Tax Planning for Retirees & Year-Round Tax Support That Fits Your Financial Plan

At Bright Oak, we help you plan for retirement taxes before they become a problem. Our tax planning for retirees and pre-retirees is designed to help you reduce what you owe, keep more of your income, and avoid surprises—especially during critical years like the transition into retirement or when Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) begin. We also offer annual tax preparation in Middleton, Memphis, and across Tennessee for clients looking for guidance that goes beyond just filing a return. With over two decades of tax preparation experience in-house, your plan isn’t just reviewed—it’s built with taxes in mind.

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Strategy First. Filing Second.

Tax preparation is only part of the picture. What matters most is having a tax strategy before April. Our founder brings years of tax filing experience into the planning process, giving you access to both technical tax knowledge and real-world perspective. Whether you’re navigating retirement withdrawals, RMDs, Roth conversions, or charitable contributions, we’ll help you time and structure income in a way that works with—not against—your goals.


Note: Tax preparation services are offered to clients separately from investment advisory, in accordance with current regulatory guidelines.

Tax Preparation Services You Can Rely On

We offer individual tax preparation services for clients who want consistency across all parts of their financial picture. That includes:



  • Annual federal and state income tax filing

  • Help with 1099s, IRA distributions, Social Security income

  • Tax treatment of investment gains, losses & dividends

  • Tax reporting for retirees with multiple income sources

  • Small business or self-employment guidance when needed

For clients in West Tennessee—including Middleton, Jackson, and the Memphis area—we’re a local tax resource with the broader perspective of a financial advisor.

Year-Round Planning for Long-Term Results

Smart tax planning happens long before tax season. We provide ongoing tax strategy throughout the year, so you can act—not just react. That includes:



  • Roth IRA conversion timing

  • Harvesting losses or gains based on your tax bracket

  • Charitable giving strategies (QCDs, donor-advised funds)

  • Adjusting withholdings based on retirement income changes

  • Bracket management to avoid Medicare surcharges

Concerned About Retirement Taxes? You’re Not Alone.

Taxes don’t stop when you stop working. We help clients reduce taxes on Social Security, minimize RMD-related spikes in income, and create a withdrawal strategy that supports long-term sustainability. These are common concerns we help solve every day.


Explore our Retirement Income Planning page for more ways we help retirees make the most of what they’ve saved

A Note for Investors

Taxes play a big role in investment success. We coordinate with your portfolio strategy to reduce capital gains exposure, optimize asset location, and manage distributions from tax-deferred accounts.


See how our Investment Management services support tax-efficient investing.

You Might Be Wondering…

  • What’s the difference between tax planning and tax preparation?

    Preparation is about filing your return accurately. Planning is about reducing your tax liability before the year ends—through strategies like Roth conversions, timing income, or adjusting investment positions.

  • Can you file my taxes if I’m not a financial planning client?

    At this time, we provide tax prep primarily to our financial planning clients, as it allows us to integrate your taxes with your bigger-picture goals. That said, we’re happy to discuss your situation and see if we’re a good fit.

  • How do Roth conversions work, and when should I consider one?

    A Roth conversion means moving pre-tax IRA money into a Roth IRA and paying taxes now to enjoy tax-free growth later. It's especially useful before RMDs or during years when your income is temporarily lower. We help you decide if it fits into your broader plan.

Also Planning for Insurance or Legacy Needs?

Taxes impact more than your income. Life insurance and long-term care strategies may carry tax benefits, too.
Explore our Insurance Planning services for more ways to protect your financial picture.

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Want to Know How Taxes Could Affect Your Retirement?

If you’re unsure about your tax exposure—or haven’t factored tax into your financial plan—it’s time for a second look.