How can CPA firms move beyond tax compliance and build stronger advisory relationships? In this episode of Let’s Talk Tax, Dave McGuire and Mike Hammel, MAcc, discuss the evolution of the CPA’s role, from preparing returns to helping clients plan, manage risk, and make informed business decisions.

They cover the pressures driving CPA firms toward advisory services, how AI and automation could free up time for higher-value work, and why relationships with specialized providers matter. Through examples involving cost segregation, R&D and Section 174 planning, and international tax compliance during acquisition due diligence, Dave and Mike show what it looks like to connect an opportunity to a client’s broader goals.

00:00 Compliance versus advisory
01:29 Why CPA firms are shifting toward advisory
04:12 AI, automation, and staff time
05:01 Partnering with specialists
06:43 Finding compliance risks through advisory work
08:10 Pricing, client mix, and firm capacity
11:42 Cost segregation and other advisory examples
15:10 Offering services without making it an upsell
16:31 How smaller CPA firms can compete
20:22 Building an advisory culture across the firm
22:09 Key takeaways for CPA firms

As always, check us out on ⁠YouTube⁠, ⁠LinkedIn⁠, or ⁠Instagram⁠. For today's show notes and more, visit ⁠mcguiresponsel.com/letstalktaxpodcast⁠.

Thanks for listening! We'll see you next Saturday, October 3, for our next episode of Let's Talk Tax!

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