How is tax planning different from tax preparation?

Tax preparation reports what already happened. Tax planning helps you make decisions before tax season when they can actually reduce what you owe.

Will you tell me if the S-Corp does not make sense?

Always. We run real numbers for your situation. If the math does not work out we say so directly.

How often do we talk?

Typically quarterly check-ins plus ad hoc calls when significant decisions come up.

Tax Planning & Advisory | S-Corp, Deductions

What Is Included

What Tax Planning and Advisory Includes

Filing a return looks backward. Advisory looks forward, helping you make decisions before they happen rather than accounting for them afterward.

LLC vs. S-Corp analysis: payroll taxes, distributions, and real savings for your situation
Retirement account strategy: SEP-IRA, Solo 401k, and more
Deduction planning tailored to your business model
Quarterly check-ins, not just an annual conversation
Guidance on hiring your first employee or contractor
Planning for high-income years and major decisions

When Does Tax Planning Make Sense

Your income has grown past basic tax prep
You are wondering whether an S-Corp would save you money
You want to start building retirement savings
You are about to hire, expand, or make a major investment
You want a second opinion before a significant financial decision

FAQ

Tax Planning FAQ

How much income do I need before the S-Corp election makes sense?

The general threshold is net profit consistently above $60,000 to $80,000, but it depends on your state, your reasonable salary, and the administrative costs in your specific situation. We run the actual numbers before recommending anything.

What is actually involved in switching from an LLC to an S-Corp?

You file Form 2553 with the IRS, set up payroll to pay yourself a reasonable salary, and adjust your bookkeeping to separate salary and distributions. We handle all of it and make sure the election is made correctly and on time.

Can you review my prior returns to find things I may have missed?

Yes. A lookback review is often one of the most valuable things we do for new clients. We regularly find missed deductions, incorrectly classified expenses, or elections that should have been made. Amended returns are an option when the numbers justify it.

How far in advance should I be thinking about tax planning?

Quarterly is the minimum. Some strategies, like maximizing retirement contributions or timing large purchases, only work if you plan before December 31. Waiting until April means most of your options are already gone.

What does an ongoing advisory engagement look like in practice?

Typically a quarterly call to review your numbers, plan for the next period, and talk through any decisions on the horizon. Plus access to us by email for questions in between. It is closer to having a trusted advisor than hiring an accountant once a year.

Is advisory worth it if my income is relatively steady?

Steady income is actually when planning is most effective, because you can optimize consistently rather than react to surprises. If your income is variable, planning becomes even more important to smooth out what you owe each quarter.

A real plan, not just a return