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Mike Sylvester, CPA

@fortwaynecpa.bsky.social
870 followers 586 following 413 posts

I am The Managing Partner at SBS CPA Group, in Fort Wayne, Indiana. I run The Collaboration Room with Rebecca Driscoll. I love helping firm owners! I love to travel and have been to 37 countries, all continents, and all of the oceans but one. I cook!

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Mike Sylvester, CPA @fortwaynecpa.bsky.social · 17/08/2025
I need to be the next IRS Commissioner... We need a modernized, streamlined, effective Internal Revenue Service and a simpler income tax code that is easier to administer.
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Mike Sylvester, CPA @fortwaynecpa.bsky.social · 25/05/2025
I am running a one hour session on selling your firm in the Collaboration Room at 16:00 on June 19th. I have sone a lot of consulting on this and have seen a lot of horror stories unfold. This one minute Loom video tells you a little more. www.loom.com/share/2da071...
loom.com
Upcoming Session on Selling Firms
In this video, I’m sharing details about an upcoming session I’ll be running on June 19th at 1600 EST, focusing on preparing your firm for sale. This follow-on session builds on Elizabeth Rue's previo...
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Mike Sylvester, CPA @fortwaynecpa.bsky.social · 25/05/2025
I expect 600 or more potential new clients to contact my firm in 2025 with zero dollars spent. It is time to make changes! www.loom.com/share/808f57...
loom.com
Upcoming Marketing Session 🚀
In this video, I’m sharing details about an upcoming session I’ll be running in the collaboration room June 27th at 1 PM EST focused on our marketing funnel. Currently, we’re not investing in marketin...
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Mike Sylvester, CPA @fortwaynecpa.bsky.social · 25/05/2025
www.loom.com/share/8e412d... I ran a Mastermind group this last week. Almost all of the firms in the group had the same problem. They are 2-4 weeks behind... We discussed how to resolve it. Attached is a three minute video about the best ways to deal with this problem. Be overstaffed!
loom.com
Mastermind Insights for CPA Firms 🚀
In this video, I share insights from a recent mastermind group I led within The Collaboration Room, focusing on the common challenges CPA firms face. Most participants reported being two to four weeks...
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Mike Sylvester, CPA @fortwaynecpa.bsky.social · 25/05/2025
A less than one minute video about things many CPA's and EA's would like to tell lenders about "Comfort Letters." www.loom.com/share/874054...
loom.com
Comic Relief on Comfort Letters
In this video, I share my frustrations about lenders expecting CPAs to write comfort letters without considering the implications. I recently received a request from a client for a comfort letter, and...
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Mike Sylvester, CPA @fortwaynecpa.bsky.social · 25/05/2025
This is a two minute "Boomer Mike" story. It involved Amazon, a new camera, and a USB-C cable... You should be able to make fun of yourself. www.loom.com/share/18a91e...
loom.com
The Boomer Mike Camera Saga
Hey there! In this video, I share my amusing experience trying to find a USB-C cable for my new Logitech camera. Despite my efforts, I ended up at multiple stores, only to find out they didn't have wh...
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Mike Sylvester, CPA @fortwaynecpa.bsky.social · 25/05/2025
Here is a fun, less than two minute video about the Collaboration Room. www.loom.com/share/5ac428...
loom.com
Building a Thriving CPA Community 🌟
In this video, I introduce myself as Mike Sylvester, a CPA from Fort Wayne, Indiana, and share insights about my firm and The Collaboration Room, an online community for accounting professionals. We h...
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Mike Sylvester, CPA @fortwaynecpa.bsky.social · 25/05/2025
It is scary how few Americans understand how their Social Security benefits are calculated.
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Mike Sylvester, CPA @fortwaynecpa.bsky.social · 21/05/2025
Social Security is a program that too many people do not understand. If you subscribe to Forbes check it out and if you like it follow me on Forbes. Note I have no affiliation with Forbes, I am a Tax Contributor. I write two pieces a month and it is a blast! www.forbes.com/sites/mikesy...
forbes.com
Mike Sylvester
Mike Sylvester's stories. Mike Sylvester covers tax policy with a focus on small businesses.
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The Collaboration Room @tcrtalks.bsky.social · 12/05/2025
We’re still matchmaking, #TaxSky #TaxBS 💘 @fortwaynecpa.bsky.social breaks it down in this video, but don’t blame him for the Cupid border. That was us. For the theme. For the drama. 😂 Sign up for the newsletter + get entered to win a free month inside TCR: manage.kmail-lists.com/subscription...
