In this episode of "Diary of a Tax Practice Owner," hosts Jamie Groul and Jessica Smith tackle the critical but often overlooked topic of taking time off as a tax professional. They share personal experiences and practical advice for building a practice that allows for guilt-free vacations, even during the busiest seasons.

• Why taking extended breaks is essential for tax professionals to prevent burnout and uplevel their business mindset
• Jessica's journey from corporate "no time off" culture to creating a practice that accommodates planned absences
• How to handle client expectations around your availability during tax season
• The surprising truth about ending your tax season before April 15th
• The importance of systems like TaxDome for enabling time away without anxiety
• Success story: A tax pro who finally took her first beach day with her son during tax season
• The neurological benefits of allowing your brain to disengage from technical work
• Practical tips for communicating your time off to clients without apology

Don't miss this inspiring episode of Diary of a Practice Owner!

🎙️Listen On Apple Podcast, Spotify & Other Leading Platforms. https://pod.link/1761650474

✅ Links to Resources:

👉🏻 Join our Free Facebook Group to continue this conversation about automation - Follow this link to get your invitation!

https://www.workflowsfortaxpros.com/joinfbgroup

👉🏻 3 Months of Free TaxDome! - Use our exclusive Partner link to get your free trial started today, and when you fall in love with what TaxDome can do for you - you will get 2 free months of TaxDome added to annual subscription. https://www.workflowsfortaxpros.com/taxdome

👉🏻 Learn more about us:

Hi! I am Jamie Gruol, co-founder of the Workflows for Tax Pros movement, where we believe automation is the ONLY way to increase Profit AND Time Freedom in your practice!

My biz partner Jessica Smith, EA, and I are on a mission to help the tax pros, accountants, and bookkeeper industry stop working so damn hard and start enjoying their businesses again.

In this insightful episode of "Diary of a Tax Practice Owner," co-hosts Jamie Gruol and Jessica Smith tackle the all-too-common "growth trap" that ensnares many tax professionals. Jessica shares her personal journey from an underpriced, compliance-focused practice with 250+ returns to a thriving advisory business built on effective systems and higher-value clients.

Episode Highlights:

• Why adding more low-value clients only compounds existing problems
• The dangers of underpricing and poor onboarding processes
• How implementing automated systems created time freedom without sacrificing client experience
• The transition from compliance-only to high-value advisory services
• Strategies for attracting ideal clients who value relationships over transactions
• Why "fluffy" service packages often miss what clients truly want

This conversation reveals how the right systems, proper pricing, and a clear vision of your ideal practice can help you escape the exhausting cycle of working longer hours for diminishing returns.

Don't miss this inspiring episode of Diary of a Practice Owner!

🎙️Listen On Apple Podcast, Spotify & Other Leading Platforms. https://pod.link/1761650474

✅ Links to Resources:

👉🏻 Join our Free Facebook Group to continue this conversation about automation - Follow this link to get your invitation!

https://www.workflowsfortaxpros.com/joinfbgroup

👉🏻 3 Months of Free TaxDome! - Use our exclusive Partner link to get your free trial started today, and when you fall in love with what TaxDome can do for you - you will get 2 free months of TaxDome added to annual subscription. https://www.workflowsfortaxpros.com/taxdome

👉🏻 Learn more about us:

Hi! I am Jamie Gruol, co-founder of the Workflows for Tax Pros movement, where we believe automation is the ONLY way to increase Profit AND Time Freedom in your practice!

My biz partner Jessica Smith, EA, and I are on a mission to help the tax pros, accountants, and bookkeeper industry stop working so damn hard and start enjoying their businesses again.

In this episode of Diary of A Tax Practice Owner, hosts Jamie Gruol and Jessica discuss the importance of setting boundaries as business owners. They share personal experiences and insights into how boundaries can lead to better client relationships, improved client satisfaction, and a more sustainable business model.

Jessica reflects on her journey from being a support team member to owning a successful tax practice, emphasizing the role of mindset and peer support in establishing effective boundaries. They also provide practical tips for communicating boundaries to clients and maintaining a balance between professional and personal life.

