the life and times..

I'm an Enrolled Agent representing musicians and music industry professionals nationwide.  Enrolled Agents are the only tax professionals tested by IRS on their knowledge of tax law and regulations, and because we are federally-licensed, the only tax professionals that may represent clients in any part of the country. We provide tax preparation, representation, tax planning and other financial services to individual and business taxpayers.

In my younger days, I toured internationally as a guitarist, sharing the stage with many of the top country artists in the 80's and early 90's.  Most of the touring years were spent as a sideman for various acts, but in 1990 I stepped out as a bandleader.   I've traveled in busses, planes, cars, vans, and even a bread truck.  Our tours generally lasted 13 weeks, with a 2 week break in between.  Hard core road dogging was harder in those days, with no cell phones, computers, or online banking.  My how times have changed.

In 1993, I began concentrating more on studio work, engineering, and writing instrumental music.  I morphed into a studio hand on sessions across the Midwest.  The instrumental catalog grew on it's own.  Today, my own catalog is over 1500 cuts.  At the height of my engineering career I was working in 13 different studios.  Two inch analog was still the format of choice, and I can still edit a single note out of a reel if you give me enough time, light, and reading glasses.  I ended up on hundreds of records and demos playing guitar, bass, or drums along with producing and mixing.  I still work in my private studio writing and playing on select projects during the off season.

In 2000 a friend asked for help doing some taxes.  I had been keeping my own books for my business since age 14.  Taught by a fairly stiff double entry bean counter named Mom.  

She was good.  

My Dads excavating business found interesting discussions about tax laws and their effects at the kitchen table.  His guests included many farmers and land owners. 

I still like to have coffee with old guys that know a lot of stuff.

I kept books on the road using the old Dome Bookkeeping System. I dug when Excel came along, but laptops were not yet invented.  Accounting was always a big part of my family's life and I did carry that forward from the very start.  Leading an organized financial life is important to the success of an artist, whether they realize it or not.  Most don't.  If you don't, I hope you have the courage to start.

Small Business is where I live.  

I like it here.  

I handle business management for a limited number of clients, and tax returns for a wide variety of music related companies and musicians.

Artists making the transition from label to DYI benefit most from building a tax and accounting strategy with proper fiscal timing and compliance.

I'm a member of the Minnesota State Bar Association Tax Section and the California Society of Enrolled Agents.

If you feel its time to work with a specialized boutique tax firm, we would like to hear from you.

Brad Heck