Dan Henn CPA
Dan Henn CPA

From Burnout to Breakthrough: How IRS Representation Can Rescue Your Tax Practice

If you’re a licensed tax professional, you probably didn’t enter this field dreaming of chasing invoices, losing weekends to 70-hour workweeks, or fielding endless calls from penny-pinching clients who disappear come tax season.

Yet, here you are—burned out, underpaid, and questioning how long you can keep this up.

There’s a better path: IRS representation.

The Hidden Opportunity

Right now, the IRS is chasing $207 billion in unpaid tax debt tied to over 14 million taxpayers. These include:

  • Individuals behind on income tax
  • Business owners behind on payroll tax
  • C-Corporations that owe taxes directly
  • People terrified after getting an IRS letter or audit notice

Better Clients, Better Pay

These aren’t the $150-$300 tax prep clients you’re used to. They’re in trouble, they need help fast—and they’re ready to pay $3,500 to $5,000 (and sometimes much more) for expert guidance.

With IRS representation, you:
– Work with fewer clients
– Charge premium fees
– Generate income year-round

It’s not just rewarding—it’s life-changing.

“But I Don’t Know Where to Start…”

That’s where Tax Resolution Academy® comes in.

Our Fast Start IRS Collections Bootcamp shows you how to:

  • Handle collections cases from start to finish
  • Confidently talk to the IRS on your client’s behalf
  • Price and present your services like a pro
  • Say goodbye to bad clients—for good

It’s Time to Make the Shift

Tax prep alone won’t build the business—or the life—you want.
 IRS representation will.

Let us help you make the leap.

_____________________________________________________

Here’s to working smarter, not harder!

And a brighter future for your tax practice!

If you want to know more consider joining the Tax Resolution Academy® by clicking this link to earn your Certified Taxpayer Representative™ (CTR™) certification

I hope this helps.

If you have any questions, please reach out to us.

I would love to hear your thoughts, challenges, and successes in writing your very own book.

Have a GREAT day,

Cordially,

Dan

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Dan Henn, CPA, CTR™
Co-Founder, Tax Resolution Academy®
Managing Member
Tax Pro Academy, LLC

P.S. Want to learn more about the Tax Resolution Academy®, go to https://community.taxresolutionacademy.com.

P.P.S. Check out our CPE classes here! Click the link to Follow our page and you will be notified when we release new classes.… Continue reading

Storytelling and Brand Identity—How to Stand Out in Tax Resolution Marketing

Most tax pros market their services the same way: a list of what they do, credentials, and maybe a stock photo of a calculator or handshake. The result? Everyone sounds the same.

But here’s the truth: people don’t hire you just because you’re competent—they hire you because they trust you. And trust is built through connection. That’s where storytelling and brand identity come in.

You’re not just selling IRS resolution services. You’re selling peace of mind. Relief. A chance to get someone’s life back on track. The better you tell that story, the more your marketing resonates—and the more you stand out from every other EA, CPA, or tax attorney in your market.

What Is Brand Identity, Really?

Your brand isn’t your logo or website colors. It’s the emotional imprint people get when they think of your business.

  • Are you the calm voice in a crisis?
  • The aggressive advocate who takes on the IRS head-to-head?
  • The educator who empowers clients through understanding?

Your brand identity is the personality, values, and tone that shapes every interaction—from your emails to your website to your intake call.

When that identity is clear and consistent, your marketing becomes more than just promotion. It becomes magnetic.

Why Storytelling Works

Storytelling taps into the emotional brain—the part that makes decisions.

People facing tax problems are stressed and overwhelmed. They’re not analyzing your resume. They’re looking for signs that:

  • You get what they’re going through (empathy)
     
  • You’ve helped others like them (They are not alone with their problems)
     
  • You’re the kind of person they can trust with sensitive financial info (Treat them with a supportive and non-judgemental attitude)

A compelling story can answer all three—without ever sounding like a pitch.

Here’s a quick example:

“When Joe came to us, he hadn’t filed taxes in 8 years and was getting letters he didn’t understand. We broke it down step by step, helped him get back into compliance, and negotiated a payment plan he could actually afford. Today, he’s sleeping again—and running his business without fear.”

This is more powerful than saying “We help with back tax filings and installment agreements.” One builds connection through telling of the benefits. The other lists features of services.

Crafting Your Signature Story

To integrate storytelling into your marketing, start with your signature story—the “why” behind your practice.

  • Why do you do this work?
  • What do you believe about how clients should be treated?
… Continue reading

How to Get (and Give) Referrals That Grow Your Tax Resolution Practice

If you ask most successful tax resolution pros how they get clients, “referrals” is almost always part of the answer.

And for good reason: A warm referral carries built-in trust. Referred clients are more likely to hire you, pay your fees without objection, and follow your advice. Even better? Referral-based growth is cost-effective and sustainable—if you set it up right.

But referrals don’t just happen. They come from building the right relationships, making it easy for others to refer you, and having systems that turn introductions into paying clients.

Here’s how to make referrals a reliable part of your business development strategy.

Why Referrals Work in Tax Resolution

Tax problems are personal. Clients feel overwhelmed, ashamed, embarrassed and unsure who to trust. When someone they already trust says, “Talk to this person—they helped me,” that anxiety is lowered immediately.

You skip the “prove yourself” phase. That means shorter sales cycles, better alignment, and higher close rates.

1. Identify Your Ideal Referral Partners

Not all referrals are created equal. The best sources are those who interact regularly with your ideal client base and don’t directly compete with you.

Here are some great referral sources for tax resolution pros:

  • CPAs and bookkeepers who don’t handle IRS problems
  • Enrolled agents who focus on prep but not resolution
  • Bankruptcy attorneys and family law attorneys
  • Business coaches or consultants for small businesses
  • Mortgage brokers and real estate professionals
  • Financial advisors with high-net-worth clients

Build a short list of 10–15 people you already know—or want to know—who fit these profiles.

2. Build Relationships, Not Just Lists

People refer to those they trust. That means you need to go beyond handing out a business card.

Reach out, set up a short coffee chat or Zoom meeting, and lead with curiosity. Ask about their business, who they serve, what kind of clients are ideal for them. Then share what you do and how you help.

Don’t pitch. Don’t pressure. Just connect.

Follow up with value. This could be:

  • A helpful resource related to their niche
  • An introduction to someone in your network
  • A shoutout on social media

Referrals flow from relationships, not transactions.

3. Make It Easy to Refer You

Want more referrals? Don’t make people guess what you do or how to refer you.

Give partners:

  • A 1-sentence summary of what you do (“I help self-employed professionals resolve IRS debt and stay compliant.”)
  • A simple link to your calendar or
… Continue reading