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The Collaboration Room @tcrtalks.bsky.social · 06/05/2025
Marketing isn’t just about doing more, it’s about knowing what actually works. In today’s TCR class, @fortwaynecpa.bsky.social shared how he tracks every campaign (even the old-school ones) to know what brings in the best clients. Want in on the next one? Join TCR!
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The Collaboration Room @tcrtalks.bsky.social · 05/05/2025
You don’t need a big ad budget to bring in clients. You just need the right system. @fortwaynecpa.bsky.social’s Basic Marketing class is tomorrow at 12PM ET in TCR. He’s walking through what worked to bring in 530+ leads without paid ads. Be there, #TaxBS #TaxSky! #MarketingForAccountants
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The Collaboration Room @tcrtalks.bsky.social · 02/05/2025
No fluff, just facts: scaling a firm is tough. @fortwaynecpa.bsky.social says it starts with a solid foundation. Clear processes, good software, and an efficient team. Catch his feature in the 2025 Workflow Report by Financial Cents: financial-cents.com/2025-workflo...
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The Collaboration Room @tcrtalks.bsky.social · 25/04/2025
Onboarding new clients without setting expectations? That is a fast pass to stress city. @fortwaynecpa.bsky.social shared at his tax season recap why spotting errors early saves heartache later and how it’s reshaping his firm’s onboarding process. Real talk for real results. #TaxSky #TaxBS
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Mike Sylvester, CPA @fortwaynecpa.bsky.social · 11/05/2025
I am a Forbes Tax Contributor. I have no affiliation with Forbes and write a couple of articles a month for Forbes. Please follow me on Forbes: www.forbes.com/sites/mikesy...
forbes.com
Mike Sylvester
Mike Sylvester's stories. Mike Sylvester covers tax policy with a focus on small businesses.
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Mike Sylvester, CPA @fortwaynecpa.bsky.social · 25/04/2025
I cooked some killed Portuguese chicken for dinner. Karena gave it a 9 of 10... I made enough for tomorrows Portuguese salad.
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Mike Sylvester, CPA @fortwaynecpa.bsky.social · 02/04/2025
I registered today. So did Karena... We will get there late Wed night and leave at 3 PM Sunday... Booked the hotel... I need to find a Peloton or spin class... Or two...
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Mike Sylvester, CPA @fortwaynecpa.bsky.social · 01/04/2025
I rode 240 miles on my Peloton this month... Great for me during tax season. I am impressed with myself...
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The Collaboration Room @tcrtalks.bsky.social · 28/03/2025
Not every return is straightforward, and that’s okay. In @fortwaynecpa.bsky.social's Mastermind, he shared how one new CPA reached out for help reviewing tough returns…and kept coming back. Sometimes, the best move is asking someone who’s been there. #TaxSky #TaxBS #AccountingCommunity
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Mike Sylvester, CPA @fortwaynecpa.bsky.social · 26/03/2025
93rd day of last 95 days riding Peloton before work...
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The Collaboration Room @tcrtalks.bsky.social · 20/03/2025
Thinking about starting a firm? The work is out there—but not all of it is worth taking. In @fortwaynecpa.bsky.social’s New Firm Group, we broke down how to find quality clients, avoid the bad ones, and price right. Because just being busy isn’t the goal, being profitable is. #TaxSky
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Mike Sylvester, CPA @fortwaynecpa.bsky.social · 19/03/2025
I put 11 returns out the door yesterday and isolated all day. Unfortunately I need to average 6 a day to be done on April 12th at end of day. I have a feeling I am working April 13th... #TaxBS #TaxSky
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Mike Sylvester, CPA @fortwaynecpa.bsky.social · 19/03/2025
Rode Peloton for 30 minutes before work today and was my personal best. Burned 302 calories and rode 8.92 miles. I have ridden 87 of 89 days since bike activated... I had to take two days off due to one of my knees... 11 returns out the door yesterday.
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The Collaboration Room @tcrtalks.bsky.social · 17/03/2025
A little luck & a lot of support to get through tax season! ☘️ Today @ 4PM ET: Chill & Chat w/ @eligabiff.bsky.social – Tax season pivots, client chaos, & a much-needed breather. 🍀 Wed 5PM ET: New Firm Group w/ @fortwaynecpa.bsky.social – Growth, challenges, & firm-building gold. #TaxBS #TaxSky
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Mike Sylvester, CPA @fortwaynecpa.bsky.social · 15/03/2025
I have been to 37 countries. How many have you been to? I do not count a country unless I have at least a day there.
