Tax Planning Tips to Maximize Your Wealth.

A Strategic Approach for Women Managing Complex Finances

Tax planning is one of the most powerful—yet often underutilized—tools in building and preserving long-term wealth. For women managing career transitions, family wealth, business ventures, or retirement strategies, a proactive and holistic tax plan can lead to significant financial gains and fewer surprises.

This article provides a deeper dive into the strategies that go beyond standard deductions and look at wealth through the lens of purpose, structure, and longevity.

Why Proactive Tax Planning Matters

Too often, taxes are addressed reactively during filing season. But for those with complex financial lives, tax planning should be woven into the fabric of every financial decision throughout the year. A well-structured tax plan can:

  • Increase net after-tax returns

  • Reduce unnecessary tax liabilities across accounts and generations

  • Enhance charitable and legacy goals

  • Support business and estate planning strategies

  • Improve clarity and confidence in your long-term plan

At Apriem, we approach tax planning as an essential part of wealth management—not a standalone task.

Core Tax Planning Strategies to Consider

1. Tax-Efficient Investment Allocation

Where you hold your investments can matter just as much as what you invest in.

  • Use tax-advantaged accounts (IRAs, Roths, HSAs) for income-generating or high-turnover investments.

  • Place tax-efficient assets like ETFs and index funds in taxable accounts.

  • Consider tax-loss harvesting during volatile markets to offset gains and reduce taxable income.

2. Roth Conversions and Strategic Distributions

  • Roth conversions during low-income years can lower your future tax burden.

  • Carefully plan Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) to avoid being pushed into higher tax brackets.

  • Coordinate retirement withdrawals with Social Security benefits and Medicare premiums to avoid unintended tax consequences.

3. Charitable Giving with Purpose

  • Donor-Advised Funds (DAFs) allow you to bunch multiple years of donations into a single tax year for a higher deduction.

  • Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs) from IRAs for those over 70½ can satisfy RMDs while reducing taxable income.

  • Consider gifting appreciated assets instead of cash to avoid capital gains taxes.

4. Family Gifting and Education Planning

  • Take advantage of the annual gift tax exclusion ($18,000 per recipient in 2024) to transfer wealth tax-free.

  • Utilize 529 college savings plans, which offer tax-deferred growth and tax-free withdrawals for qualified expenses.

  • Use intrafamily loans or family trusts to shift income to lower brackets and support long-term legacy planning.

5. Tax Strategies for Business Owners and Self-Employed Women

  • Maximize deductions for business expenses, including health insurance, retirement plan contributions, and home office use.

  • Explore retirement plan options like SEP IRAs or Solo 401(k)s to lower taxable income while saving for the future.

  • Leverage the 20% Qualified Business Income (QBI) deduction under IRC Section 199A, if applicable.

Timing and Tax Bracket Management

A sophisticated tax plan also considers when income is realized and deductions are claimed. By shifting income across tax years or accelerating expenses in high-income years, you may reduce your overall liability. This is especially important during life transitions—such as retirement, career changes, or the sale of a business.

Bracket management is critical for avoiding stealth taxes, such as Medicare IRMAA surcharges or phaseouts of tax credits and deductions.

Integrating Values with Tax Strategy

For many women, financial decisions are guided not just by numbers, but by purpose. Tax strategies can be aligned with charitable giving, family support, and long-term legacy goals. A tax plan that reflects both financial efficiency and personal values is more likely to create sustainable wealth—across both dollars and decades.

Final Thoughts

Taxes are one of the most significant expenses high-achieving women face over a lifetime. Addressing them proactively, strategically, and holistically can unlock tremendous value. Whether you’re building your wealth, protecting it, or preparing to pass it on, the right tax strategies will help ensure your financial plan is built to last.

Questions About Tax Planning?

If you would like to learn how Apriem Advisors can help build a tax-efficient wealth strategy tailored to your goals, contact us at bri@apriem.com.