Lanza Financial
Lanza is the Spanish word for Launch; the mission of Lanza Financial, LLC is to help launch ALL people, including minorities, into the field of successful entrepreneurship by making it easy to create and manage their own business. Lanza Financial, LLC specializes in the fields of Bookkeeping, Organizational Compliance, Tax Compliance, and Consulting within in the fields of Finance, Strategy, Management, Systems & Controls, and Marketing,
Top-Notch
Bookkeeping
Lanza Financial specializes in streamlined, cloud-based bookkeeping solutions designed to keep your finances organized and your focus on growth. We handle everything from transaction categorization and bank reconciliation to insightful financial analysis—leveraging modern platforms like QuickBooks Online and Xero.
Our goal is simple: to make bookkeeping effortless for you. With real-time access to your financials and expert support behind the scenes, you’ll always know where your business stands—without the stress.
Business & Personal Taxes
At Lanza Financial, we have extensive experience preparing a wide range of tax returns—from high-net-worth individuals with complex reporting requirements to corporations, S-corporations, and partnerships operating across multiple industries. We also assist with quarterly estimated tax planning and compliance to help minimize surprises at year-end.
In addition to federal filings, we prepare multi-state returns, Texas Franchise Tax Reports, and handle employer-related filings such as Unemployment and Workers’ Compensation. Whether you're a business owner or an individual with sophisticated tax needs, we deliver accurate, timely, and strategic tax solutions tailored to your specific situation.
A-to-Z Startup
We specialize in helping entrepreneurs launch their businesses the right way—from the ground up. Our comprehensive startup support includes everything from refining your business plan and forming your entity with the state, to obtaining your EIN and registering for necessary tax accounts.
We also guide you through essential branding steps, including website and business card design, and setting up your business across key social media platforms.
For international clients, we offer specialized services to help you open and operate a business in the United States—navigating entity selection, compliance, tax obligations, and cross-border considerations with clarity and care.
Whether you're starting fresh, expanding into the U.S. market, or formalizing a side hustle, we provide the structure, strategy, and support to help you build with confidence and credibility from day one.
Consulting
Lanza Lanza Financial specializes in all things business such as
Management consulting
Financial Consulting
Marketing Consulting
Strategy Consulting
Cloud-based Systems Selection that connect to your accounting system such as Point-of-Sale, Payroll, CRM, etc.
Business plan & Marketing Plan: Strategic design and Implementation Guidance
About Us
About Gilbert Avila, CPA
Gilbert Avila, CPA, is the founder of Lanza Financial, LLC, a boutique tax and advisory firm focused on helping individuals and small business owners navigate complex financial decisions with clarity, strategy, and confidence.
As a licensed CPA in the state of Texas, Gilbert provides a wide range of services through Lanza Financial—including business formation and advisory support for both U.S.-based entrepreneurs and foreign nationals seeking to launch or expand their businesses in the United States. The firm also assists with international tax planning and compliance, and represents clients in tax resolution matters before the IRS, helping resolve audits, penalties, payment plans, and back taxes with strategic care.
Gilbert’s passion for finance began early, working alongside his mother at Master Latinos Income Tax Services, where he developed a deep appreciation for the role of financial literacy in empowering communities. That early exposure sparked a career that would take him from global audit firms to public company finance, and ultimately into entrepreneurship.
He earned both his Master of Taxation and B.B.A. in Accounting, Finance, Entrepreneurship, and Real Estate from Baylor University, and began his professional journey with KPMG, preparing returns for C-Corps, S-Corps, partnerships, and trusts. He later joined Intertek as an Internal Auditor, conducting operational and financial audits across the U.S. and internationally—including assignments in Hong Kong and São Paulo.
Gilbert went on to work at Grant Thornton as an External Auditor, where he led audits for public companies, conducted risk assessments, and ensured compliance with GAAP and PCAOB standards. He then served as a Senior Accountant at RCI Hospitality Holdings (NASDAQ: RICK), where he held a dual role overseeing daily accounting operations and managing quarterly and annual SEC financial reporting.
In December 2024, he officially earned his CPA license in Texas, marking a key milestone in his career and a testament to years of dedication to both technical expertise and client service.
Fluent in English and Spanish, Gilbert is known not only for his analytical rigor but also for his ability to teach and communicate complex topics clearly. He believes education is empowerment—and strives to ensure every client understands the “why” behind the numbers.
Outside of the office, Gilbert has a passion for salsa dancing. Since 2009, he has danced recreationally in cities around the world—including Houston, Dallas, Austin, Waco, McAllen, Miami, Seattle, Los Angeles, New York, Puerto Rico, Monterrey, Guadalajara, Mexico City, São Paulo, Hong Kong, and St. Martin. His love for dance reflects the same values he brings to his work: rhythm, discipline, connection, and joy.
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