Getting Started in Tax Consulting

Rating:
Summary: Excellent Book! Read It, Then Read It Again!
Review: Getting Started In Tax Consulting is an important book that every tax professional and aspiring tax professional needs to read-and reread. In fact, it is the only book of its kind that I have found. It doesn't matter if you want to participate in this industry as a CPA, attorney, or an enrolled practitioner-this book will help you reach your goals. The front flap claims the book provides "comprehensive coverage"-and I must say it really does. Since I purchased this book over one year ago, I have read it over one dozen times and I literally learn something new and useful every time. It is packed with advice and wisdom from the author's experiences which I believe would be beneficial to anyone involved in the professional services industry (not just tax consulting).

The author, Gary Carter, strikes me as a really smart yet down-to-earth guy who is clearly a leader in his chosen field. It seems Gary really took some considerable risk when he wrote this book because he discloses an extensive amount of information. I was surprised when he went into so much detail about his own "side" tax business and his personal business philosophies. Gary presents some really tough questions about the industry and those he interviews. And I mean he asks all the right questions-the important kinds of questions you and I really want to know. Best of all, Gary delivers thorough, candid, unbiased, and honest answers. Have you ever wondered any of the following?

What is it like being a tax consultant? What exactly do they do?
How will potential tax reform impact the industry and the livelihood of future tax professionals?
What are some of the pros and cons of developing competencies in tax as opposed to audit?
How much money can I make as a tax consultant?
What is the current and projected demand for tax consultants?
How can I participate (part-time, full-time, employed, self-employed, CPA, MBT, Attorney, etc.)? What education and experience do I need?
Can I build my own practice? How do I do this? What should I expect?
Which specialties within tax are hot right now?
What qualities do I need to be successful?
What are important trends in the tax industry? What factors are driving these trends?

Getting Started In Tax Consulting addresses these questions and much more. Gary goes into detail about things like the importance of developing a niche in the market and how to go about building your own tax practice. He provides examples and explanations that make a lot of sense. I especially like the last chapter, "Conversations with Six Tax Professionals." It provides a sort of Q&A with successful tax consultants from varied backgrounds and different specialties. If you can't relate to the author himself, you will certainly identify with the experiences of one of the folks in the last chapter.

I have never written a review for anything before, but I really think this is an important book-especially considering the current state of the economy. If nothing is certain but death and taxes, certainly many can provide a decent livelihood for themselves and their loved ones through tax consulting. After learning more about the field, I realized tax consulting represents an opportunity to deliver tremendous value to clients-savings that are often measurable and really appreciated. This book will show you how to do that and guide you every step of the way. I would recommend this book to everyone involved in tax consulting or even thinking about getting involved in accounting as a profession. If you know anyone in college, get them this book for Christmas. They might really thank you one day for opening their eyes to a gratifying career they might not otherwise learn about!

Rating:
Summary: An excellent resource bound in concise language.
Review: I highly recommend reading this book if you are seeking information in tax consulting. I found the book to be well written, and researched. My intention is to start my own tax practice next year, and this book serves as an excellent body of information in how to get started in the tax business. The author effectively conveys his thoughts and suggestions without loosing readers. This could very well be the bible of, "The How Too Tax Consulting Reference Book." A must read for Tax Maverick's in the making.

Rating:
Summary: Excellent read, informative and entertaining
Review: This is a very well written book that examines the topic of tax consulting from several interesting angles. Interviews with accomplished practitioners give the reader valuable insights into this profession. I would highly recommend this book to anyone with an interest in the field of taxation.