I strive to do more than just ‘fill out your tax forms’ – I want the tax process to be transparent and proactive. Ideally, the tax return completion is the last step in the planning process. This approach eliminates surprises and reduces stress around tax compliance. The worst position to be in would be to come see me in March with your fingers crossed, worried, with no idea what the result might be. I try to create the opposite scenario where we’ve had at least one or two discussions during the summer and fall and have a pretty good idea what the tax return will look like and what cash flow around tax payments, next year’s estimates, retirement contributions, and other items might look like. This takes the mystery and trepidation out of the tax process and allows us to be proactive and impactful with the results.