Myrick CPA | Tips and Tools for Managing Personal and Small Business Finances

Now is the Perfect Time to Craft a Tax-Saving Strategy for Next Year

Written by Myrick CPA | 4/18/24 12:30 PM

As tax season begins to wind down, you're likely breathing a sigh of relief, with your financial documents and receipts soon to be stowed away until next year. Before you tuck those files away, consider this: the very best time to craft your tax savings plan is actually right now.

Unlocking Future Potential with Last Year's Tax Insights

While tax filing may be behind you, the valuable information gleaned from your new return holds the key to maximizing future savings. Detailed within your return are insights into your income, deductions, and tax liabilities—vital data that paints a comprehensive picture of your financial landscape. Armed with this knowledge, you're in an excellent position to identify optimization opportunities, ensuring no stone is left unturned in your quest for tax efficacy.

Embracing Proactive Planning for a Brighter Financial Future

By acting early, you can make informed decisions throughout much of the current tax year that will positively impact your next tax return. Taking this proactive approach gives you the power to:

  • Strategically Align Income and Deductions: With a clear understanding of your previous year's tax bracket, you can navigate the current year with an eye toward maintaining a favorable tax position. This careful planning can help you manage your tax bracket effectively, potentially reducing your overall tax liability.
  • Optimize Contributions to Tax-Advantaged Accounts: Armed with the knowledge of your past income, you're better positioned to determine the ideal contribution levels for IRAs, 401(k)s, and Health Savings Accounts (HSAs). Early planning allows you to maximize these contributions, enhancing your tax savings and financial well-being.
  • Identify Potential Deductions: Reflecting on your previous return can help you discover deductions you might have missed. Reviewing your expenses for items like charitable contributions, mortgage interest, or medical expenses can help you claim all the deductions you're entitled to next year while allowing maximum time for corrections and adjustments to your last return.

The Expertise of a CPA Leads to Better Tax Strategies

While tax season might be a temporary flurry of activity, tax planning is an ongoing process. Beyond simply filing your tax return, your CPA can help you develop tax strategies throughout the year:

  • Analysis of Your Previous Year's Return: A financial analysis of your current tax return can help to pinpoint savings opportunities and areas for improvement.
  • Tailored Tax Planning: Leveraging insights from your return, a personalized tax plan can be crafted which aligns with your income, deductions, and overarching financial objectives.
  • Guidance on Tax Law Changes: Stay ahead with updates on tax legislation that could affect your future liabilities, ensuring you're always ‘in the know’ and well-prepared.

While the last thing you likely want to think about at the close of tax season is next year's taxes, planning now can translate to significant savings and financial advantages in the long run.

Don't let another tax season pass by without taking charge of your finances. Contact Myrick CPA and together we can navigate the often complex landscape of tax planning, turning information into actionable strategies for the present and future.