# Tax planning - Link: https://hamtock.com/what-we-do/tax-planning/ - Published: 2026-10-23T12:47:34-04:00 - Author: HAMTOCK Consulting PLAN 1. [Home](https://hamtock.com/) 2. [What we do](https://hamtock.com/what-we-do/) 3. Tax planning PLAN # Plan ahead,so April holds no surprises. Tax preparation reports last year. Planning shapes this one. We look at your numbers before the year ends, while there is still time to act. * Business owners * High earners * Self-employed * Families with big changes [ Book a consultation ](https://hamtock.com/what-we-do/tax-planning/#elementor-action%3Aaction%3Dpopup%3Aopen%26settings%3DeyJpZCI6IjE4MjUiLCJ0b2dnbGUiOmZhbHNlfQ%3D%3D) [ Call 240-432-2749 ](https://hamtock.com/what-we-do/tax-planning/+12404322749) HAMTOCK · Tax planning**Included** 1. Year-end planning meeting 2. Estimated payment schedule 3. Entity and deduction review 4. Retirement and savings options Starts with a consultationReady What you get ## What is included ### Year-end planning meeting We review your year before December 31, while moves still count. ### Estimated payment schedule How much to pay each quarter so you avoid underpayment penalties. ### Entity and deduction review Is your business structured well for taxes? Are you missing deductions? ### Retirement and savings options How contributions can lower taxable income this year. ### Check-ins before deadlines A reminder and a quick review before each quarterly payment. ### Projections for big decisions Selling property, hiring, or buying equipment: see the tax effect first. Is this for you? ## A good fit if… * You owed more than you expected last April * Your income changes a lot from year to year * You run a business or have self-employment income * You are planning a big purchase, sale or life change Get ready checklist ### What to have on hand * Last year’s tax return * Year-to-date incomePay stubs or a profit and loss report * Estimated payments made this yearDates and amounts * Retirement account statements * A list of planned big expensesEquipment, property, hiring You are all set. Book a time and bring these along. [ Book a consultation ](https://hamtock.com/what-we-do/tax-planning/#elementor-action%3Aaction%3Dpopup%3Aopen%26settings%3DeyJpZCI6IjE4MjUiLCJ0b2dnbGUiOmZhbHNlfQ%3D%3D) Missing something? Book anyway, we will tell you what is needed. Your ticks stay on this device only. Please never email Social Security numbers. How it works ## Three steps ### Book a consultation We learn about your income, business and goals. ### We run the numbers A projection of this year’s tax, with options to lower it. ### Act and check in You choose what to do. We check in before each payment date. Key dates ## Dates to know Dec 31, 2026 Last day for most year-end moves Many deductions and contributions count only if made by December 31. Jan 15, 2027 Q4 2026 estimated payment due Final estimated payment for the 2026 tax year. Apr 15, 2027 Q1 2027 estimated payment due Same day as the 2026 return deadline. Jun 15, 2027 Q2 2027 estimated payment due Sep 15, 2027 Q3 2027 estimated payment due General dates for calendar-year filers. Your situation may differ; we confirm yours in the consultation. Questions ## Common questions ### What is the difference between planning and preparation? Preparation reports what already happened. Planning happens during the year, so you can still change the outcome. ### Who needs to make estimated payments? Usually people with income that has no withholding, such as self-employment, rental or investment income. We can tell you whether it applies to you. ### Is planning only for businesses? No. Families with a new child, a home purchase, or a big change in income often benefit too. More services ## Other ways we help 1040 Tax preparation Personal and business returns, prepared and e-filed. See the service → W-2 Payroll Pay runs, payroll taxes and year-end W-2s. See the service → GL Accounting & bookkeeping Clean monthly books and clear reports. See the service → ADV Business consulting Practical advice on cash flow, pricing and growth. See the service → LLC New business formation The right entity, registered correctly from day one. See the service → ## Ready to talk about tax planning? Book a consultation in under a minute, or call the office. We reply within one business day. [ Book a consultation ](https://hamtock.com/what-we-do/tax-planning/#elementor-action%3Aaction%3Dpopup%3Aopen%26settings%3DeyJpZCI6IjE4MjUiLCJ0b2dnbGUiOmZhbHNlfQ%3D%3D) [240-432-2749](https://hamtock.com/what-we-do/tax-planning/+12404322749) [contact@hamtock.com](https://hamtock.com/what-we-do/tax-planning/contact@hamtock.com) 10304 New Hampshire Ave, Silver Spring, MD 20903