a fit for ongoing advisory—but even one meeting can help you ensure you are taking advantage of all deductions, understand future opportunities, and avoid costly mistakes.

7 - How long do I need to work with you?

We typically ask clients to work with us for at least one year.

Tax planning isn't a one-time event—it's an ongoing process that involves timing, implementation, and adjustment. Most clients need about a year of regular meetings (monthly or quarterly) to get all their strategies in place and fully optimized.

After that first year, if we've successfully implemented the most significant plans for substantial tax savings, we can reduce meeting frequency and fees accordingly. Some clients graduate to just an annual check-in; others continue quarterly meetings because their situation keeps evolving.

Have another question? Email us at info@crescentcpaadvisors.com

Common Questions we get