At Brickley Wealth Management, we have long advocated for the benefits of combining CPA and financial advisory services. Many clients come to us seeking this integration because they see their financial advisor and existing CPA working separately, often leading to misaligned strategies. For instance, a financial advisor might trigger capital gains in a portfolio without consulting the CPA, resulting in unnecessary taxes. This lack of coordination can cause significant issues, making the case for a consolidated approach clear.
A Seamless and Integrated Approach
One of the main advantages of our integrated services is the proactive, year-round attention we can give to our clients’ financial and tax situations as needed. Unlike many CPAs who focus on transactional revenue models, especially during tax season, our approach can continue throughout the year. This means we are not only preparing tax returns but also checking in with clients. For example, if you're a tech client with RSUs and stock options vesting quarterly, we can run tax projections as these events occur to avoid surprises and estimate taxes due throughout the year.
Preventing Tax Surprises
We strive to reduce or eliminate tax surprises and potential penalties. Traditional CPAs might calculate estimated payments based on the previous year's income, which can lead to discrepancies if your financial situation changes. Our method involves ongoing adjustments and fine-tuning, helping you pay in what you need as your financial landscape evolves.
Tax Implications in Financial Decisions
Tax considerations are at the forefront of our minds. Financial advisors without CPA insights might overlook significant tax-saving opportunities. For instance, if a client is offered a severance package, we might suggest negotiating the payout to occur in the following year to reduce the tax burden. Similarly, when planning for potential inheritances, we consider strategies like Roth conversions to minimize future taxes on inherited IRAs.
Comprehensive Estate and Trust Planning
Our dual expertise also extends to estate and trust planning. We recently assisted a client in settling her mother's estate, handling everything from the final income tax return to the estate tax return and the administration of trust accounts. This level of comprehensive service, integrating both tax and financial planning, allows for a seamless process that many other advisors simply cannot provide.
Avoiding Capital Gains Surprises
During tax season, we review clients' portfolios to anticipate and manage capital gains. For instance, after preparing a client's tax return, we can project their income for the coming year and set realized capital gains targets. This proactive approach mitigates unexpected tax liabilities and aligns investment strategies with income tax planning.
Capturing State Tax Exempt Dividends
An oversight by many other CPAs is the misclassification of state tax-exempt dividends. Understanding the intricacies of investment types and their tax implications is crucial. At Brickley Wealth Management, we capture these details, preventing unnecessary state taxes on exempt dividends.
The Comprehensive Advantage
Ultimately, integrating CPA and financial advisory services can offer a material advantage. Taxes are often the largest expense in a person’s life, and our combined approach helps minimize current and future tax liabilities. From managing RSUs and stock options to planning for inheritances and estate taxes, our holistic strategy is designed for your financial well-being.
By paying close attention to the tax implications of your investments and incorporating ongoing tax planning, we help your investments, ensuring that more of your money works for you in the long run. This integrated approach can lead to better financial outcomes, fewer tax surprises, and a more comprehensive financial plan.
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