PODCAST · business
Tax Pros Unplugged
by Kelly Bender & Jared Foos
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.
Episodes
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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 instructors Challenges of...
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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...
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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...
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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
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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.
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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/
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Monster in the Making
What if you want to scale your firm but you accidentally created a monster? How can you prevent it? Today we're discussing what building smart actually looks like in practice, and what things to avoid if you want to scale your firm. We want to know, have you accidentally created a monster? If...
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Effective Tech
We're joined by another tax pro today, Scott Meyer, to talk about how technology is helping make us more effective professionals. It's always good to have another perspective on what's working, what's not, and what we can expect in the future. Thanks for joining us Scott!
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Hard Conversations
Every profession has to have hard conversations with people. Sometimes those are clients, colleagues, employees, or ourselves. For guidance on how to have these conversations, join us at taxfounded.com and find support from other tax pros to help you realize you're not alone!
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Depreciation Strategies
What's the best way to write off a car? What about rental property? Machinery? There's so many things to know about depreciation, and it can be confusing to know what the best path is. Are you a tax pro wondering if you're running a firm or if it's running you? Take our Firm Audit at…
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Surprises on Schedule C
The Schedule C might be the most used form for America's Small Businesses, but does it hold some nuggets of wisdom? We're unpacking some surprises that many people overlook, or just don't care about. Are you a tax professional who wants to learn how to grow your business more effectively. Deep…
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Culture Drives Profit
This week we welcome a guest, Noah Pusey, founder of Ripple Analytics. Noah brings data to discuss whether engaged employees are more profitable, and how different generations view the workplace. Learn more about Noah's company at Ripple Analytics Inc. – Start ripples of open and honest feedback.
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Live from Taxposium 2026!
This week we took the podcast on the road. Jared and Kelly were in the same room and bringing their thoughts about tax conferences, networking, and ... squirrels. If you're new, welcome, please leave us a comment and let us know where you're from.
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Death and Taxes
Today we're talking about a topic that Jared has been dying to discuss... how to die and owe no taxes. Lots of questions always come up with so called death taxes, but what's the real story?
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Evolve or Fade
Do you want to be a BettySue? The industry is continuing to change, as it has for many years, and smart tax pros can see whats coming. Where do you fit in? What can you do bring value? Where are you staying stuck?
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Swimming with Sharks
Today we welcome Matthew Kresslein, CPA of https://kressleincpa.com/ Matthew has been fangirling since the inception of the Tax Pros Unplugged podcast and we're breaking down some of his best and worst moments we've had so far in our journeys.
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IRS Chaos Unveiled
The IRS just lost over 11,000 employees from its Taxpayer Services division — and a brand-new TIGTA report confirms the chaos is real. In this episode, Kelly and Jared break down what's actually happening inside the agency, where your clients are going to feel the squeeze, and their playbook for...
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Hire Slow, Fire Fast
Employees are one of the greatest part of entrepreneurship. They can also be one of the biggest challenges. How do you lead well? How do you deal with the difficult choices when you have empathy? Why can hiring mistakes be so expensive? Episode sponsored by: taxfounded.com The community for Tax...
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Navigating Compliance
Starting a small business often means tackling a bunch of taxes you never saw coming. Today we talk through a few of our least favorite taxes to manage, and why they're not to be brushed aside.
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The Internet Says
Today we're back to what we love to talk about most... taxes! The internet has lots of great ideas, but are they always what they seem? We talk through all the true, false or maybe's we hear online. At least Kelly sees them online, Jared might be surprised by what the internet says!
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BIG Announcement
Today, after many months of trying to have Jared keep a secret, we're happy to announce the launch of taxfounded.com We've built a community for tax firm owners who want to thrive not just survive. Based on our own frustrations where traditional models have fallen short, we're thrilled to bring…
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What's the TECH?
In this episode, Kelly Bender, Jared Foos, and guest Brad Messner, PhD, explore the rapidly evolving landscape of technology in the tax industry. They discuss AI, automation, data security, and how tax professionals can adapt to stay ahead in a fast-changing environment.
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Can You Explain It?
We see a lot of tax pros take positions on returns that they possibly don't understand, and definitely can't defend. What moves should tax pros stop doing right now when it comes to serving our clients well? What are some red flags to watch for? Also, spoiler alert, Jared went golfing!
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Find Clients Who Fit
Today we welcome Will Hamilton, founder of SmartPath, a pricing and engagement application to help accounting firms get more value out of their firms. We unpack marketing and sales strategies, as well as decipher what works and what doesn't. Will Jared finally succumb to building his personal...
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April 15 LIVE!
Today we're coming to you live on April 15. What's happening in our offices today and how much tax money is heading to the government today? We don't have an agenda, but we're happy to be at the first finish line of the year!
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Money, Money, Money
What is the big deal about money anyway? Today we discuss our take on what money really is, and how we see success and wealth leaving clues around us. Are you thinking scarce or abundant when it comes to money?
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Personal Development
Jared has been on a podcast learning kick lately, so he's bringing all his insights in to the conversation this week. What does it look like to grow as a human, a leader, or a professional? Join us for the weekly banter as we try to improve ourselves along with you.
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Stepping Back
Today we welcome Melinda Garvin to discuss what selling a practice has looked like for her. When was the right time? How did she feel about the whole process? Does she have any regrets? Melinda brings some valuable insights into a difficult to discuss topic, plus we get to see where Jared gets…
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Your Books Are Lying
Automated bookkeeping seems like a magic pill. But many times, there are hidden factors in those books that aren't telling the whole story. Today, we unpack some of the common mistakes we see business owners make when it comes to managing their own books and how it's probably costing them money.