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Mike Sylvester, CPA @fortwaynecpa.bsky.social · 06/03/2025
75th day riding the Pelton in a row...
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The Collaboration Room @tcrtalks.bsky.social · 05/03/2025
TCR co-founder @fortwaynecpa.bsky.social (also lovingly known as Boomer Mike if you’re on #TaxTwitter) built a firm, scaled it, and now spends his time helping tax pros get their growth strategy right. 500+ client inquiries a year? Yeah, he’s got the formula. Say hey to Mike! 👋
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The Collaboration Room @tcrtalks.bsky.social · 26/02/2025
Client: “I’m not filing this year, the IRS is disappearing.” Us: That’s… not how this works. @fortwaynecpa.bsky.social spoke to the @freep.com about the misinformation tax pros are hearing this season. #TaxSky, anyone want to share the wildest excuse they've heard so far?
freep.com
Early tax season still sluggish, while some applaud Trump's call to abolish the IRS
One CPA in a red state said some taxpayers don't want to file because of Trump talk about abolishing the IRS.
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The Collaboration Room @tcrtalks.bsky.social · 24/02/2025
🗓️ This Week at TCR: 🟢 Wed 4PM ET – @fortwaynecpa.bsky.social Mastermind: Firms w/ 5+ FTEs— let's talk. 🟢 Fri 12PM ET – Boundary Support w/ @eligabiff.bsky.social: Hold firm on limits this season (private, no recording). 🟢 Fri 3PM ET – Client Leads w/ Michael Jamison: Find & keep the right clients
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The Collaboration Room @tcrtalks.bsky.social · 21/02/2025
Tax season is stressful enough—but figuring things out alone? 💆🏻 Financial Cents featured @fortwaynecpa.bsky.social & TCR as a space where accounting pros ask questions, get help fast, and share those “oh wow, I’m not the only one?” moments. Because we all need a sounding board sometimes.
linkedin.com
Doing Joyful Work
Joy isn’t just a fleeting emotion—it can actually boost your productivity and well-being. According to Ingrid Fetell Lee, author of Joyful, even small tweaks like adding a pop of color to your workspace, keeping a favorite trinket nearby, or letting in natural light can spark moments of joy that shi
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Mike Sylvester, CPA @fortwaynecpa.bsky.social · 21/02/2025
63rd day in a row riding our Pelotons. Karena (my wife) and I are partners at a CPA firm so doing this is impressive for us... I did a 30 minute ride with Denis Morton today.
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Mike Sylvester, CPA @fortwaynecpa.bsky.social · 21/02/2025
Hard to believe I am watching a hockey game...
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Mike Sylvester, CPA @fortwaynecpa.bsky.social · 19/02/2025
My goodness things are just so wild over on X... Arguing with another tax pro about whether an individual who is a CPA and had 5 or 6 years private/public accounting experience and just switched over to work for the IRS is a "Traitor." My goodness... They are NOT a traitor.
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Mike Sylvester, CPA @fortwaynecpa.bsky.social · 19/02/2025
60 days riding Pelotons in a row for Karena and I...
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Mike Sylvester, CPA @fortwaynecpa.bsky.social · 14/02/2025
President Trumps DOJ is dropping charges against the Mayor of NYC. Six senior DOJ officials have resigned. What do you think is going on?
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Mike Sylvester, CPA @fortwaynecpa.bsky.social · 13/02/2025
Gaza will never be a high-end real estate development should it be.
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taxgirl @taxgirl.bsky.social · 06/02/2025
It turns out that IRS can’t operate without some of its employees. Remember those deferred resignation offers? Some IRS workers have now been told they may not qualify until after tax season is over. And if they've already accepted? They have to come back. www.forbes.com/sites/kellyp...
forbes.com
IRS Workers Who Took Trump Resignation Offer Will Have To Work Anyway
After sending out an offer to federal employees encouraging them to resign, some IRS workers have been told they may not qualify—until after tax season is over.
