Launch Your Career as a Tax Advisor
Want a career with flexibility, high income potential, and real impact? Becoming a tax advisor could be your smartest move yet. Here's how to make it happen — faster than you think.
Introduction
Tax advisors play a vital role in helping individuals and businesses manage their finances, comply with regulations, and build wealth efficiently. But how do you become one? What steps are required? Do you need a CPA license? And what distinguishes a tax advisor from other financial professionals?
What is a Tax Advisor?
In today’s complex financial world, tax advisors are critical to helping individuals, families, and businesses build sustainable wealth. But what exactly does a tax advisor do, and how does this role differ from other financial professionals?
Simply put, a tax advisor is a trained specialist in tax law and strategy. Their primary mission: help clients reduce their tax liabilities legally and maximize after-tax income. Whether it’s helping a small business owner choose the right entity structure or guiding a real estate investor through 1031 exchange options, tax advisors are experts at turning confusing tax codes into clear financial advantages.
The Core Responsibilities of a Tax Advisor:
Strategic Planning
Tax advisors don’t just react during filing season — they proactively plan ahead with their clients, designing strategies that minimize taxes year after year.
Compliance and Accuracy
They ensure tax returns are compliant with the latest regulations, avoiding costly penalties and audits.
Client Education
Great tax advisors don't just prepare paperwork; they teach their clients strategies like:
- Deductions optimization
- Retirement account leveraging (SEP IRAs, Solo 401(k)s)
- Asset protection and estate planning basics
Types of Clients Tax Advisors Serve
- Entrepreneurs and small business owners
- High-net-worth individuals
- Freelancers and gig economy workers
- Real estate investors
- Retirees seeking tax-efficient income
Real-World Example:
Sarah, a small business owner, saved $18,000 in taxes after a tax advisor restructured her sole proprietorship into an S-Corp and implemented a customized deduction strategy.
Growing Demand for Tax Advisors
With self-employment on the rise and tax codes becoming increasingly complex, the career path for tax preparers and advisors has never been more promising. According to IRS data, over 58% of U.S. taxpayers seek professional help each year.
Explore the essential skills you need to succeed as a tax advisor HERE.
"We weren't really focused on implementing tax strategies, and saving clients money. When I became a Main Street Certified Tax Advisor, it really gave me the confidence to move more to a full-service tax firm."
Do You Need a CPA to Be a Tax Advisor?
Thinking about becoming a tax advisor but worried about the CPA requirement? Good news: you don’t need to be a CPA to become a trusted, well-compensated tax advisor.
In fact, many highly successful tax advisors — especially those focusing on small businesses and real estate investors— achieve six-figure incomes with alternative certifications like EA (Enrolled Agent) or Certified Tax Advisor credentials.
Why a CPA License Isn’t Always Needed
Specialization Over Generalization
CPA programs are broad — covering financial reporting, auditing, and corporate finance. Tax advisors, on the other hand, specialize narrowly in tax law and client strategy — and that focused expertise is often more valuable to clients needing tax-specific help.
Alternative Credentials That Matter
- Enrolled Agent (EA): Licensed by the IRS to represent clients in audits and tax matters nationwide.
- Certified Tax Advisor (CTA): Specialized training in tax reduction strategies for individuals, entrepreneurs, and investors.
- Tax Planning Certificates: Offered by reputable financial education firms.
Career Paths for Non-CPAs
- Building independent tax advisory practices
- Working inside wealth management firms
- Consulting for real estate investors or online businesses
- Teaching tax strategy courses or workshops
Mini-FAQ:
Can a non-CPA prepare business tax returns?
Yes! Especially if they are an EA or state-licensed preparer.
"Anybody out there that's an enrolled agent, CPA in the tax industry, you can own your own practice and be making over 100 grand this year. I know it, I've seen it, and I promise it."
How Do Tax Advisors Get Paid?
Unlike salaried employees, tax advisors can create diverse and scalable income streams. The flexibility in pricing models means you can tailor your business to match your lifestyle and revenue goals.
Key Income Models for Tax Advisors
1. Hourly Consulting
Perfect for project-based advice, audit support, or tax planning reviews.
Tip: New advisors often start with $150–$200/hr rates, while experienced advisors can command $350+/hr.
2. Flat-Fee Packages
Offering tax return preparation at fixed rates provides predictable income during peak seasons.
Examples:
- Individual return: $300–$700
- Small business return: $800–$1,500+
- Entity setup and strategy package: $1,000–$2,500
3. Retainer Agreements
Clients pay monthly for ongoing consulting. This model smooths income throughout the year and fosters long-term client relationships.
Bonus Revenue Opportunities
- Paid speaking engagements on tax topics
- Licensing digital products like spreadsheets and tax calculators
- Offering advisory training to other professionals
Case Study:
A tax advisor specializing in real estate clients packaged services into a $400/month retainer, scaling to 40 clients in 2 years = $192,000/year base revenue.
