Meet Our Team!

Michael Plaks, EA

Founder

Michael is known in the REI community as the "Black Belt in Real Estate Taxation." Why? Because after 20 years in private tax practice, working exclusively with real estate businesses, he is the ultimate expert. He is a best-selling author frequently presenting for REI clubs and Realtor groups, as well as CPAs and lawyers nationwide. Visit MichaelPlaks.com - a goldmine of tax resources for REI entrepreneurs.

We utilize Michael's unique approach to tax planning and tax preparation and his proprietary tools. Michael continues to provide his expertise to our team and our clients.

Michael is a first-generation Russian immigrant who came to Houston with his wife and their first son in 1992. Since then, they've raised 3 sons, multiple cats and a few eyebrows. Michael is an awards-winning public speaker, animal rescuer, and enjoys music and martial arts.

Eva Pecht

Business Development Manager

Eva is a long-time collaborator with Michael and joined the firm in 2018. She has worked as a "Jane of All Trades" in everything from market research, government, and logistics to fashion retail and interior design. 

As our business development manager, she gets to utilize all of the knowledge she's picked up along the way and pair it with her passion for sales and marketing. Eva will be your first point of contact with the firm and guide you through each step of the process.

Outside the office, you can find Eva at the nearest Starbucks... or basically anywhere that serves a good cup of coffee (but decaf only). 

David Diaz, EA

Tax Services Manager

David has been working alongside Michael since 2009. He started as an administrative assistant and quickly moved to tax preparation where he excelled, thanks to his outstanding work ethics, analytical skills and attention to details.

In 2014, David was promoted to tax services manager, and he is now in charge of all technical operations. Not only he is an expert in IRS rules, but he is also knowledgeable in business operations and real estate business, while continuing to learn from Michael. You will be communicating with David regarding all technical issues.

When not working on your financials and taxes, David stays busy with his diverse hobbies. He is a gifted musician playing several instruments, a competitive gamer and an avid sports fan. We bleed Houston Rockets in this office.

Nedra Hall

Tax Specialist

Nedra started with us in 2012 as our Office Manager. Since then, she has consulted small businesses on updating their processes and improving their overall efficiency. She's no stranger to a challenge, and she knows how to take a bull by the horns.

In 2019, Nedra rejoined our team as part of our Tax Services group. In the tax business, small mistakes can be very costly, and Nedra's attention to details, analytical skills, and work ethic are invaluable.

Outside of the office, Nedra enjoys family time, hanging out with her granddaughter, playing games and rooting for the Houston Texans.

Daniel Quiroz

Tax Specialist

Daniel joined our firm in 2014 as an entry-level tax preparer. He learned our craft so quickly that within one year he was already training others. In the tax business, small mistakes can create major problems, and Daniel's superb diligence and attention to details are invaluable.

Outside the office, you can meet Daniel in the dog park with his four-legged friend Izzy, playing sports with his two-legged friends or - of course - rooting for the Houston Rockets.

Nicole "Nikki" Davis

Marketing Consultant

After graduating from the University of Buffalo, in her native New York, Nicole moved to the West Coast to work in marketing for a large non-profit in Portland, Oregon. As one might expect, working for a large governmental organization gave her a passion for private business and entrepreneurship. She then decided to settle on the third and best coast - the Gulf Coast, and make Houston her new home. Nikki loves working with our real estate investor clients. Their talents and passion for business inspire her to grow and improve REI Tax Firm.

Nikki spends her spare time traveling, reading, learning to be a Texan, and pursuing her artistic hobbies. On special occasions, our office is visited by her adorable rescue dog Lulu.