The Growth Minded Accountant
The Tax Interview Mistake That Keeps You Stuck in Compliance
Feb 11, 2026
Season 6
Episode 8
Lee Reams II from CountingWorks PRO
Most firms treat the tax interview like data collection.
The smartest firms treat it like positioning.
In this micro episode of The Growth Minded Accountant, Lee breaks down a simple shift that can fundamentally change how clients see you. Not after tax season. Not when you launch a new advisory package. But in the first few minutes of your tax interview.
Clients decide what you are very quickly. If the conversation starts with forms, documents, and checklists, you are framed as a processor. If it starts with context, change, and forward-looking questions, you are framed as an advisor.
Same tax return. Completely different perceived value.
In this episode, you will learn:
• Why the opening minutes of the tax interview matter more than you think
• The subtle mistake that keeps firms stuck in compliance positioning
• The simple three-minute shift that elevates the entire client relationship
• How consistent messaging through blogs, newsletters, and social reinforces your advisory role
Advisory is not a service you sell after April 15.
It is a narrative you repeat everywhere.
If you want to move from compliance to advisory, this is where it starts.
The Growth Minded Accountant is for firm owners who want to build firms that scale smarter, position stronger, and evolve beyond compliance.
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