In this episode, Micah shares strategies for quickly estimating a client's tax liability during a meeting without relying on complex software. He advises keeping a current tax reference guide on your desk to instantly verify brackets and standard deductions. By calculating total fixed income plus required withdrawals, advisors can easily identify a client's current marginal tax bracket. Ishelanski emphasizes planning based on this marginal rate rather than the effective rate, arguing that new money or conversions are always taxed at the highest tier. Finally, he suggests comparing current rates to the higher rates projected for 2026 to encourage clients to perform Roth conversions now.
Encore Episode: Tips from the Trenches - Taxes
Resources in today's episode:
- Micah Shilanski: Website | LinkedIn - Learn More about our Coaching Programs
