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Frazier Allen: Opportunity Blooms in Tax Season

F&M Investment Services - Raymond James - Clarksville, TNClarksville, TN – Tax season can bring new possibilities – especially when it comes to what to do with your refund or, on the flip side, how to settle your bill. We’ve gathered some ideas that may fit into your financial landscape.

Tending to your windfall: So you worked diligently with your tax preparer to complete your return, only to discover some of the fruits of last year’s labor will be coming back in the form of a refund. So, what can you do with your bounty?

Opportunity Blooms in Tax Season
Opportunity Blooms in Tax Season

Here are some possibilities:

Start fresh – Strengthen your finances by paying down credit card or other non-tax advantaged debt.

Cultivate – Make some improvements to make your home more valuable, comfortable or energy efficient – or get ahead on the kids’ tuition.

Nourish – Invest in yourself (a new gym membership or art classes) or someone else (donate to a charity or sponsor a family or individual in need).

Replant – Use that money to kick-start this year’s contributions to your retirement account or bolster your emergency fund.

Plan – Some say a refund is just a loan you give the government interest-free. Should you reconsider your withholdings so that you come out even next year?

If you owe

If you end up owing taxes this year, you’ll need to decide how to pay. However, before you write that check or cash in some of your invested assets, consider how those actions may impact you immediately and over the long run.

For instance, liquidating assets in your investment portfolio to pay your taxes may generate new tax consequences. Such an action would also likely impact your long-term investment strategy. And emptying your savings account may leave you vulnerable should another unplanned need for cash arise.

Instead of using the assets working toward your long-term goals, consider liquidity and borrowing options based on the value of your assets, or that offer rewards like cash back or redeemable points. That way, you can access the cash you need to pay your tax bill while keeping your assets where they belong – invested.

Next, consider these tips for reducing your future tax bill.

Maximize contributions – Take advantage of tax breaks in your retirement accounts and make catch-up contributions once you turn 50.

Harvest losses – Consider balancing your realized capital gains by selling securities for a loss and reducing your tax liability.

Seek advice – It’s never too early to discuss tax planning with your financial advisor and your tax professional.

Let the sunshine in

Spring is a time of renewal, so use your tax refund wisely, or if you owe taxes, consider your long-term investment plan and borrowing options available to you before uprooting your hard-working, invested assets.

Next steps:

Talk to your professional team about:

  • Methods of paying an unexpected tax bill
  • Adjusting your tax withholding
  • Year-round tax planning

Raymond James is not affiliated with any companies mentioned in this material.

Frazier Allen
Frazier Allenhttp://www.raymondjames.com/frazierallen
Frazier Allen, WMS, CRPS, Financial Advisor with F&M Bank 50 Franklin Street | Clarksville, TN 37040 | 931-553-2048
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