{"id":2808,"date":"2026-07-01T14:33:16","date_gmt":"2026-07-01T14:33:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/brookfieldtaxplanning.com\/?p=2808"},"modified":"2026-07-01T14:37:37","modified_gmt":"2026-07-01T14:37:37","slug":"tax-planning-for-2026-starts-now","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/brookfieldtaxplanning.com\/english\/tax-planning-for-2026-starts-now\/","title":{"rendered":"Tax Planning For 2026 Starts Now!"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t<div data-elementor-type=\"wp-post\" data-elementor-id=\"2808\" class=\"elementor elementor-2808\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-ef1c692 e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"ef1c692\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-2a4550c elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"2a4550c\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">TAX Planning For 2026 Starts Now!<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-d74f8c4 e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"d74f8c4\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-de9a6d2 elementor-widget elementor-widget-video\" data-id=\"de9a6d2\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;youtube_url&quot;:&quot;https:\\\/\\\/youtu.be\\\/UOr_oq9ndWc&quot;,&quot;video_type&quot;:&quot;youtube&quot;,&quot;controls&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;}\" data-widget_type=\"video.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-wrapper elementor-open-inline\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-video\"><\/div>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-8f654d2 e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"8f654d2\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-19bfec5 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"19bfec5\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h1 data-section-id=\"1s8ckkt\" data-start=\"1677\" data-end=\"1746\">Tax Season Is Over. Now Is the Best Time to Reduce Your 2026 Taxes.<\/h1>\n<p data-start=\"1748\" data-end=\"1824\">Most people believe tax planning happens when they prepare their tax return.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"1826\" data-end=\"1956\">In reality, that&#8217;s often the <strong data-start=\"1855\" data-end=\"1875\">last opportunity<\/strong> to review what already happened\u2014not the best opportunity to reduce future taxes.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"1958\" data-end=\"2038\">Once the calendar year ends, many tax-saving strategies are no longer available.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"2040\" data-end=\"2140\">That&#8217;s why, if your goal is to legally reduce taxes in 2026, the best time to start planning is now.<\/p>\n<h2 data-section-id=\"1izwqdz\" data-start=\"2142\" data-end=\"2186\">Why Tax Planning After Tax Season Matters<\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"2188\" data-end=\"2269\">Preparing a tax return and creating a tax strategy are two very different things.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"2271\" data-end=\"2317\">Tax preparation reports what already happened.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"2319\" data-end=\"2362\">Tax planning helps shape what happens next.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"2364\" data-end=\"2456\">By reviewing your financial situation early in the year, you may have more opportunities to:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"2458\" data-end=\"2715\">\n<li data-section-id=\"1hvtsv7\" data-start=\"2458\" data-end=\"2506\">Manage retirement withdrawals more efficiently<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"1vrymsw\" data-start=\"2507\" data-end=\"2542\">Reduce unnecessary taxable income<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"1g1d5am\" data-start=\"2543\" data-end=\"2584\">Coordinate investment and tax decisions<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"12rrrwt\" data-start=\"2585\" data-end=\"2636\">Prepare for Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs)<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"1nmjnhx\" data-start=\"2637\" data-end=\"2677\">Evaluate Roth conversion opportunities<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"1o6o0gq\" data-start=\"2678\" data-end=\"2715\">Improve after-tax retirement income<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"2717\" data-end=\"2787\">The earlier planning begins, the more options are typically available.<\/p>\n<h2 data-section-id=\"yva2ku\" data-start=\"2789\" data-end=\"2823\">Why Many Retirees Overpay Taxes<\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"2825\" data-end=\"2884\">Many retirees have worked hard to build retirement savings.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"2886\" data-end=\"2962\">Unfortunately, they often discover that taxes continue well into retirement.