Why Every Tax Pro Needs a Stronger Community

Being a licensed tax professional can feel like a lonely grind. You’re juggling tax returns, chasing down documents, answering panicked client calls—and still trying to keep your business afloat during the off-season.

You’re not alone.

Across the country—and even worldwide—tax professionals are facing similar struggles:

  • Overwhelming workloads
  • Seasonal income fluctuations
  • Difficult and/or underpaying clients
  • A constant need to stay updated on IRS rules and procedures

For many, the missing piece isn’t just technical knowledge—it’s support, strategy, and a strong professional community.

Representation Work: A Smarter Path Forward

More tax pros are discovering the value of specializing in IRS representation (Collections and Exam/Audit)—helping individuals and businesses who owe the IRS, are being audited, or have received scary notices.

Unlike routine tax prep that is seasonal, representation work is:
– Year-round as people owe, get notices, or have to respond to notices all year
– High-value as you can earn large revenue to support your practice
– Deeply rewarding as clients are very appreciative of fixing their problem.

Whether it’s negotiating an installment agreement, handling a lien subordination, or walking a client through an audit or notice reply, this work positions you as a trusted advisor, not just a seasonal number-cruncher.

Best of all? These clients are ready to pay you what you’re worth—because the stakes are high.

You Can Serve Well and Succeed Financially

Some tax professionals worry that becoming profitable means sacrificing integrity. But in reality, the most effective firms are those that combine:

  • Competent, responsive, and ethical service
  • Efficient systems and processes
  • Smart marketing strategies

Yes, it’s possible to represent clients skillfully and still run a profitable, scalable firm. But that doesn’t happen by accident—it takes intention, business acumen, and often, learning from others who’ve walked the path.

Why Community Matters

No one builds a great practice in isolation.

Surrounding yourself with like-minded professionals—those who value growth, competence, and collaboration—can elevate your career in ways that courses and books alone never will.

A strong community helps you:

  • Stay current on IRS changes
  • Discover new tools and systems
  • Share wins, challenges, and solutions
  • Avoid costly mistakes others have already made
  • Feel less alone in a high-pressure profession

Whether it’s through formal networks, online peer groups, or certification groups, building those connections can transform your mindset and your results.

Continuous Learning Is Non-Negotiable

Representation isn’t static. The IRS changes procedures, issues new notices, and revises compliance protocols often. Staying sharp means … Continue reading

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