Typically, losses in one year can be used to offset profits in following years, but not indefinitely... maybe three years tops IIRC. But that would mean the company would have to become very, very profitable profitable, which is doubtful.
"I get the impression a lot of consultants are kind of winging it." Agreed. Every consultant I've known and worked with was winging it. Source: was consultant.
Or "He's mine now."