Wednesday, October 17, 2012

Planning Your Taxes: IRS Tax Forms Are Only the Beginning

Tax planning encompasses much more than just getting the proper forms in to the IRS by the April 15 deadline. The job of your tax planner is to help you minimize tax exposure by formulating a financial plan that complies with tax laws, maximizes your gain, and minimizes your tax liability. A good tax planner also anticipates changing IRS rules as well as changes in your personal circumstances that could affect your tax burden.

Ways Your Tax Planner Can Help You

If you are planning a major investment or transaction, such as buying a business, selling a house, or putting away money for retirement, your tax planner can analyze your plans and see if there are ways to minimize the tax impact, both short term and long term. Your tax planner should also have the expertise necessary to conduct due diligence to help ensure the most favorable tax consequences to you.

IRS Tax Forms: Beyond the 1040

Of course, the 1040 is what most people associate with income taxes, but your tax planner knows all the forms as well as which ones you need for your particular situation. Here are a few of the most commonly needed tax forms:


           ·          Schedule A for itemizing deductions

           ·          Schedule B for declaring interest and dividend income

           ·          Schedule C for those who are self-employed

           ·          Schedule D for computing capital gains and capital losses

           ·          Schedule E for income and expenses from rental properties

Are You Overpaying Your Taxes?

Many people overpay their taxes so that they'll get a refund when they file, but by doing this, they're essentially giving the government an interest-free loan. Furthermore, a surprising number of people overpay because they are not familiar with the deductions and tax credits for which they are eligible.

Look Beyond April 15

Financial planning, including planning for taxes, should be a year-round endeavor, and working with a tax and financial planner is the best way to make sure you maximize your financial position while avoiding paying more than you owe to the IRS. Make sure your money works as hard as you do.