Tax planning is taking proactive steps to reduce or defer income and estate taxes by looking forward to future tax periods and assessing the income tax implications of various planning alternatives. Tax planning strategies may include methods for deferring taxes such as: IRA and retirement plan distribution strategies; infrequent investment trading and others. Other strategies are used to reduce taxes such as: tax-free investments, charitable giving and gifting, retirement plan contributions, etc. We consider tax planning an essential part of every financial plan and an important consideration in the investment management process.
