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The best time to start year tax planning with a CPA is typically in the early fourth 

quarter, around October or November. Beginning your tax planning during this period allows enough time to assess your current financial status, implement tax-saving strategies, and avoid the last-minute rush at year-end. Here’s a breakdown of why this timing is ideal:

1. Early Q4: Assess and Strategize

• Review  Financial Performance: In October, review your year-to-date financials with your CPA  and  tools to get an accurate picture of income, expenses, and projected profits. A CPA can help by quickly analyzing your data, identifying trends, and predicting year-end results.
• Adjust Income and Deductions: With guidance from your CPA, use insights to determine if accelerating or deferring income and expenses would be beneficial based on  your expected tax bracket and any upcoming tax law changes.

2. Mid-to-Late Q4: Implement and Optimize

• Make Strategic Purchases and Investments: In November and early December, finalize any year-end investments, such as purchasing equipment or prepaying certain expenses, to take advantage of available deductions. CPA tools can help project the ttax impact of these actions, while ensuring compliance with tax  regulations.
• Evaluate Retirement Contributions and Benefits: a CPA an analyze how contributions to retirement accounts or employee benefits may impact your tax liabilities, and guide you on contribution limits and deadlines.
• Ensure Compliance and Minimize Risks: As you approach the end of the year, AI tools can help check for compliance with filing requirements and identify potential audit      triggers, allowing your CPA to help you minimize risks and make any final adjustments

3. Benefits of Early Planning with a CPA

• Time for Strategic Adjustments: Starting in October provides a few months to make adjustments if insights reveal unexpected income spikes or deduction opportunities.
• Avoid Year-End Rush:The final weeks of December are often hectic for CPAs and businesses. By planning early, you’ll have more access to your CPA’s expertise and       tools for in-depth planning.
• Informed  Decision-Making: your CPA has the ability to make data-driven recommendations, and early planning allows you to take advantage of more options for reducing  tax liabilities before year-end.

Starting in October or November gives you a head start on year-end tax planning, allowing your CPA and tools to work together to optimize your tax strategy, maximize deductions, and set your business up for a successful financial close to the year.