Searching for a tax preparer in Arizona can feel deceptively easy. A quick search returns dozens of options, all promising accuracy, speed, and experience. But once your finances extend beyond a straightforward return, the question changes. It’s no longer “Who can file this?” It becomes “Who actually understands what’s going on?” Why Arizona adds an extra layer of complexity Arizona …
What Makes a Tax Situation “Complicated” (and When DIY Tax Prep Stops Making Sense)
Most people don’t wake up one day and think, “My taxes are complicated now.”Instead, complexity creeps in quietly until tax season feels stressful, uncertain, or risky. So what actually makes a tax situation “complicated”? And how do you know when it’s time to move beyond DIY software? Common signs your tax situation is becoming complex A tax return typically becomes …
Capital Gains & Distribution Planning: Why Timing Matters
Why this is important now Smart planning strategies Tax efficiency isn’t about avoiding gains — it’s about aligning them with your bigger financial picture. At wealthnest®, we work with clients to build portfolios that grow while keeping tax surprises under control. Rising capital gains distributions and overlooked interest income don’t have to catch you off guard. With the right planning, …
The Tax Advantages of a Brokerage Account in a Community Property State
For couples living in a community property state, a brokerage account can offer unique tax benefits—especially when it comes to estate planning and investment flexibility. Two of the biggest advantages are the step-up in basis and the freedom to liquidate investments on your own terms. 1. Step-Up in Basis at the First Spouse’s PassingIn a community property state, when one spouse …
The Tax Trap of Inherited IRAs: What Beneficiaries Must Know Now
Receiving an inheritance might seem like a financial windfall—but if that inheritance includes a traditional IRA, it may come with an unexpected side effect: a substantial tax bill. Thanks to recent changes from the SECURE Act, many beneficiaries now face new rules and tighter timelines when it comes to inherited retirement accounts. If you’re not careful, you could end up …
Roth Conversions in 2025: A Smart Move Before Potential Tax Hikes?
As we near the end of 2025, taxpayers face a unique opportunity—one that may disappear with the sunset of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA). Among the most powerful moves available to those looking to reduce long-term tax burdens is a Roth conversion. For many individuals, converting pre-tax retirement accounts to Roth IRAs in 2025 could be a smart …
What the Expiration of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act Could Mean for Your Taxes in 2026
The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA), passed in 2017, ushered in sweeping changes to the U.S. tax code—reducing tax rates, doubling the standard deduction, limiting certain itemized deductions, and increasing estate tax exemptions. But many of these provisions were temporary, and without congressional intervention, they are set to expire at the end of 2025. If Congress allows the TCJA …
Strategic Tax Planning Tips for a Strong Financial Finish to the Year
Tax planning is a crucial aspect of financial management, especially as the end of the year approaches. With the right strategies in place, individuals and businesses in Chandler, Arizona can ensure they are making the most of available deductions and credits while minimizing their tax liabilities. Working with a knowledgeable tax professional can help navigate the complexities of tax laws …
IRS Letters: What the Heck Do They Mean? A Fun Guide to Understanding the Different Types
OK! Let’s talk about IRS letters and decipher the mysterious jargon that comes with them. If you’ve ever received a letter from the IRS, you know how nerve-wracking and confusing it can be. The language is often filled with jargon and confusing terms that make your head spin. But fear not, my friends! This blog post is here to help …
Maximize Your Savings: The Hidden Benefits of Mid-Year Tax Planning
Tax planning is often seen as a task that only needs to be done once a year, right before the tax filing deadline. However, this common misconception can lead to missed opportunities for maximizing savings. Mid-year tax planning can provide a range of hidden benefits that can significantly impact your financial situation. By taking the time to review your tax …
6 Ways to Fund a Working Mom’s Retirement
As a working mom, whole weeks may go by without the chance to sit down or even think. You’re managing a career, making decisions for your family, and caring for kids and often parents, too. It’s not easy, then, to hear about one more job that needs your immediate attention: retirement planning. But let’s just be blunt, women are almost …











