Tax season is the time of the year most business owners value their CPA the most. And while accurate and timely reporting and filing is certainly important, it’s also just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to strategic tax planning.
If you’re feeling like you’re always reacting at tax time instead of proactively minimizing your tax bill, it might be time to trade in your traditional CPA for a Certified Tax Planner (CTP). These professionals go beyond number-crunching — they scrutinize every tax saving opportunity you can qualify for, and make a proactive plan to help you keep more of your hard-earned money year-round.
Here are five signs it might be time to make the switch:
- You’re Frequently Surprised By Your Tax Bill
If your CPA simply inputs your numbers and tells you what you owe after the fact, or doesn’t help you prepare for major changes in your business or your life, you’re missing out on proactive planning. A Certified Tax Planner works year-round to develop and implement strategies designed to reduce your tax liability legally and ethically — so you can know what to expect.
- You’re Not Sure Why You’re Paying So Much
If your CPA gives you a final tax number without explanation or strategy behind it, you’re missing a crucial part of the equation. A Certified Tax Planner breaks it down — explaining the why behind the what, and providing a clear, strategic path toward reducing your future tax burden.
- Your CPA Only Talks to You Once a Year
Traditional CPAs often focus on keeping tabs on payroll or compliance issues, and only reach out at tax time. In contrast, Certified Tax Planners are a trusted advisor, building an ongoing relationship with you throughout the year, advising on everything from entity structure to income timing and deductions — helping you look to the future to make smarter moves for this year and ongoing.
- You’re Growing, But Your Tax Strategy Isn’t
As your business scales, your tax approach should evolve with it. As things change in your life, Certified Tax Planners will recognize those as new opportunities for savings. If your CPA isn’t recommending strategies like income shifting, retirement planning, or real estate tax benefits, you could be leaving thousands on the table. Certified Tax Planners specialize in advanced strategies tailored for entrepreneurs, investors, and high-income individuals.
- You’re Ready to Be Proactive, Not Reactive
If you’re going to reduce your tax liability, you need to be prepared to do things differently. Proactive tax planning uses the tax code as a blueprint to make changes to your business so you can take advantage of as many tax savings strategies as you can legally and ethically qualify for.
Smart tax planning doesn’t wait for tax time – it can start at ANY TIME. Certified Tax Planners guide you in take advantage of every tax savings available now, and making proactive changes that will create additional new savings for the future. If you want to plan for lower taxes instead of hoping for better results or just waiting for the bill to come, you need a strategic and forward-thinking partner in your corner.
The Bottom Line:
Hiring a CPA is a smart move — but it’s not always enough. If you’re looking to go beyond compliance and start building real tax-saving strategies into your financial future, a Certified Tax Planner may be exactly what you need. Whether you need to free up your business cash flow or put money aside for a big purchase, pay for college for your kids, or even planning for retirement, you won’t want to miss the savings a Certified Tax Planner can CREATE for you.
Visit CertifiedTaxCoach.org to find a planner who can help you unlock permanent tax savings through proactive, customized strategies.