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Mike Sylvester, CPA @fortwaynecpa.bsky.social · 10/02/2025
I am sorry, Kristi Noem is out of control. Anyone who thinks it is a good idea to retask IRS agents and use them to "apprehend and remove" undocumented immigrants has a few screws loose. Most IRS agents are accountants with no law enforcement training. Almost 98%... Good grief...
media.tenor.com
a woman says this is stupid in a netflix advertisement
ALT: a woman says this is stupid in a netflix advertisement
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The Collaboration Room @tcrtalks.bsky.social · 07/02/2025
🎙️ We’re back with Mike on the Mic! @fortwaynecpa.bsky.social hit The Big 4 Transparency Podcast to chat about his career pivot to accounting, scaling a firm with his wife, and planning for retirement. Oh, and we can’t forget the Intuit “Break-up with your tax pro” fiasco! Tune in 👇
podcasts.apple.com
Success and Succession with Mike Sylvester
Podcast Episode · The Big 4 Transparency Podcast · 24/10/2024 · 49m
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Mike Sylvester, CPA @fortwaynecpa.bsky.social · 05/02/2025
My goodness Nancy Mace posted on X that she wants to: "Let’s turn Gaza into Mar-A-Lago." She is a member of The House of Representatives. I am baffled...
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Mike Sylvester, CPA @fortwaynecpa.bsky.social · 05/02/2025
President Trump just held a press conference and wants The US to take a long term ownership position in The Gaza Strip. He looks at this as a real estate development... What a terrible idea... He wants the people of Gaza to leave and expects Jordan and Egypt to take them in. Good grief...
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Megan Justice @meganajustice.bsky.social · 02/02/2025
Call your Senators and Representative. Get on the phone. Leave a message and include your name and zip code. I'll work through a possible script below: 1/
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Mike Sylvester, CPA @fortwaynecpa.bsky.social · 02/02/2025
My goodness President just put tariffs on Canada, Mexico, and China. Canada? Really, Canada? Good grief.
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Mike Sylvester, CPA @fortwaynecpa.bsky.social · 01/02/2025
Funniest poll I have over on X. Am I smarter or is President Trump. The poll is close... I am ahead; however, not by much.
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Mike Sylvester, CPA @fortwaynecpa.bsky.social · 29/01/2025
40th consecutive day riding our Pelotons... 20 hours ridden... Tax season be damned...
media.tenor.com
a woman is riding an exercise bike with the words come on peloton written on it
ALT: a woman is riding an exercise bike with the words come on peloton written on it
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The Collaboration Room @tcrtalks.bsky.social · 29/01/2025
Firms with more than 5 full-time employees, today’s your day! @fortwaynecpa.bsky.social's Mastermind Group meets at 4 PM EST, and we’re kicking off with a meet-and-greet and some real talk about marketing for new clients. Let’s figure it out together. See you soon? TCR link in the bio!
thecollaborationroom.circle.so
Join Now | The Collaboration Room
Explore Join Now space in The Collaboration Room
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The Collaboration Room @tcrtalks.bsky.social · 28/01/2025
Starting a firm is hard— @fortwaynecpa.bsky.social gets it. In his New Firm Group, he shared advice on client onboarding: ✔️ Screen carefully. ✔️ Set expectations early. ✔️ Don’t take on someone else’s problem clients. Looking for support on your new firm journey? TCR is the place!
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Mike Sylvester, CPA @fortwaynecpa.bsky.social · 27/01/2025
I generally can admit when I am wrong. I did NOT think that President Trump was going to swing far to the right in the culture wars via Executive Orders. I was wrong... I can admit it. There is a middle position 60% of American can agree with on culture wars.
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Mike Sylvester, CPA @fortwaynecpa.bsky.social · 26/01/2025
What are your thoughts on so many Inspector Generals being fired? I do not care for it. I am angry that they generate reports for Congress and Congress reforms nothing; however, we need this position in place as a check and balance.
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The Collaboration Room @tcrtalks.bsky.social · 23/01/2025
Well, @fortwaynecpa.bsky.social's podcast takeover has begun (we’re sad to report it’s not a rap battle, though). 🎙️ First up? His episode with Financial Cents—covering everything from submarines to global adventures to growing a CPA firm. 🌍 🎧 Give it a listen 👇
financial-cents.com
Mike Sylvester's Time on a Nuclear Submarine, Traveling to 37 Countries, Running a Successful CPA Firm, and The Collaboration Room: A World Where Adventure and Business Collide - Financial Cents
Financial Cents recently spoke with Mike Sylvester, CPA. He shares the motivations behind all his adventures and how he keeps work in check.
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