Making the Shift From Tax Preparer to Tax Adviser: Key Elements to Success

There is a vast difference between tax preparers and tax advisers. There are far more firms and individuals who offer tax preparation services than those offering true financial advice and foresight. This differentiation in the level of service offered distinguishes everyday preparers from outstanding tax advisers. However, making the transition can be challenging.

First, a decision must be made to grow the practice. Next, internal changes must take place among team members. Then, how do you let your current and potential clients know of this shift in the level of service provided? All these steps are crucial to make an effective transition. Finally, how do you measure the impact of this growth shift? Tax practitioners looking to grow the mindset of their firms need to understand the steps to effectively implement the transition to a trusted tax adviser.

Listen as our speaker offers a step-by-step guide to transitioning a tax practice from simply tax preparation to becoming a proactive financial advisory firm.

1. Distinguishing tax preparers and tax advisers
2. Deciding to shift
3. Internal changes
4. Messaging impact
5. Commercial opportunity
6. Growing after the shift

This webinar will examine these and other key issues:

• Benefits of becoming a tax adviser
• Getting team members on board for the transition
• Differences between preparers and advisers
• Communicating with current and prospective clients
• Tracking client impact

Learning Objectives

After completing this course, you will be able to:

• Identify opportunities that exist by becoming a tax adviser
• Determine internal changes that need to be made to make the shift to tax adviser
• Decide how to notify existing clients of the change in level of service
• Ascertain key differences between tax preparers and tax advisers

• Field of Study: Taxes
• Level of Knowledge: Intermediate
• Advance Preparation: None
• Teaching Method: Seminar/Lecture
• Delivery Method: Group-Internet (via computer)
• Attendance Monitoring Method: Attendance is monitored electronically via a participant's PIN and through a series of attendance verification prompts displayed throughout the program
• Prerequisite: Three years+ business or public firm experience preparing complex tax forms and schedules, supervising other preparers or accountants. Specific knowledge and understanding of individual income taxation, including itemized deductions, individual income tax credits, net operating loss limitations including carrybacks and carryforwards.

Strafford Publications, Inc. is registered with the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) as a sponsor of continuing professional education on the National Registry of CPE Sponsors. State boards of Accountancy have final authority on the acceptance of individual courses for CPE Credits. Complaints regarding registered sponsons may be submitted to NASBA through its website: www.nasbaregistry.org.

IRS Approved Provider

Strafford is an IRS-approved continuing education provider offering certified courses for Enrolled Agents (EA) and Tax Return Preparers (RTRP).