Episode Summary

In this episode, I dive into a topic that's often overlooked but critical for every farmer and business owner: tax planning. While it might not be the most exciting part of running a business, staying on top of your finances and preparing for taxes can make or break your operation's long-term success.

Here are a few key takeaways from this week's episode:

1. Reactive vs. Proactive Tax Planning:

• End-of-year tax scrambling isn't true planning—it's damage control.
• Proactive tax planning starts with staying organized throughout the year and projecting future income and expenses.

2. Organization is Key:

• Trying to organize a year's worth of financial records in December leads to stress and poor decisions.
• If you're already behind this year, use the time to prepare for next year. Start fresh with systems in place on January 1st.

3. Focus on Actuals and Projections:

• Accountants focus on actuals—what has already happened.
• A proactive plan includes projections—predicting future income and expenses to make better decisions ahead of time.

4. Avoiding Bad Decisions:

• Don't make unnecessary purchases or take rash actions just to reduce taxes.
• Paying taxes isn't the enemy; it's often a sign of profitability.

5. Implementing the Right Tools:

• Using tools like Farmer Metrics or other accounting systems can help streamline your financial tracking and decision-making.

Resources & Links:

• Ready to level up your tax planning? Get ahead of the game by staying organized and proactive. Check out my free training here to learn more about how I can help you be proactive in your business!

Connect with Garrett:

• Follow on Instagram - @garrettruskamp
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• Learn more about Pioneer Farmer here!

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