Summary
This episode explores transformative trends in the CPA industry, including staffing shortages, growth in advisory services, technological advancements such as AI, and private equity influence. Hosted by Heidi Henderson with Chelsea Summers, the discussion provides valuable insights for CPA firms, business owners, and investors on navigating industry changes effectively.

Key Topics

• Staffing shortages and succession concerns
• Growth of advisory and strategic services
• Impact of AI and technology on efficiency
• Private equity influence on firm consolidation
• Shift towards specialization and niche markets

Takeaways

• Firms that adapt to pricing, staffing, and specialization stay profitable
• Advisory services now generate over 32% of revenue, up from 19% in 2015
• Technology investments, including AI, are transforming firm operations
• Private equity-backed firms are more profitable, but not drastically different yet
• Offshoring is increasingly common, with 47% of firms using offshore FTEs

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Data and Strategy in Accounting
04:47 Shifts in the Accounting Industry
08:07 The Rise of Advisory Services
09:54 Specialization in Accounting Firms
13:14 Impact of Technology on CPA Firms
15:17 The Role of AI in Accounting
16:36 Staffing Challenges and Opportunities
17:20 Trends in Partner Age and Accounting Graduates
19:19 Billing Structures and Profitability
24:07 Mergers and Acquisitions in the CPA Space
26:51 Private Equity's Influence on Accounting Firms
32:59 Emerging Trends and Future Outlook

Resources
Engineered Advisory - https://engineeredadvisory.com/
Heidi Henderson (LinkedIn) - https://www.linkedin.com/in/heidihenderson/

Guest Links
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/chelseasummers/
Inside Public Accounting (IPA) - https://insidepublicaccounting.com/

Summary
In this episode of the Slash Tax podcast, host Heidi Henderson and guest Rob Burnette discuss the intersection of tax strategies and financial planning. They explore how to effectively combine smart financial planning with tax-efficient strategies to support long-term goals, particularly in retirement and wealth building. Rob shares his unique journey from engineering to finance, emphasizing the importance of problem-solving in financial consulting. The conversation also addresses the challenges faced by high-income earners, the role of insurance in wealth building, and the impact of legislative changes on taxation. Listeners gain insights into navigating the complexities of financial planning and tax strategies, ensuring they are well-prepared for their financial futures.

Takeaways

• Combining financial planning with tax-efficient strategies is crucial.
• Engineering problem-solving skills can be applied to finance.
• Each client presents a unique financial puzzle to solve.
• There is no one-size-fits-all solution in financial planning.
• Planning for longevity and healthcare costs is essential.
• High-income earners face unique challenges in tax planning.
• Insurance can be a valuable tool for wealth building.
• Parents should consider the impact of college funding on retirement.
• Legislative changes can significantly affect tax strategies.
• Understanding the market's response to political changes is important for investors.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Tax Strategies and Financial Planning
03:09 Rob Burnette's Journey from Engineering to Finance
05:57 The Importance of Problem Solving in Financial Consulting
09:12 Bridging the Gap Between Tax and Financial Advisors
12:07 Planning for Longevity and Healthcare Costs
15:15 Strategies for High-Income Earners
17:55 Tax-Efficient Investment Approaches
22:28 Tax-Efficient Investment Strategies
24:27 Insurance as a Financial Tool
27:57 Planning for Long-Term Care
30:44 Funding Education and Wealth Transfer
33:01 Navigating Financial Planning for Adult Children
35:55 Understanding Legislative Changes and Their Impact
40:21 Investment Strategies Amid Political Changes

About Rob Burnette
Rob leads Outlook Financial Center in case design, investment management, and daily
operations. He has worked in financial services since 1985 and is licensed to offer investment
advice and insurance products.

As a registered tax preparer with the IRS, Rob participates in the Annual Filing Season Program
and is certified as a National Social Security Advisor. He graduated from the U.S. Naval
Academy with a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering, earned an MBA from the
University of New Haven, and holds a Financial Planning certificate from Kaplan University.

