How to Find a Tax Accountant and Maximize Tax Savings: Insights from Jackie Meyer and Shauna A. Wekherlien

In a recent podcast episode, Jackie Meyer, CPA and founder of TaxPlanIQ, sat down with Shauna A. Wekherlien, famously known as “The Tax Goddess,” to discuss tax strategy, firm ownership, and maintaining work-life balance. Shauna is one of the top 1% of tax strategists in the U.S. and has built an impressive career helping business owners reduce their tax liabilities. Throughout the conversation, both Jackie and Shauna shared valuable insights on how to find a tax accountant, enhance client services, and leverage tax savings strategies.

You can listen to the full episode here, or on your favorite podcast platform.

Shifting from Compliance to Tax Strategy

As tax professionals, one of the biggest hurdles is moving from compliance-focused services to offering high-value advisory services. Shauna’s journey from astrophysics to tax strategy highlights how a love for problem-solving can evolve into an innovative career. She shared the moment she became motivated to dive into the tax world after witnessing her mother, a small business owner, struggle with IRS notices and a lack of strategic guidance.

For those looking for a tax advisor, Shauna emphasizes the importance of working with specialists. “You only give advice on things you really, really know,” she explains. Both Jackie and Shauna believe that finding a tax accountant or advisor who stays up-to-date with the latest strategies is essential. They advise clients to ask their tax professional about specific strategies, such as defined benefit plans or tax savings for high-net-worth individuals.

Building a Strong Financial Team

Another key point in the conversation was the importance of building a solid financial team. Shauna stressed the need for collaboration between tax strategists, financial advisors, and other professionals. A cohesive team can offer clients more comprehensive and tailored advice, helping avoid conflicting recommendations. Jackie echoed this sentiment, advising firm owners to ask potential advisors how they work with other team members to create a seamless experience for the client.

A strong tax advisor should be proactive, reading up on IRS court cases and always staying informed about new opportunities for tax savings. “If your accountant isn’t offering these solutions, it might be time to find a new tax advisor,” Shauna quipped. Both experts agreed that open communication and teamwork are critical to delivering high-value advisory services.

Leveraging Advanced Tax Strategies for High Net Worth Clients

Shauna, also a serial entrepreneur, shared some of her favorite advanced tax strategies that she regularly implements for her high-net-worth clients. She discussed how strategies like captive insurance and cost segregation studies can significantly reduce a client’s tax liabilities. These strategies are often overlooked by general tax preparers, which is why finding a specialized tax advisor is key.

“Captive insurance can eliminate $100K in liability each year,” Shauna noted. However, she warned that these strategies require meticulous planning and should only be implemented by someone with deep expertise. Jackie and Shauna also highlighted the importance of estate planning and how combining tax strategy with long-term financial planning ensures lasting wealth for future generations.

Balancing Firm Ownership and Personal Life

Both Jackie and Shauna touched on the importance of balancing firm ownership with personal life. Burnout is a significant issue in the tax profession, and both women emphasized the importance of setting boundaries. Shauna, who now manages multiple businesses, shared how she’s been able to build systems and delegate effectively to maintain balance.

Jackie agreed, noting that tools like TaxPlanIQ have helped tax professionals streamline workflows, freeing up time for more meaningful client interactions and personal growth. “Tax strategy doesn’t have to take hours,” Jackie pointed out. With automation and AI-driven tools, firm owners can now focus on scaling their practice without sacrificing their personal lives.

Looking Ahead: How TaxPlanIQ Can Help You Grow

As firm owners look for ways to grow their tax advisory services, Jackie emphasized the value of implementing tools like TaxPlanIQ. This powerful software helps tax professionals create custom-branded tax plans in just a few clicks. By offering curated tax strategies and showcasing potential tax savings, TaxPlanIQ makes tax planning scalable, efficient, and high-value.

If you’re ready to elevate your tax planning services and help your clients save money, consider signing up for a free demo of TaxPlanIQ today.