A tax planning consultation is a short conversation with a CPA to review how a business or investment structure affects taxes and whether proactive planning strategies could improve future tax outcomes. The consultation focuses on understanding the current situation, identifying planning opportunities, and determining whether ongoing tax planning support would be beneficial.
Many business owners schedule a consultation when they realize their tax situation may benefit from proactive planning rather than simply preparing a tax return after the year has ended.
This page explains what the initial conversation is designed to accomplish, who it typically helps, and when it may or may not be necessary. The goal is clarity — so you can decide whether scheduling a call makes sense for your situation.
Consultations are led by Steve Madsen, CPA, who has advised business owners on tax strategy since 1993.
Many clients schedule a consultation when they are experiencing one or more of the following situations:
• Their business income has increased and taxes are becoming a larger expense
• They recently formed an LLC or elected S-Corporation taxation
• They are unsure how much salary to take from an S-Corporation
• They own multiple rental properties or short-term rentals
• Their business operates in more than one state
• They want to reduce tax surprises and plan ahead during the year
• They are looking for proactive tax guidance rather than reactive filing
If one or more of these situations applies to you, scheduling a consultation is often a helpful next step.
If the situations above sound similar to your situation, scheduling a consultation may be helpful.
This consultation is typically most helpful for:
• Business owners earning income through an LLC, S-Corporation, or partnership
• S-Corporation owners who want payroll, distributions, and taxes aligned correctly
• Real estate investors with multiple properties or short-term rentals
• Business owners operating in more than one state
• Clients who want proactive guidance during the year rather than only filing a return afterward
If you're trying to understand how decisions made throughout the year affect taxes — rather than simply reporting results once the year is over — this conversation is often worthwhile.
If this sounds like your situation, you may find it helpful to schedule a consultation
The initial consultation is a working strategy conversation, not a sales presentation.
During the call, we focus on understanding:
• How your business or investments are structured today
• Where timing, payroll, or entity decisions may be affecting your taxes
• Whether proactive planning could meaningfully improve outcomes going forward
This is not:
• A one-time tax return review
• A last-minute filing rescue
• A generic “how much do you charge?” call
If it becomes clear during the conversation that your situation does not require planning-level support, we will say so directly.
Most consultations last up to 30 minutes and follow a simple structure.
First, we discuss how income is earned, how payroll or distributions are handled, and whether multiple entities, properties, or states are involved.
Next, we talk through timing — what decisions are already locked in and what (if anything) can still be influenced during the current or upcoming year.
Finally, we discuss whether proactive tax planning would likely provide meaningful value in your situation or confirm if a planning engagement is unnecessary.
There is no obligation to move forward after the call.
This consultation is usually not necessary if:
• Your situation consists only of simple W-2 income
• You are looking for a one-time tax return filing
• You are seeking last-minute filing help
• You are primarily searching for the lowest-cost tax preparation option
• You are not able or willing to engage during the year
In those cases, a traditional tax preparation service may be more appropriate.
Madsen and Company is based in Utah and works virtually with clients across the United States.
Federal tax planning strategies — including entity structure, payroll strategy, and timing decisions — apply regardless of where a business operates. While state rules vary, proactive federal planning is often the primary driver of meaningful tax outcomes.
If it appears that proactive planning would add value, we will explain:
• What that engagement typically includes
• How planning works during the year
• What the next steps would be
If it does not appear to be the right fit, the conversation ends there — with no pressure to proceed.
If this approach sounds like a fit for your situation, you can schedule a consultation using the link below.
During scheduling, you will be asked a few questions so we can prepare for a productive conversation.
Schedule a Consultation