fbpx
Skip to main content
Created: February 23, 2024
Modified: February 21, 2024

Podcast Episode 345: Getting Ready for Tax Season

What You’ll Learn:
We have a very timely conversation today as tax season is upon us once again and getting organized is top of mind.

We have a very timely conversation today as tax season is upon us once again and getting organized is top of mind. Either you’re really happy with yourself because you already got your tax return done and filed and don’t have to worry about it anymore, or you’re still collecting documents and just worrying about it in general. Even if you’re getting a tax refund, you might still worry about doing taxes. It’s just not a fun process for most people. So we wanted to talk with Heath Grossman, CFP®, about what you can be doing to make this tax season as smooth as possible for yourself.

The first thing to be mindful of is tax deadlines. While the main deadline is typically April 15th, some may need to file for an extension. It’s crucial to remember that even if you’re granted an extension, taxes owed are still due by the original deadline. This is why having an organized filing system, both for paper and digital documents, is essential. It can prevent the oversight of critical forms like 1099s and W2s, which may now be delivered electronically and risk being overlooked or lost in a cluttered inbox.

Life events such as marriage, divorce, retirement, or the sale of property can significantly impact your tax situation. Reflecting on what has changed since the last tax filing can provide a clearer picture and prevent potential issues. You should also be aware of tax season scams as you’re prepping. The IRS will not contact you via email, text, or phone asking for gift cards or sensitive information. Awareness and vigilance during this time can save a lot of trouble.

It’s also important to know the difference between tax preparation and tax planning. The former involves the process of compiling and filing your taxes for the previous year, while the latter is a strategic approach to managing your tax burden for the future. One strategy he suggests is maximizing contributions to tax-advantaged retirement accounts, which can lower taxable income and result in tax savings.

Planning for retirement involves assessing your future financial needs and adjusting your current savings strategy to meet those goals. It can also lead to tax benefits if managed correctly. That’s why we often encourage people to start thinking about their contributions for the upcoming year, especially if there have been changes to their income.

Navigating tax season requires organization, attention to detail, and a proactive approach to planning. By working with a financial team like Johnson Brunetti, taxpayers can not only survive but thrive during this period, potentially saving money and securing a better financial future.

Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:

• What’s the easiest way to start getting last year’s tax return together?

• Start thinking about what has changed from last year to this year.

• How does tax planning differ from tax preparation?

• What kind of things are you doing during the tax planning process?

Information presented in our podcasts is considered current as of the created date. Over time, some information presented may become stale. We recommend you consult with your Financial Professional before making any changes based on information contained here.

Johnson Brunetti is a marketing name for the businesses of JB Capital and JN Financial.

Investment Advisory Services offered through JB Capital, LLC. Insurance Products offered through JN Financial, LLC.
The guarantees provided by any type of insurance contract are based on the claims-paying ability of the insurance company.

Resources by Topic

Subscribe to Our YouTube Channel

Share

Related Resources

  • Maximizing Your Social Security Income

    Social Security can serve as a safety net for many retirees, sometimes acting as a primary source of income. However, the program is highly complex with over 500 ways to claim benefits. Even one o…
  • How Much Money Can I Spend in Retirement?

    “How much can my spouse and I realistically spend in retirement at age 62 with $1 million saved?” Today’s hypothetical couple is asking the very question that most pre-retirees ponder when gearing…
  • What Should My Tax Plan Be at Age 65 with $1 Million?

    Approaching retirement with $1 million saved is an impressive milestone, but turning those savings into a sustainable income stream requires careful planning. At age 65, many retirees face the cha…
  • What to Consider Before Moving in Retirement

    If you have the liberty to relocate in retirement, does that mean you should? Maybe you’re a snowbird who wants to live down South full-time, or maybe you want to stick it out in the cold and spen…
  • Dodging the Tax Torpedo

    When envisioning the next chapter of your life, the impact of taxes can often be overlooked or forgotten altogether. The reality is, without the proper planning, you may be at the mercy of an impe…
  • What Habits Should I Unlearn Before I Retire?

    Today’s insightful question explores the behavioral finance side of retirement planning – specifically, which financial habits you should leave in the rearview as you transition into retirement. …
  • How Can You Understand and Improve Your Credit Score?

    In retirement, your credit score is still relevant in achieving and maintaining financial independence. The question is, how can you best understand and improve your score to reap the benefits of …
  • RMDs and You

    Tax-deferred retirement accounts like IRAs and 401(k)s have allowed your savings to grow without any immediate tax burden. However, once you reach a certain age, the IRS requires you to begin maki…
  • How to Financially Plan for a New Presidential Administration

    A new presidential administration is set to take office next year, and while there are a lot of uncertainties around what a second Trump term could bring, it’s important to stay the course in your…
  • Magic Retirement Number

    Do you know your magic retirement number? This is the amount of money you need to retire – and it’s different for everyone. Let’s explore how to calculate your number, how it compares to the rest …
    Back to top
    Our Locations
    Johnson Brunetti
    Welcome to Our New Website!
    Everything was designed with you in mind, making our retirement planning resources more easily accessible to you.
    Check out your new resource center, where everything can be organized by article type or topic
    Are you ready to speak with a financial advisor?
    Skip to content