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Why Tax Planning is an Important Part of Your Financial Plan

Optimize your financial well-being by incorporating strategic tax planning into your financial plan.
Picture of Scott Hohman, CFP®, AIF®

Scott Hohman, CFP®, AIF®

When considering financial planning, it’s common to prioritize budgeting, saving, and investing. While these aspects are undeniably important, one crucial element that should never be overlooked is tax planning. Integrating tax planning into your financial strategy in an effective way can yield significant benefits and optimize your overall financial health. If you’re looking to enhance your financial plans, continue reading to discover how incorporating tax planning into your overall strategy can assist you in achieving your goals.

Tax Planning Benefit: Optimizing Tax Effectiveness

The main goal of tax planning is to reduce your tax liability through the use of strategies and incentives outlined in the tax code. By carefully examining your income, expenses, and investments, you can pinpoint opportunities to lawfully lessen your tax burden. This can help you minimize your tax liability by taking advantage of all the deductions, credits, and other tax breaks available to you. Some common tax planning strategies include:

  • Making pre-tax contributions to retirement accounts: Utilizing tax-advantaged accounts such as an IRA or 401(k) not only allows you to defer taxes on contributions and investment gains, but it also enables your savings to compound more effectively over time.
  • Charitable giving: You can deduct charitable donations from your taxable income, up to certain limits.
  • Maximizing deductions and credits: There are many different deductions and credits available to taxpayers, so it’s important to make sure you’re claiming all of the ones you’re eligible for.
  • Timing your income and expenses: In some cases, you may be able to reduce your tax liability by timing your income and expenses strategically. For example, if you expect to have a large tax bill in the coming year, you may want to consider delaying some of your income until the following year.
SEE ALSO: Should Young Investors Choose a Roth IRA or a Traditional IRA?

 

Tax Planning Benefit: Accelerating Wealth Accumulation

When implemented strategically, tax planning can play a significant role in building your wealth. After all, the more money you save on taxes, the more money you’ll have to invest or save for your future. There are many different tax planning strategies that can be used, and the best strategy for each individual or family will vary depending on their specific circumstances. However, some common tax planning strategies that can help to build wealth include:

  • Investing in tax-efficient investments: Strategically choosing the right type of investment accounts can help minimize taxes and enhance savings plans. By spreading your investments across accounts with different tax treatments, you gain flexibility in managing taxes during retirement withdrawals.
  • Tax-loss harvesting: Tax-loss harvesting is a strategy that involves selling investments that have lost value and using the losses to offset capital gains. This can help you reduce your taxable income and save money on taxes.
  • Donating appreciated assets to charity: When you donate appreciated assets to charity, you can deduct the fair market value of the assets from your taxable income – eliminating any capital gains tax you would have otherwise incurred if you had sold the assets first and then donated the proceeds.

Tax Planning Benefit: Adaptability to Changing Tax Laws

Tax laws undergo continuous changes and updates at both national and local levels, so it’s crucial to stay informed about these changes and adjust your financial plans accordingly. Failing to do so may result in missed opportunities or unexpected tax consequences. Actively engaging in tax planning allows you to ensure that your financial strategy remains aligned with the current tax landscape. This sort of knowledge can empower you to make informed decisions about your finances and investments and give you a better chance at being more prepared for the inevitable changes in the law.

Here are some tips for how to stay adaptable to changing tax laws:

  • Stay up to date on the latest tax laws: The tax code is constantly changing, so it’s important to stay informed so that you don’t miss out on any opportunities to save money. For instance, new tax reforms may introduce new deductions or credits that could benefit your specific situation. 
  • Work with a tax professional: Seeking advice from tax experts who possess knowledge and expertise in navigating complex tax regulations can be invaluable in identifying the most advantageous options for you.
  • Be proactive: Don’t wait until the last minute to file your taxes. By planning ahead, you can avoid penalties and interest.

Tax Planning Benefit: Preparation for Major Life Events

Life is replete with significant milestones, such as marriage, homeownership, starting a business, or retirement, each with unique tax implications that can significantly impact your financial situation. Integrating tax planning into your financial strategy enables proactive preparation for these milestones, avoiding surprises. For instance, understanding the tax benefits of buying a home or starting a business can help you make informed decisions that potentially reduce your tax liability. 

SEE ALSO: Tax-Efficient Estate Planning for High-Net-Worth Individuals

 

Here are some of the ways that proper tax planning can help you be prepared for major life events:

  • Marriage: When you get married, your income and assets are combined, usually, which can affect your tax bracket. You may also be able to file a joint tax return, which can lower your overall tax bill.
  • Children: Having children can also affect your taxes in big ways. You may be able to claim tax deductions for dependent children, and you may also be eligible for tax credits such as the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or the Child Tax Credit.
  • Buying a home: Buying a home can be a great way to build equity and grow your wealth. However, it can also have a big impact on your taxes. You may be able to deduct mortgage interest and property taxes, and you may also be eligible for the first-time homebuyer tax credit.
  • Retirement: Retirement is a major life event that can have a significant impact on your taxes. You may need to start withdrawing money from retirement accounts, and you may also be eligible for Social Security benefits. It’s important to have a tax-efficient withdrawal strategy from your retirement accounts in place so that you can minimize your tax liability and maximize your retirement income.

Incorporating Tax Planning into Your Financial Plan for Financial Success

Tax planning is an essential aspect of comprehensive financial planning that should never be overlooked. By integrating tax planning into your overall financial strategy, you can identify opportunities to minimize tax liability, and maximize your overall financial well-being. It’s important to recognize that tax planning is not a one-time event but an ongoing process. As your financial circumstances evolve and tax laws change, regularly revisiting and adjusting your tax plan becomes crucial.

Take control of your financial future today by incorporating tax planning into your overall strategy. At Resolute Wealth Advisor, our experienced team of financial experts can help you navigate the complexities of tax laws and identify customized solutions to minimize your tax liability while maximizing your financial well-being. Contact us now to schedule a consultation and let us guide you towards a brighter and more tax-efficient financial future.

The views expressed represent the opinion of Resolute Wealth Advisor, Inc. (RWA). The views are subject to change and are not intended as a forecast or guarantee of future results. This material is for informational purposes only. It does not constitute investment advice and is not intended as an endorsement of any specific investment. Stated information is derived from proprietary and nonproprietary sources that have not been independently verified for accuracy or completeness. While RWA believes the information to be accurate and reliable, we do not claim or have responsibility for its completeness, accuracy, or reliability. Statements of future expectations, estimates, projections, and other forward-looking statements are based on available information and the RWA’s view as of the time of these statements. Accordingly, such statements are inherently speculative as they are based on assumptions that may involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties. Actual results, performance or events may differ materially from those expressed or implied in such statements. Investing in equity securities involves risks, including the potential loss of principal. While equities may offer the potential for greater long-term growth than most debt securities, they generally have higher volatility. International investments may involve risk of capital loss from unfavorable fluctuation in currency values, from differences in generally accepted accounting principles, or from economic or political instability in other nations. Past performance is not indicative of future results.

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