How Are Taxes and Aquariums Similar? Meet the Expert in Taxes and Fish

For Dillon Seuram, tax season is a busy time of year, but he always makes sure to save enough time for his marine friends. Besides being a tax expert at TurboTax Canada, Dillon is an aquarist, a caretaker of aquatic animals and their habitats.

“I maintain both a freshwater setup and a marine tank, and for me, there's nothing more grounding than a healthy underwater ecosystem,” Dillon says. He also maintains that doing taxes isn't that different from being an aquarist. “It requires a steady hand, a lot of patience, and a keen eye for the smallest details to keep everything in balance.”

Dillon Seuram says there are similarities between doing taxes and caring for an aquarium.

Dillon combines technical tax expertise with a calm, approachable style that puts customers at ease. His journey into tax began in 2018 while he was a student at Toronto Metropolitan University. As a volunteer with the campus free tax clinic, he helped fellow students file their returns—many for the very first time. “It was a great experience,” he says. “I was able to help people understand the Canadian tax system and feel more confident navigating it.”

After graduating, Dillon took his skills to a professional level, landing a job as a tax analyst. In 2021 he joined TurboTax Canada, where he now provides both Assisted and Full-Service support for a wide range of tax situations.

The human connection

Over the course of his career, Dillon has completed more than 2,500 tax returns. What stands out most to him isn't the volume, but the people behind each return. “One of the most rewarding aspects of doing taxes is the geographic reach,” he explains. “From Yukon to Newfoundland, I get to hear about the lives, dreams, and financial journeys of Canadians across the country.”

That human connection is at the heart of Dillon's approach. Clients often tell him they appreciate his patience and steady demeanour, especially during what can be a stressful time. Dillon manages his own stress during tax season with gym sessions and early-morning fishing trips. He and his wife also share a passion for travel, exploring new cultures and landscapes whenever they can.

Dillon Seuram and his wife love to travel. They took this photo in Cuba in 2018.

Dillon's top tax tip

When it comes to tax advice, Dillon keeps it simple: keep your receipts. Whether it's for medical expenses, donations, or self-employment expenses, proper documentation can make a significant difference—especially if the Canada Revenue Agency requests verification.

When he's not helping clients, Dillon finds relaxation in his aquariums. “Whether I'm aquascaping a new layout or watching my tanks thrive, it's my favourite way to recharge and find a bit of relaxation at the end of a busy day,” he says.