Biography of Keith Gardner CPA

Keith Gardner, CPA, has built a career defined by steady guidance and careful attention to detail in tax matters.As the founder and managing partner of Keith Gardner, CPA, PLLC, he has devoted years to helping individuals and businesses address tax issues that often feel insurmountable. From the outset, his work has consistently reflected a strong belief in preparation, integrity, and clear communication.
Founding the Firm: Keith Gardner, CPA, PLLC
After spending over 13 years working at the Internal Revenue Service’s Office as both a revenue agent and an appeals officer, he developed a deep understanding of how tax decisions are made. In 1996, he decided to leave the IRS and start his practice. His goal was to put his knowledge to work for taxpayers who needed a reliable advocate.
Today, he oversees a team of seven professionals operating from 8 Greenway Plaza in Houston, Texas.Although the office is in Houston, the firm serves clients across the United States. People come for help with unfiled returns, audits, tax liens, and back taxes. The firm has settled hundreds of millions in tax liabilities and continues to guide clients through each stage of their tax situations.
The company offers IRS representation, tax preparation, and accounting services. Every matter is handled with focus and respect for the details that shape the outcome. His experience within the IRS helps him approach negotiations and filings with a clear strategy.
IRS Insight That Makes a Difference
One of his strengths is understanding precisely what the IRS will expect. Because he spent years within the agency, he is familiar with the triggers that lead to examinations, the documents that matter most, and how to prepare thorough responses.
He uses this insight not as speculation but as the product of experience. This knowledge allows him to help clients avoid unnecessary delays and to protect their interests. Whether the issue is a complex negotiation or a simple inquiry, he relies on the same steady process.
Meeting Clients Where They Are
Many of the people who reach out to the firm are worried or discouraged. Some have ignored letters for years. Others are unsure how to interpret the notices they have received. A few are faced with balances they have no idea how to pay.
At Keith Gardner, CPA, PLLC, every client is treated with respect and patience. He listens closely to each situation, gathers all the facts, and explains the options clearly. Instead of making grand promises, he stays focused on what can be realistically achieved. He believes in taking the necessary steps to help the client return to a better position.
Belief in Practical Solutions
Over the years, he has learned that no tax matter is truly without hope. Resolving a problem might take effort and time, but there is always a way forward.
This belief has helped many clients regain their stability and avoid harsh consequences. It also fuels his commitment to continue practicing after nearly three decades.
He does not view himself as someone who performs miracles. Instead, he views his role as that of a guide who helps clients weigh their options and make the best decision for their unique circumstances.
His clients come from many different backgrounds. Some are individuals, and others run businesses, but they all share one thing in common: a need for honest and steady guidance.
Hands-On Leadership
Although the firm has grown since its inception, he remains closely involved in the work. He reviews the cases himself, speaks with clients, and ensures that the advice given is consistent with his experience and standards.
This personal involvement is one of the reasons so many clients recommend the firm to others. Many have worked with him for years, and new clients often arrive through word-of-mouth referrals.
He also keeps track of changes in tax law and IRS procedures. He believes that staying informed is essential for delivering high-quality service. Over time, he has also supported efforts to improve standards in the tax resolution field, enabling clients to feel confident in the professionals they hire.
Nationwide Service, Local Feel
While the firm is open during business hours from Monday to Friday, clients can be confident that help is available when needed. The firm serves clients nationwide, utilizing modern technology to handle cases from start to finish without requiring an office visit.
Even with a nationwide reach, the company has kept a close-knit culture. Each team member understands that their work has a significant impact on people’s lives. They are not simply preparing forms or answering letters.They are helping clients resolve serious financial challenges.
This shared purpose guides the firm's daily operations.
What Keeps Him Going
When asked what motivates him after all these years, he does not mention statistics or large settlements. He discusses the relief clients experience when their problems are resolved. Every letter that no longer needs a reply, every balance that is finally settled, and every client who feels at ease again these are the outcomes that matter most.
He does not see success as defeating the IRS. He views it as a means of achieving fairness and helping people move forward with greater confidence.
Keith Gardner, CPA, began his career within the IRS, but he has dedicated decades to standing beside those who need support and solutions. Through practical guidance, consistency, and respect, he remains a trusted resource in tax resolution.