Tax Pros Unplugged

Kelly Bender & Jared Foos
  • 5.0 (6)
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Weekly

If accountants seem boring and stuffy, we promise to break the mold. We're not quoting code section, but we are giving the details on how to play the tax game in a way you can understand. Dad shirts optional.

  1. 15h ago

    Year-End Tax Planning

    TaxPros Unplugged co-hosts Kelly Bender and Jared Foos discuss practical year-end tax planning for individuals, business owners, and tax practices. They cover Roth conversions, changing deductions and withholding, S corporation compensation, Trump accounts, payroll strategies, equipment timing, and ways firms can build proactive planning into their services. Key Topics Kelly Bender and Jared Foos explain why longer life expectancy can make Roth conversions after age 65 worth modeling, including potential effects on RMDs and beneficiaries.They warn that tipped and overtime workers may face withholding surprises, and suggest reviewing pay stubs with a tax professional before filing season.They discuss changing charitable deduction rules, qualified charitable distributions, gambling losses, and the need to revisit itemizing and substantiation habits.Jared urges tax pros to address reasonable compensation for S corporation shareholders, including making needed payroll adjustments before year-end.Kelly and Jared describe using year-end payroll withholding to cover a projected tax shortfall and potentially avoid underpayment penalties.They explore employer contributions to Trump accounts, including possible employee and family employment scenarios, while noting compensation and ownership rules matter.Both hosts argue against buying equipment solely for a deduction; plan purchases around business needs and timing of assets placed in service.They discuss paying children for legitimate work, documentation, shifting income, and potentially enabling Roth IRA contributions.Jared shares practice priorities including AI-enabled workflow improvements, time tracking, virtual operations, and clearer packaged pricing for tax planning.

    Year-End Tax Planning

  2. Oct 23

    IRS: Factory Reset

    In this episode, Kelly B and Jared Foos explore the many challenges facing the IRS, from outdated systems and staffing issues to the need for modernization and credentialing reforms. They discuss practical solutions and what it would take to overhaul the agency for better efficiency and service. Key Topics: IRS outdated systems and technologyStaffing and training challenges within the IRSCredentialing and licensing for tax professionalsProposed technological and procedural reformsImpact of government bureaucracy on tax administrationTax fraud cases and enforcement strategiesPractitioner access and client service improvementsCultural issues and employee attitudes in the IRS

    IRS: Factory Reset

  3. Oct 16

    Deadlines to Departures

    In this episode, Jared and Kelly share their experiences and insights from traveling as tax instructors, discussing the challenges and rewards of life on the road, including hotel stories, teaching tips, and personal reflections.Key Topics:Experiences of traveling tax instructorsChallenges of hotel accommodations and travel logisticsEffective teaching strategies for conferencesPersonal reflections on work-life balance while travelingTips for engaging audiences and managing questions

    Deadlines to Departures

  4. Oct 9

    Tax Pros After Hours

    In this episode, Kelly and Jared share humorous and heartfelt stories about the unexpected questions and situations they encounter as tax professionals, from marriage and divorce to aging parents and business partnerships. They explore the human side of finance, emphasizing the importance of honesty, ethics, and perspective in their work.Key Topics:The vulnerability of clients when discussing financesHumorous stories about client questionsThe importance of ethical boundaries in tax advisingConversations about marriage, divorce, and aging parentsThe role of personality and perspective in financial decisions Chapters:00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview00:07 The Personal Side of Client Questions00:12 Marriage and Divorce Conversations00:24 Handling Difficult Client Situations00:52 Aging Parents and Estate Planning01:10 The Value of Honest Conversations01:13 Business Partnerships and Mediation01:25 The Importance of Operating Agreements01:40 Thoughts on Prenups and Marriage01:42 The Humor in Client Interactions

    Tax Pros After Hours

  5. Oct 2

    Plan Before You Convert

    In this episode, Jared and Kelly delve into the complexities of Roth conversions, exploring strategies, pitfalls, and the importance of proactive planning for different life stages. They emphasize the need for financial professionals to ask the right questions early and to consider personalized scenarios to optimize tax outcomes. "Once you put it in, it's never taxed again""There's a massive wave of old money coming""Ask better questions early in the planning process"

    Plan Before You Convert

  6. Sep 25

    Pursuing Excellence

    This week we welcome Rick Moore, CPA of Iron Summit Tax Advisors to talk about his experiences with acquisitions, AI, and advisory.  Rick can be found at https://clearfixtax.com If you want to be a guest on our podcast, please apply here: ⁠api.leadconnectorhq.com/widget/form/8h5GOkPHX4StymeujRzh

    Pursuing Excellence

  7. Sep 18

    Tax Season Broke Us

    Jared and Kelly share personal stories and insights on how tax seasons have challenged and transformed their practices, emphasizing the importance of systems, boundaries, and mindset shifts to thrive beyond the chaos.

    Tax Season Broke Us

  8. Sep 11

    Advisory Changes Everything

    This week we welcome our friend and colleague Marit Burmood, CPA to talk about how she transformed her practice with advisory. Also, we pick on Jared. Marit can be found at https://www.maritburmoodcpa.com/

    Advisory Changes Everything
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
6 Ratings

About

If accountants seem boring and stuffy, we promise to break the mold. We're not quoting code section, but we are giving the details on how to play the tax game in a way you can understand. Dad shirts optional.

Information

  • Creator
    Kelly Bender & Jared Foos
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    57
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Kelly Bender & Jared Foos
  • Show Website
    Tax Pros Unplugged

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