Rob’s professional memberships include the International Association of Registered Financial
Consultants, Million Dollar Round Table - Court of the Table, and Ed Slott’s Master Elite IRA
Advisor Group. He has contributed to many publications, including USA Today, Barron’s,
Forbes, MarketWatch, WDTN Dayton, and WHIO Dayton. He is a 2017 Alumnus of Leadership
Troy, Ohio, and is passionate about supporting kids' sports programs, 4H, and FFA.

Connect with Rob Burnette
Rob's Website: https://outlookfc.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/outlook-financial-center/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OutlookFinancialCenterLLC/

Learn More
Engineered Tax Services has helped investors and business owners unlock millions in tax savings for nearly 25 years through cost segregation, R&D credits, and energy incentives like 179D and 45L. 👉 Visit engineeredtaxservices.com
Subscribe to Slash Tax | Leave a review | Share with business owners ready to find better accounting partners

Tax strategy isn't just about saving money; it's about finding the right partners who can help you build wealth.

Host: Heidi Henderson | Sponsor: Engineered Tax Services

Slash Tax Podcast – Blake Oliver (Earmark CPE & The Accounting Podcast)

Join host Heidi Henderson for an essential conversation with Blake Oliver, CPA, founder of Earmark CPE and host of The Accounting Podcast. Blake shares insider insights into the dramatic changes reshaping accounting and their implications for taxpayers and business owners.

From musician to Starbucks barista to CPA to tech entrepreneur, Blake's journey gives him a unique perspective on what's broken in traditional accounting and how technology is creating solutions. He reveals why CPAs are retiring en masse, how AI will transform the profession, and what to look for when choosing an accounting partner who can help slash your tax bill.

Key Topics

• The CPA shortage crisis and retirement wave are hitting the profession
• Why traditional accounting firms burn out talented CPAs
• The shift from compliance to advisory services
• How to evaluate if your CPA is actually saving you money
• Finding specialized CPAs vs generalist firms
• AI's role in accounting: Excel comparison and what's coming
• Private equity takeover of accounting firms
• The rise of fractional CFOs and specialized boutique firms
• Earmark CPE: Free NASBA-approved CPE through podcasts
• YouTube and content marketing for professional services
• Fixed-fee vs billable hour pricing models
• Why giving away knowledge attracts better clients

About Blake Oliver

Blake Oliver is a CPA, entrepreneur, and host of The Accounting Podcast. He founded Earmark CPE, a platform allowing accountants to earn free NASBA-approved CPE credits by listening to podcasts—transforming how CPAs stay current.

Blake studied cello at Northwestern University and performed with the San Francisco Youth Symphony before the Great Recession redirected him to accounting. After working at Starbucks, he transitioned into bookkeeping, discovered his passion for accounting and technology, worked in public accounting, led firms, and eventually sold his practice to focus on technology, education, and media. He uniquely understands both what firms struggle with and what clients need.

Connect with Blake Oliver
Blake's Website: www.blakeoliver.com

Earmark CPE: earmarkcpe.com
The Accounting Podcast: theaccountingpodcast.com
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/blaketoliver/
Twitter/X: x.com/BlakeTOliver
YouTube: youtube.com/@BlakeTOliver

Learn More

Engineered Tax Services has helped investors and business owners unlock millions in tax savings for nearly 25 years through cost segregation, R&D credits, and energy incentives like 179D and 45L. 👉 Visit engineeredtaxservices.com
Subscribe to Slash Tax | Leave a review | Share with business owners ready to find better accounting partners

Tax strategy isn't just about saving money—it's about finding the right partners who can help you build wealth.

Host: Heidi Henderson | Sponsor: Engineered Tax Services

Join host Heidi Henderson as she sits down with Matthew Ricciardella, Founder and CEO of Crystal View Capital, a private equity real estate firm managing $600 million in self-storage and manufactured housing communities. With over 20 years in real estate and more than $1 billion in transactions, Matthew shares his journey from cold-calling residential realtor to building one of the most respected value-add funds in the industry.

This episode reveals the powerful tax advantages of self-storage and mobile home park investing, including massive depreciation benefits through cost segregation and 100% bonus depreciation. Matthew explains how his team identifies undervalued mom-and-pop properties, transforms them through operational excellence, and delivers 55% average IRRs to investors while maintaining integrity and alignment of interests. Heidi, a personal investor in Crystal View Capital, brings unique insider perspective to this conversation about building tax-efficient wealth through alternative real estate.

