Kelly Gillette, CPA

Partner, Armanino LLP

Client relationships are based on open communication and trust.

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Bio

Meet Kelly*

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

Contact Kelly Gillette

Experience

Professional History

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

What are some of the main challenges your clients face?
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.
Q. What was your favorite client engagement, and why?
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.
Q. What is the most rewarding part of your work?
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.
What are some of the common areas for improvement you see with new clients?
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.
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Industries Served
Kelly's Thought Leadership
2022 Election Results: 6 Key Areas That Could Impact You and Your Business
Article
Here’s how the election may affect TCJA, the R&D credit, the Inflation Reduction Act, retirement savings and more.

November 15, 2022
Timely Year-End Planning Helps High-Net-Worth Client Achieve Charitable Goals, Future-Proof Wealth
Case Study
A client gains peace of mind in a volatile market with a holistic charitable donation and wealth transfer strategy.

November 07, 2022
Regulatory and Industry News Alerts from Armanino
Article
The proposed provisions will affect individuals with income over $400K.

October 11, 2021