Your business grew.
Revenue went up, and you're not sure what that does to the tax bill.
Tax planning
Know what you owe while there's still time to act on it.
Planning is the work that happens before the year closes. It starts with a simple question, what will I owe, and moves on to a better one: what can we still do about it?
Why planning comes first
A return reports the year. Planning shapes it.
Most people meet their tax bill once a year, in the spring, after the decisions that shaped it were already made.
By then a return can only report what happened. Planning looks at the year while it's still open, when there's usually more that can be done before December 31 than after it.
The first step is simply knowing what you owe. Not knowing is a big part of the stress. Once you know, we can look at the options available for your situation.
How it works
Four steps, in this order on purpose.
Know where you stand
We start with your numbers so far and a realistic look at the rest of the year. The first goal is knowing what you're likely to owe.
Look at the options
Then we look at what is available to you: timing, structure, and the decisions still in front of you. I explain each one plainly, including what it would take.
Decide and act
You make the calls. I give you clear instructions on what to do and when, so nothing depends on remembering a conversation from months ago.
File what we planned
When it's time to file, the return should match what we planned. That's the reason to do it in this order.
Who planning is for
If one of these sounds like your year, it is time to plan.
Last year was a surprise.
The number in April was not what you expected, and you don't want to repeat it.
Something changed.
A new entity, a new location, a partner, or a big purchase. Changes are where planning matters most.
You want to stop guessing.
You'd like to make decisions during the year knowing what they mean for your taxes.
What planning gives you
A plan you understand. Support you can count on.
Planning gives you a clear view of where you stand, the options available for your situation, and a return that follows the plan. It doesn't come with a promised savings figure, because every situation is different and a number quoted before anyone has seen yours would be a guess.
Questions
Common questions
What is tax planning?
Tax planning looks at your year before it ends. The first step is knowing what you're likely to owe. The next is looking at the options available for your situation while there's still time to act. The goal is that when your return is filed, it matches what we planned.
Can you guarantee I'll save money?
No one can honestly promise a savings figure before seeing your situation. What planning gives you is a clear view of where you stand, the options available, and a return that follows the plan.
What happens on the first call?
It's a 15-minute introductory conversation on Microsoft Teams about your business, what you need, and whether a consultation makes sense. Christian has read your form answers before you talk. It isn't a tax review, so there's nothing to gather beyond your questions.
How much does it cost?
There's no price list, because pricing depends on complexity, the number of states and the forms involved. After a consultation you get a quote based on what you've shared. Sometimes the full picture only comes into view once the work begins. If that changes the scope, Christian walks you through it before anything changes. No surprises.
How does communication work?
Clear communication is central to how Christian works. You get clear instructions on what's needed and when, straight answers to your questions, and updates along the way.
Can you handle Illinois and Missouri?
Yes. Christian is a CPA licensed in Missouri and works with clients on both sides of the river. If you have income or business activity in both states, the second state is part of the quote.
The best time to plan is before December 31.
Much of what shapes a tax bill is decided during the year. A short conversation now leaves time to act on it.
Find your next stepOther services
Related services.
Each service stands on its own. Current books make planning easier, and planning gives a return something to follow.