Key Topics

• Value-add strategy in self-storage and manufactured housing
• Mom-and-pop acquisitions vs institutional competition
• Cost segregation and 100% bonus depreciation benefits
• How investors offset capital gains with NOLs from new acquisitions
• Fund structure, investor requirements, and expected returns
• Operational value creation and exit strategies
• Niche opportunities: RV parks, marinas, industrial outdoor storage Evergreen fund strategy and 2025-2026 opportunities

About Matthew Ricciardella
Matthew Ricciardella is Founder and CEO of Crystal View Capital, managing ~$600 million in self-storage and manufactured housing communities across the U.S. With over 20 years of real estate experience and $1 billion+ in transactions, Matthew has built his reputation through integrity, disciplined value-add investing, and strong alignment with investors. Starting as a residential realtor with a sales background, he discovered exceptional returns in fragmented, mom-and-pop-owned self-storage and mobile home parks. Crystal View Capital focuses on acquiring underperforming assets in secondary and tertiary markets, implementing operational improvements, and delivering outsized risk-adjusted returns. Matthew personally invests alongside his LPs on the same terms, maintaining skin in the game. He lives in Las Vegas with his wife and two children and is actively involved in local charitable foundations.

Connect with Matthew Ricciardella
Website: www.crystalviewcapital.com
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/crystalviewcapital/

Learn More About Tax-Efficient Investing
Engineered Tax Services has helped investors and business owners unlock millions in tax savings for nearly 25 years through cost segregation, R&D credits, and energy incentives like 179D and 45L. Their engineering-based approach ensures every benefit is captured accurately.

👉 Visit engineeredtaxservices.com
Subscribe to Slash Tax | Leave a review | Share with investors ready to build tax-efficient wealth

Tax strategy isn't just about saving money—it's about creating freedom, building wealth, and designing the life you want.

Join host Heidi Henderson as she sits down with Amanda Han and Matt MacFarland, founders of Keystone CPA and leading voices in real estate tax strategy. Amanda and Matt reveal the proactive tax planning strategies that have helped thousands of investors save hundreds of thousands of dollars and build sustainable wealth.

This conversation covers cost segregation, bonus depreciation, Real Estate Professional Status, passive activity rules, and the critical shift from reactive compliance to proactive year-round tax planning. Amanda and Matt share their mission to democratize sophisticated tax strategies—making the same tools used by billion-dollar REITs accessible to everyday investors.

Key Topics
-Real estate tax strategies including cost segregation, grouping elections, and passive activity rules
-Proactive tax planning vs. reactive compliance
-Building Keystone CPA and serving everyday investors
-The CPA shortage crisis and why tax knowledge is critical
-Legacy, impact, and teaching the next generation

About the Guests
Amanda Han, CPA - Third-generation real estate investor and co-founder of Keystone CPA. Featured on BiggerPockets and NBC News, Amanda specializes in bringing Big Four-level tax strategies to everyday investors.
Matt MacFarland, CPA - Co-founder of Keystone CPA, who discovered his passion for real estate taxation while working at a Big Four firm. Matt focuses on proactive year-round tax planning and educating investors on how to control their tax destiny.

Connect with Amanda Han & Matt MacFarland
Keystone CPA Website: https://www.keystonecpa.com/
Amanda Han LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amandayhan/
Matt MacFarland LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattmacfarland/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amanda_han_cpa/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/keystonecpainc/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@amandahancpa

Learn More
Engineered Tax Services has helped CPA firms, investors, and business owners unlock tax incentives for nearly 25 years. From cost segregation to R&D credits and energy incentives like 179D and 45L, ETS uncovers real savings.

👉 Visit engineeredtaxservices.com

Subscribe to Slash Tax | Leave a review | Share with a colleague ready to optimize their tax strategy

Summary

What if you could unlock thousands—or even millions—in hidden tax savings just by understanding how your building is classified? In this episode, Heidi Henderson welcomes Michael D'Onofrio, Chief Product Officer at Engineered Tax Services and a veteran with over 18 years in specialty tax consulting. Mike has worked alongside some of the largest real estate developers and investors in the country, and today he breaks down cost segregation, one of the most potent yet underutilized tax strategies for real estate investors. Beyond cost seg, Mike shares how ETS has expanded its services to deliver comprehensive tax solutions, from R&D credits to energy incentives, helping clients and CPA firms maximize every opportunity in the tax code. Whether you're an investor looking to accelerate depreciation or a professional seeking to better serve your clients, this episode delivers the insights you need to transform tax planning into wealth building.

