Tax Planning & Strategy
Proactive, year-round tax planning that lowers your bill through timing, structure, retirement contributions and credits.
How BATS handles tax planning & strategy
Tax preparation records what already happened. Tax planning changes what happens next. We meet with you during the year, project your tax, and recommend specific moves on timing, entity structure, retirement contributions, investments and credits while there is still time to make them.
We work with clients in all 50 states and Washington, D.C., so state-specific rules are covered whether you are in one state or several.
Who this is for
- Business owners whose profit is growing
- High-income professionals and two-income households
- Anyone expecting a large one-time event such as a business sale or stock vesting
- Investors managing capital gains and losses
- Families planning for education or retirement
Everything covered in this service
Mid-year and year-end tax projections
Retirement contribution and plan design review
Capital gain and loss timing strategy
Entity and owner compensation review
Credit and incentive identification
A written action plan with deadlines
The paperwork behind tax planning & strategy
| Mid-year tax projection | Where you stand now and what you are on track to owe |
|---|---|
| Year-end projection | Updated in the fall, with time left to act |
| Written tax plan | Specific recommendations with deadlines and estimated savings |
| Retirement contribution analysis | How much to contribute and to which accounts |
| Entity and compensation review | Whether your structure and owner pay still make sense |
| Estimated payment schedule | Federal and state payments that match your plan |
What we'll need from you
Have these ready and your first meeting goes much faster. Don't worry if something is missing; we'll help you find it.
- Your last two tax returns
- Year-to-date pay stubs or profit and loss statement
- Expected bonuses, sales, stock vesting or other one-time events
- Retirement and HSA account information
- Year-to-date investment gains and losses
- Planned life changes such as marriage, a move or a new child
How it works, step by step
Discovery
We review your last two returns, your goals and the year's expected changes.
Projection
We project this year's tax under your current path.
Strategy
We model alternatives and show the tax saved by each.
Act and follow up
You get a written plan, and we check progress before year-end.
Why clients choose BATS for tax planning & strategy
Numbers, not guesses
Every recommendation is modelled with your actual figures.
Before the deadline
Planning happens while there's still time to act, not after the year closes.
Conservative and documented
Strategies are supported by the tax code and backed by proper paperwork.
Coordinated
Books, returns and strategy handled by one team that sees the whole picture.
Tax Planning & Strategy FAQs
11 answers to the questions clients ask us most. Don't see yours? Ask us directly.
When should tax planning happen?
Ideally before the year ends. Most strategies, such as retirement contributions, equipment purchases or gain harvesting, must be in place by December 31.
How is this different from tax preparation?
Preparation reports the past year. Planning shapes the current year so the next return shows a lower tax.
Is tax planning only for the wealthy?
No. Freelancers, small-business owners and families often benefit the most because a few decisions make a large difference relative to their income.
What strategies do you commonly use?
Retirement contributions, timing of income and deductions, charitable giving strategies such as bunching or donor-advised funds, health savings accounts, capital gain and loss harvesting, entity choice, accountable plans and legitimate family employment.
Is tax planning legal?
Yes. Planning uses the choices the tax code already gives you. We avoid aggressive schemes, including those on the IRS's annual 'Dirty Dozen' list of tax scams.
How often do we meet?
At least twice a year: a mid-year review and a fall check-in before year-end, plus whenever something significant changes.
What is a donor-advised fund?
An account that lets you make a charitable contribution and take the deduction now, then recommend grants to charities over time. It is especially useful in high-income years.
What happens when tax law changes?
We update your plan. Major legislation can change brackets, deductions and credits, and we tell you what it means for your numbers.
Do you recommend aggressive tax shelters?
No. We only recommend strategies supported by the tax code and IRS guidance, and we explain the risk and paperwork behind each one.
Can you work with my financial advisor or attorney?
Yes. Tax decisions often affect investments, estate plans and legal structures, and we coordinate with your other advisors.
How do you measure results?
Every recommendation comes with an estimated tax impact, so you can see the value before you act.
Often paired with this service
S Corporation Tax Strategy
S corp elections, reasonable salary analysis, payroll setup and annual 1120-S compliance that turn the election into real savings.
Learn moreTax Planning & StrategyQuarterly Estimated Taxes
Accurate quarterly estimated tax calculations and payment reminders that keep you clear of underpayment penalties.
Learn moreTax Planning & StrategyReal Estate Investor Tax
Rental property, short-term rental, 1031 exchange, depreciation and cost segregation tax strategy for real estate investors.
Learn moreTax Planning & Strategy in every state
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- Washington, D.C.
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
Popular cities
- Birmingham, AL
- Anchorage, AK
- Phoenix, AZ
- Little Rock, AR
- Los Angeles, CA
- Denver, CO
- Bridgeport, CT
- Wilmington, DE
- Jacksonville, FL
- Atlanta, GA
- Honolulu, HI
- Boise, ID
- Chicago, IL
- Indianapolis, IN
- Des Moines, IA
- Wichita, KS
- Louisville, KY
- New Orleans, LA
- Portland, ME
- Baltimore, MD
- Boston, MA
- Detroit, MI
- Minneapolis, MN
- Jackson, MS
- Kansas City, MO
- Billings, MT
- Omaha, NE
- Las Vegas, NV
- Manchester, NH
- Newark, NJ
- Albuquerque, NM
- New York City, NY
- Charlotte, NC
- Fargo, ND
- Columbus, OH
- Oklahoma City, OK
- Portland, OR
- Philadelphia, PA
- Providence, RI
- Charleston, SC
- Sioux Falls, SD
- Nashville, TN
- Houston, TX
- Salt Lake City, UT
- Burlington, VT
- Virginia Beach, VA
- Seattle, WA
- Washington
- Charleston, WV
- Milwaukee, WI
- Cheyenne, WY
Get help with tax planning & strategy
Book a consultation and get a clear plan for your taxes and books, wherever you are in the U.S.