We've compiled the most common questions from prospects and clients. If your question isn't answered below, email team@aetaxadvisors.com.
General Questions
Who is AE Tax Advisors?
We're a tax planning firm specializing in high-income professionals, business owners, and real estate investors. Our team includes CPAs, Enrolled Agents, and tax specialists with 10+ years of experience. We provide strategic tax planning, not just tax preparation.
Where are you located?
Our office is in Billings, Montana. However, we serve clients nationally via video calls and email. Location doesn't matter; we work with clients in all 50 states and internationally.
What's your approach to tax planning?
We don't look for tax loopholes or aggressive strategies that invite audits. Instead, we identify compliant opportunities within the IRC that reduce your legitimate tax liability. We use tax court cases, IRS rulings, and revenue procedures as the foundation.
Do you handle IRS audits?
Yes. We provide full audit defense and representation. If the IRS contacts you about a tax return we've prepared, we handle correspondence, document requests, and appeals.
Service and Pricing Questions
How much does tax planning cost?
Strategic tax plans typically cost $5,000-15,000, depending on complexity. We also offer ongoing tax planning and compliance services (tax return preparation, estimated tax guidance, strategic planning) at $3,000-8,000 annually.
What do I get for the planning fee?
A written strategic tax plan document that typically includes: entity restructuring recommendations, retirement contribution analysis, estimated tax projections, real estate depreciation strategies, and compliance guidance. We also provide one implementation call to discuss next steps.
How long does planning take?
From discovery call to written plan, typically 6-8 weeks. Complex situations (multiple businesses, international income) may take 10-12 weeks.
Do you offer a free initial consultation?
Yes. Our discovery call is complimentary and takes 30 minutes. We discuss your situation and determine whether formal planning makes sense.
Qualifications
Are you a CPA firm?
We're not a licensed CPA firm (we don't meet all state licensing requirements), but our team includes CPAs and Enrolled Agents maintaining licenses and continuing education.
What are Enrolled Agents?
Enrolled Agents are IRS-credentialed tax specialists. They pass a rigorous IRS exam covering all aspects of tax law and must complete 30 hours of continuing education annually. They can represent clients before the IRS.
How do you stay current on tax law?
Our team monitors IRS notices, revenue rulings, tax court decisions, and Congressional developments continuously. We complete 30+ hours of continuing education annually, subscribe to professional tax publications, and attend annual tax conferences.
Planning Questions
What if I own a business? Can you help?
Yes. We specialize in business owner tax planning: entity selection, retirement contributions, self-employment tax minimization, and exit planning.
What if I own rental property?
Yes. We're experts in real estate tax planning: depreciation analysis, cost segregation, 1031 exchanges, and passive loss rule strategies.
What's a cost segregation study?
A cost segregation study is a detailed analysis of real estate that accelerates depreciation deductions. If you own a $5,000,000 property, a cost seg study typically accelerates $100,000-150,000 in annual deductions. The study costs $15,000-25,000 and typically pays for itself within one year through tax savings.
Can you help minimize capital gains tax?
Yes. We analyze timing of asset sales, use 1031 exchanges for real estate, employ tax-loss harvesting, explore Opportunity Zone investments, and Charitable Remainder Trusts for highly appreciated assets.
Engagement Questions
Do I need to be a current client to ask questions?
We're happy to answer brief tax questions from non-clients. If your question requires extensive analysis, we may ask if you'd like to discuss a formal engagement.
Can I hire you just for tax return preparation?
Yes. We prepare tax returns for strategic planning clients. We also accept new clients for tax return preparation alone, though we typically recommend strategic planning to identify missed opportunities.
How do you bill for services?
We use fixed fees for strategic planning (no surprises). For ongoing tax services, we bill annually. We require 50% upfront and 50% upon delivery for planning engagements.
What if I want to work with you for multiple years?
We offer annual retainer agreements that bundle strategic planning, tax preparation, estimated tax planning, and ad-hoc advice. This typically costs $3,000-8,000 per year depending on complexity.
Confidentiality and Security
Is my information secure?
Yes. We maintain SOC 2 Type II compliance, use encrypted file transfer, and store documents securely. We don't share your information without written consent.
Can you discuss my situation with my accountant or attorney?
With your permission, yes. We often coordinate with clients' existing advisors. We'll ask for written authorization before discussing your situation with others.