Don't miss this inspiring episode of Diary of a Practice Owner!

🎙️Listen On Apple Podcast, Spotify & Other Leading Platforms. https://pod.link/1761650474

✅ Links to Resources:

👉🏻 Join our Free Facebook Group to continue this conversation about automation - Follow this link to get your invitation!

https://www.workflowsfortaxpros.com/joinfbgroup

👉🏻 3 Months of Free TaxDome! - Use our exclusive Partner link to get your free trial started today, and when you fall in love with what TaxDome can do for you - you will get 2 free months of TaxDome added to annual subscription. https://www.workflowsfortaxpros.com/taxdome

👉🏻 Learn more about us:

Hi! I am Jamie Gruol, co-founder of the Workflows for Tax Pros movement, where we believe automation is the ONLY way to increase Profit AND Time Freedom in your practice!

My biz partner Jessica Smith, EA, and I are on a mission to help the tax pros, accountants, and bookkeeper industry stop working so damn hard and start enjoying their businesses again.

Join hosts Jamie Gruol and Jessica Smith as they discuss the common challenges tax practice owners face during tax season and the benefits of moving towards more efficient, tech-supported, and virtual practices. This episode delves into the importance of standardized operating procedures (SOPs), the transformational impact of practice management software like TaxDome, and real-life success stories of tax professionals who have significantly improved their operations. If you're looking to reduce manual processes, improve client communication, and increase profitability, this discussion offers valuable insights and practical advice.

Don't miss this inspiring episode of Diary of a Practice Owner!

🎙️Listen On Apple Podcast, Spotify & Other Leading Platforms. https://pod.link/1761650474

✅ Links to Resources:

👉🏻 Join our Free Facebook Group to continue this conversation about automation - Follow this link to get your invitation!

https://www.workflowsfortaxpros.com/joinfbgroup

👉🏻 3 Months of Free TaxDome! - Use our exclusive Partner link to get your free trial started today, and when you fall in love with what TaxDome can do for you - you will get 2 free months of TaxDome added to annual subscription. https://www.workflowsfortaxpros.com/taxdome

👉🏻 Learn more about us:

Hi! I am Jamie Gruol, co-founder of the Workflows for Tax Pros movement, where we believe automation is the ONLY way to increase Profit AND Time Freedom in your practice!

My biz partner Jessica Smith, EA, and I are on a mission to help the tax pros, accountants, and bookkeeper industry stop working so damn hard and start enjoying their businesses again.

In this episode of 'Diary of a Tax Practice Owner,' co-host Jamie Gruol interviews Jessica Smith about her journey in transforming her tax practice. They discuss how Jessica manages to work less than 35 hours a week, maintain a high-value client base, and enjoy family time despite the challenging tax season. Jessica shares her experience from the early days of starting her practice in 2020, the importance of flexibility, and overcoming obstacles including client objections and adopting new technologies. Discover how strategic planning, setting boundaries, and leveraging tools like Tax Dome have enabled her to build a successful, efficient, and enjoyable business.

Don't miss this inspiring episode of Diary of a Practice Owner!

🎙️Listen On Apple Podcast, Spotify & Other Leading Platforms. https://pod.link/1761650474

✅ Links to Resources:

👉🏻 Join our Free Facebook Group to continue this conversation about automation - Follow this link to get your invitation!

https://www.workflowsfortaxpros.com/joinfbgroup

👉🏻 3 Months of Free TaxDome! - Use our exclusive Partner link to get your free trial started today, and when you fall in love with what TaxDome can do for you - you will get 2 free months of TaxDome added to annual subscription. https://www.workflowsfortaxpros.com/taxdome

👉🏻 Learn more about us:

Hi! I am Jamie Gruol, co-founder of the Workflows for Tax Pros movement, where we believe automation is the ONLY way to increase Profit AND Time Freedom in your practice!

My biz partner Jessica Smith, EA, and I are on a mission to help the tax pros, accountants, and bookkeeper industry stop working so damn hard and start enjoying their businesses again.

