• Sep 27, 2025

The Firmlever Weekly Roundup: Issue #29

  • Marc Howard

The Tools Edition

This is a special edition--The Tools Edition. Be sure to read until the end--it's time sensitive and I'll be watching for replies.

The Highlights: Tools Edition đź”§

  1. S-Corp Savings Calculator: I was playing around with "vibe coding" this week and built an S-Corp calculator. I'm thinking of making it available to accounting firms (white-labeled to your brand as a lead gen tool). Reply "S-Corp" to this email and I'll add your name to the list of those who get it for free once I create an embeddable white-label version. Here's a little video I made:

  1. Testing something new: Sometimes clients just need to see stuff visually before they grok it. So a 60-second client-call helper you can read on a call or paste in an email to your client might save the day. Use with your client or prospect and it gives them one clear takeaway that makes you look sharp.

    If you're interested just reply to this email with one line: your firm niche + the client moment you want solved in 60 seconds.

    Ideas to spark replies:

  • Sales-tax nexus quick check

  • Close-the-books timer

  • E-commerce margin nudge

  • Contractors WIP cash check

  • Dental hygiene utilization

I’ll pick a winner Friday and ship it next Saturday. Share bonus: forward this to a peer—if their reply wins, I’ll ask who referred them and credit both of you in the release.

  1. R&D “Refund Sweep” for Your Client List

    If your clients make or improve anything—a product, process, or software—there’s a government incentive that can mean real money back or lower taxes. Many firms never check. This tool makes it painless.


    What it does

    • Runs a quick estimate of potential R&D credits hiding in 2022–2024 (limited time to go back)

    • Flags which clients are most likely to qualify (U.S. engineering, contract R&D, prototypes, etc.)

    • Lets you peek at ongoing 2025+ savings if you want a recurring program

    Why it’s useful (even if you don’t “do tax”)

    • Create new wins for clients without extra staff or new software

    • Keep the relationship—BTI handles the heavy lift and delivers under your brand

    • Easy way to start advisory conversations and win new engagements

    👉 Run the Refund Sweep: R&D Calculator Link
    Want a quick consult? Book my buddy Allen

    R&D Credit Estimator tool

  2. WISP Compliance Risk & Penalty Calculator
    Want a fast way to quantify a client’s data-security exposure and spark a real advisory convo? This assessment gives you an instant compliance score plus estimated FTC/IRS penalties and state add-ons—then generates a tidy PDF you can share. It’s quick (yes/no questions), produces a clear risk meter + line-item table with regulatory sources, and doubles as a simple upsell path to WISP remediation. Perfect for reviews, renewals, and “why this matters” meetings.

    👉 Watch the 90-second walkthrough and try the WISP Calculator & report here.

(Disclosure: I may receive a partner share if you engage. I only recommend tools I’d use myself.)

What Else I'm Tracking This Week:

  1. Buyer quality is slipping—tighten the story: Quick read on why today’s business buyer pool is noisier and how your firm wins with clean numbers, disciplined add-backs, and a crisp narrative to defend valuation.

  2. A fun little quiz from the trailblazers over at Financial Cents: Helps you find your ideal tech stack.

  3. Podcast Invite: The next round of scheduling is now open for guests on my new podcast, Pitch Your Firm. (Get Invite):


Invite Friends, Get Free Stuff

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1 referral: The Top 25 Growth Strategies for Accounting Firms: 2025 Edition (ebook)
5 referrals: Any premium playbook or resource of your choice up to $497 for free
15 referrals: 60 Minute 1-on-1 Coaching Call with Me ($600 value)


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