About Telos Tax & Accounting
I launched Telos Tax & Accounting in 2025 to help everyday Americans. I believe that everyone should have access to a tax professional – just because your return doesn’t need services starting at $500+ doesn’t mean that you should have to trust your luck with a computer or an uncredentialled preparer.
As an Enrolled Agent (EA), I can meet you in this gap. I am a federally-authorized preparer subject to continuing education requirements, which means you can be sure that I am always striving to improve my knowledge. Additionally, I am subject to the same Circular 230 rules regarding conduct, ethical standards, and discipline as a CPA. Learn more about the EA credential.
Why Telos?
The word telos refers to the end, purpose, or goal of something. I chose it to be a daily reminder that my business exists to help you reach the purpose for which you were made. Learn more about what I mean by telos.
Because my goal is to help you achieve your telos, I do not take a transactional approach to preparation. Rather than in-season appointments that can seem rushed and leave you feeling overwhelmed, I offer a short meeting once the return is ready to ensure you understand your return before you sign it. Your preparation package also includes 30 minutes of off-season consulting. Whether you use this time to ask questions, talk over a decision, or just to shoot the breeze is up to you, so you can be comfortable knowing you have access to me when you need it.
Nathan Powell, EA
Hello, I'm the man behind the curtain here at Telos Tax & Accounting. After a decade of chasing the rootless lifestyle our culture says is the American Dream, my wife and I returned to my family's roots in rural north Missouri where we are raising our two children (with number three on the way!).
I like to combine an old-world flair with a down-to-earth mentality. This means I wear a tie in my office nearly every day, but there might just be a little dirt under my fingernails.
My dream is to help revitalize the small towns and communities that form the bedrock of our nation by assisting small businesses, farms, and aspiring entrepreneurs to strive for excellence and thereby create a strong local economy with stable jobs that can support families.
Why not DIY?
With so many software options available today, it can seem easier than ever to prepare you own return. So why should you choose to work with a professional? Here's three reasons:
While software can help you plug the information in, it cannot review the return for accuracy for you. When you work with me, I review your return to make sure that not only were the numbers put in correctly but they also carry through accurately to the output. With a tax code over 4 million words long and with an average of 369 changes to it each year, even learning what portions of the code are relevant to your situation may be overwhelming.
According to the National Taxpayers Union Foundation, the average non-business individual taxpayer spent 8 hours and $160 annually preparing their return in 2025. For those filing with businesses, that rises to 24 hours and $620! Working with me can reduce the time you spend meeting your filing obligations, freeing you up to focus on your family, business, or community.
Software cannot replace the value of a real human relationship. If you rely on software to get your return prepared, will you have someone to turn to with your tax questions? Online forums and chatbots are a poor substitute for having a professional who is familiar with your situation and is cheering for your long-term success. Your experience working with me should never feel interchangeable with doing the work of preparing your return yourself.
The principle of local
Since you are a person situated in a real place, I believe you will be best served by working with a tax professional near you. As such, my focus is on working with clients within driving distance of my office in Chillicothe, MO. That said, if you are not able to locate someone who will meet your needs locally, my firm is set up with the systems necessary to serve you fully remotely.
I utilize a secure online platform that will allow you to upload, review, and sign documents remotely. You can also send and receive secure messages through this portal. In order to protect your privacy, I will not send documents containing sensitive information via email or text message and I ask that you do the same.