In this episode of Diary of a Tax Practice Owner, we delve into the challenges of dealing with 'Pain in the Ass' (PETA) clients. Joined by Jessica, we discuss the mindset behind firing such clients, the importance of mutual respect in client relationships, and the toll it takes on personal life.

Jessica shares stories of her experiences and how setting boundaries has transformed her tax practice. Learn about strategies for enforcing clear communication, the value of systems like Taxdome, and the strength of mentorship in navigating these tough decisions. Tune in to empower yourself with the tools to create a practice you love.

Don't miss this inspiring episode of Diary of a Practice Owner!

🎙️Listen On Apple Podcast, Spotify & Other Leading Platforms. https://pod.link/1761650474

✅ Links to Resources:

👉🏻 Join our Free Facebook Group to continue this conversation about automation - Follow this link to get your invitation!

https://www.workflowsfortaxpros.com/joinfbgroup

👉🏻 3 Months of Free TaxDome! - Use our exclusive Partner link to get your free trial started today, and when you fall in love with what TaxDome can do for you - you will get 2 free months of TaxDome added to annual subscription. https://www.workflowsfortaxpros.com/taxdome

👉🏻 Learn more about us:

Hi! I am Jamie Gruol, co-founder of the Workflows for Tax Pros movement, where we believe automation is the ONLY way to increase Profit AND Time Freedom in your practice!

My biz partner Jessica Smith, EA, and I are on a mission to help the tax pros, accountants, and bookkeeper industry stop working so damn hard and start enjoying their businesses again.

In this episode of Diary of a Tax Practice Owner, Jessica Smith shares a jaw-dropping story that starts with a simple employee misclassification case but quickly unravels into something much more sinister. What happens when the IRS starts digging and finds more than just payroll mistakes? A family-run business, no payroll, an independent contractor setup that didn’t add up, and a mysterious father lurking behind the scenes—could this taxpayer’s dad actually be tied to organized crime? 😳

Join Jamie and Jessica as they spill the tea on how a routine tax audit turned into a full-blown scandal, the shocking penalties involved, and why the IRS doesn’t play when it comes to payroll taxes. If you’ve ever wondered how deep an audit can go (or just love a little tax drama), you won’t want to miss this one!

Don't miss this inspiring episode of Diary of a Practice Owner!

🎙️Listen On Apple Podcast, Spotify & Other Leading Platforms. https://pod.link/1761650474

✅ Links to Resources:

👉🏻 Join our Free Facebook Group to continue this conversation about automation - Follow this link to get your invitation!

https://www.workflowsfortaxpros.com/joinfbgroup

👉🏻 3 Months of Free TaxDome! - Use our exclusive Partner link to get your free trial started today, and when you fall in love with what TaxDome can do for you - you will get 2 free months of TaxDome added to annual subscription. https://www.workflowsfortaxpros.com/taxdome

👉🏻 Learn more about us:

Hi! I am Jamie Gruol, co-founder of the Workflows for Tax Pros movement, where we believe automation is the ONLY way to increase Profit AND Time Freedom in your practice!

My biz partner Jessica Smith, EA, and I are on a mission to help the tax pros, accountants, and bookkeeper industry stop working so damn hard and start enjoying their businesses again.

Welcome back to Diary of a Tax Practice Owner! 🎙️

👉 Disclaimer: No, we're not promoting tax fraud—but we’re spilling the tea on how to spot it.

In this juicy episode, co-hosts Jamie Gruol and Jessica Smith dive into one of Jessica’s most unforgettable cases. A sugar baby turned client raises eyebrows with her six-figure income and some very suspicious transactions. 💰

What started as routine tax filing quickly unraveled into a tangled web of high-stakes relationships, luxury assets, and potential money laundering. Discover how Jessica’s team uncovered red flags, mitigated risks, and navigated the murky waters of this high-profile tax case.

Tune in to hear all the twists, turns, and takeaways that every tax professional needs to know. Don't miss this behind-the-scenes look at the hidden stories behind the numbers!

Miniseries: Spill the Tea with Jessica & Jamie.

