Building a Smarter Q4 Plan with Your CPA

Q4 isn't just the final stretch—it's a goldmine of opportunity if you know how to use it right. Businesses that wait until December to make year-end decisions? They're often left scrambling. But the ones that get ahead? They're calling their CPA now, reviewing projections, tightening expenses, and putting the right tax moves into play.

Straight Talk CPAs works with business owners every day to make the fourth quarter not just a countdown, but a powerful setup for tax savings and stronger year-end outcomes. Whether you're chasing revenue goals, looking to reduce taxable income, or planning for next year’s growth, collaborating early makes all the difference.

In this guide, we’re breaking down exactly how to partner with a CPA in Q4—before time runs out—and why smart planning now means less stress and more money saved come tax time.

Why Q4 Planning is a Game-Changer

Think of Q4 as your business’s final sprint before the finish line. You can use it to:

• Maximize deductions while you're still eligible
  
• Adjust income and expense timing
  
• Review tax liability and reduce surprises
  
• Plan strategic purchases or reinvestments
  
• Align with your bigger financial goals before year-end closes
  
  

Waiting until January? That ship’s already sailed. Tax strategy needs runway, and Q4 is the last chance to create it.

Start with the Right Questions

Before your CPA can help build a Q4 plan, they need a snapshot of where you stand. Here's what you should come prepared with:

• Are you on track with revenue goals? Falling short or way ahead both need different strategies.
  
• Have expenses stayed in line with projections? If not, there may be opportunities—or red flags—to address.
  
• What major changes have happened this year? New hires, big purchases, new revenue streams—these all impact your financial landscape.
  
• Any anticipated year-end decisions? Planning a bonus, buying equipment, or launching something new? It matters.
  
  

Straight Talk CPAs turns those answers into an action plan that’s realistic, tax-smart, and aligned with your bottom-line goals.

Make Your Tax Strategy Work Harder

Q4 is prime time to sharpen your tax strategy. Here’s how a CPA can help before the year closes:

1. Accelerate or Defer Income

If you’re on the edge of a higher tax bracket, pushing income into next year—or accelerating it into this one—can significantly shift your liability. A CPA can run different scenarios to find the sweet spot.

2. Time Your Expenses

Need to lower your taxable income? It might make sense to prepay certain expenses, purchase assets before December 31, or contribute more to employee benefits. But only if it aligns with your goals. A CPA can help weigh the short-term savings vs. long-term impact.

3. Section 179 and Bonus Depreciation

Planning to buy equipment, software, or vehicles? Your CPA can show you how to leverage Section 179 or bonus depreciation to write off those purchases now instead of spreading them out over time.

4. Retirement Contributions

Q4 is a great time to beef up your retirement savings while lowering your tax bill. Whether it’s a Solo 401(k), SEP IRA, or a defined benefit plan, your CPA can recommend the best path.

5. Tax Credits Review

From R&D credits to energy-efficient purchases, your CPA can flag eligible tax credits that could bring thousands in savings.

A Quick Case Study: From Reactive to Proactive

An established service-based business came to Straight Talk CPAs with solid compliance systems. But their owner was frustrated—revenue was growing, but profits weren’t.

After a few advisory sessions, the root cause was clear: overhead was eating up margins, and their service mix wasn’t aligned with the most profitable client segments.

The team built a 12-month forecast, restructured service tiers, and recommended pricing adjustments based on hard data. Within a year, they saw a 28% increase in net profit without adding more clients.

That’s the power of combining compliance and advisory.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re looking to minimize taxes, shore up your cash flow, or hit those final revenue goals, Q4 is the moment to take action—not coast. A CPA isn't just a tax pro—they're a strategist, accountability partner, and sounding board.



Make this quarter count. And if you’re not sure where to start? Straight Talk CPAs is ready to step in, help you make sense of the numbers, and build a smarter, stronger finish to the year.