For most Americans, April 15 marks the end of “tax season.” After filing their returns, many breathe a sigh of relief and tuck away their financial documents until the next year. But smart tax planning is a year-round activity, and stopping at April 15 can be a costly mistake.
Whether you’re a salaried employee, small business owner, retiree, or investor, staying proactive with tax strategies throughout the year can reduce stress, improve financial outcomes, and help you avoid surprises when the next deadline rolls around.
Post-Filing Isn’t the End, It’s the Beginning
Once your return is filed, the clock starts ticking for the next tax year. The months that follow are the best time to review what went right or wrong with your most recent filing. Did you owe more than expected? Receive a smaller refund? Miss out on credits or deductions?
Opportunities Are Time Sensitive
Many tax-saving strategies depend on decisions made before December 31st. Here are just a few examples:
— Retirement Contributions: Maximizing 401(k) or IRA contributions throughout the year reduces taxable income and supports long-term financial goals.
— Health Savings Accounts (HSAs): These are particularly beneficial for those using high[1]deductible health plans, and regular contributions can lower your tax bill. And are portable.
— Charitable Giving: Donating to qualified nonprofits not only supports causes you care about but can also offer valuable deductions. Work with your tax advisor to see if your contributions qualify for deductibility.
— 529 Plan Contributions: Contributions to 529 college savings plans often carry state tax benefits but must be made by year-end to qualify. These plans can be a smart way to save for education while also managing your tax liability.
— Stock Options and Deferred Compensation: If you’re participating in equity compensation plans or deferred comp arrangements, timing is critical. Knowing when to exercise stock options or take deferred income can help minimize taxes and avoid unpleasant surprises later.
Estimated Taxes and Withholding Adjustments
If you’re self-employed, own rental properties, or have investment income, you may need to make estimated tax payments quarterly. Without proper planning, penalties and interest can quickly add up. Even if you’re a W-2 employee, you may benefit from reviewing your tax withholdings. Tools like the IRS Tax Withholding Estimator can help you determine if adjustments are needed to avoid under- or overpaying.
Life Changes Affect Your Taxes
Life transitions such as getting married, sending kids to college, inheriting property, or retiring all impact your tax situation. Proper planning can help ensure these milestones don’t come with unexpected tax consequences. Reviewing your strategy after major life events is essential to staying ahead.
Business Owners Need Year-Round Strategy
Whether you run a restaurant, boutique, consulting firm, or any other type of business, tax strategy should be part of your ongoing financial planning. Working with a professional throughout the year lets you take advantage of deductions, manage cash flow, and avoid year-end surprises.
Avoid Last-Minute Scrambles
By organizing financial documents early, tracking potential deductions throughout the year, and staying in regular contact with your advisor, you can reduce stress when the next filing season arrives. Planning ahead is easier, and more effective, than scrambling in March.
In Summary
April 15 may be the tax filing deadline, but it is not the end of tax planning. It is simply one milestone in a financial journey that requires attention all year long.
Fall is a great time to revisit your tax plan and make any needed changes before year-end deadlines.
Schedule a financial review this autumn. A brief conversation today could lead to real savings next April and greater peace of mind throughout the year.
Bronwyn L. Martin is a Financial Advisor and Chartered Financial Consultant with Martin’s Financial Consulting Group, a financial wealth advisory practice of Ameriprise Financial Services LLC. in Kennett Square, and Havre de Grace, Md. She specializes in fee-based financial planning and asset management strategies and has been in practice for 25 years. To contact her: www.ameripriseadvisors.com/bronwyn.x.martin.
Source: Berkshire mont