Case Study: SMD Consulting & Accounting, LLC achieves transition from tax preparation to year‑round strategic consulting and improved work/life balance with ADP

Tax preparation is out and strategic consulting is in at SMD Consulting & Accounting, LLC

SMD Consulting & Accounting, LLC, led by CPA Sean M. Duncan in Frisco, Texas, faced a growing challenge: tax preparation was consuming nearly half the year, crowding out higher‑value advisory work and harming employee morale. With tax services becoming commoditized by technology and low‑cost software, the firm risked staying stuck in reactive bookkeeping and losing the chance to offer strategic financial guidance to small‑business clients.

The firm stopped offering tax preparation, redirected clients to local CPAs, and refocused on year‑round consulting—decision‑point analysis, process improvement, and predictive analytics—while partnering with payroll/HCM providers for operational needs. Although some clients pushed back, referrals flowed both ways, staff work‑life balance improved, and Duncan reports consulting revenue is on track to replace or exceed lost tax income within about a year.

SMD Consulting & Accounting, LLC

Sean M. Duncan

President and CPA