Our goal with tax planning is to balance the desire to keep taxes low today with the long term goal of paying less taxes over a lifetime.
Investment Tax Planning
- Manage capital gains by reviewing what you own and whether it makes sense to harvest gains or losses.
- Optimize asset location—deciding what should be held in taxable vs. tax-deferred vs. tax-free accounts.
- Guide on tax-efficient withdrawals in retirement (Roth vs. Traditional vs. taxable).
Retirement Contribution Planning
- Help you maximize tax-advantaged accounts such as 401(k), IRA, Roth IRA, HSA, and 529s.
- Advise on backdoor Roth strategies, Roth conversions, or mega backdoor Roths when appropriate.
Equity Compensation Guidance
- Plan around stock option exercises, RSU vesting, and ESPP sales to avoid unnecessary tax spikes.
- Coordinate timing of sales with your broader income picture.
Charitable Giving Strategies
- Recommend tax-smart ways to give, such as Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs), Donor-Advised Funds, or gifting appreciated stock instead of cash.
- Align giving with your tax bracket and philanthropic goals.
Estate and Gifting Strategies
- Advise on annual exclusion gifts and lifetime exemption planning.
- Coordinate trust funding or other structures to reduce estate taxes in the future.
Coordination with Your CPA
- Act as the “quarterback” to ensure your financial plan, investments, and tax return all line up.
- Provide your CPA with reports, summaries, and strategy notes so nothing gets missed at filing time.
At LA Wealth Management, tax planning isn’t just about reducing this year’s bill — it’s about building a coordinated strategy that supports your goals now and decades into the future.