In this episode of Diary of a Tax Practice Owner, hosts Jamie Gruol and Jessica Smith dive into a special four-part series about the risks of dealing with “crazy” and risky clients. They kick off the series by discussing one particularly alarming case involving a client who was unknowingly caught up in a tax evasion scheme. Jessica shares her firsthand experience working with a promoter of an abusive trust tax evasion scheme, shedding light on how social media has played a role in spreading misleading tax advice.

Listen in as they unpack the true cost of getting involved in these types of schemes, the misconceptions around them, and how even trusted figures can lead individuals down a dangerous path. Tune in for insights into what these schemes entail and how the IRS is cracking down on them.

Key Takeaways:

• What is an abusive trust tax evasion scheme? Learn about the mechanisms behind these schemes, why they sound too good to be true, and the truth about their legal standing.
• How social media is fueling misinformation: Understand how platforms like Instagram and Twitter are breeding grounds for false tax advice.
• The risks of promoting tax fraud: Hear the story of a client who became the subject of IRS scrutiny for promoting these illegal schemes.
• IRS red flags: Learn what warning signs to watch out for when it comes to questionable tax advice and how the IRS is catching those involved.
• The cost of tax fraud: Find out the potential penalties and long-term consequences of engaging in or promoting tax evasion.

Featured in This Episode:

• Jessica Smith shares her experiences as a tax professional dealing with criminal tax matters.
• How social media influencers, even those who seem trustworthy, may not be the right sources for tax advice.
• The real story of how a client fell victim to tax evasion schemes, and the lessons learned from the experience.

Don't miss this inspiring episode of Diary of a Practice Owner!

🎙️Listen On Apple Podcast, Spotify & Other Leading Platforms. https://pod.link/1761650474

✅ Links to Resources:

👉🏻 Join our Free Facebook Group to continue this conversation about automation - Follow this link to get your invitation!

https://www.workflowsfortaxpros.com/joinfbgroup

👉🏻 3 Months of Free TaxDome! - Use our exclusive Partner link to get your free trial started today, and when you fall in love with what TaxDome can do for you - you will get 2 free months of TaxDome added to annual subscription. https://www.workflowsfortaxpros.com/taxdome

👉🏻 Learn more about us:

Hi! I am Jamie Gruol, co-founder of the Workflows for Tax Pros movement, where we believe automation is the ONLY way to increase Profit AND Time Freedom in your practice!

My biz partner Jessica Smith, EA, and I are on a mission to help the tax pros, accountants, and bookkeeper industry stop working so damn hard and start enjoying their businesses again.

Welcome back to another edition of Diary of a Tax Practice Owner! In this episode, we are joined by Fred Stein, the esteemed tax director at BQ Tax and Accounting LTD.

Fred shares his journey of growing a multi-state tax practice and discusses crucial strategies for acquisitions and exit planning. With over 30 years of experience in accounting and tax, Fred offers valuable insights into building a successful practice, managing client relationships, and preparing for retirement.

Whether you're just starting or planning your exit, don't miss this enriching conversation that could transform the way you approach your tax practice!

Connect with Fred Stein - www.bqtaxpro.com

Connect on Twitter - https://x.com/fsteincpa

Don't miss this inspiring episode of Diary of a Practice Owner!

🎙️Listen On Apple Podcast, Spotify & Other Leading Platforms. https://pod.link/1761650474

✅ Links to Resources:

👉🏻 Join our Free Facebook Group to continue this conversation about automation - Follow this link to get your invitation!

https://www.workflowsfortaxpros.com/joinfbgroup

👉🏻 3 Months of Free TaxDome! - Use our exclusive Partner link to get your free trial started today, and when you fall in love with what TaxDome can do for you - you will get 2 free months of TaxDome added to annual subscription. https://www.workflowsfortaxpros.com/taxdome

👉🏻 Learn more about us:

Hi! I am Jamie Gruol, co-founder of the Workflows for Tax Pros movement, where we believe automation is the ONLY way to increase Profit AND Time Freedom in your practice!

My biz partner Jessica Smith, EA, and I are on a mission to help the tax pros, accountants, and bookkeeper industry stop working so damn hard and start enjoying their businesses again.