Get to know Benoit Legault
“Getting to know a client and working at their pace is key to becoming not just a one-time tax advisor, but a lifelong trusted business advisor.”
A Partner with MNP Hawkesbury’s Tax Services team, Benoit Legault, CPA, CA is a creative problem solver. He enjoys finding the most efficient way to help clients get to the right solution for their business, save tax, and create an efficient tax structure. Read on to learn more about Benoit.
What areas do you specialize in?
I have a deep background in estate planning, business succession, business transfers (sales and purchases), agricultural transfers, and agricultural issues. I help clients who are in agriculture, farming, real estate and construction, retail, and dealerships.
What excites you most about serving clients as a partner at MNP Hawkesbury?
Helping new clients who come in with a tax problem, tax audit, a poor filing history or those who have received poor advice in the past, and helping them make things right and getting them on the right track for the future.
What led you to specialize in your area?
I started out in audit and it was not for me. I see my area, Tax Services, as an opportunity to be creative. Each problem has its own unique solutions, and I like figuring out the most efficient way to get to that solution.
How do you work with your clients?
My style is relaxed.
My clients usually come to me with an objective in mind — for example, transferring their business to the next generation for a certain amount of money. I start with a conversation about what led them to where they are now, and where they want to be at the end of the process. Then, I propose a process to get them to their objective.
It can often take a client years to be ready to transfer their business to their children. Sometimes, it can take several meetings over several years. Each client is unique. Getting to know a client and working at their pace is key to becoming not just a one-time tax advisor, but a lifelong trusted business advisor.
Can you give us an example of a problem a client might have that you can help them solve?
When a client wants to retire, but their children are not quite ready to take over the business. Then, I can often offer solutions to at least get them to the point of being “semi-retired.” I also offer advice and coaching to the next generation on how to get ready.
What do you want people to know about the sector you specialize in?
It’s okay for a client to not understand all of the various tax issues. The issues are often complex, but I’m there to advise them of the opportunities as well as the risks.
What is your connection to the Hawkesbury area?
I was born and raised in Grenville, just over the bridge from Hawkesbury, so have a lot of history in the area. I am bilingual in French and English and grew up in an entrepreneurial family.