What Does Working With a Tax Advisor Actually Look Like? | Capital Compass & Key LIVE Ep. 14

August 2026 | Written By: Mark Gargano

What Does Working With a Tax Advisor Actually Look Like? | Capital Compass & Key LIVE Ep. 14

A look inside the process I’ve built to make tax planning easier for clients and turn recommendations into an ongoing strategy.

I've spent a lot of time thinking about what the tax advisory process should actually feel like for a client.

How much work should you have to do? What information do I need from you? What happens after I review everything? And, most importantly, how do we turn what we learn into action?

I've now built a process around those questions, and it's something I'm really proud of.

In this episode of Capital Compass & Key LIVE, I walk through what working with me actually looks like, from the initial discovery process to recommendations, implementation, and ongoing quarterly planning.

It Starts With Understanding You

The first step is discovery.

Clients securely upload their previous tax returns along with any additional documents that may help me understand their business and financial situation.

From there, I've built a questionnaire that takes most people about five to ten minutes to complete.

This isn't a traditional tax organizer asking you to explain complicated tax rules or calculations.

It's much more personal.

What do you want?

What's important to you?

What are you trying to accomplish?

Those answers, combined with your tax returns and other financial information, give me a blueprint for who you are and where I should begin looking.

Then the Work Moves to My Side

Once I have the information, I can begin analyzing the complete picture.

I use tax planning, tax management, and financial planning software to organize the information and identify areas that deserve a closer look.

The goal is to come back with specific recommendations, including where I see potential tax savings and where changes could make your financial life easier.

That's also an important point in the relationship.

Before moving forward, I want to know that I understand you, that I can provide meaningful value, and that I'm the right person to help.

Recommendations Are Only Valuable If You Implement Them

Planning shouldn't stop when someone hands you a list of ideas.

Once we decide to work together, we begin implementing the recommendations.

That could mean adjusting a 401(k) contribution, increasing an HSA contribution, evaluating a business structure, or addressing another planning opportunity we've identified.

This is where the strategy becomes real.

Instead of simply knowing what you could do, you have a clear understanding of what needs to happen next.

Tax Planning Should Be an Ongoing Relationship

This isn't designed to be a once-a-year conversation where we prepare a return and don't speak again until the following tax season.

It's an ongoing relationship.

We review the plan quarterly, discuss what's changed, and continue coordinating around the decisions you're making throughout the year.

I've also intentionally designed the process so that much of the work happens on my end rather than yours.

You shouldn't have to become a tax expert to receive thoughtful tax advice. My job is to understand the information, organize it, identify opportunities, and help you determine what comes next.

And ultimately, you remain in control.

If continuing the planning relationship makes sense, we continue. If we've accomplished what you wanted and you're ready to move on, that's your decision.

I let you drive the bus.

My goal is to build an efficient process that allows me to spend more time doing what matters most: helping business owners and families make thoughtful decisions about their taxes and financial future.

Capital Compass & Key LIVE is a series built around business perspective, tax strategy, and long-term planning, drawing on decades of experience working with business owners, families, and advisors.

About Mark Gargano

Mark Gargano is the owner of Capital Compass & Key, where he helps business owners, executives, and families make informed decisions around taxes, retirement, business ownership, and long-term wealth.

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Additional Disclosure:

This material does not consider any investor’s specific objectives, financial situation, or particular needs and should not be construed as personalized advice. All investments involve risk, including the potential loss of principal. Strategies discussed may not be suitable for all investors and may change based on market, tax, or regulatory developments.

Before acting on any information contained herein, individuals should consult with a qualified financial, legal, or tax professional who can assess their unique circumstances.