Most people don't overpay in taxes because they earn too much. They overpay because no one showed them what to do before the year ended.
AFC® · EA · ChFC® · MQFP® · WMCP® · Independent · Virtual via Zoom
Schedule a Tax Strategy SessionTax strategy is a year-round conversation — not a once-a-year filing event.
In fact, by the time you're sitting down to file, most of the decisions that affect what you owe have already been made. As a result, the most valuable work happens well before April — not during it.
As an IRS Enrolled Agent, I work with individuals, households, and small business owners to build proactive tax strategies that reduce liability and create clarity. Furthermore, because every financial situation is different, every session is tailored specifically to your income, goals, and circumstances.
Consequently, this isn't tax preparation — it's the forward-looking advisory work that determines what your return will look like long before you file. Additionally, all sessions are conducted virtually via Zoom, so you can work with me from anywhere in Alaska or beyond.
This service is designed for people who want to understand their tax picture and make intentional decisions — not just react at filing time. In particular, tax strategy sessions are valuable when your finances involve more complexity than a standard W-2 filing — or when you simply want to stop guessing and start planning.
Tax strategy is the process of making financial decisions with their tax consequences in mind — before the year closes and the options disappear. Most people take the reactive approach simply because no one showed them there was another way. However, the proactive approach is available to anyone willing to plan ahead.
Ultimately, the difference between the two approaches is often measured in hundreds or thousands of dollars — not in how complicated your finances are. Moreover, the proactive approach is available to anyone, regardless of income level.
Because every situation is different, every session is tailored to what you bring and where the conversation goes. For example, a self-employed client might focus on quarterly estimates and retirement accounts, while a W-2 earner might focus on deductions and year-end moves. In either case, the goal is the same — more clarity and less guessing.
Note on tax preparation: Tax strategy sessions provide advisory guidance and forward-looking planning. Return preparation and IRS representation are a separate service — see Tax Preparation & IRS Representation. If you need both, we'll coordinate them.
Tax strategy coaching translates your financial picture into clear, practical decisions you can act on. Because sessions are conducted virtually, there's no commute, no waiting room, and no friction. Simply book, prepare, and show up ready to focus.
Complete a short intake form after booking. Bring your most recent tax return if you have it — it's the fastest way to understand your current picture.
75 minutes via Zoom. We review your situation, work through specific strategies relevant to your income, filing status, and goals, and answer your questions.
A clear picture of where you stand, specific actions to take before year-end or before filing, and answers to the questions you brought in.
All sessions are offered at a flat rate — no hourly billing surprises, no upsells. Whether you're an individual, a household, or a business owner, there's a session designed specifically for your needs. Additionally, follow-on sessions are available at the same rate if your situation warrants continued support.
$350 / session
75-minute advisory session for individuals, households, and W-2 earners with complex situations. Prior return review, forward-looking strategies, and your questions answered.
$350 / session
75-minute session focused on business tax strategy — entity structure, owner compensation, self-employment tax, retirement accounts, and year-end planning.
$150 / 30 min
Focused session on Health Savings Account strategy — contribution limits, investment options, qualified expenses, and how an HSA fits into your overall tax picture.
Alaska has no state income tax, which simplifies some things. However, it also creates its own planning considerations — particularly for residents receiving the Permanent Fund Dividend and business owners managing federal self-employment tax obligations. As a result, Alaska residents often benefit from tax strategy conversations that a preparer in another state might overlook entirely.
It's important to be clear about what these sessions include — and equally clear about what they don't. In particular, tax strategy is advisory work — not filing work.
Working with a CPA? Tax strategy sessions complement rather than replace your existing CPA relationship. Many clients use these sessions to better understand their situation before meeting with their preparer, or to get a second perspective on forward-looking decisions.
Tax strategy looks different for everyone. Therefore, the first step is a session to understand your specific situation and determine what moves make the most sense for you.
As a result, you'll leave knowing where you stand, what's costing you more than it should, and what to do before the year ends.
Schedule a Tax Strategy SessionMatthew Gorrell · AFC® · EA · ChFC® · MQFP® · WMCP® · HonorPoint Financial · Wasilla, Alaska
Independent · Commission-free · Virtual sessions via Zoom
If you're not sure whether this service is the right fit, the answers below should help. Additionally, you're always welcome to reach out directly before booking.
An Enrolled Agent (EA) is a federally licensed tax professional authorized by the IRS to represent taxpayers in all matters before the IRS — including audits, collections, appeals, and tax resolution. In fact, EAs are the only tax professionals whose authority comes directly from the federal government rather than individual states. Furthermore, the EA designation requires passing a comprehensive three-part IRS examination and ongoing continuing education.
Tax preparation is backward-looking — it takes what happened during the year and produces an accurate return. Tax strategy, on the other hand, is forward-looking — it involves making decisions during the year with their tax consequences in mind. As a result, strategy determines what your return will look like, while preparation simply documents it. Consequently, the most impactful work happens before the year closes.
It's helpful but not required. However, your most recent federal return gives me the fastest path to understanding your current picture — including income sources, filing status, deductions used, and effective rate. If you don't have it, we simply work with what you know about your situation and build from there.
Yes — and in many cases it's complementary. For example, some clients use a tax strategy session to better understand their situation before meeting with their preparer. Others, meanwhile, want a forward-looking planning conversation that goes beyond what a filing-focused CPA typically provides. In either case, these sessions are advisory and independent, with no conflict of interest.
Yes. As an Enrolled Agent, I prepare current and prior-year returns and represent clients before the IRS, including unfiled years and IRS notices. That work is handled through our Tax Preparation & IRS Representation service rather than a strategy session.
Yes — in fact, all sessions are conducted via Zoom by design. Virtual delivery means you can work with me from anywhere in Alaska or beyond, share documents on screen, and have a focused conversation without the friction of scheduling an in-person appointment. As a result, everything needed for an effective session can be handled remotely — and the quality is the same regardless of where you are.
You'll leave with specific actions relevant to your situation — for instance, things to do before year-end, accounts to open or contribute to, or questions to bring to your preparer. Additionally, if your situation warrants ongoing support, further sessions are available at the same rate. However, there's no pressure to continue beyond what's genuinely useful.
Tax strategy sessions provide educational and advisory guidance only. They do not include investment advice, legal advice, or tax return preparation. Investment advisory services are offered separately by HonorPoint Financial LLC, a registered investment adviser in the State of Alaska, as described in our Form ADV. Specific tax situations vary — consult a qualified professional regarding your individual circumstances.
