#Business Strategy #Tax Consultant #Sho Ichinosawa

The Evolution of Tax Professionals: Insights and Strategies for Success

In today’s competitive environment, where customer needs are rapidly changing, the role of tax professionals is reshaping dramatically. The traditional model of billing clients with a monthly retainer fee of around 30,000 yen is becoming increasingly insufficient. Sho Ichinosawa, a highly sought-after tax consultant and founder of Liberdade Co., Ltd., is spearheading a revolutionary approach to tax advisory services.

On July 11, 2025, Ichinosawa will be hosting a seminar in Tokyo titled “Breaking Free from Price Competition! Winning Strategies for Tax Professionals in the AI Era.” This event is organized by Nippon Bizup Co., Ltd., and will cover essential insights on how tax advisors can evolve amidst the growing influence of AI and changing market demands.

The Current Landscape of Tax Advisory Services

Approximately half of tax professionals receive retainers between 10,000 and 30,000 yen per month. The typical service provided includes quarterly meetings with clients, telephone support for inquiries, and additional fees for annual settlement reports. However, the prevalent practice of low pricing often leads tax advisors to take on additional tasks outside their retainer agreements, resulting in overwork and burnout. This situation is exacerbated by the rise of AI technologies that threaten to replace traditional documentation and compliance tasks altogether.

As business owners face a landscape increasingly affected by digital transformation, labor shortages, and rising costs, they are searching for tax professionals who can provide not only tax expertise but also strategic business insights and financial management. The demand is shifting towards advisors who can demonstrate how their services can directly contribute to their clients' growth and profitability.

The Seminar: Transformational Tactics for Success

During this pivotal seminar, Ichinosawa will share three practical strategies designed to help tax professionals reinvent themselves as management consultants. With experience supporting over 100 companies in improving their financial management, Ichinosawa is well-positioned to guide others in adapting to the new demands of the industry.

Attendees will learn:

• - The Reality of the Tax Industry: A look into current challenges and the impending wave of consolidation expected over the next five years.
• - Understanding the Low-Value Trap: Insights into why many firms become trapped by low-priced services and how to break free.
• - Common Pitfalls: Identifying the traits that cause clients to disengage from their advisors—spotting the “misunderstanding tax advisors.”
• - Delivering True Value: The reasons why clients are willing to pay 150,000 yen monthly for tax consultancy and what kind of value they are truly seeking.
• - Transitioning from Accounting to Management: Techniques for providing financial improvement consulting and transforming the client relationship.
• - Building a Resilient Firm: How to develop a firm that attracts top talent and avoids the pitfalls of the busy season and excessive workloads.
• - Actionable Reform: Steps to transition from being a