Warman Accounting Co. provides practical Canadian tax planning services by appointment for individuals, families, and small businesses. Our goal is to help you plan ahead so you’re not surprised at tax time, you understand what you may owe, and you have a clear, CRA-compliant strategy to reduce tax where possible and improve cash flow.
What is Tax Planning?
Tax planning is the process of looking ahead—before you file—to understand your tax situation, estimate what you may owe, and make informed decisions throughout the year that can reduce tax legally and prevent last-minute stress. Instead of waiting until tax season to find out the outcome, planning helps you set up a predictable approach for deductions, credits, contributions, and record-keeping so your return is easier to file and your final balance is not a shock.
Who Should Book a Tax Planning Appointment?
A tax planning appointment is a good fit if your income is changing, you have multiple income sources, you’re self-employed or a contractor, you earn rental income, you sold investments, crypto, or property and want to understand capital gains tax, or you’re trying to avoid a large balance owing next year. It’s also helpful if you’re considering incorporation, you’re already incorporated and want to plan salary versus dividends, you’re going through major life changes like marriage, separation, a move, new dependants, school, or a new job, or you’ve received CRA correspondence and want to reduce the chance of issues going forward.
What to Bring to Your Tax Planning Appointment
For your appointment, bring whatever applies to your situation—if you’re unsure, bring it anyway. Helpful items typically include your most recent Notice of Assessment, any CRA letters you’ve received, and a general snapshot of your current-year income and changes so far. If you have employment income, recent pay information is useful; if you’re self-employed, a year-to-date income and expense summary (even if it’s rough) helps us estimate taxes and build a set-aside plan; if you have rental income, bring your rental income totals and the expenses you’re paying; and if you have investments or crypto, bring summaries showing sales, gains/losses, and any slips you already have. If RRSP or TFSA decisions are part of your plan, bring what you’ve contributed and what you’re considering contributing.
What You’ll Leave With
Most tax planning sessions end with clear next steps and a practical plan you can follow. That often includes a realistic estimate of what you may owe, a simple tax set-aside amount to prevent surprises, guidance on what to track and save during the year, and timing recommendations for contributions or expenses where timing matters. If your situation involves business structure decisions, we can also help you understand the tax impact of different options so you can choose the most sensible path.
Timing & Best Time to Plan
Tax planning is most effective when done before year-end, but it’s valuable anytime your income changes or you want a check-in to stay on track. Many clients book mid-year to adjust set-asides, then again later in the year to confirm strategy before deadlines. The earlier you plan, the more options you usually have.
Remote & Document Drop-off Options
If you can’t make it in person, we can often complete tax planning through secure document sharing and a phone or Zoom-style appointment. You can also drop off documents in advance so your appointment is quicker, clearer, and more focused.
Accessibility & Special Accommodations
We aim to make tax planning straightforward and comfortable. If you need accommodations—extra time, accessibility support, or help organizing your information—let us know when you book and we’ll work with you.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a tax planning appointment take?
Most appointments don’t take longer than 20 minutes, but if a longer time slot is required we will extend your appointment time.
Is tax planning the same as tax preparation?
No. Tax planning focuses on decisions you make before filing that influence the outcome, while tax preparation is the actual completion and submission of the return.
What if I don’t have exact numbers yet?
Come anyway. We can still build a plan using estimates and update it as better information becomes available throughout the year.
Can you tell me exactly what I’ll owe?
We can’t always guarantee an exact final number, but we can usually provide a strong estimate range based on the information available and explain what factors may change it.
Will you help if I expect to owe money?
Yes. We’ll explain why you may owe, what options you have, and how to plan ahead with a set-aside approach so you’re not caught off guard at tax time.
Ready to Book?
To get started with tax planning, book an appointment online or contact us directly. We’ll help you understand your situation, build a plan, and stay ahead of your taxes.
👉Book an Appointment Now
