Most people file their tax return and move on. They see a refund or a bill, react to the number, and don't think about it again until next April.
The truth is, your tax return is telling you something, and the weeks after you file are the most important planning window of the year.
Beck Bode Co-Managing Partner, CIO Ben Beck, CFP® and Director of Tax Services Garrett Murphy sit down for a conversation about the gap between your tax return and your financial plan, what most people miss, and what can look different when tax and investment strategies are in the same room.
You'll walk away understanding:
- Your effective tax rate, what it actually means, and how it should guide your withholdings and planning for the rest of the year
- Why a Roth strategy may be the most underused tool in your financial plan, and when it makes sense to act
- Where surprise tax bills come from, and the simple steps that can help eliminate them before next April
- What changes when your tax preparer can see your full financial picture, not just your 1099s
Watch the replay of a conversation about the moves that matter most in the 60 days after you file.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS from this webinar
Last updated: April 2026
What is an effective tax rate?
Your effective tax rate is your total tax paid divided by your adjusted gross income. It shows the actual percentage of your income that went to taxes, which is different from your marginal tax bracket. It's the starting point for knowing if you're withholding the right amount.
How do I lower my effective tax rate in retirement?
Common strategies include Roth conversions during lower-income years, coordinating withdrawals across taxable, tax-deferred, and tax-free accounts, and qualified charitable distributions if you're over 70½. The right approach depends on your income needs, account mix, and estate goals.
Should I do a Roth conversion?
A Roth conversion can make sense if you expect to be in a higher tax bracket later, want to reduce future required minimum distributions, or plan to leave tax-free assets to heirs. The trade-off is paying taxes now on the converted amount.
What is the SALT deduction cap for 2025?
For the 2025 tax year, the State and Local Tax deduction cap increased from $10,000 to $40,000 under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. This is a significant change for filers in states with high income or property taxes.
What is the biggest mistake people make with 401k contributions?
The most common mistake is defaulting to pre-tax contributions without considering the Roth option. Most plans now offer both, but participants rarely evaluate which bucket fits their long-term tax picture better.
What's the smartest thing to do with a tax refund?
A refund isn't extra money. It's money you overpaid during the year. The smartest move is adjusting your withholdings so you keep more throughout the year, then directing the difference into retirement or investment accounts.
What changed in the tax code this year?
The One Big Beautiful Bill Act brought major updates for the 2025 tax year. The SALT deduction cap increased to $40,000, and Section 179 returned to 100% first-year deduction for qualifying business investments.
Why should my tax preparer and financial advisor work together?
Most people have a separate CPA and advisor who rarely communicate. When both are coordinated, decisions on Roth conversions, capital gains, charitable giving, and withholdings can be made as one strategy instead of in isolation, leading to better long-term outcomes.