“If you’re not charging what you’re worth…you’re running a charity.”
Is a Tax Advisor the Same as a CPA?
While tax advisors and CPAs may work closely within the financial industry, their roles, expertise, and service offerings differ significantly. If you're planning a career in tax, understanding these distinctions will help you choose the right path — and if you're a client, it ensures you hire the right professional for your needs.
Key Differences: Tax Advisors vs CPAs
1. Scope of Work
- Tax Advisors specialize strictly in tax law, tax-saving strategies, tax planning, and filing.
- CPAs (Certified Public Accountants) handle broader accounting tasks like audits, financial statement reviews, and business consulting.
2. Credential Requirements
- Tax Advisor Credentials: May include Enrolled Agent (EA) designation, Certified Tax Advisor (CTA) certification, or state tax licenses.
- CPA Credentials: Requires completing an accounting degree, passing the CPA exam, and licensing through state boards.
3. Client Focus
- Tax advisors primarily serve individuals, entrepreneurs, and small business owners looking for expert tax planning and savings.
- CPAs often serve larger corporations, providing a wide range of accounting services beyond taxes.
When Should You Choose a CPA Over a Tax Advisor?
- You need audited financial statements for investors or regulatory bodies.
- You're undergoing complex financial restructuring that requires full accounting services.
- Your business is preparing for a public offering (IPO) or major acquisition.
For most individuals, freelancers, and small business owners, a highly trained tax advisor provides better targeted value for day-to-day tax needs.
Example:
Maria, a freelance designer, hired a Certified Tax Advisor instead of a CPA. She saved over $15,000 in taxes through proactive planning strategies like S-Corp election and quarterly tax projections.
Growing Career Opportunity
As specialization becomes more critical in financial services, the career path for tax preparers and tax advisors is widening — offering flexibility, faster paths to credibility, and often better work-life balance than traditional CPA tracks.
What’s the difference between a Tax Preparer and a CPA? Find out in Mark J. Kohler's article: Tax Preparer vs. CPA: 6 Key Differences
Specialists are the future of professional services. Tax advisors own their niche.
How to Start Your Tax Advisory Career
Dreaming of becoming a tax advisor but unsure where to start? Launching a career in tax advising is more achievable than you might think — and with proper planning, you can build a profitable, flexible business helping others achieve financial success.
Step 1: Get Educated
You don’t necessarily need a four-year degree to begin. Many successful tax advisors start by:
- Taking online courses in individual and small business taxation
- Attending tax workshops and webinars
- Reading key IRS publications like Pub 334 (Tax Guide for Small Business)
Building a solid understanding of tax basics is the first step to success.
Step 2: Choose Your Certification Path
Depending on your ambitions:
- Become an Enrolled Agent (EA) through IRS-administered exams
- Earn a Certified Tax Advisor designation through a specialized training program
- Consider state-specific tax licenses if required
Choosing a respected certification accelerates trust with potential clients.
Step 3: Gain Real-World Experience
Hands-on experience is critical. Options include:
- Volunteering for tax clinics
- Assisting at local CPA firms during tax season
- Offering free or discounted tax prep for friends and family to build case studies
Step 4: Launch Your Practice
Once certified and experienced:
- Set up a professional website and online profiles
- Choose a pricing model (hourly, flat fee, or retainer)
- Network through local business groups, chambers of commerce, and online forums
Bonus Tip:
Specializing (e.g., tax planning for real estate investors or online entrepreneurs) can help you grow faster and charge higher fees.
Check out this article: From Burnout to Breakthrough: How Tax Pros Are Revolutionizing Their Careers
Real-World Example:
Angela started her side practice after completing a CTA program and landing 12 new clients from her coworking space network — growing to a full-time business within two years.
“As a nurse, taking all my years of experience working in a hospital and being able to relate to people, that all melded into working with people on their taxes.
If you have a desire to learn something new, don’t be afraid, don’t think it’s over your head. Just get in there. You can do it if you want to.”
What is a Certified Tax Advisor?
In an increasingly competitive financial world, clients are looking for proof that their tax advisor knows the latest strategies and regulations. Becoming a Certified Tax Advisor offers exactly that — formal recognition of your expertise and commitment to professional excellence.
What Certification Proves to Clients
1. Advanced Knowledge
CTA programs cover advanced strategies like:
- Tax-saving entity structures (LLCs, S-Corps, Trusts)
- Specialized deductions for industries like real estate and consulting
- Multi-year tax planning and deferral strategies
- Retirement and estate tax planning
2. Continuing Education
Certification programs require annual training updates, ensuring you stay on top of tax law changes, new IRS rules, and emerging opportunities for your clients.
