Dead Wrong Tax Decisions Business Owners Keep Making with Chris Wittich (CPA Perspective) (Ep. 6)

What if better tax planning started long before April, or even before you decide to sell your business? This episode pulls back the curtain on how small business owners and advisors can think differently about taxes, compensation, and long-term planning.

In this episode of Zombie Advisor, James Knapp sits down with Chris Wittich, MBT, CPA, and partner at Boyum, to talk through real-world tax planning strategies for business owners at every stage. Chris shares how his career in tax started at age 15, preparing returns by hand, and how that early experience shaped his practical, people-first approach today. Together, they identify common gaps James and Chris see when reviewing new business tax returns, especially in owner compensation and retirement planning. The conversation also explores how tax strategy changes when a business owner is preparing for an eventual sale, whether to private equity, family, or internal successors. The episode wraps with an important look at estate organization, Minnesota estate tax considerations, and why clarity and preparation matter just as much as tax savings.

What to expect:

• Why the owner pay strategy is often the first sign of missed tax planning
• How compensation decisions impact retirement plans, FICA taxes, and flexibility
• What business owners should consider years before selling their company
• Estate planning realities, organization tips, and common pitfalls families face
• And more!

Resources:

• Estate Organization

Connect with us!

• Boyum Wealth Architects
• LinkedIn: James Knapp, CFP®
• LinkedIn: Boyum Wealth Architects
• [email protected]
• Subscribe to the podcast here!

Connect with Chris Wittich:

• LinkedIn: Chris Wittich, CPA

About Our Guest:

Chris Wittich is a partner at Boyum Wealth Architects and holds both an MBT and a CPA designation. With nearly 20 years of experience working with individuals and small business owners, Chris specializes in tax planning, business strategy, estate tax matters, and advisory support for the beauty and salon industry. His approach focuses on helping clients make informed decisions through clarity, organization, and long-term thinking.