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.

In this powerful episode of Diary of a Tax Practice Owner, host Jamie Gruol interviews Tonya Yudizky, a tax professional with over 20 years of experience who shares her remarkable journey from military service to building a successful tax practice through multiple life challenges.

Key Highlights:

• Tonya's unique path from military service to discovering her passion for tax work
• Building a successful practice focusing on the transportation industry
• Managing massive business growth while homeschooling children during the pandemic
• Navigating personal loss and health challenges while running a practice
• How implementing proper systems allowed her business to continue during a medical emergency
• Transitioning from solo practice owner to partnering with a complementary professional

Connect with Tonya -

1. https://www.linkedin.com/in/tonyayudizky/
2. https://www.facebook.com/MistyNewsomeCPA/

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 us in this episode of 'Diary of a Tax Practice Owner' featuring the insightful Leslie Liondas, a CPA and trailblazer in the accounting industry, as she shares her journey and expertise in scaling accounting firms.

Leslie discusses her personal experiences, including overcoming challenges as a single mom while managing at Hobby Lobby, and how she later co-founded a successful accounting firm with Lynn.

Together, they specialize in process optimization, business advisory, and leadership, focusing on sustainable growth and healthy work-life balance. Learn about the importance of delegation, efficient systems like ClickUp, and their transformative impact on client experience and firm scalability.

Connect with Leslie - https://liondascpa.com/

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,' Shannon Weinstein shares her transformative journey from resisting her CPA father's advice to becoming a fractional CFO. Despite her initial love for Spanish, Shannon eventually discovered her passion for accounting, leading her through an impressive career with Big Four firms in Boston and financial services.

Transitioning from feeling undervalued in traditional roles, she started her accounting firm focusing on high-value, bespoke services for fitness professionals. The conversation touches on building a culture of exceptional service, blending personal touches with efficient processes inspired by 'Unreasonable Hospitality,' and reevaluating client management priorities.

Shannon emphasizes authenticity in leadership, sharing personal stories of her breakthrough moments and promoting her podcast 'Keep What You Earn' for entrepreneurs seeking advice on accounting, marketing, and business strategy.

Connect with Shannon -

https://www.instagram.com/shannonkweinstein

https://www.keepwhatyouearn.com/podcast

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,' host Jamie Gruol and guest Jessica Smith explore the transformative impact of technology on tax practices. They highlight how efficient systems lead to time freedom, improved relationships, better health, and reduced mental strain.

By leveraging tools like the TaxDome platform and integrating boundaries around client communications, tax professionals can enhance productivity and maintain a better work-life balance. The conversation includes practical advice on implementing technology gradually, emphasizing structured scheduling, designated communication channels, and the importance of setting clear boundaries with clients. Both speakers share personal experiences and strategies for transitioning to more organized and stress-free business operations.

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 us in this transformative episode of The Diary Of a Tax Practice Owner where we delve deep into the money mindset that can revolutionize your business. Featuring Alyssa J. Dillon, a successful entrepreneur who has scaled her business to over $3 million and helped thousands of women achieve six-figure incomes. Learn from Alyssa's journey and discover practical strategies for sustainable growth, client acquisition, and transitioning from an employee mindset to a CEO mindset. This episode is packed with actionable advice on professionalism, personal growth, and achieving financial success while preparing your business for the future.

Connect with Alyssa -

https://www.facebook.com/groups/UnfilteredMarketing

https://www.instagram.com/thealyssajdillon/

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.

Are you ready to uncover the secrets that could make or break your tax practice? In this episode of Diary of a Tax Practice Owner, we sit down with the incredible Chris Lazzuri, who pulls back the curtain on the hidden challenges of building a successful tax practice.

From navigating client expectations to managing team dynamics, Chris reveals the hard truths that most tax professionals face but rarely talk about. You won’t want to miss his expert insights on overcoming obstacles and seizing growth opportunities that others overlook.

Is your practice stagnating? Learn how to identify pitfalls before they become costly mistakes and discover actionable strategies to propel your business forward. Tune in for a transformative conversation that could redefine your approach to building a thriving tax practice!

Key Takeaways:

• Misconceptions about success in the tax industry can lead to unrealistic expectations.
• Effective communication with clients is essential for building strong relationships.
• A cohesive team is crucial for a thriving tax practice, requiring thoughtful hiring and management.
• Staying updated on tax regulations is vital for compliance and risk mitigation.
• Innovative marketing strategies can differentiate your practice in a crowded market.
• Maintaining work-life balance is important for long-term success and personal well-being.
• Scaling a practice requires careful planning to ensure quality service is not compromised.

Chris Lazzuri is an Associate Certified Coach through the ICF and founder and owner of CML Consulting & Coaching. His extensive experience working with professional service firms in business development and leadership training roles allows him to work with firm owners, practice leaders, and individuals on reaching their growth goals.

Connect with Chris -

Website - http://www.chrislazzuri.com

LinkedIn- http://linkedin.com/in/chrislazzuri

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.