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"2964\" data-end=\"3013\">Income may come from multiple sources, including:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"3015\" data-end=\"3154\">\n<li data-section-id=\"ykjcap\" data-start=\"3015\" data-end=\"3041\">Social Security benefits<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"1k2x0d6\" data-start=\"3042\" data-end=\"3060\">Traditional IRAs<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"11lzubb\" data-start=\"3061\" data-end=\"3075\">401(k) plans<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"1neadjf\" data-start=\"3076\" data-end=\"3092\">Pension income<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"1vx0t23\" data-start=\"3093\" data-end=\"3114\">Investment accounts<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"1hw791z\" data-start=\"3115\" data-end=\"3154\">Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"3156\" data-end=\"3289\">Without a coordinated withdrawal strategy, retirees may unintentionally move into higher tax brackets or pay more tax than necessary.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"3291\" data-end=\"3369\">Tax planning focuses on helping you understand how these pieces work together.<\/p>\n<h2 data-section-id=\"13vpy6i\" data-start=\"3371\" data-end=\"3406\">Tax Preparation vs. Tax Planning<\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"3408\" data-end=\"3455\">Many people assume these services are the same.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"3457\" data-end=\"3470\">They are not.<\/p>\n<h3 data-section-id=\"ezwmya\" data-start=\"3472\" data-end=\"3491\">Tax Preparation<\/h3>\n<ul data-start=\"3493\" data-end=\"3597\">\n<li data-section-id=\"6l0u8b\" data-start=\"3493\" data-end=\"3516\">Files your tax return<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"hk1n3b\" data-start=\"3517\" data-end=\"3545\">Reports last year&#8217;s income<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"1rkwa0q\" data-start=\"3546\" data-end=\"3580\">Ensures compliance with tax laws<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"1pjzh07\" data-start=\"3581\" data-end=\"3597\">Looks backward<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 data-section-id=\"ljpoc6\" data-start=\"3599\" data-end=\"3615\">Tax Planning<\/h3>\n<ul data-start=\"3617\" data-end=\"3737\">\n<li data-section-id=\"93gesb\" data-start=\"3617\" data-end=\"3647\">Reviews future opportunities<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"11n3fx1\" data-start=\"3648\" data-end=\"3679\">Coordinates retirement income<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"1vyq0y2\" data-start=\"3680\" data-end=\"3721\">Helps identify tax-efficient strategies<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"ubvdpj\" data-start=\"3722\" data-end=\"3737\">Looks forward<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"3739\" data-end=\"3793\">Both are important, but they serve different purposes.<\/p>\n<h2 data-section-id=\"1ewjzv0\" data-start=\"3795\" data-end=\"3822\">Why Waiting Can Cost You<\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"3824\" data-end=\"3905\">One of the biggest retirement planning mistakes is waiting until next tax season.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"3907\" data-end=\"3960\">By then, many planning opportunities may have passed.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"3962\" data-end=\"4063\">Planning throughout the year allows you to make informed decisions while options are still available.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"4065\" data-end=\"4164\">That&#8217;s why many financial professionals encourage proactive reviews rather than reactive decisions.<\/p>\n<h2 data-section-id=\"r88fdn\" data-start=\"4166\" data-end=\"4197\">Could a Second Opinion Help?<\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"4199\" data-end=\"4309\">Even if you already work with a CPA or financial advisor, many retirees appreciate having another perspective.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"4311\" data-end=\"4362\">A second opinion can help answer questions such as:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"4364\" data-end=\"4554\">\n<li data-section-id=\"1dj3xbq\" data-start=\"4364\" data-end=\"4402\">Am I paying more tax than necessary?<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"cppek5\" data-start=\"4403\" data-end=\"4454\">Could my retirement income be more tax-efficient?<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"ajcd62\" data-start=\"4455\" data-end=\"4501\">Are my withdrawals structured appropriately?<\/li>\n<li data-section-id=\"n3rq87\" data-start=\"4502\" data-end=\"4554\">Is my retirement plan still aligned with my goals?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"4556\" data-end=\"4620\">Sometimes the review confirms you&#8217;re already on the right track.