Stop giving the IRS more than you have to.
Strategic tax planning can save retirees tens of thousands over a lifetime. We optimize your withdrawal order, Roth conversions, charitable giving, and bracket management to minimize what you owe.
Taxes are the single largest expense most retirees face — bigger than healthcare, bigger than housing. Yet most people retire without a tax strategy, leaving tens of thousands of dollars on the table over their lifetime.
At Steinhandler Wealth Advisors, tax planning is built into every retirement plan we create. We coordinate your withdrawal strategy, Roth conversions, charitable giving, and bracket management to minimize your lifetime tax bill — legally.
How we handle tax strategies
We analyze your tax situation across multiple years — not just the current year. Sometimes paying more tax now (through a Roth conversion, for example) saves you significantly more later. We model these scenarios so you can see the math.
Key strategies we implement include tax-bracket management, strategic Roth conversions, qualified charitable distributions, IRMAA threshold management, capital gains harvesting, and loss harvesting.
Why families choose us
Tax planning in retirement is fundamentally different from tax planning during your working years. We specialize in the retirement phase — where the rules around RMDs, Social Security taxation, Medicare premiums, and estate taxes create unique opportunities.
We coordinate with your CPA or tax preparer to ensure your financial plan and tax return are aligned. If you don't have a CPA, we can recommend one who understands retirement taxation.
Common questions about tax strategies
How can I reduce taxes in retirement?
The most impactful strategies include optimizing your withdrawal order (which accounts to pull from each year), strategic Roth conversions during low-income years, qualified charitable distributions from your IRA, and managing your income to stay below IRMAA thresholds for Medicare premiums.
What is a Roth conversion and is it worth it?
A Roth conversion moves money from a traditional IRA to a Roth IRA. You pay tax on the conversion now, but the money grows tax-free and isn't subject to RMDs. It's often worth it in years when your income is lower — like early retirement before Social Security kicks in.
Does Illinois tax retirement income?
Illinois does not tax retirement income from pensions, Social Security, or retirement account distributions. However, Illinois has a flat 4.95% income tax on earned income, and property taxes in the Northern Suburbs are among the highest in the country. We account for all of this in your plan.
Tax Strategies across the Northern Suburbs
Ready to talk about tax strategies?
Book a free consultation and we’ll build a plan that fits your family.
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