The growing complexity of the American tax system continues to present formidable challenges for small business owners, particularly those from immigrant backgrounds. Recent years have seen a sharp increase in tax code changes, regulatory updates, and compliance requirements that have left many entrepreneurs struggling to maintain financial order. Small businesses often face disproportionate risks of audits, penalties, and operational disruptions due to a lack of access to affordable, accurate tax and compliance guidance. For immigrant-led enterprises, these challenges are compounded by language barriers, unfamiliarity with local regulations, and structural inefficiencies that can lead to costly errors.

Indeed, statistical data underscores the extent of this problem. An estimated 76% of small business owners nationwide now outsource tax preparation, yet the U.S. still sees billions collected annually in penalties from businesses for filing mistakes or compliance failures. The issue has become particularly pressing for foreign entrepreneurs who often navigate not only the complexities of federal and state tax law but also the additional burdens of cross-border financial reporting and regulatory differences between the U.S. and their countries of origin. These difficulties frequently result in missed deductions, excessive tax payments, and financial strain that can limit a company’s growth or viability.

In response to these persistent obstacles, Brazilian tax law specialist Fernanda Britto will be establishing Wise Planner, a consulting firm designed to support both domestic and international entrepreneurs operating in the United States. The company will focus on providing informed guidance on tax structuring, compliance, and financial management, particularly for clients operating across borders or facing the added complexities associated with immigrant-owned businesses.

Britto brings a unique blend of expertise to this endeavor, developed over more than two decades working in tax advisory, business structuring, and legal compliance. Her career began in 2001 following her completion of a technical degree in accounting, with an early emphasis on taxation. Driven by a commitment to deepen her understanding of both the financial and legal aspects of business, she pursued a law degree in 2005 and later completed a specialization in tax law. Her professional experience spans 14 years of advising clients in Brazil, including businesses in sectors as diverse as healthcare, manufacturing, education, and retail. Her role frequently required her to navigate the complexities of Brazilian tax codes while addressing the operational challenges faced by companies with international dealings.

“The systems in place are not designed with newcomers in mind,” Britto explains. “What I hope to accomplish is to make these processes understandable and manageable, so that business owners can focus on growth rather than worrying about compliance mistakes.”

The consulting firm will be positioned to serve a particularly vulnerable segment of the U.S. business community—immigrant entrepreneurs from Brazil, Latin America, and beyond—who statistically face higher rates of financial mismanagement and regulatory difficulties. Studies show that immigrant-founded businesses contribute significantly to job creation and economic development in the U.S., yet these same enterprises often struggle to survive due to financial missteps rooted in misunderstandings of the U.S. tax environment. Many are unaware of the long-term implications of selecting an unsuitable business entity or failing to accurately track income and expenses in accordance with IRS standards.

The broader economic context adds another layer of urgency to the launch of Wise Planner. The U.S. tax consultancy field is currently grappling with a severe labor shortage. Nearly three-quarters of CPAs are approaching retirement age, and the number of new entrants into the profession has declined sharply over the past decade. This shortfall is especially acute in specialized areas like international taxation and cross-border compliance, where bilingual professionals are in critically short supply. This nationwide gap not only limits the availability of quality advisory services but also increases the cost of accessing competent professionals, placing further strain on small businesses.

Against this backdrop, Wise Planner is expected to play a role in both addressing the service gap and fostering long-term resilience among small business owners. The firm plans to combine one-on-one advisory services with educational initiatives aimed at improving financial literacy within immigrant communities. Britto envisions the development of bilingual resources—ranging from digital guides to webinars—that will equip entrepreneurs with the knowledge necessary to comply with U.S. regulations and make informed financial decisions.

While the firm will be headquartered in Florida, its services are set to extend nationwide, leveraging virtual consultations and digital platforms to reach clients regardless of location. The focus will not be limited to businesses physically based in the U.S.; the firm also aims to support international investors looking to establish legally compliant operations in the U.S. without immediate visa requirements, a growing trend among entrepreneurs seeking entry into the American market while navigating immigration constraints.

The potential impact of this venture aligns with broader efforts to strengthen the small business sector’s contribution to the U.S. economy. By enabling immigrant-owned businesses to operate within the bounds of U.S. tax law while optimizing their financial strategies, Wise Planner will indirectly support job creation, tax revenue generation, and economic inclusion. In a business environment where the smallest errors can lead to significant financial penalties, the availability of culturally aware, technically precise consulting services stands to make a meaningful difference.

For Britto, the launch of Wise Planner represents both a professional milestone and a continuation of her longstanding commitment to ethical, transparent advisory work. “There’s a sense of responsibility that comes with this role,” she says. “It’s about making sure that people who are working hard to build something here have the tools and knowledge to do it right.”