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Behind the Curtain
What does it really look like to teach adult continuing education? This week we're joined by NATP's Content Program Manager, Misty Erickson, to talk to us about what good education looks like, and when to run for the door. Speaking of great tax education, early bird pricing for Taxposium | NATP...
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No Means No
Are you really supposed to say yes to every type of client that comes your way? Are some people completely oblivious to their own behaviors? Has the illness made Kelly more unfiltered than usual? We're not exactly sure what direction we went this week but it's still fun.
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Jesus and S Corps
Do S Corps save your life? Why do some people think they're the holy grail of tax planning? Today we unpack why they work and when they don't. We think S Corps can be pretty cool, but personally, we'll leave the saving to Jesus.
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How Did We Get Here?
This week we're talking about what our career paths looked like to bring us to today. Maybe having a little insight in to who we were before today will help you see a little of yourself somewhere in our journeys. There's no linear path to success! If you want to be considered as a guest on our...
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Taxed In Divorce
Anyone who's been divorced knows it's usually a terrible experience. But what about the tax implications? Who takes the kids? Who keeps the house? Is there taxes involved in the splitting of assets? Today we unpack the realities, good bad or ugly, and hopefully give a little light at the end of…
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You Charge How Much?!
This week we're tackling a dangerous taboo topic that nobody wants to discuss, pricing! We know it's hard, but what is the real cost of pricing too low and are you actually being well served by taking the bottom dollar "professional". Plus we'll add a few nuggets about mental health and organic...
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Hidden Tax Nuggets
Not every tax savings strategy is a giant savings, but several nuggets add up to a sizable difference and can lead to more dollars in your pocket. Today we unpack a few savings strategies we see that are commonly overlooked but can often end up with some great results if used properly. Plus Jared...
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New Year, New You
It's a new year, and every business owner wants to turn over a new leaf at the beginning of the year. This week we unpack why budgets can mean freedom, and why a lack of systems can usually lead to frustration. Plus, Jared is donning a new dad tax shirt, and Kelly continues to shamelessly plug…
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My Client said WHAT?!
It's tax season, which means we are going to hear all sorts of crazy stories. From my dog ate the homework to how to keep that cash out of sight, it's the time of year where nothing surprises us. How can you be a little more informed about what your tax pro is thinking when you tell us things we...
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Tax Season Is Coming
The annual pilgrimage every taxpaying American must make is here. But this year might look different, given the sweeping new tax bill that passed last year. What should we expect? How do you prepare? Jared and Kelly are here to give you the highlights, and how to plan to make this season one of...
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The Spirit of Giving
The end of the year is a great time to consider your blessings and make gifts to others. But when we give, is there an added bonus of a tax deduction lurking somewhere? We'll unpack what gifts are tax deductible and how to maximize your giving. Happy New Year and Thanks for Subscribing to our show!
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ROTH Talk
Roth IRA's get a lot of buzz as the best way to save, but are there any other options? Why does everyone think Roth conversions are the most magical unicorn ever? What festive Tshirt will Jared bring us today? Please remember to subscribe and leave a review. Thanks for listening!
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BONUS - More Unplugged Q&A!
Want to know a little more about Jared and Kelly? We rapid fire through some quirky questions so you can know us a bit better. Stay tuned for our next episode!!
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Growing Pains
What's the behind the scenes look like when you're building? Is it really that hard? This week we take a peak behind the scenes to see what actually keeps us up at night... and it's not taxes.
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Short Term Vs. Self Rentals
A lot of high income earners get stuck when they have rental properties with passive losses they can't take. How can they work around that? What hoops must we jump through? Is a rental property really a "passive" activity? Jared and Kelly unpack the realities of the rental game and talk about…
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The Heart of an Entrepreneur
This week we welcome a special guest, Jon Paton, owner of Fit Fresh, Ohio's largest meal prep delivery service. In just 5 years, he's built a business that feeds people in more ways than one. We unpack his journey, his heart, and what he's learned along the way. Find Jon's company at:...
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Do I Buy the Boat?
A common question at year's end is about buying fixed assets to offset current income. Sometimes it works, and sometimes it doesn't. What questions should you actually be asking and does it actually matter which code section I use? This week we break down some year end considerations before you…
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Does the LLC save me money?
Why does everyone talk about an LLC like it's a magic pill? Does it really help me save money? What even is an LLC? This week we unpack all the details on what the LLC really does and how it relates to your taxes.
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Should you be afraid of the IRS?
How can you shield yourself from IRS scrutiny? Is the IRS really out to look at every receipt you have? Is MileIQ and Tinder the same basic thing? Join us this week as we interview a representation expert, Amy Brosnan, for a behind the scenes look at what audits really entail. Want more…
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BONUS content - 20 Questions with Jared and Kelly
We're unable to record this week, but we know you missed us! So here's some insight in to us behind the scenes.
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Tax Savings at Work
Part 3 in our discussions about what we wish our clients knew. We unpack opportunities for tax savings at work plus a few horror stories and tales of what not to do!
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
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.
HOSTED BY
Kelly Bender & Jared Foos
CATEGORIES
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Tax Pros Unplugged have?
Tax Pros Unplugged currently has 53 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Tax Pros Unplugged 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.
How often does Tax Pros Unplugged release new episodes?
Tax Pros Unplugged has 53 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to Tax Pros Unplugged?
You can listen to Tax Pros Unplugged on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Tax Pros Unplugged?
Tax Pros Unplugged is created and hosted by Kelly Bender & Jared Foos.
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