Loading profile…
John Karls — National Leader - Private Client Advisors Tax Practice and Family Office Industry · Armanino · Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex.
Direct contact
No direct contact on file for John yet.
About
John has nearly 30 years of experience consulting with successful individuals, families and closely held businesses. He is the national leader of both the Private Client Advisors tax practice and the Family Office industry. In these roles, John specializes in business succession and estate planning for his clients, helping them avoid the pitfalls that come with being highly successful by assisting with their income, trust, gift and estate tax needs. Additionally, he provides overall family entity structure consulting, as well as charitable, stock option and retirement planning.
His clientele consists of entrepreneurs, athletes, entertainers, executives, and family offices. John received his B.B.A. in accounting from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. He is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, the Texas Society of Certified Public Accountants, the Wisconsin Institute of Certified Public Accountants, the Dallas Estate Planning Council, and the Estate Planning Council of North Texas as well as proudly serving on The Catholic Foundation's Board of Trustees.
Experience
National Leader - Private Client Advisors Tax Practice and Family Office IndustryCurrent
Armanino Advisory LLC · Dallas, Texas, United States
Jan 2026 – Present
National Practice Leader - Private Client Advisors & Texas Practice Leader - Family Office Services
Armanino · Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex
Jan 2020 – Present
Q. How has your professional experience shaped your thinking about your area of expertise? Most high net worth individuals have worked hard to accumulate wealth. At some point in their lives, they want to transfer their wealth and accomplish that in the most tax efficient way, while still achieving charitable goals. I have come to understand that family issues, real or perceived, are the product of a lack of communication between generations. Too often none of the heirs truly know what the decedent wanted, and this typically creates unnecessary conflict. Q. How do you help your clients solve these challenges and meet their goals? Throughout my 20-year career, I have encountered many family dynamics and the associated issues that go along with them. My approach is casual and focused on what’s important to my client and how I can best serve them. Discussing death and taxes isn’t enjoyable, but it can be done productively and proactively. I listen carefully to understand my client’s goals, criteria and priorities. I establish a plan that addresses and accomplishes these principles in a tax efficient way, collaborating with their estate attorney and other advisors to ensure their best interests are at the forefront. Then I craft and deliver a powerful, yet individualized, estate plan to meet their needs. I provide peace of mind to my clients that their financial and charitable wishes will be accomplished. In addition, they receive comfort knowing that their wealth is being transferred tax efficiently to provide a majority of their assets to their beneficiaries and charities of choice. Q. What has been your greatest lesson learned over your career? Let your clients talk, and listen to them. Really hear what they want and what’s important to them. Don’t assume their goals based on similar facts or patterns of other clients.