Real Tax Strategies. Real Results.
You earned it. We help you keep it. Simple as that.
I started doing tax returns in the 80s as a farm kid with sparse funds. I figured learning the code was the only way to keep my hard-earned money.
30 years later, I'm still doing it. I operate The Real Tax Guy because I believe small business owners deserve the same high-level strategy as the big corporations.
I'm based in Duluth, I speak plain English, and I don't wear a suit. Recently, 50,000 people started following me on social media for one reason: I help them keep what they earn. Simple as that.
TJ Thorlackson
"The Real Tax Guy"
What Our Clients Say
TJ is awesome! My accountant never talks to me about my small business taxes the way TJ does.
I never knew how many deductions I was missing out on. Thanks to TJ, my annual tax filing is finally on track.
I now have the confidence that I am saving all I can and I am finally getting a refund, Thank you, TJ.
Common Questions
Do I have to live in Duluth to work with you?
Not at all. While we love our local clients here in Minnesota, we work with business owners across the entire country. We use secure portals for documents and video calls for meetings, so you get the same level of service whether you're down the street or in Arizona.
What’s the difference between "Tax Prep" and "Tax Strategy"?
Think of Tax Prep as "reporting history"—we take what happened last year and put it on the right forms. Tax Strategy is "writing history"—we look ahead to structure your business, investments, and expenses in a way that legally minimizes what you owe. Strategy is where the real savings happen.
How much does a consultation cost?
It depends on what you need. A quick chat with our staff about filing your returns is generally free. A deep-dive Tax Strategy Session with TJ is a paid service because you're getting a custom-built plan that often saves clients thousands of dollars. We'll always be upfront about costs before you book.
What if I get audited?
We stand by our work. If you receive a notice from the IRS or state, we'll help you understand it and respond. We don't just file your taxes and disappear; we're here to support you year-round.