Photo courtesy of Abacus!
Small Businesses
Tax Season Isn’t Over—It’s Just Beginning with Abacus! Year-Round Planning
Learn about the Abacus! ALIGN method, designed to create personalized planning and business growth
Apr 2025
As the tax deadline passes, most people breathe a sigh of relief and try not to think about taxes for another year. But at Abacus!, April 15 isn’t the finish line—it’s the starting point for smarter tax planning ahead.
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“The return should be the last step in your tax process, not the first,” says Cristian Rath, senior advisor at Abacus!. “Tax planning happens throughout the year leading up to the return, so if we’ve worked together appropriately, there should be no surprises come tax season. That’s the beauty of it—your tax return almost becomes truly just a compliance thing, not a time of discovery.”
Abacus! serves a diverse range of clients, including small business owners, real estate professionals, restaurant and franchise operators and more than 5,000 transportation drivers across the country. Many are navigating taxes for the first time as business owners and face a steep learning curve strategizing and growing their businesses.
Rather than offering one-size-fits-all services, Abacus! takes the time to understand each client’s unique needs, goals and pain points. Their tax planning strategy focuses on minimizing surprises, improving cash flow and identifying opportunities for long-term success.
State Farm Insurance Agent Dylan Fletcher has partnered with Abacus! since 2019 for tax services, meeting with their team quarterly to ensure the business is on track for current and future years. Fletcher also partners with Abacus! for payroll and bookkeeping and other business financial audits.
“With great planning and guidance, we have been able to achieve success quickly and predictably year after year,” Fletcher shares. “If we tried to do it by ourselves, we would be a complete mess! Abacus! lets us rest easy knowing we have a great partnership in our business.”
“We help clients know what they owe before they owe it,” Rath explains. “When a business is growing, cash flow becomes the most critical factor. Planning ahead allows clients to reinvest, expand or donate with confidence—without being blindsided by an unexpected tax bill.”
The ALIGN Method: Tax Planning with Purpose
At the heart of the Abacus! planning process is their ALIGN session, which stands for identifying where a client is now, understanding their goals and aligning tax strategies to support their vision. Every ALIGN session is tailored to the individual, whether they’re a W-2 employee or managing a complex business structure with multiple entities.
From there, Abacus! helps clients categorize their financial decisions using a clear four-tier planning system—a unique way of thinking about spending, investing and saving with intention.
• Tier 1: Wealth-Building Decisions
These are foundational choices that not only serve a purpose today but also build lasting value. Think retirement account contributions, investing in real estate, or purchasing assets that appreciate over time. These are smart life or business decisions that come with tax benefits—without being made because of tax benefits.
• Tier 2: Necessary Business Purchases
These are essential expenses that keep a business running—like desks, computers or basic office equipment. They’re deductible and important, but not necessarily wealth-generating. A desk is a desk, and while it’s needed, it doesn’t directly build equity.
• Tier 3: Nice-to-Have Upgrades
This category includes non-essential enhancements like a higher-end standing desk or a fancier office chair. These are still valid deductions, but they fall more under the “want” than the “need” column. They’re acceptable, but should be approached mindfully.
• Tier 4: Tax-Driven Only Purchases
This is where Abacus! urges caution. Spending money just to avoid paying taxes, such as buying unneeded equipment before year-end, can do more harm than good. These are the types of decisions that may offer short-term write-offs but can hinder business growth or lead to wasteful spending.
“By breaking planning into tiers, we help clients make smart, intentional decisions,” Rath explains. “The goal is never to let the tax tail wag the dog. We’re here to guide people toward moves that make sense for their business and financial health, with tax benefits that come along for the ride.”
Beyond Returns: A Year-Round Relationship
Unlike traditional firms that focus solely on tax returns, Abacus! takes a relationship-driven approach. Clients receive ongoing support, quick access to their advisors and guidance that’s proactive rather than reactive.
Wes Litton, Keller Williams Realtor and leader of The Litton & Co., has worked with Abacus! for five years, explaining that they’ve made “a significant impact” on the business.
“They took over my taxes and long-term planning from another well-known firm in the area, and not only saved me thousands in fees, but also helped restructure my businesses for greater tax efficiency,” Litton explains. “The tax savings alone have allowed us to reinvest in more sustainable, long-term revenue opportunities.”
Beyond the tax season, Litton describes Abacus! as a “consistent presence” that is able to offer support with financial strategy, bookkeeping and resources management. Some of Litton’s higher-earning team members even work directly with Abacus! to get personalized tax planning and efficiency strategies.
“I’ve always believed that your wealth strategy is only as strong as the advisors supporting it. That’s absolutely been the case with Abacus!,” Litton says. “Their insight and care have positively impacted not just my own financial path, but also those of our team members. Thanks to their guidance, we’re all better equipped to build the lives we envision for our families—and the families we serve.”
The firm also believes in collaboration, often working alongside a client’s attorney, financial advisor, or insurance provider to ensure a cohesive and aligned financial plan. If a client doesn’t yet have the right professionals in their corner, Abacus! helps them build that team.
“We want to be part of your financial circle—not a silo,” Rath says. “Whether it's estate planning, cost segregation or preparing for a business exit, we’re here to coordinate, advise and advocate.”
For those ready to avoid the stress and surprises of tax season, Abacus! offers a path forward. Their services are not just about reducing tax liability—they’re about building clarity, confidence and control.
Whether an individual earning a W-2 or a business owner managing multiple LLCs, clients are encouraged to start planning now. With the right support and strategy, April 15 can stop being a scramble and start being just another day on the calendar.
To learn more or schedule an ALIGN session, visit abacuspro.com.
