Kelly Gillette

Bio

With over three decades of experience in tax compliance and strategic planning, Kelly has built a reputation as a trusted advisor to entrepreneurs, ultra-high-net-worth individuals, families, and nonprofit organizations. Kelly’s expertise lies in designing forward-thinking strategies that harmonize her clients’ personal, business, and philanthropic ambitions, proactively aligning their financial objectives with evolving opportunities and challenges. Her comprehensive approach ensures all facets of her clients’ wealth planning are seamlessly integrated for long-term success.

Kelly's approach to long-term planning is complemented by her commitment to fostering transparent and collaborative relationships. She actively engages with her clients' broader advisory teams, including financial planners, estate attorneys, wealth managers, and other specialists, to ensure that all perspectives are represented. By bringing these experts together in unified discussions, Kelly streamlines the planning process, saving clients valuable time and delivering cohesive, comprehensive strategies. Her dedication to collaboration not only enhances the quality of advice but also ensures that all aspects of a client’s financial landscape are aligned with their overarching goals, creating actionable solutions with greater efficiency and impact.

As a thought leader, Kelly has authored numerous articles for Armanino and has been featured in top-tier publications such as The Wall Street Journal, CNBC, MarketWatch, and Financial Advisor Magazine. She frequently shares insights on critical topics, including tax-efficient estate planning, state residency rules for high-income taxpayers, retirement plan regulations, and legislative changes impacting high net worth taxpayers.

Kelly’s achievements have been recognized by her inclusion in Forbes’ prestigious list of America’s Top 200 CPAs, underscoring her industry expertise and commitment to excellence. Kelly’s expertise in multigenerational wealth transfer and her ability to navigate the complexities of tax and financial planning make her a trusted advisor for clients managing substantial wealth. Her client-first approach, combined with strong leadership and deep technical knowledge, positions her as an invaluable partner in creating comprehensive strategies tailored to her clients' unique goals and challenges.

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 and the Dallas Estate Planning Council.

Q&A

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.

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.

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.

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.