Why the Average Accountant Costs You Thousands (And How to Fix It)

January 30, 2025

Let’s face it: taxes are about as enjoyable as stepping on a Lego barefoot. And yet, most business owners unknowingly overpay—sometimes by tens of thousands—just because they hired the wrong accountant. That’s right. Your accountant could be the silent drain on your bottom line, and you wouldn’t even know it.

Today, we’re breaking down the three types of accountants that could be helping or hurting your business. Which one do you have? More importantly, which one do you need?

1. The 'I'm Never Going to Get Audited' Accountant

This accountant plays it way too safe. Their strategy? Avoid risk at all costs. That means they skip every possible deduction that could possibly raise an eyebrow at the IRS. While this might sound responsible, it often means you’re overpaying in taxes—money that should be reinvested into your business.

🚨 Red Flag: If your accountant says, “We don’t want to take that deduction just to be safe,” it’s time to reconsider. Playing it ultra-safe might just mean you’re handing over free money to Uncle Sam.

What You Need Instead: A tax pro who knows how to maximize savings legally—not one who lets fear dictate your financial strategy.

2. The Aggressive Accountant

This is the accountant who believes rules are meant to be bent, if not broken. They’ll claim everything—from your dog’s spa day to that “business” trip to Vegas. Sounds great… until you get hit with penalties, audits, and sleepless nights. While aggressive accountants can save you money in the short term, the long-term risks are not worth the stress of an IRS battle.

🚨 Red Flag: If your accountant treats deductions like a game of limbo (“How low can we go?”), you might be in trouble. Short-term gains = long-term pain.

What You Need Instead: A strategic accountant who knows where the line is—and how to maximize tax savings without inviting an audit.

3. The Gray Area Accountant (A.K.A. The Sweet Spot)

This is the accountant you actually need—someone who knows the tax code inside and out and uses it to your advantage without crossing the line. They’re proactive, strategic, and focused on minimizing tax liability while keeping everything compliant.

🚀 Why It Works: A great accountant doesn’t just prepare taxes. They actively plan ahead, ensuring you keep as much of your hard-earned money as legally possible while avoiding IRS nightmares.

The Ideal Accountant: Balances compliance and tax strategy, keeps your business audit-proof, and saves you tens of thousands—without playing it too safe or too reckless.

So, Which Accountant Do You Have?

If your accountant isn’t saving you money or you don’t even know what strategy they’re using, it’s time to evaluate. Taxes are one of your biggest expenses—but they don’t have to be.

At Calculated Moves, we specialize in strategic tax planning that helps business owners keep more of their money while staying fully compliant. No fear-based accounting. No reckless risks. Just smart financial decisions that grow your business.

🚀 Want to stop overpaying and start keeping more of your hard-earned cash? Let’s chat.

📞 Book a free consultation today.

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Donna Bordeaux, CPA with Calculated Moves

Creativity and CPAs don’t generally go together. Most people think of CPAs as nerdy accountants who can’t talk with people. Well, it’s time to break that stereotype. Lively, friendly, and knowledgeable can be a part of your relationship with your CPA, as demonstrated by Donna and Chad Bordeaux. They have over 50 years of combined experience as entrepreneurial CPAs. They’ve owned businesses and helped business owners exceed their wildest dreams. They have been able to help businesses earn many times more profit than the average business in the same industry and are passionate about helping industries that help families build great memories.