Kelly Gillette, CPA

Bio

Over 25 years of experience advising successful individuals, families, nonprofit organizations, and entrepreneur-owned businesses with their tax planning has enabled Kelly to understand a wide range of personal, business and not-for-profit tax and financial planning issues. She advises her clients on how to accomplish their goals with careful long-term planning, and puts open communication and trust at the forefront of her client relationships. Her clients know they can contact her any time, and she will provide the answers they need in a timely manner. Kelly is a proponent of improving coordination and collaboration among her clients and their advisors, to form a comprehensive plan that will help the client achieve their goals efficiently and effectively.

Kelly received her B.B.A. with honors from Texas A&M University and her MBA with concentrations in taxation and finance from the University of Texas at Dallas. She is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, the Texas Society of Certified Public Accountants (state and local chapters), and the Dallas Estate Planning Council. In addition, she has completed both basic and advanced collaborative interdisciplinary training, and is a member of the International Association of Collaborative Professionals and Collaborative Divorce Texas.

*Kelly holds her interest in the firm through KMG Operations PLLC

Experience

Travis Wolff, LLP
Nicholas Montgomery LLP

Associations

American Institute of Certified Public Accountants
Texas Society of Certified Public Accountants
Dallas Estate Planning Council
Collaborative Divorce Texas
International Academy of Collaborative Professionals

Education

University of Texas at Dallas
Texas A&M University

Q&A

Most people who want to build wealth are concerned with current tax minimization and preserving for the future. However, one challenge they continuously face is uncertainty about how all the pieces interconnect to create an overall plan for their family and related entities. Increasingly complex tax laws and a changing economic climate are often cause for more concern, and make the role of a seasoned professional tax advisor essential for achieving their goals.

A number of years ago, a client contacted me for tax compliance aid, and I soon discovered he was lacking an overall strategy for building and protecting his wealth. We collaborated with his investment advisors and attorney to develop a long-term strategy to achieve his financial goals, by creating a multi-dimensional plan and adjusting it to keep pace with changing tax regulations and maximize uncovered opportunities, when possible. After he and his spouse passed away, over 50 percent of the assets, most of which had greatly appreciated, were transferred to their children and grandchildren, whom I continue to work with today to carry on the family legacy.

When I hear a heartfelt “thank you,” I know I made a difference in that client’s life. It’s absolutely one of the most rewarding parts of what I do.

When discussing past returns and structures with new clients, I often see missed opportunities for tax savings and deferrals. I also frequently see a need for improved coordination and collaboration among the client’s advisors, in order to form a comprehensive plan that will help the client achieve his or her financial goals.