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Trent Fouts

@trentfouts

Education and stakeholder relations leader turning complex systems into clear, trusted guidance in the tech and tax industry.

United States

Message

What I'm looking for

I help individuals, small businesses, and other tax professionals navigate tax planning, compliance, and strategy turning intimidating tax talk into clear, actionable insight. At the core of everything I do is education, integrity, and a genuine commitment to helping clients feel confident and supported every step of the way. Outside of work, I’m a Carolina Hurricanes hockey fan (GO CANES!), avid traveler, amateur drone enthusiast, and a foodie who’s always on the lookout for new culinary adventures.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Current

Tax Specialist & Owner

Current

The Tax Liaison

Oct 2025 - Present (8 months)

Provided comprehensive tax planning and advisory services for individuals and small businesses, optimizing strategies for compliance and savings. Represented clients in IRS audits and correspondence, advising on entity selection and structuring to improve long-term tax efficiency.

Client Relationship Management Tax Planning Tax Compliance Individual & small business advisory Continuing education & training Tax communication materials IRS audit representation Entity selection & structuring

Stakeholder Liaison (GS-12)

Internal Revenue Service

Nov 2024 - Sep 2025 (10 months)

Led public-facing outreach and education to help taxpayers, small businesses, and practitioners better understand IRS programs and compliance expectations. Developed targeted messaging and presentations using audience needs, program feedback, and survey data, elevating stakeholder pain points through IMRS to inform management recommendations.

Program Communications Stakeholder Outreach Messaging Strategy Cross Agency Coordination Tax education & training Public facing presentations Survey data analysis Feedback & issue escalation IMRS

Education Specialist II

Drake Software

Nov 2008 - Sep 2024 (15 years 10 months)

Designed and delivered training and technical presentations for tax professionals using Drake Software to improve product understanding, compliance awareness, and user adoption. Created course materials and supported virtual and in-person outreach events for up to 800 participants, while partnering with cross-functional teams to refine customer education and product communication.

Training Development Instructional Design Technical Writing Multimedia Content Creation Public Speaking Customer Education Product Communication Compliance Training Outreach Content Strategy

Military Intelligence Maintainer

U.S. Army

Aug 2007 - May 2008 (9 months)

Handled confidential materials and information, processed incoming and outgoing personnel records, and trained in de-escalation techniques for hostile situations. Supported readiness through adherence to security procedures and personnel administration processes.

Confidential Information Handling Personnel Records Processing Security Procedures Training & Instruction Threat De escalation Training Hostile Situation Response Military Intelligence Systems Administrative Support

General Manager

Tohema, LLC

May 2004 - Aug 2007 (3 years 3 months)

Managed hotel and operations for a growing hospitality business, overseeing HR functions, payroll, and payroll tax withholding and reporting. Supervised new construction projects (a $3.5M hotel and a $900,000 restaurant) and coordinated deliveries, pre-opening inspections, and grand opening marketing materials, including billboards.

Advertising & Marketing HR Administration Pre Opening Coordination FICA FUTA SUTA compliance Revenue yield management Hotel operations management Project supervision Advertising & marketing Customer Service Training

Controller & General Manager

Arch & Company Inc.

Mar 2000 - May 2004 (4 years 2 months)

Served as Controller and General Manager, preparing bi-weekly payroll and monthly revenue reporting across a corporation with five pass-through entities and seven DBAs. Managed Quality Inn operations (121-room property) and drove a 13% sales increase from 2000 to 2001, while producing hotel advertising and coordinating entertainer accommodations with Harrah’s Casino.