Tax planning combines how much you think you will make, with the source (or how you make it), generating a tax effective result. This could make two clients with the exact same taxable income have entirely different looking tax bills. That’s the hard news. The good news – now is the perfect time to review your situation. Here’s a simple, but effective approach:

Step 1: Take inventory of your income sources

Most income falls into a few core categories – wages from an employer, self-employment, freelance work, investment earnings, and any side income you pick up along the way. Other types of income you may have include:

• Retirement income (pensions, Social Security, IRA or 401(k) withdrawals)
• Rental income from real estate
• Business distributions (for S-corp or partnership owners)
• Interest from savings accounts or bonds

If you aren’t sure, take a moment and look at last year’s tax return. It’s a great place to start. Then consider any changes you expect.

Step 2: Get familiar with the different types of taxes

Not all income is taxed the same way. And these differences can add up quickly.

• Wages are subject to a progressive income tax from 0% to 37%. So know the rate your next dollar of tax will pay. Also don’t forget wages are subject to payroll taxes like Social Security and Medicare (7.65%).
• Self-employment and freelance income is subject to the same tax rates as wages except most don’t automatically withhold taxes and may also be subject to self-employment tax (15.3%). So planning here needs to consider quarterly estimated tax payments.
• Investment earnings can be subject to a variety of tax rates such as interest and short-term capital gains (up to 37%), qualified dividends (0% to 20%), or long-term capital gains (0% to 20% depending on the holding period and income type).
• Retirement income may be fully taxable (up to 37%), partially taxable (varies), or tax-free (0% for certain Roth distributions).
• Rental income is generally taxed at ordinary income rates (up to 37%), though deductions can decrease your total taxable income.
• Business distributions vary by entity and may be taxed at ordinary income rates (up to 37%) or pass through with no additional tax at the distribution level (varies).

Step 3: Tips to manage your tax burden

• Align your tax payments with how you actually earn. If a growing portion of your income is coming from somewhere outside a traditional job, withholding alone may not cover your tax liability. W-2 income is handled automatically, however freelance, investment, or rental income often requires quarterly estimated payments to avoid penalties.
• Use withholding and estimates together. Adjust paycheck withholding to pair it with estimated payments when income is uneven or comes from multiple sources.
• Pay attention when your income changes. These income shifts can catch people off guard with a higher tax bill if they don’t adjust their plan early in the year.
• Be intentional about when income and expenses hit. Sometimes you have control over when you earn income or pay expenses. Used correctly, adjusting your timing can help smooth out your tax bill, especially if you’re self-employed or have investment income.
• Check your plan throughout the year. Your income mix can change quickly, and small updates can make a big difference. A quick review during the year can help you stay on track and avoid surprises later.

By understanding your income sources, how each is taxed, and how to align your payments and timing strategies, you can take a more proactive approach to managing this year’s tax bill.