• Our offices will be closed on Wed., Nov. 11, in observance of Veterans Day.

Play chess, not checkers: Plan for tax season and beyond with expert advice

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Good bookkeeping helps you evaluate opportunities, make informed business decisions, and stay ahead of the administrative demands that come with running a successful operation. It also makes tax season easier while helping you plan ahead and manage the financial details of your operation more efficiently.

Get your recordkeeping in order

Make more informed tax planning decisions. Your tax planning and projections are only as good as the financial information supporting them. The more detailed the information, the more opportunities to discuss strategic options to fine-tune and tailor your tax position and strategy.

Get ahead of year-end decisions. Current bookkeeping allows for adjustments prior to year-end and avoid surprises during tax season.

Simplify payroll management. Payroll can take time that would be better spent on making decisions that support your operation. Farm accounting services help you streamline payroll processing, remain compliant with reporting requirements, and stress less, knowing an expert has you covered.

AgCountry farm accounting services

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Informed financial decisions

Gain a clear understanding of financial situations to make better decisions in investment, budgeting, and operations.

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Trusted advisor

Our knowledgeable team will curate financial data, allowing you to make strategic decisions that drive farm success.

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Team-based approach

Seamless integration with existing financial services to optimize resource management.

Make November and December work for your bottom line

Tax planning is about making sure a strong year stays strong and a tough year doesn't become more difficult. Whether it's deferring grain at the elevator, making equipment investments around year-end, using Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) loans, managing crop insurance proceeds, or prepaying inputs, decisions in November and December can have a major impact on taxes and cash flow.

Knowing where you stand on taxes before the end of the year gives you more options. Qualified farmers who make a January 15 estimated tax payment can move their filing deadline from March 1 to April 15, giving them additional financial flexibility. It can also help spread a tax bill over several months, making cash flow easier to manage during a busy time of year.

Re-evaluate entity structure and new business needs

Every operation changes over time, and the plans supporting it should change too. As family members take on new responsibilities or ownership transitions come into focus, reviewing business structures, succession plans, and estate planning strategies can help ensure the transition is smooth and aligned to your long-term goals.

Look beyond year-end and plan for what's next

Evaluate both your operation and tax position. Is growth creating enough value to justify additional investment? If you've been deferring grain sales or crop insurance proceeds, does it make sense to begin recognizing some of that income? Are you nearing a point where farm income averaging could help manage your tax burden?

If retirement or a leadership transition is on the horizon, now is the time to start planning. Gradually shifting responsibilities, reviewing ownership structures, and discussing long-term goals can help prepare both the operation and the people involved for the next phase.

The decisions you make as you close out the year can have a significant impact on your tax position, cash flow, and business planning opportunities. Taking time to review your financial position with trusted advisors can help identify opportunities and prepare for the year ahead. AgCountry's farm accounting and management professionals work alongside producers to provide the financial insights and support needed for informed decision-making.