When most people discuss taxes with a financial advisor, they think in terms of avoidance. They want to pay less. Delay the bill. Find a deduction.

But smart tax planning isn’t just about minimizing taxes — it’s about aligning your tax strategy with what matters most in your life.

An experienced financial advisor can help you shift from reactive tax tactics to purpose-driven planning. Here’s how to think about building a tax strategy that serves your long-term goals — not just the IRS.

Start With Your Life, Not Just Your Income
Before we talk numbers, we ask bigger questions:

• What do you want your money to do in the next 5, 10, or 30 years?
• Are you planning to retire early? Sell a business? Pay for a child’s education?
• Do you care about charitable giving, generational wealth, or living well now?

Your answers drive the plan. Because taxes are not one-size-fits-all, they’re deeply personal.

Turn Big Goals Into Tax-Efficient Moves
Here’s how common life goals translate into specific tax planning strategies:

Rather than asking “How do I pay less?” — ask “How can I use the tax code to fund what I care about?”

Build a Multi-Year Tax View
One of the biggest mistakes we see is people making decisions one tax year at a time.

Smart planning looks forward. A few examples:

• Roth conversions spread across multiple low-bracket years
• Delaying Social Security to reduce RMD-related taxes
• Selling appreciated stock in years with offsetting losses
• Deferring income during high-income years and accelerating deductions

By viewing taxes in multi-year windows, you may save substantially more (and stress less).

Coordinate Your Tax Strategy with Your Plan
Tax decisions don’t exist in a vacuum. They affect your investments, retirement, estate, insurance, and even charitable giving.

A great tax strategy is:

• Integrated with your cash flow and investment plan
• Flexible enough to adjust with markets and income changes
• Designed with both short-term needs and long-term vision

This is where a collaborative team, including your financial advisor, CPA, and attorney, can help ensure you aren’t missing opportunities or working at cross-purposes.

Key Tax Planning Questions to Ask
If you’re unsure where to start, ask yourself:

• Am I using all available tax-advantaged accounts? (401(k), HSA, Roth IRA, etc.)
• Do I have a strategy for when and how I’ll draw income in retirement?
• Have I reviewed my estate and gifting plan for tax efficiency?
• Am I leaving money on the table because my plan isn’t integrated?

You Don’t Have to Figure It All Out Alone
A good tax strategy isn’t just about saving money. It’s about creating more freedom to live the life you want.

At FIS, we help high-income professionals, business owners, and families develop long-term tax strategies that are as personal as the goals they support.

Let’s make the tax code work for your future.

This content was created with the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI). While efforts have been made to ensure the quality and reliability of the content, it is important to note that AI-generated content may not always reflect the most current developments or nuanced human perspectives. Investing involves risk and you may incur a profit or loss regardless of strategy selected, including diversification and asset allocation. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Changes in tax laws or regulations may occur at any time and could substantially impact your situation. While we are familiar with the tax provisions of the issues presented herein, as Financial Advisors we are not qualified to render advice on tax or legal matters. Raymond James and its advisors do not offer tax or legal advice. You should discuss any tax or legal matters with the appropriate professional.

Any opinions are those of Forman Investment Services and not necessarily those of Raymond James. Investing involves risk and you may incur a profit or loss regardless of strategy selected. Raymond James and its advisors do not offer tax or legal advice. You should discuss any tax or legal matters with the appropriate professional. Prior to making an investment decision, please consult with your financial advisor about your individual situation.