Tax planning
Tax planning: know what you'll owe before the year ends
Tax preparation reports on a year that is already over. Tax planning happens while you can still change the result. In a one-on-one session we review your numbers for this year, estimate what you may owe and go through the legal ways to lower it, at our Naperville office, by phone or by Zoom.
Who it's for
- Self-employed people and 1099 earners whose income changed this year
- LLC owners deciding on an S-Corp election for 2027
- Anyone who owed a large balance or paid a penalty last April
- Business owners planning a big purchase, such as a vehicle or equipment
- Families with a big change this year: a new child, a marriage, a move or a new job
What's included
- Review of your income and last year's return
- Estimate of what you may owe for 2026
- Strategies that fit your situation
- Quarterly estimated tax amounts
- S-Corp and business structure check
$195 per session
The final price depends on your situation. We confirm it before any work starts.
Tax planning vs. tax preparation
| Tax planning | Tax preparation | |
|---|---|---|
| When | Before December 31, while you can still act | After the year ends, January to April |
| The question | How can I legally owe less? | What do I owe, and what do I file? |
| What you get | An estimate of your tax, the options that apply and clear next steps | A complete, filed tax return |
| Price | $195 per session; follow-up at $80/hour | From $249 |
Year-end moves to review before December 31, 2026
Most planning has to happen inside the tax year. These are the moves we check most often:
- Retirement savings: 401(k) contributions count for 2026 only if they come out of 2026 paychecks.
- Business purchases: equipment or a vehicle must be placed in service by December 31 to be deducted for 2026.
- Timing: if you are self-employed, when you bill clients and pay expenses can move income between 2026 and 2027.
- Estimated taxes: the last 2026 estimated payment is due January 15, 2027.
- Business structure: an LLC that wants S-Corp treatment for 2027 generally files Form 2553 by March 15, 2027.
- Charitable gifts: donations count for 2026 only if you make them by December 31.
How it works
- 01
Book a session
Choose a time online, or visit our Naperville office. Tell us what changed this year.
- 02
Share your numbers
Send last year's return and this year's income and expenses through the secure client portal.
- 03
Plan the rest of the year
We estimate what you may owe, go through the options that apply and agree on next steps with you.
Common questions
What is tax planning?
Looking at your income and expenses before the year closes, estimating the tax and choosing legal ways to lower it, such as retirement contributions, the timing of business purchases or a change of business structure.
How much does a tax planning session cost?
A tax planning session costs $195. If you want help after it, consulting is $80 an hour. We confirm the price before any work starts.
When should I do tax planning?
Before December 31, because most moves have to happen inside the tax year. A second check in spring or summer helps if your income changes.
Is tax planning the same as tax preparation?
No. Preparation records what already happened and files the return. Planning happens earlier, while you can still change the result. Many clients do both with us.
What should I bring?
Last year's tax return, recent pay stubs or 1099s, a profit and loss summary if you run a business, and any big changes you expect.
Is USTAXX a CPA firm?
No. USTAXX is an IRS Authorized e-file provider offering tax preparation and tax advice. We don't provide accounting or bookkeeping.
Related guides
Talk to USTAXX
Book a time online, or call or text us at (847) 773-7070.
Book a consultation