Key Topics Covered:

• Mike's 18-year journey in specialty tax consulting and what he's learned working with the nation's largest real estate developers and investors
• Cost segregation explained: what it is, how it works, and why it's a game-changer for real estate investors
• The property types and client profiles that benefit most from cost segregation studies
• Real-world case study showcasing the transformational impact of a cost seg strategy
• ETS's expanded service offerings, including R&D tax credits, 179D energy incentives, and insurance services
• How these specialty tax strategies work together to create a comprehensive wealth-building approach
• What sets Engineered Tax Services apart in the specialty tax industry, and why clients trust their expertise
• The biggest opportunities for real estate investors and business owners in the coming years
• Essential advice for CPAs and investors looking to maximize tax incentives and capture every legal deduction

About Michael D'Onofrio

Michael D'Onofrio is the Chief Product Officer at Engineered Tax Services, where he leads operations and drives the development of innovative service lines that deliver maximum value to clients and CPA firms nationwide. With over 18 years of experience in specialty tax and consulting, Mike has built a reputation for working with some of the largest real estate developers and investors in the country, helping them unlock significant tax savings through cost segregation and other advanced strategies. His expertise spans the full spectrum of specialty tax services, and his commitment to education and client success has made him a trusted leader in the industry.

Connect with Michael D'Onofrio:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelfdonofrio/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mfdonofrio/

Ready to slash your tax bill and uncover hidden savings? Subscribe to the Slash Tax Podcast for expert insights on cost segregation, specialty tax strategies, and wealth-building opportunities you can't afford to miss. Leave us a review, share this episode with your network, and visit the link in our bio to learn more about how Engineered Tax Services can help you or your clients capture every tax advantage you're legally entitled to. Don't wait... Your financial future starts now!

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Specialty Tax and Cost Segregation

11:01 Understanding Cost Segregation

21:04 Client Profiles and Material Participation

26:10 Expanding Services at Engineered Tax Services

26:39 Exploring Equipment Investment Strategies

31:50 Innovative Financing Options for Clean Energy

36:24 Understanding R&D Tax Credits

40:50 Differentiating Engineered Tax Services

45:44 Proactive Tax Planning for Investors

What if the difference between paying taxes and building wealth is just a shift in mindset? In this episode, Heidi Henderson sits down with Mark J. Kohler, attorney, CPA, bestselling author, and one of the most trusted voices in tax and legal strategy for small business owners and real estate investors. Mark shares how to move beyond compliance into actual advisory work, revealing the tax strategies and legal tools that help entrepreneurs protect their wealth and maximize value. Whether you're a professional looking to elevate your practice or an investor ready to sharpen your tax game, this conversation delivers the frameworks and insights you need to take control of your financial future.

On today's episode, we'll cover:

• Mark's journey from compliance-focused professional to attorney, CPA, author, and advisor helping thousands build more innovative wealth strategies
• The mindset shift required to move from "filing returns" to delivering transformational tax and legal advisory services
• The most significant tax and legal mistakes small business owners and real estate investors make and how to avoid them
• Balancing aggressive tax strategies with client protection and IRS compliance
• Overlooked tax strategies for real estate investors and business owners, including navigating passive loss limitations and basis calculations
• Near-term tax opportunities with evolving legislation that savvy investors should act on now
• Practical steps for professionals ready to transition into advisory work and create lasting client impact

Mark J. Kohler is an attorney, CPA, author, speaker, and educator who has spent his career empowering small business owners, professionals, and real estate investors to master the intersection of tax, law, and wealth. Through his firm, books, and educational platform, Mark has served thousands of clients, helping them move beyond basic compliance into strategic advisory that protects assets and maximizes financial opportunities. His work focuses on making complex tax and legal concepts accessible while delivering high-impact strategies that drive real results.

