# CPA Partners

Source: https://integrityfinancialplan.com/cpa-partners
Last updated: 2026-09-28

A peer-to-peer resource for Houston CPAs from Ryan Firth, CPA/PFS, CFP®. QSBS and Section 1202, cash balance plans, cross-purchase buy-sell agreements, and how to add strategic advice without selling products.


Stop being just a tax preparer. Become your client's most trusted strategic advisor. Ryan Firth, CPA/PFS, CFP®, works with Houston CPAs as a peer, helping you engage in technical planning conversations and implement the strategies that protect your best clients.

## Key takeaways

- Download the CPA Survival Guide for the mechanics of the Section 1202 QSBS exclusion, cash balance plans, and cross-purchase buy-sell agreements.
- Integrity Financial Planning is fee-only and does not prepare tax returns; we work alongside CPAs rather than replacing them.
- Ryan Firth, CPA/PFS, CFP®, is available as a subject-matter resource for technical client conversations.

## Who this is for

- Houston CPAs and firms with business-owner and high-income clients
- Preparers who want to add planning conversations without becoming product salespeople
- Firms looking for a fee-only, non-competing referral partner for investment management

## Problems it solves

- Clients ask about QSBS, cash balance plans, and buy-sell funding, and the answer has to be right the first time
- Advisory revenue that depends on compliance season
- Referral partners who sell products and put the CPA's reputation at risk

## What makes it different

We are fee-only and not a CPA firm, so we never compete for tax work and never earn commissions on your clients. Ryan has served on the TXCPA Houston Board of Directors and presents continuing education to the Houston CPA community.

## Download the CPA Survival Guide

The guide covers the advanced planning strategies that drive revenue, build loyalty, and protect your best clients:

- How to leverage the [$15 million QSBS exclusion](/cpa-partners/qsbs-exit-guide) for C-corporation clients
- How a cash balance plan can create six-figure tax deductions for high-income professionals
- The mechanics of a cross-purchase buy-sell agreement

## Ryan Firth, CPA/PFS, CFP®

As a fellow CPA and financial planner, Ryan understands the professional pressures you face. He serves as a subject-matter expert and peer-to-peer resource for Houston CPAs, helping you engage in highly technical discussions and implement the advanced planning strategies that solidify your advisory role. [Read Ryan's bio](/about/ryan-firth).

## Recent case studies for CPAs

- [The $15 million exit mistake: how Section 1202 QSBS eliminates capital gains tax](/insights/section-1202-qsbs-exit-tax)
- [Case study: the anesthesiology group that saved $1.2 million](/insights/case-study-the-anesthesiology-group-that-saved-dollar12-million)
- [Case study: how a simple business pivot almost cost a tech founder $2.4M in taxes](/insights/case-study-how-a-simple-business-pivot-almost-cost-a-tech-founder-dollar24m-in-taxes)
- [Building business resilience with captive insurance](/insights/building-business-resilience-how-to-turn-uninsured-risks-into-tax-savings-with-captive-insurance)

## Frequently asked questions

### Do you pay referral fees to CPAs?

No. We do not pay or accept referral fees. Relationships with CPAs are professional and reciprocal, and any arrangement would be disclosed as required.

### Will you compete with me for tax work?

No. Integrity Financial Planning is not a CPA firm and does not prepare returns. We plan with the return in mind and send the implementation back to you.

### Can you join a client meeting?

Yes. Ryan regularly joins CPA-client calls to discuss entity structure, retirement plan design, or exit planning.