For many retirees, tax season feels like the finish line. In reality, it is the starting point for smarter retirement tax planning. In this episode, Garrett Crawford, CFP® and Adam Reed explain why reviewing your tax return in the spring can help you make better decisions for the rest of the year.They walk through their tax return driven financial planning framework, including why an early income projection matters, how Roth conversion planning can start months before execution, and what a tax return review should actually uncover. You will also hear how market downturns can create Roth conversion opportunities, why communication gaps often cause tax issues, and how retirees can use this season to prepare instead of react. Like, subscribe, and check the links below for more retirement tax planning resources.

📈Do you want to be more tax efficient? Do you want a guide to making sure you are on track and on schedule? Check out our free Tax Planning Checklist: https://www.retirementtaxmatters.com/checklist

(00:00) Starting 2026 retirement tax planning

(02:28) Why April 15 is the strategic launch pad

(06:09) - Building an early income projection

(08:25) - Roth conversion planning in the spring

(10:56) - Pre-planning during market volatility

(15:41) - What a professional tax review does

(18:19) - Tax issues vs. communication issues

(20:01) - Tax returns drive better decisions

(22:20) - DIY retirement tax planning resources

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