Connect with Mark:

• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@markjkohler
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/markjkohler
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/markkohler/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mark-j-kohler-company/
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/markjkohler
• X (Twitter): https://x.com/markkohler

Ready to slash your tax bill and build lasting wealth? Subscribe to the Slash Tax Podcast for more expert insights, proven strategies, and actionable advice. Leave us a review, share this episode with your network, and visit the link in our bio to explore resources that can transform your financial future. Don't miss the next episode. Your wealth depends on it!

Want to turn your tax bill into an investment? In this episode, Heidi Henderson and Adam Carver reveal how renewable energy tax credits can legally offset up to 25% of your federal taxes—while helping fund the future of clean energy.

In this episode of Slash Tax, host Heidi Henderson sits down with Adam Carver, CEO and Founder of SunSaver Tax Equity, to reveal how corporations, family offices, and accredited investors can offset 10–25% of their federal tax liability through renewable energy tax credits and bonus depreciation.
Adam explains how clean energy tax equity structures work, who qualifies, and how SunSaver’s technology platform enables investors to participate in renewable energy projects that reduce taxes while supporting the transition to clean power. From C-corporations to high-net-worth individuals using the 100-hour rule, this episode dives deep into the future of sustainable tax strategy.

Summary
Heidi and Adam unpack how tax equity investing in renewable energy works, how to navigate passive vs. active income, and why timing your investment before December 31 is critical. Adam shares how SunSaver sources, builds, and manages solar and battery storage projects across the U.S., giving investors access to the same IRS-backed strategies used by Fortune 100 companies.
Listeners will also learn how SunSaver’s proprietary platform tracks the 100 hours of active participation needed for individuals to apply these credits against W-2 or portfolio income—creating an IRS-compliant digital audit trail.

Guest Information:
Name: Adam Carver
Email: adam@sunsaver.com
Website: www.sunsaver.com
LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/adamcarver
Instagram: @adamcarver

Takeaways

• 10–25% Tax Mitigation: Investors can offset a significant portion of federal taxes through renewable credits and bonus depreciation.
• Who Qualifies: C-corps, passive investors with K-1 income, and individuals meeting the 100-hour rule.
• LLC Tax Equity Structure: Investors own ~99% of a project LLC; SunSaver manages ~1% and operations.
• Residential Solar + Battery Portfolios: Built across TX, CA, and DC for diversified clean energy exposure.
• PPAs (Power Purchase Agreements): Homeowners receive $0-down solar; investors earn credits, depreciation, and small cash returns.
• Timing Is Critical: Credits must be applied in the same year the project is placed in service.
• Reduce Quarterly Payments: Credits can offset estimated tax payments before year-end.
• 100% Bonus Depreciation: “Big Beautiful Bill” restored immediate first-year depreciation.
• Digital Audit Log: SunSaver’s tech tracks participation for compliance.
• Institutional Validation: JPMorgan, BofA, Goldman Sachs, and others deploy billions annually in this market.

Chapters
00:00 — Welcome & Q4 tax planning announcement
02:03 — Meet Adam Carver, CEO of SunSaver
03:07 — From structured finance to clean energy investing
06:18 — Demystifying tax equity and the IRS code
07:43 — How clean energy tax credits work
08:35 — Technologies covered: solar, wind, geothermal, CCS & more
09:27 — Transferability and investor eligibility post-IRA
10:21 — Who qualifies and how
12:28 — Passive vs. portfolio income
13:40 — The 100-hour rule explained
17:28 — Building tax equity through LLC structures
19:19 — How SunSaver identifies and builds projects
21:33 — Managing residential solar portfolios
23:26 — Spouses can combine hours for material participation
24:02 — Power Purchase Agreements vs. leases/loans
28:46 — How credits and depreciation generate returns
30:07 — Example: $812K investment vs. $1M liability
34:04 — Timing and year-end deadlines
38:04 — Residential warehousing advantage
39:00 — Using credits to reduce quarterly taxes
44:56 — Bonus depreciation behaves like a credit
49:36 — IRS audit readiness and documentation
58:18 — How SunSaver makes this strategy accessible
1:00:42 — Closing and next steps