We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Fabio Sanchez. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Fabio below.

Fabio, appreciate you joining us today. Let’s start with the story of your mission. What should we know?

I grew up in the Bronx as a first-generation American, carrying the weight of my immigrant parents’ hopes and dreams on my shoulders. Like so many others, they came to this country with little more than determination—a dollar and a dream—believing that with hard work, they could build a better future. But what they didn’t have was financial knowledge. They worked tirelessly, yet no one taught them how to navigate the tax system, build wealth, or plan for the future. And as their child, I felt the responsibility to figure it out for them.

I didn’t have the resources or education back then to guide my parents the way I wanted to. That frustration stayed with me. I saw firsthand how the lack of financial literacy kept hardworking families trapped in a cycle of struggle. So, I made it my mission to ensure that others wouldn’t have to go through the same thing.

For over a decade, I worked in corporate America, helping the wealthy save millions. But I found no purpose in making the rich richer. My perspective changed the day I helped a single mother of three secure a $15,000 tax refund. The relief in her eyes, the way her shoulders dropped as if a weight had been lifted—that moment was worth more to me than a year’s salary in the corporate world. That was when I knew I had to do more.

I also know the fear that comes with tax issues—I’ve been audited myself. But instead of panicking, I handled it with diligence and professionalism, and I had a successful outcome. That experience made me realize how many people are bullied by the IRS simply because they don’t know their rights. I refuse to let my clients live in fear. I teach them that they have power, that they can fight back, and that they can take control of their financial future.

Now, I dedicate my career to advocating for those who don’t have a voice in the tax system. Many of my clients are overpaying, missing out on credits, or drowning in tax debt they can never escape. I work with them not just to file taxes, but to understand them—to break generational mistakes and create new financial habits. I believe taxes aren’t the problem; the problem is that taxpayers aren’t given the tools to use the system to their advantage.

My ultimate mission is to take this beyond tax preparation. I want to build a nonprofit that educates and empowers people who can’t afford expensive tax services. I want to hold workshops, provide resources, and create a network of financial independence. Because I know what it’s like to feel lost in this system, and I refuse to let others go through it alone.

This isn’t just my career—it’s my calling.

Fabio, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I am a Tax Advocate, educator, and financial strategist dedicated to helping individuals and small business owners take control of their finances. My journey into this field wasn’t just about numbers—it was about empowerment.

What I Do & How I Help
I am a Tax Advocate—not just a tax preparer. I provide:
✅ Tax Preparation & Planning: I help individuals, entrepreneurs, and small business owners minimize their tax liabilities and avoid costly mistakes.
✅ IRS Representation & Audit Assistance: I educate clients on their rights and stand by them if they’re audited or facing tax debt. I’ve been through an audit myself, so I understand the fear, but I also know how to fight back.
✅ Taxpayer Education: I go beyond filing taxes—I teach my clients how to prepare for the future. Many people overpay or leave money on the table because they don’t know the system. I make sure they do.
✅ Bookkeeping: I help clients organize their books to make informed decisions about their personal/business outlook

What Sets Me Apart
Unlike most tax professionals who just focus on filing, I take the time to educate and empower my clients. My goal isn’t just to help with one year’s tax return—I want to help them build a lifetime of financial stability. I create personalized tax strategies so that if a client owes taxes this year, they can work toward a refund next year. I treat every client like family, ensuring they understand their finances instead of feeling intimidated by them.

I also believe taxes aren’t the enemy—a lack of financial literacy is. Taxes fund crucial services like education and healthcare, but too many taxpayers feel powerless because they don’t know how to use the system to their advantage. My job is to change that.

What I’m Most Proud Of
I’m proud of the transformations I’ve witnessed. I’ve seen clients go from drowning in tax debt to building savings. I’ve helped small business owners stay compliant and grow sustainably. The best compliment I ever received was from a friend-turned-client who told me, “I don’t see you as my friend anymore—you’re my tax person now!” That’s when I knew I was making a real impact.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

For over a decade, I worked in corporate America, helping businesses and high-net-worth individuals navigate the tax system. On paper, I was successful—I had a stable career, a steady income, and opportunities for growth. But something was missing. The work felt transactional, and at the end of the day, I was just helping the rich get richer. I didn’t feel fulfilled.

The moment that changed everything came when I helped a single mother of three secure a $15,000 tax refund. She had been struggling to make ends meet, unaware of the tax credits she was eligible for. When I walked her through the process and showed her what she was entitled to, the look in her eyes was life-changing—for both of us. She was relieved, grateful, and empowered. And I realized that was the kind of impact I wanted to make every day.

That’s when I made the biggest pivot of my career— serve everyday taxpayers, small business owners, and immigrant families who were being left behind by the system. It was a huge burden—I have a toddler and my wife is a business owner. We both work 12-16 hour days while raising a little one. The work is fulfilling and I wouldn’t trade it for the world.

Since that pivot, I’ve built a business centered on education, advocacy, and empowerment. I don’t just file taxes; I teach my clients how to navigate the system, avoid tax debt, and set themselves up for financial success. Looking back, leaving corporate was the best decision I ever made. Now, I wake up every day knowing my work changes lives.

What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?

The key to my business growth has been education, trust, and word-of-mouth referrals. Unlike traditional tax professionals who focus solely on filing returns, I take the time to educate and empower my clients. This approach has created a ripple effect—when people feel genuinely helped and informed, they spread the word.

Here are the strategies that have worked best for me:

1. Word-of-Mouth & Client Referrals
Nothing beats a happy client who shares their success story. The majority of my new clients come from referrals because people appreciate the time I take to educate them and the results I deliver. When I help someone get out of tax debt, maximize their refund, or create a better tax strategy, they tell their friends and family.

2. Social Media & Educational Content
I use social media to provide value rather than just sell services. By sharing tax tips, financial literacy advice, and real-life client success stories, I position myself as an expert and an advocate. This builds trust before a potential client even reaches out.

3. Community Engagement & Workshops
Hosting free tax workshops and financial literacy sessions has been a game-changer. Many people don’t know what they don’t know, so when I break down complex tax concepts in an easy-to-understand way, they see the value in working with me. These sessions also lead to new clients who want more personalized help.

4. Personalized, Year-Round Service
Most tax professionals disappear after April 15, but I stay engaged with my clients all year. Whether it’s tax planning, answering questions, or helping them adjust their finances for the next tax season, my clients know I’m invested in their success long-term. This builds loyalty and keeps them coming back.

5. A Reputation for Advocacy
People come to me not just because they need taxes filed, but because they know I fight for them. Whether it’s dealing with the IRS, navigating audits, or helping clients escape tax debt, I’ve built a reputation for being an advocate, not just a preparer. That sets me apart.

The Bottom Line
My best growth strategy has been simple: help people in a way that no one else does. When you genuinely care, educate, and advocate for your clients, they will not only stay with you but will bring others along.

Contact Info:

• Website: http://taxadvocate.taxdome.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taxadvocatellc/
• Other: https://linktr.ee/taxadvocatellc

Image Credits

Melissa Chavez