Tax Strategists of America Introduces Separation Principle for Tax Services
News related to:Tax Strategists of America · 2 min read
RISON, Ark., Sept. 23, 2026 /CourierPR/ -- Tax Strategists of America, a tax planning firm based in the United States, has introduced a new principle in the industry: the Separation Principle. This principle advocates for the separation of tax planning and tax preparation services, each to be delivered by separate companies with distinct management structures.
Founded by Carlotta Thompson, a former auditor with the Internal Revenue Service's small business and self-employed division, Tax Strategists of America was established in January 2022. Thompson spent nearly eight years at the IRS, examining small business tax returns before transitioning to private practice. The firm serves business owners, real estate investors, and self-employed taxpayers nationwide.
According to Thompson, the Separation Principle is based on the belief that tax preparation practices are primarily governed by statutory filing deadlines, which run from January through the middle of October. These deadlines carry professional and compliance obligations. In contrast, forward-looking tax planning operates on a different timeline, as many strategies affecting a tax year must be established, implemented, and documented before December 31.
Thompson argues that when both functions operate within the same business, the preparation calendar often takes precedence.
Tax Strategists of America reports that since its founding, it has identified more than $139 million in federal tax savings across 3,707 business owners. The firm's operating model is built around three key pillars: the structural separation of tax planning and preparation, a focus on implementing and documenting strategies, and a systematic evaluation process. This process, marketed as the Great American Tax Treasure Hunt, involves a review against a defined catalog of over 100 statutory provisions, credits, and deductions.
The firm operates as a remote practice with team members across approximately 20 states. Five former IRS agents are among its staff. Clients range from businesses generating roughly $40,000 in annual profit after expenses to those generating $40 million. Approximately half of the firm's clients have their tax returns prepared by another provider and receive implemented strategies for their existing accountant to incorporate into their filings.
Thompson emphasizes the importance of a systematic approach to tax planning.
Tax Strategists of America's approach to tax planning and preparation is designed to ensure that clients receive comprehensive and well-documented strategies, providing a strong defense during tax examinations. The firm's unique model aims to address the challenges of managing both tax preparation and planning within a single organization, ensuring that clients receive the best possible outcomes in their tax affairs.