Forming a working relationship with your accountant, either as a business owner or as an individual who wants to take control of your financial future, is perhaps one of the most important partnerships you can build.
Unfortunately, a lot of people fail to do this and only spend a few minutes talking with their accountant at tax season. If this is the only time you talk to your accountant, here are just a few of the many important aspects of your finances you may be missing out on:
- Planning for your retirement with the most comprehensive approach to short and long investment strategies with risk levels you are comfortable with.
- Determining options for creating tax savings for years to come. This could include strategic use of allowable gifts, donations to charities or even the option to develop different types of trusts and funds.
- Providing a complete financial overview of your personal finances or helping to develop a financial analysis of your comprehensive business plan.
- Helping you with important information on what to consider, what to track and record, and how to make the most out of tax credits and deductions you may be eligible for throughout the year.
- Helping you to develop an effective and accurate budget to allow you to save, pay for a home, buy vehicles or even to plan for kids to go to college.
- Assist you in making any large investments, sales of financial decisions to ensure all aspects of the transaction are in your best interests. This is true for both a business acquisition or sale or for major financial issues in your personal life as well.
In addition, an accountant is a great person to consult when you are thinking about starting a business, growing an existing business or perhaps in buying a new home or making a large purchase. Having a professional to go to for specific information, and a big picture look at all options, is a great asset for anyone to consider.