Year-Round Tax Planning Pointers for Taxpayers

May 24, 2024

When it comes to getting ready for tax season, many people would prefer not to think about their taxes until it's time to file those tax returns. Many people will rush to get those returns down right before the deadline. At Burch & Associates, we believe it would be helpful to plan and prepare for your taxes throughout the entire calendar year. We offer income and business tax preparation tips to keep you organized and prepared for tax season. If need be, you can work with a tax specialist for additional tips to get you ready throughout the year for tax planning.


Here are some simple things taxpayers can do throughout the year to make filing season less stressful.


Organize tax records. Create a system that keeps all important information together. Taxpayers can use a software program for electronic recordkeeping or store paper documents in clearly labeled folders. They should add tax records to their files as they receive them. Organized records will make tax return preparation easier and may help taxpayers discover overlooked deductions or credits.


Identify filing status. A taxpayer's filing status determines their filing requirements, standard deduction, eligibility for certain credits and the correct amount of tax they should pay. If more than one filing status applies to a taxpayer, they can get help choosing the best one for their tax situation with the IRS’s Interactive Tax Assistant, What Is My Filing Status. Changes in family life — marriage, divorce, birth and death — may affect a person's tax situation, including their filing status and eligibility for certain tax credits and deductions.


Understand adjusted gross income (AGI). AGI and tax rate are important factors in figuring taxes. AGI is the taxpayer's income from all sources minus any adjustments. Generally, the higher a taxpayer's AGI, the higher their tax rate and the more tax they pay. Tax planning can include making changes during the year that lower a taxpayer's AGI.


Check withholding. Since federal taxes operate on a pay-as-you-go basis, taxpayers need to pay most of their tax as they earn income. Taxpayers should check that they're withholding enough from their pay to cover their taxes owed, especially if their personal or financial situations change during the year. To check withholding, taxpayers can use the IRS Withholding Estimator. If they want to change their tax withholding, taxpayers should provide their employer with an updated Form W-4.


Make address and name changes. Taxpayers should notify the United States Postal Service, employers and the IRS of any address change. To officially change a mailing address with the IRS, taxpayers must complete Form 8822, Change of Address, and mail it to the correct address for their area. For detailed instructions, see page 2 of the form. Report any name change to the Social Security Administration. Making these changes as soon as possible will help make filing their tax return easier.


Save for retirement. Saving for retirement can also lower a taxpayer's AGI. Certain contributions to a retirement plan at work and to a traditional IRA may also reduce taxable income.


IRS Tax Tips. Learn more at https://www.irs.gov/


If you need additional tax consulting help, reach out to Burch & Associates for help in Lincoln, NE; Beatrice, NE; Crete, NE; and Columbus, NE.

Tax specialist in Lincoln, NE

Why Hire a Professional Bookkeeper for Your Small Business?

June 30, 2025
Running a small business comes with its share of challenges, and managing your finances is one of the most critical tasks to get right. Keeping accurate financial records and ensuring compliance with tax laws may not be the most glamorous aspects of entrepreneurship, but they are essential to the long-term success of your business. That’s where hiring a professional bookkeeper can make all the difference. Here, we explore the key reasons why partnering with a professional bookkeeper is a smart move for your small business and how Burch & Associates, Inc. can help lighten your workload and set you up for success. 1. Save Time and Focus on Growing Your Business Managing your business finances can eat up a significant amount of your time, especially if you’re not familiar with bookkeeping systems or best practices. Every hour you spend balancing the books is an hour you’re not spending on growing your business, enhancing your products or services, or engaging with your customers. A professional bookkeeper handles time-consuming tasks such as tracking transactions, reconciling accounts, and managing payroll, freeing you up to focus on your core business activities. This frees up more time for you to focus on more important things. 2. Ensure Accurate Financial Records Accurate records are the backbone of your business's financial health. Mistakes can lead to overspending, missed tax deductions, or even compliance issues down the line. Bookkeeping professionals are trained to be detail-oriented and thorough. They can provide accurate, up-to-date financial reports that reflect the true state of your business. 3. Stay Compliant with Tax Laws Tax compliance is a priority for every business, but keeping up with changing regulations and deadlines can be overwhelming. Mistakes in your financial records can lead to costly penalties or audits. A professional bookkeeper is well-versed in tax laws and reporting requirements. They ensure your records are properly organized and up-to-date, making tax season far less stressful. 4. Gain Insight into Your Financial Health Understanding your financial position is key to making informed business decisions, whether you’re planning to expand, cut costs, or secure additional funding. Bookkeepers provide detailed financial reports that give you a clear picture of your income, expenses, and profitability. These reports can help you identify trends, manage cash flow, and plan for the future. 5. Avoid Costly Mistakes Financial errors, such as missed payments or forgotten invoices, can hurt your cash flow and damage your business reputation. With a professional bookkeeper, you minimize the risk of costly oversights. Bookkeepers use their expertise to catch potential errors before they become problems. They implement systems that streamline financial processes and ensure nothing falls through the cracks. 6. Reduce Stress and Regain Peace of Mind Attempting to manage all aspects of your business alone can be stressful, especially when it comes to finances. Hiring a professional bookkeeper means you no longer have to worry about whether your financial records are in order. By taking bookkeeping responsibilities off your plate, professional bookkeepers give you peace of mind. You’ll know that your business finances are being managed by experts who have your best interests at heart. This will allow you to focus on running your business with confidence. Partner with Burch & Associates, Inc. At Burch & Associates, Inc. , we understand the unique challenges small businesses face, and we’re here to help. Since 1971, we have been providing comprehensive bookkeeping services to clients nationwide and locally in Lincoln, NE . Our commitment to accuracy, reliability, and personalized service has made us a trusted partner for businesses of all sizes. With Burch & Associates, Inc., we can provide accurate recordkeeping , payroll management , tax preparation , and other custom services tailored to your business' specific needs. Whether your business is just starting out or looking for ways to streamline financial operations, partnering with an expert like Burch & Associates, Inc. can make a world of difference. Contact us if you need the help of a professional bookkeeper.