In this episode we meet Jack Mao, an enrolled agent and tax professional with a diverse background in tax preparation, technology, and community service. Jack shares his journey from coding in high school to running his own tax firm and co-founding an AI tax research software called Accordance. The conversation explores the evolving landscape of taxation, the impact of AI on the industry, and the importance of the human element in tax preparation. Jack also shares inspiring stories of how he has helped clients navigate complex tax situations, emphasizing the life-changing potential of effective tax assistance.

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Connect with Jack!

💼LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jackwmao/

Check out Jack’s company, Accordance!

🌐https://accordance.com/

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🤝Connect with Yehuda:

🐦X: https://x.com/Y10Tax

💼LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yehuda-tenenbaum/

✉️Want to join the show? Send me an email @ [email protected].

http://thepeoplebehindthebooks.com/

🧾Need help with your taxes? https://www.y10tax.com/

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Jack Mao

02:46 Jack's Journey into Taxation

09:03 Starting a VITA Site

11:16 Current Firm Structure and Future Plans

13:00 The Role of Technology in Tax Preparation

18:51 The Future of AI in Taxation

28:04 The Human Element in Taxation

40:59 Rapid Fire Questions and Closing Thoughts

In this episode, Jeremy Wells, an Enrolled Agent and CPA, shares his journey from a small town in Kentucky to becoming a successful tax professional and firm owner. He discusses his early life, education, and the transition from academia to accounting. Jeremy highlights the challenges he faced while starting his tax firm and emphasizes the importance of networking and building client relationships. He also talks about the evolution of his firm, his passion for podcasting, and the significance of sharing knowledge within the tax community.

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Connect with Jeremy!

🌐https://www.jwells.tax/

🌐https://www.steadfastbookkeeping.com/

🐦X: https://x.com/JWellsTax

💼LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jwellstax

📬Signup to receive the exclusive show Newsletter:

http://eepurl.com/jr0BrM

🤝Connect with Yehuda:

🐦X: https://x.com/Y10Tax

💼LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yehuda-tenenbaum/

✉️Want to join the show? Send me an email @ [email protected]

http://thepeoplebehindthebooks.com/

🧾Need help with your taxes? https://www.y10tax.com/

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Journey

01:36 Early Life and Education

10:04 Transitioning to Accounting

17:32 Establishing a Tax Firm

22:57 Becoming an EA and CPA

27:09 The Importance of Networking and Community

29:11 The Role of Personal Connections in Accounting

38:42 The Journey to Partnership and Firm Merger

43:55 Building a Cohesive Team and Firm Culture

52:09 The Future of the Tax Profession and Opportunities

Welcome to the People Behind the Books, a show where we explore the human side the tax and accounting world.

In this episode, Yehuda is joined by Micha Siegel, CPA, CFP®, EA, who shares his unconventional journey from underachieving student to warehouse worker to triple-credentialed tax professional and founder of TaxCentric. Micha opens up about discovering accounting later in life, navigating big-firm culture, surviving mergers, and why he ultimately walked away to build a firm rooted in accessibility, education, and opportunity.

⭐Signup for TaxDome today and get 30 days added to your subscription for free!

https://partners.taxdome.com/v7hy9

Connect with Micha!

🌐TaxCentric.com

🐦X: https://x.com/Micha_Siegel

💼LinkedIn (Personal): https://www.linkedin.com/in/micha-siegel/

🏢LinkedIn (TaxCentric): https://www.linkedin.com/company/taxcentric

📬Signup to receive the exclusive show Newsletter:

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Subscribe on all platforms:

🎵Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/65vxpzaIkOQmIZA5ermkoY?si=434bdd36d51242d2

▶️YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLUQgvikPXX_LCmHrbCC9kimRWwdGnVroQ&si=XCsU9sumBtdSjdGg

🤝Connect with Yehuda:

🐦X: https://x.com/Y10Tax

💼LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yehuda-tenenbaum/

✉️Want to join the show? Send me an email @ [email protected].

🧾Need help with your taxes? https://www.y10tax.com/

⏱️Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to the Journey

03:10 Discovering Accounting: A Unique Path

06:06 The CPA Journey: Credentials and Experiences

08:57 The Role of Financial Planning in Accounting

11:49 Navigating the Challenges of CPA Firms

14:57 The Impact of Mergers and Acquisitions

18:05 Launching an Apprenticeship Program

20:55 Creating a New Firm: Vision and Values

24:06 Catering to the Average Individual

26:46 The Future of Tax and Financial Planning

33:58 The Challenges of Self-Prepared Tax Returns

36:26 State-Specific Tax Complexities

37:38 Navigating IRS Penalties and Notices

40:39 Transitioning to Independent Tax Practice

46:02 Launching a Tax Firm: The Journey Begins

49:10 Innovating Financial Planning Services

51:35 Implementing an Apprenticeship Program

56:11 The Future of Tax Services and Industry Trends