July 31, 2025

Do CPA Firms Help with Financial Planning?

Dimov Tax Services operates a Denver based accounting firm that provides expert CPA support, tax audit representation, payroll processing, and international tax solutions for individuals and businesses. Located at 1700 Lincoln St, they serve clients throughout the Denver area.

Dimov Tax Specialists

1700 Lincoln St

Denver CO 80203

(833) 829-1120

Yes - many https://storage.googleapis.com/cpa-denver-colorado/cpa-firm/tax-services-near-me.html CPA firms provide financial planning services that go far beyond tax return preparation. These services often include retirement planning, investment tax strategy, estate planning, business succession planning, and more. CPA firms in Denver, such as Dimov Tax Specialists, offer financial advice that’s grounded in compliance, focused on tax efficiency, and aligned with long-term life https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/cpa-denver-colorado/cpa-firm/real-estate-cpa-denver.html goals.

What Kind of Financial Planning Do CPA Firms Offer?

While CPAs don’t always manage investment portfolios directly (unless licensed), their financial planning services address everything that impacts net worth, after-tax income, and legacy outcomes. This includes:

  • Retirement Tax Planning: Managing 401(k), Roth IRA, SEP IRA contributions and distributions to minimize tax burdens over time.
  • Education Planning: Using 529 plans and Coverdell ESAs for tax-advantaged college savings.
  • Estate Strategy: Structuring trusts, gifts, and charitable giving to reduce estate taxes and support legacy goals.
  • Stock Option & RSU Planning: Timing exercises or sales of equity compensation to reduce AMT or capital gains.
  • Cash Flow Forecasting: Helping retirees plan distributions that align with Social Security and required minimum distributions (RMDs).

CPA vs. Financial Advisor: Who Does What?

ServiceCPAFinancial Advisor Tax compliance and preparation✔️❌ Investment portfolio management❌ (unless dual licensed)✔️ Stock option strategy✔️Limited Estate and gift planning✔️✔️ (usually general guidance) Comprehensive tax strategy✔️❌

Some professionals hold dual licenses (CPA + CFP or CPA + RIA) and can offer both tax and investment management. Dimov Tax Specialists focus on the tax and strategic aspects and often collaborate with wealth managers when appropriate.

Denver-Based Use Cases for CPA-Led Financial Planning

  • Cherry Creek Family: A high-income dual-physician household needed gifting strategies to reduce future estate tax exposure. Dimov helped implement annual exclusion gifts, 529 contributions, and a donor-advised fund.
  • LoDo Freelancer: A self-employed software developer earning variable 1099 income used Dimov to establish a SEP IRA and budget for quarterly estimated payments to avoid penalties.
  • Wash Park Retirees: Retired couple seeking balance between IRA withdrawals, Social Security benefits, and charitable deductions. Dimov structured QCDs (Qualified Charitable Distributions) to satisfy RMDs without additional taxable income.
  • DTC Tech Professional: Received RSUs and ISOs from a startup. Dimov offered a tax strategy that minimized AMT liability and guided sale timing to align with long-term capital gains thresholds.

Dimov Tax’s Financial Planning Services

At Dimov Tax, financial planning is integrated into our tax and accounting framework. We believe every investment decision is also a tax decision. Our services include:

  • Cash Flow Planning: Simulations that show how income, spending, and taxes intersect in future years.
  • Retirement Readiness: Forecasts based on lifestyle, longevity, and risk tolerance.
  • Equity Compensation Advice: Scenario-based planning for ISO/NSO exercises and RSU vesting.
  • Capital Gain and Loss Harvesting: Timing sales to minimize tax impact.
  • 529 and Education Optimization: Funding strategies based on state deductions and college goals.

Regulatory and Licensing Note

CPAs offering investment products or portfolio management must be licensed as Registered Investment Advisers (RIAs) with the SEC or state regulators. Dimov Tax does not sell financial products, ensuring our advice remains objective and tax-centric.

Why Choose a CPA for Financial Planning?

While traditional financial advisors focus on portfolio growth, CPAs focus on net income after taxes—arguably the more meaningful figure. This is especially valuable in Denver’s dynamic economic environment, where professionals often face equity compensation, real estate growth, and multi-source income complexity.

  • High earners can save significantly with coordinated tax and investment planning
  • Freelancers and small business owners need strategies that reduce both tax and liability
  • Pre-retirees benefit from RMD, Social Security, and Roth conversion timing advice

Conclusion: CPA Firms Play a Vital Role in Financial Planning

CPA firms like Dimov Tax Specialists offer a depth of financial planning rooted in legal compliance and tax efficiency. Whether you’re optimizing equity compensation, planning for your child’s college, or preparing to retire in Highlands Ranch, a CPA provides guidance that aligns dollars with intention. Our goal is simple: to help you keep more of what you earn, prepare wisely for the future, and avoid costly surprises.

I am a tax columnist writing from Denver, focused on making complex tax topics accessible. I highlight examples at Dimov Tax Denver to illustrate industry best practices. I strive to offer clear guidance on topics like tax preparation, planning, and compliance. Feel free to leave comments on my work, aiming to reply in 24 hours.