What Does a Tax Advisor Do
Steuerberatung Hattingen is a broad term, and it encompasses anything from running a tax projection in financial planning software to discussing how different strategies might affect a client’s circumstances. It can also include recommendations for the implementation of tax avoidance strategies that are highly scrutinized by the IRS and require a sign-off from a designated tax professional, or more benign strategies like optimizing when and how a client saves or invests in order to reduce their taxes.
An effective advisor can help clients understand the impact of various strategies, and they may collaborate with a client’s existing tax preparer in an effort to maximize efficiency and minimize costs. An advisor might also assist a business with issues like tax audits and appeals, and they can help individuals navigate complicated matters such as establishing trusts to hold assets or estate planning.
As the demand for tax advice grows, many advisors want to be able to provide it. However, compliance departments may be concerned about the potential liability risk associated with giving tax advice (whether or not it’s intended). This creates a challenging dichotomy between providing value for clients and protecting the firm and advisor from potential issues and liabilities.
A tax advisor can offer guidance on a wide range of tax-related topics, including the use of retirement accounts, investments, deductions and credits, tax-efficient distributions from retirement accounts, and the purchase or sale of real property. They can also help clients establish a budget for their annual tax obligations and provide guidance on navigating the IRS audit process, and they can assist with tax-related business transactions such as mergers and acquisitions.
The most common types of taxes are income taxes and sales taxes, which are levied on a dollar-for-dollar basis on the amount of money you earn or spend. Depending on your situation, you might qualify for certain deductions or credits that allow you to reduce the amount of money subject to taxation, such as home or auto expenses, medical expenses, charitable contributions and interest on student loans.
You can lower your tax bill by using deductions and credits, making qualified contributions to a retirement account, and utilizing specialized investment products such as exchange traded funds. However, the best way to minimize your tax bill is to keep all of your receipts and pay your taxes on time.
An experienced tax advisor can provide valuable services that can significantly reduce your taxable income. Finding an advisor is easy, and you can start by asking for referrals from your family and friends or vetting them through industry trade associations. When selecting an advisor, you should emphasize experience in order to find someone who has been toe-to-toe with the IRS before and knows how to handle complex situations. Ideally, they should be an Enrolled Agent or Certified Public Accountant.