When most people think about taxes, they think about rules, forms, and compliance. But if you’re looking to take real control of your tax outcomes, there’s a deeper framework at play—one that goes beyond simply following the rules and starts asking: what’s best for the client?
What Is Tax Strategy—And Why It’s Different from Compliance
At its core, tax compliance is about meeting government requirements. It’s what your CPA does when they file your return, make sure your estimated payments are accurate, and help you stay within the bounds of IRS expectations. And while compliance is necessary, it’s not designed to optimize your outcome—only to ensure you’re checking the right boxes.
Tax strategy, on the other hand, is forward-looking. It’s about actively using the tax code to your advantage. Instead of reacting to what already happened, it’s focused on designing legal structures and making intentional decisions that minimize your tax liability, support your goals, and protect your wealth.
This is where tax attorneys often come in. While CPAs are highly skilled in compliance and reporting, attorneys bring a deeper focus on advocacy, legal structure, and risk mitigation. They’re trained to think in terms of defense, long-term positioning, and how the law is enforced—not just how it’s written.
So now that you understand what tax strategy actually is, let’s explore what makes it effective. Here are the three core elements of every strong tax strategy.
1. Knowledge of Tax Law
The foundation of any tax strategy is a solid understanding of the law itself. Both CPAs and attorneys receive training in tax law—how the rules are written, where they apply, and what they cover. But knowing the law is just the first step. Strategy begins when you look at the law not as a list of requirements, but as a toolbox of possibilities.
2. Knowledge of Tax Procedure
Here’s where the difference really starts to show. Tax procedure is about how the IRS (or state agencies) interpret and enforce the law. In many cases, it’s not just about what the law says—it’s about how it’s applied in the real world.
A tax attorney brings an advocacy mindset to the table. We don’t just prepare documents—we prepare for outcomes. We understand how decisions will play out under scrutiny, how audits unfold, and how to mitigate risk before it becomes a problem. This procedural insight allows us to craft strategies that are not only legal—but defensible.
3. Situational Awareness
This is the most overlooked—but arguably most critical—element of great tax strategy.
Situational awareness means understanding the client’s world. Their business goals. Their personal ambitions. Their risk tolerance. It’s about looking beyond the numbers and seeing the full picture.
Why is this so important? Because no two clients are the same. What’s optimal for one business owner may be completely wrong for another. The best strategies are those crafted with empathy, insight, and a clear view of the bigger picture.
Strategy That Works for You
At Brotman Law, our approach to tax strategy combines deep legal knowledge, practical experience, and a high level of personal understanding. We believe that the best outcomes happen when all three elements—law, procedure, and perspective—work together to serve the client’s real-life needs.
Want to dive deeper? Watch the video above to hear Sam Brotman explain how these three elements work together in real-life tax strategy.
Want to Learn More?
Whether you’re looking to reduce your personal tax burden or maximize your business’s after-tax profit, we offer tailored services for both individuals and business owners.
Looking for more insights? Explore these related articles and resources:
- Is Your CPA Holding You Back from Real Tax Savings?
- The Hidden Cost of Doing Nothing: Why You Might Be Overpaying the IRS
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Tax Compliance vs. Tax Strategy: Why It Pays to Know the Difference