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"4622\" data-end=\"4700\">Other times, it identifies opportunities that may be worth discussing further.<\/p>\n<h2 data-section-id=\"1mrmz8l\" data-start=\"4702\" data-end=\"4754\">Schedule Your Complimentary Retirement Tax Review<\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"4756\" data-end=\"4839\">If you&#8217;d like a second opinion on your retirement tax strategy, we&#8217;re here to help.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"4841\" data-end=\"4964\">We&#8217;ll review your current situation, answer your questions, and discuss opportunities that may improve your tax efficiency.<\/p>\n<h3 data-section-id=\"125d3fz\" data-start=\"4966\" data-end=\"4993\">Brookfield Tax Planning<\/h3>\n<div><p data-start=\"5054\" data-end=\"5094\"><strong data-start=\"5054\" data-end=\"5094\">FREE 30-Minute Retirement Tax Review<\/strong><span aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/span><\/p>\n<p data-start=\"5096\" data-end=\"5110\">No Obligation.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"5112\" data-end=\"5130\">No Sales Pressure.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"5132\" data-end=\"5147\">Just The Facts.<\/p><p data-start=\"5132\" data-end=\"5147\"><b>GIVE US A CALL TODAY:&nbsp; 708-485-3439<\/b><\/p><\/div>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>TAX Planning For 2026 Starts Now! https:\/\/youtu.be\/UOr_oq9ndWc Tax Season Is Over. Now Is the Best Time to Reduce Your 2026 Taxes. Most people believe tax planning happens when they prepare their tax return. In reality, that&#8217;s often the last opportunity to review what already happened\u2014not the best opportunity to reduce future taxes. Once the calendar [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"default","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","ast-disable-related-posts":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"set","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"footnotes":""},"categories":[],"tags":[455,456,459,346,671,604,373,662,663,674,668,131,612,18,194,192,394,673,70,688,687,689,129,676,675,530,130,659,246,420,8,496,108,669,429,14,23,672,207,666,667,531],"class_list":["post-2808","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","tag-accounting-business-plan-berwyn","tag-accounting-business-plan-riverside","tag-accounting-business-plan-westchester","tag-accounting-for-a-business-lyons","tag-accounting-near-me","tag-berwyn-financial-plan","tag-best-financial-advisors","tag-best-tax-planning","tag-best-tax-prep","tag-brookfield-accounting","tag-brookfield-tax-plan","tag-brookfield-tax-planning","tag-brookfield-tax-preparation","tag-brookfield-taxes","tag-file-taxes-riverside","tag-file-taxes-westchester","tag-financial-investment-planner-riverside","tag-help-filing-taxes","tag-income-taxes","tag-la-grange-park-tax-planning","tag-la-grange-park-taxes","tag-la-grange-tax-planning","tag-lyons-tax-planning","tag-no-categories-accounting-brookfield","tag-retirees","tag-riverside-financial-advisor","tag-riverside-tax-planning","tag-save-money","tag-tax-accountant-westchester","tag-tax-advisor","tag-tax-planning","tag-tax-planning-for-women-business-owners-in-chicago","tag-tax-prep","tag-tax-prepare","tag-tax-return","tag-tax-returns","tag-tax-savings","tag-tax-season","tag-tax-services-westchester","tag-tax-strategy","tag-tax-tips","tag-westchester-financial-advisor"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/brookfieldtaxplanning.com\/english\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2808","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/brookfieldtaxplanning.com\/english\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/brookfieldtaxplanning.com\/english\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/brookfieldtaxplanning.com\/english\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/brookfieldtaxplanning.com\/english\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2808"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/brookfieldtaxplanning.com\/english\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2808\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2812,"href":"https:\/\/brookfieldtaxplanning.com\/english\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2808\/revisions\/2812"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/brookfieldtaxplanning.com\/english\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2808"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/brookfieldtaxplanning.com\/english\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2808"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/brookfieldtaxplanning.com\/english\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2808"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}