It is often said there are two certainties in life: death and taxes. Neither are pleasant to think about, but both deserve careful planning.

Most families take time to meet with an estate planning attorney to ensure their wishes are honored when the inevitable happens. They update documents over time to reflect changes in their family, the law, and their personal goals. While conversations about death are never easy, families recognize that thoughtful preparation brings peace of mind for themselves and for future generations.

But what about the other certainty: taxes?

With Tax Day now behind us, many people are reflecting on their experience this season. The first few months of the year are often spent gathering W-2s, 1099s, K-1s, charitable donation receipts, and other important documents, all with the hope of minimizing what is owed to the IRS. For many, tax season brings anxiety: Will I owe? Am I due a refund? Did I miss something important?

The U.S. tax code is famously complex, which is why many people turn to a CPA for help. A good CPA knows how to legally and ethically maximize deductions, identify tax credits, and address changes like entering retirement or receiving a significant bonus. But here is the challenge: many of these conversations happen after the year is over, when the opportunity to influence the outcome has passed.

If this year's tax season felt stressful or uncertain, there is good news: now is the perfect time to start planning ahead for next year.

Just like you update your estate plan over time, staying ahead of your tax strategy throughout the year can make a big difference. By analyzing your income, taxes paid, potential deductions, and investment opportunities like tax loss harvesting during the year, you and your team can uncover strategies to better manage your tax liability.

At many firms, tax planning is reactive and disconnected. CPAs and Wealth Advisors often work separately, limiting the opportunity for true collaboration. But when your CPA and Wealth Advisor partner together throughout the year, they can coordinate strategies that are fully aligned with your overall financial goals.

If your professional team is not communicating and collaborating regularly, it may be time to rethink your approach. Proactive tax planning, with the right professionals working together on your behalf, can help you move from anxiety to confidence, ensuring that both certainties in life are handled with care and clarity.

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