Tax Planning vs. Tax Preparation: What Is The Difference?

Many people assume tax planning is the same as tax preparation, but the two are quite different. Let’s take a closer look:

What is Tax Preparation?

Tax preparation is the process of preparing and filing a tax return. Generally, it is a one-time event that culminates in signing your return and finding out whether you owe the IRS money or will be receiving a refund.

Preparing for the 2022 Tax Filing Season

Filing your tax return promises to be just as complicated as always–especially if you received stimulus payments or advance child tax credit payments. But there are steps that taxpayers can take right now to make sure their tax filing experience goes smoothly in 2022. Let’s take a look at four things taxpayers can do now to get ready for tax season.

Small Business: Deducting Startup Costs

If you’ve recently started a business – or are thinking about starting a business – you should know that as an owner, all eligible costs incurred before beginning to operate the business are treated as capital expenditures. As such, they are part of the cost basis for the business.

Tax Benefits of Health Savings Accounts

While similar to FSAs (Flexible Savings Plans) in that both allow pretax contributions, Health Savings Accounts or HSAs offer taxpayers several additional tax benefits. Let’s take a look: 

A Health Savings Account is a type of savings account that allows you to set aside money pretax to pay for qualified medical expenses.  

What are Estimated Tax Payments?

Estimated tax is the method used to pay tax on income that is not subject to withholding. This includes income from self-employment, interest, dividends, alimony, and rent and gains from the sale of assets, prizes, and awards. You also may have to pay an estimated tax if the amount of income tax being withheld from your salary, pension, or other income is not enough. Here’s what you should know about estimated tax payments:

Expat Compliance With U.S. Tax Filing Obligations

Taxpayers who relinquish citizenship without complying with their U.S. tax obligations are subject to the significant tax consequences of the U.S. expatriation tax regime. If you’re an expat who has relinquished–or intends to relinquish–your U.S. citizenship but still has U.S. tax filing obligations (including owing back taxes), you’ll be relieved to know there are IRS procedures in place that allow you to come into compliance and receive relief for any back taxes owed. Let’s take a look:

Changing Jobs? Don’t Forget About Your 401(K)

One of the most important questions you face when changing job is what to do with the money in your 401(k) because making the wrong move could cost you thousands of dollars or more in taxes and lower returns.

Tax Considerations When Selling Your Small Business

Selling a small to medium-sized business is a complex venture, and many business owners are not aware of the tax consequences.

Avoiding Tax Surprises When Retiring Overseas

Are you approaching retirement age and wondering where you can retire to make your retirement nest egg last longer? Retiring abroad may be the answer. But first, it’s important to look at the tax implications because not all retirement country destinations are created equal.

Saving for Education: Understanding 529 Plans

Many parents are looking for ways to save for their child’s education, and a 529 Plan is an excellent way to do so. Even better is that thanks to the passage of tax reform legislation in 2017, 529 plans are now available to parents wishing to save for their child’s K-12 education, as well as college (two and four-year programs) or vocational school.