Today we’d like to introduce you to Fabian Cruz.
Hi Fabian, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Before founding CITO Tax Resolution, I spent years in pharmaceutical sales, where I built my foundation in working with people, solving problems, and earning trust. Getting into tax resolution wasn’t something I planned. It came from a very personal experience.
My mom received a letter from the IRS saying that my parents owed a significant amount in back taxes. It was a stressful and emotional time for our family. As we started digging into it, we realized it stemmed from guidance they had received from their tax preparer, not something they had knowingly done wrong.
I remember during that time she kept saying she just wanted her life back. That stuck with me. It ended up becoming the foundation for everything we built and, ultimately, for our tagline, “you deserve your life back.”
Going through that process with them, I saw how hard it was to find a firm that actually communicated, followed through, and genuinely cared about the client. There was a clear gap between what people were going through and the level of service they were receiving.
That’s when it clicked for me. I realized the skills I had developed in corporate America could translate directly into helping people in these situations, but in a way that felt more human, more transparent, and more supportive.
That experience led me to start CITO Tax Resolution. Today, our focus is not just resolving tax issues, it is helping people feel in control again and giving them the peace of mind they deserve.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It definitely hasn’t been a completely smooth road, but it’s been a really rewarding one.
A lot of the skills I developed in corporate America translated well, especially when it comes to communication, problem solving, and working with clients. But starting a business is a completely different challenge. Learning how to build a team, create systems, and step into a leadership role was a whole new level of growth for me.
At the same time, I had to fully immerse myself in the technical side of tax resolution. That means understanding the tax code, the IRS process, and all the different resolution options and scenarios available to clients. There’s a lot more depth to it than most people realize.
I’d say it wasn’t as hard as I thought it would be, but it required more of me than I ever expected.
And I think that’s really what defines the journey. The consistency, the learning curve, and the willingness to keep showing up and improving.
Because at the end of the day, this isn’t just about tax resolution. It’s about helping people get their lives back. And that’s something I take very seriously.
We’ve been impressed with CITO Tax Resolution, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
At our core, we help individuals and business owners resolve issues with the IRS and state tax authorities. That includes everything from back taxes and collections to more complex cases like innocent spouse relief and unpaid payroll taxes.
In plain English, tax resolution is about taking someone who feels overwhelmed and unsure of what to do, and giving them a clear path forward. Most people don’t realize they have options. Our job is to step in, bring clarity, and handle the process from start to finish.
What sets us apart is our structured, client-focused approach. We guide every client through a five-step process: consultation, assessment, strategy, negotiation with the IRS, and most importantly, helping them move forward so they don’t end up in the same situation again.
Our name, CITO, comes from Latin and means swift. That’s intentional. We’ve built our firm to move quickly and efficiently, and a big part of that is how we’ve integrated AI into our process. It’s not just a tagline, it’s a real tool we use to streamline workflows, analyze data, and deliver faster, better outcomes for our clients.
What I’m most proud of is the experience we create. People come to us during some of the most stressful moments of their lives, and we take that weight off their shoulders.
At the end of the day, this isn’t just about resolving tax debt. It’s about giving people their life back.
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
Mentorship was one of the highest-return decisions I made early in my career.
When I decided to pursue tax resolution, I intentionally sought out a mastermind focused specifically on this space. It is led by someone who has built and successfully exited a tax resolution firm for a multi-seven-figure valuation, so I knew I was learning from someone who had already done what I was working toward. It required an investment to be part of, but it’s paid for itself many times over. Being in a room with people who are ahead of you changes how you think, how you operate, and how quickly you grow.
As I’ve continued to grow, I’ve realized mentorship isn’t just one person or one area. I’ve looked for mentors in leadership, marketing, business strategy, and even personal development. Each one has helped me improve in a different way and see things from a higher level.
When it comes to networking, the best advice I’ve ever received is to focus on building something great. When you’re doing meaningful work and showing up consistently, the right people start to notice and want to connect with you.
The right rooms can change your life, but you still have to become the person who belongs in them.
Pricing:
- We’ve intentionally gone the opposite direction of the majority of firms in our industry by operating as a fee-based firm rather than billing hourly. This allows our clients to know the full cost upfront, with no surprises, so they can plan and move forward with confidence.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://citotax.com/
- Instagram: https://Instagram.com/fabianpcruz/
- Facebook: https://Facebook.com/citotax/
- Twitter: https://x.com/FabianPCruz
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@FabianPaulCruz
Image Credits
Jonathan ‘JG’ Gutierrez
