By Kathy Collins, CPA,
Four Quadrants Advisory
April 15 was only two weeks ago. And let me guess . . . it wasn’t the highlight of your Spring?
If you run a dental practice, preparing for this day always seems to be crammed with equal parts uncertainty and anxiety.
But Tax Time is no longer a day our clients fear. We customize an actual plan for each of them so they can avoid an unexpected tax bill or tax refund that wreaks havoc on bank account stability and retirement savings balances.
Read the Guide: Financial Planning for Dentists
So let’s get your retirement back on track by implementing 5 proven strategies to make 2015 your smoothest - and most predictable - year ever.
1. Convert your company to an S-Corporation -
This structure will allow for better cash flow and more predictability (no more bank account roller coaster games) when a compensation structure is planned properly.
WHY DO THIS? — Although taxes still need to be managed in an S-Corp., this is a huge step toward reducing the dreary year-end tax surprises because more taxes are spread throughout the year with a consistent paycheck.
2. Hire a dental-specific accountant - This is not a CPA that has “some” dental clients,
this is a CPA that has “exclusively” dental clients. By being a specialist, and knowing dental terminology, they can develop a dental-specific chart of accounts (i.e. list of expenses) and be aware of financial issues that are unique to dentistry.
WHY DO THIS? — The frequent, consistent numbers will allow your CPA to communicate great ideas and proactive advice.
3. Develop an appropriate safety net -Having the money to pay a tax surprise makes the sting of the surprise slightly less painful, but having structures in place to ensure this happens is harder than you think. You need to be disciplined and be a numbers-hawk consistently. We show you the calculations that go into establishing your minimum practice cash reserve.
WHY DO THIS? — This balance will float up and down against the ideal as overhead fluctuates, so be sure to take your income in a predictable manner. This makes it easier on the cash flow and bank balances and is more predictable to manage.
4. Devise a more cash flow-friendly income structure -
Most tax advisors suggest you take home most of the cash reserve or stab in the dark at where you should set income. Structuring income this way often results in huge quarterly tax payments or sporadic, lumpy distributions—neither of which are friendly on your personal or business bank account.
WHY DO THIS? — It may not be sexy, but boring, predictable bank accounts are where it’s at folks. And we hear more sleep at night from less stress does wonders for the complexion!
5. Re-evaluate your retirement plan -
WHY DO THIS? — By adding a generous match and allowing a profit share component you’ll be shocked at how much retirement savings can accumulate without the complication and expense of other “sophisticated” retirement plans. Additionally, you’ll get the benefit of being able to shelter money from Uncle Sam via tax savings with a great retirement plan structure.
Ultimately it’s our goal for all of our clients to stabilize their practice income so they can save $100,000 or more each year for retirement.
For more information, download our success kit or contact us today by filling out the form below!