3. Competitive Differentiation
Certified advisors stand out immediately. In marketing, LinkedIn profiles, and word-of-mouth referrals, a professional certification signals expertise to potential clients.
How to Become a Certified Tax Advisor
- Enroll in a recognized CTA training program (like the Main Street Tax Pro Certification)
- Complete coursework and pass examinations
- Maintain certification through annual continuing education
Example:
John added a Certified Tax Advisor credential to his practice after five years of preparing returns. Within 18 months, his revenue grew by 40% as he shifted from "form-filler" to "strategic advisor."
Find more details about our Main Street Tax Pro Certification HERE.
“If you're on the fence about becoming a Main Street Certified Advisor, don't think about it. Just do it, you wont regret it. Coming into the network as an advisor has really opened up my eyes to the possibilities and it’s really encouraged me to scale my practice. It hasn’t just been a benefit to me, but also to those who trust me with their financial future.”
What is the Main Street Tax Pro Certification?
At the heart of the Main Street movement is education — but not just any education. Our programs focus on real-world strategies, taught by the nation’s leading small business expert, Mark J. Kohler, and backed by decades of combined experience.
The Main Street Tax Pro Certification is the foundation. If you're ready to scale your business, firm, or practice, the Main Street Tax Pro Certification is the game-changer you’ve been looking for.
What You’ll Learn Through the Certification
1. Strategic Tax Planning
Master strategies that go beyond basic filing — including entity structuring, retirement tax optimization, small business deductions, and multi-year planning.
2. Asset Protection and Wealth Building
Learn how to help clients protect their assets and grow wealth using smart tax techniques, legal structures, and financial planning systems like the Kohler Trifecta Strategy.
3. Advisory Services Best Practices
Understand how to position yourself as a true advisor — offering valuable, ongoing consultations that increase client retention and open doors to premium services. This means more money, more trust, and more confidence.
And that’s just for starters.
Each module is packed with actionable frameworks, tools, and resources you can apply immediately.
What Makes Our Certification Different?
1. Practical, Client-Centered Learning
No filler. No academic jargon. Our certification teaches you strategies you can immediately implement with real clients to save them money and build lasting relationships.
2. Led by the #1 Authority in the Industry
Mark J. Kohler is a CPA, attorney, bestselling author, and national speaker — and he personally designed and teaches the core curriculum. His "Trifecta" wealth-building strategies are the centerpiece of the program.
3. Full-Circle Skill Development
Beyond tax law, you’ll learn:
- Entity structuring
- Tax optimization for real estate
- Retirement tax strategies
- Asset protection
- Exit planning
And — you’ll build confidence as a trusted advisor rather than just a preparer.
Features and Benefits
- 12 modules covering 80+ tax and business strategies
- 40+ hours of video lessons, quizzes, and real-world examples
- Weekly live trainings and Q&A sessions
- Access to downloadable resources and strategy templates
- Certification exam and official credential
Whether you're looking to grow your firm, expand into advisory services, or better serve your current clients, the Main Street Tax Pro Certification gives you the tools — and the credibility — to do it.
Real-World Example:
After completing the program, Laura, a tax preparer from Arizona, doubled her revenue in 18 months by offering proactive advisory packages based on Main Street strategies.
“The certification has definitely improved my practice and my business. It just teaches you a different way of thinking about taxes. I've always been a tax professional that is looking for ways to help my client, and there aren't very many trainings out there that encourage you to look for these alternative ways to save. And it gives you that confidence to be like, yeah, I can do this too. And it's just so reassuring and you learn so much. “
How to Scale Your Business as a Main Street Professional
When most tax, legal, and real estate professionals hit a growth wall, it’s not because they lack skill — it’s because they lack a system to scale their business smartly.
Scaling isn't just about taking on more clients or working more hours. It’s about building the infrastructure, services, and mindset to grow sustainably while actually regaining your time, income, and freedom.
At Main Street Professionals, we specialize in helping you scale intentionally — training you to become a strategic leader, not just a service provider. This is where the real transformation happens.
Why Scaling Matters More Than Ever
- Freedom Over Your Calendar: Scaling gives you back control over your time — letting you choose clients, control capacity, and work less while earning more.
- Profit Compounding: Adding advisory services and building scalable systems increases your margins exponentially.
- Business Value: A well-scaled business isn't just profitable — it’s sellable, giving you options for financial freedom down the road.
Without a scaling strategy, even the most talented professional will eventually plateau — or burn out.
How Main Street Helps You Scale
1. Introduce Advisory Services
Instead of racing to prepare more returns, we teach you to offer year-round advisory packages that deliver massive value — and stable recurring revenue. Advisory services not only increase your income, but deepen your client relationships dramatically.
2. Build Strategic Systems
We show you how to create processes for onboarding, client delivery, annual reviews, and team collaboration. Systems allow you to work on your business — not just in it.
