Tax Strategists of America Separates Tax Planning and Preparation Services
Tax Strategists of America has introduced the "Separation Principle," advocating that tax planning and tax preparation should be distinct entities with separate management.
RISON, Ark. – Tax Strategists of America, a U.S. tax planning firm, has announced its "Separation Principle," a business philosophy that separates tax planning from tax preparation services into distinct companies with independent management structures.
The principle, developed by founder Carlotta Thompson, a former IRS auditor, posits that tax preparation is driven by strict filing deadlines (January-October), while effective tax planning requires strategic implementation before year-end. Thompson argues that combining these functions often leads to the preparation calendar dominating.
"An accountant's deadlines are their license," Thompson stated. "The entire engine of a preparation firm points at last year. Planning has to point at this year and no organization chases both well. We tried it under one roof and it failed."
Tax Strategists of America reports that since its 2022 founding, it has identified over $139 million in federal tax savings for more than 3,707 business owners. The firm's model includes this structural separation, a focus on implementing and documenting strategies, and a systematic review process of clients against over 100 tax provisions.