This article was originally published in Active Age magazine.
In my 50 years of practicing tax and accounting as a CPA, I never imagined a time when communicating with clients solely through email and texting would become the norm.
The trust you place in your tax advisor, lawyer, financial planner, or other professional must be earned. Looking someone in the eye or hearing the tone of their voice is how, as humans, we build trust in a relationship. In my job, I experience the value of this every day.
For example, a few years ago, a wonderful client named Martha called to invite me to her wedding. I was thrilled for her—she was in love for the second time in her life and happier than I had ever known her to be. Martha excitedly shared that the wedding was set for New Year’s Eve in Hawaii. “It’s so romantic,” she said, “to start the new year as a married couple.”
As her friend and CPA, I congratulated her but asked if I could call her back in a few minutes.
Knowing Martha’s unique financial and tax situation, I did some quick calculations. When I called her back, I asked, “Martha, do you know what would be even more romantic than a New Year’s Eve wedding?” She was puzzled, and perhaps a bit irritated, when I said, “A New Year’s Day wedding!”
Martha hesitated, explaining that everything was already arranged, including the minister. I gently explained that, given her specific tax circumstances, waiting just one more day to tie the knot could save her more than $3,500 in income taxes.
Though I wasn’t able to attend the ceremony, just after midnight on New Year’s Day, a blessed wedding commenced. Two beautiful people were happily wed—and a significant portion of the wedding expenses were offset by their tax savings.
The takeaway?
Having a trusting relationship with your advisors can be incredibly valuable, even life changing. Trust doesn’t come from emails or texts alone—it’s built through sincere communication and genuine human connection. Sometimes, even boring accountants can bring a touch of romance to the table.
Steve Criser is a Certified Public Accountant and a founding partner with CGP Group, LLC, a local tax and advisory firm based in Wichita, Kansas.