3. Grow and Train a Cohesive Team
Through our Enterprise training, you’ll learn how to align your employees around your vision — ensuring your team doesn’t just "do tasks," but actively supports growth with consistent, high-value client service.
Real-World Example:
Sarah, a ‘solo-preneur’, introduced advisory services after completing the Main Street Business Owner training. Within a year, her revenue grew 3x, and she hired two team members to manage client fulfillment.
Do you have the right structure? Find more details and info in our blog: LLC vs. S Corp: Which Structure Saves You More on Taxes?
"Scaling isn't about working more hours — it's about creating smarter systems and stronger services."
What is the Main Street Community?
Your network is your net worth — and in this industry, that’s more true than ever.
The Main Street Professionals community isn’t an afterthought — it’s a core part of your professional growth strategy.
When you join Main Street, you're not stepping into a casual forum.
You're entering a curated, structured, and highly strategic network of top-performing tax advisors, legal professionals, financial specialists, and service companies — all handpicked to help you scale faster, serve better, and succeed bigger.
What Makes the Main Street Community Unique?
1. Unmatched Expert Access
You’ll connect directly with our advisory board, senior coaches, and national trainers who bring decades of practical, high-level experience. Weekly live calls ensure you’re never stuck without answers — and always ahead of the curve.
2. A Business Ecosystem Ready for You
Need entity formation services? Retirement planning help? Bookkeeping solutions? Our network includes KKOS Lawyers, Directed IRA, Main Street Business Services, and more — trusted providers ready to serve your clients and business.
3. Peer Collaboration and Referrals
Inside our structured forums and masterminds, you’ll find colleagues to brainstorm with, partners to collaborate with, and opportunities for client referrals that fuel real growth.
Join Your Tribe
The Main Street Community isn’t just virtual — it comes to life every year at Tax & Legal 360, the premier live event hosted by Mark J. Kohler and the Main Street team.
Tax & Legal 360 is where:
- The advisory board members speak live on stage.
- Members network face-to-face with colleagues and industry leaders.
- Service providers connect directly with professionals looking to grow.
- Advanced workshops dive deeper into tax strategies, legal planning, business growth, and wealth-building.
“The community is all of our advisory board. It's all of the other professionals you get to talk to. It's the colleagues and networking you do. It's our list of service companies that are resources to you that are already built in.”
This is a close-knit tribe, where you are surrounded by:
- Sophisticated, top-tier senior advisors ("gurus," if you will) who mentor and guide you
- Structured business resources that support your daily execution
- A strategic framework for networking, growing, and scaling your career sustainably
And at the center of it all is Mark J. Kohler himself —the leading voice in tax strategy and small business advisory, personally invested in growing every member’s success.
“Meeting everybody from the tribe. For over a year I’ve been meeting with the people on zoom every Tuesday and Thursday and every other Wednesday so to actually meet them in person.. It's a family. And everyone is so helpful. I’ve been in numerous professional associations and been to seminars, none of them like this.”
Who are the Main Street Professionals?
Behind every great program is a thriving community — and the Main Street Professionals are no exception. Built on the vision of Mark J. Kohler, this national network connects like-minded tax, legal, and financial professionals who share one mission: to champion the needs of America’s small businesses, entrepreneurs, and families.
Together, we offer personalized, expert, and trustworthy advisory services that truly make an impact, both for our businesses and those we serve.
What Defines a Main Street Professional?
1. Expertise You Can Trust
Members include CPAs, EAs, attorneys, financial advisors, and certified tax pros — all rigorously trained in real-world strategies like tax planning, asset protection, and entrepreneurial wealth-building.
2. Client-First Focus
Main Street Professionals aren’t just form-fillers. They build long-term relationships with clients, offering proactive advice that helps families and small businesses thrive.
3. Commitment to Education and Growth
Members stay ahead of the curve through continuing education, mentorship, and collaboration inside the Main Street network — learning strategies pioneered by Mark J. Kohler and top industry experts.
Why This Community Matters
- Networking: Gain access to referral networks and joint venture opportunities.
- Resources: Receive templates, playbooks, and client communication tools built by successful advisors.
- Support: Learn from a community that understands the unique challenges (and massive opportunities) facing Main Street clients.
In this industry, relationships and strategy are king — and Main Street Professionals are positioned to lead.
Real-World Example:
Chris, an EA and Main Street Certified Advisor, joined the Main Street Professionals network and expanded his practice to three states by partnering with other like-minded advisors.
Find more details and info in our blog: The Main Street Business Owner’s “Situation Room”
"The most impressive result for me is growing more knowledgeable, because I have met others that know much more than me. So surround yourself with people that know more than you, and you learn. And then I'm able to teach new people and help them navigate through it all.”
