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Tax Preparation vs Tax Planning vs Tax Strategy

There’s a large difference between tax preparation and taking an active role and developing your own personalized strategy for taxes each year. Here at Fox Hill we don’t believe in simply filing your taxes, we believe in taking an active role in your tax planning and strategy and come up with a personalized plan that mitigates your tax bill at the end of each year so that you can in turn put as much capital to work. 



To highlight this point here’s a short story about three three siblings who lived in the town of Prosperity. 


The three siblings named Theo, Penny, and Stratton each had a unique approach to managing their finances, especially when it came to taxes. 


Theo, the eldest, was a meticulous organizer. Every year, as April approached, he gathered his receipts, W-2s, and bank statements, sitting down to file his taxes. This was Theo's annual ritual of tax preparation. He followed the rules, filled out the forms correctly, and made sure his taxes were filed by the deadline. Tax preparation, for Theo, was about compliance and accuracy, ensuring he paid what he owed or received a well-deserved refund. His story is a classic example of how many approach taxes—focused on the here and now, ensuring they meet their legal obligations without considering the broader implications or opportunities.


Penny, the middle sibling, always looked ahead. She wasn't content with just preparing her taxes each year; she engaged in tax planning. Penny worked with a financial advisor to understand how her decisions throughout the year would affect her tax obligations. She made charitable donations, contributed to her retirement accounts, and strategically timed the sale of some investments to manage her taxable income. Penny's approach to tax planning was proactive. She sought to minimize her tax liability through legal means, making informed decisions that aligned with her financial goals. Her story highlights the importance of foresight and the benefits of planning ahead to reduce tax burdens and enhance financial well-being.


Stratton, the youngest, was the visionary. He didn't just look a year ahead; he had a comprehensive tax strategy that spanned years into the future. Stratton understood that every financial decision he made—from the structure of his investment portfolio to the type of accounts he used for saving—had tax implications. He worked closely with a team of advisors to craft a tax strategy that not only minimized his taxes in the short term but also set him up for long-term financial success. Stratton's approach was holistic, considering the impact of taxes on his overall wealth and financial legacy. His story exemplifies tax strategy at its best—integrating tax considerations into a broader financial plan to achieve long-term goals and secure a prosperous future.


As the stories of Theo, Penny, and Stratton unfold in the vibrant town of Prosperity, a compelling narrative emerges, urging us all to aspire to be more like Stratton. It's not just about diligently preparing taxes like Theo or even planning ahead like Penny; it's about embracing a comprehensive vision for our financial future through strategic tax management.


Stratton's tale is a beacon for us all, illuminating the profound impact that a well-crafted tax strategy can have on our wealth and financial legacy. By taking an active role in our tax management, much like Stratton, we're not merely navigating the present; we're sculpting our future. This approach allows us to harness the full potential of our capital, putting it to work in ways that yield long-term benefits and contribute to our overarching financial goals.

So, let's draw inspiration from Stratton's visionary approach. Let's engage with our finances with the foresight and strategic intent that tax strategy demands. By doing so, we position ourselves not just to meet our current tax obligations but to enhance our financial well-being for years to come.

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