Hi friends,

Tax season is here, and high-income earners face unique challenges that require careful planning. As you prepare to file, here are some key questions to ask yourself to ensure you’re optimizing your tax situation:

• Are You Using the Right Cost Basis? – Using default 1099-B information from a broker can lead to incorrect cost basis reporting, especially for RSUs or ESPP shares. Have you checked if your reported basis accounts for taxes already paid? Ensuring accuracy can prevent unnecessary tax bills and help you avoid overpaying due to incorrect cost basis calculations.
• Are You Maximizing Your Deductions and Credits? – Ensure you're taking full advantage of available deductions and credits, including charitable contributions, medical expenses (exceeding 7.5% of income), and energy-efficient home improvement credits. If you're self-employed or own rental properties, don't overlook valuable deductions like depreciation, business expenses, and home office costs.
• Do You Have Foreign Financial Assets? – Have you reviewed IRS reporting requirements if you've lived, worked, or owned property overseas? Incorrect or missing disclosures can result in significant penalties for each foreign account.
• Are You Tracking All Required Tax Forms & Deadlines? – Non-deductible IRA contributions, backdoor Roth conversions, and other IRA distributions often require additional documentation. And missing a key tax form (like a 1099 for side income or an 83(b) election for startup equity) can lead to penalties or unnecessary taxes.

Introducing Our Integrated Tax Filing Service

We know taxes can be overwhelming, which is why we offer integrated tax filing services through our trusted CPA partners. Our seamless collaboration ensures that tax planning and tax preparation work together, so nothing falls through the cracks.

With our integrated tax filing service, you’ll get:

• A Simplified Process – We handle document gathering so you don’t have to.
• Strategic Tax Planning – Your returns aren’t just filed—they’re optimized.
• Aligned Financial Goals – Tax prep that fits into your bigger financial picture.
• One point of contact. No surprises. Just stress-free, smart tax filing.

Want to make tax season effortless? Schedule a free consultation and let’s make sure you’re on the right track.

Meet the New Faces on Our Team

We’re thrilled to introduce Marla and Marco, two financial planners on our team whose personal experiences uniquely equip them to help clients facing similar situations.

​Marla Landa – A career-changer who was an early employee at both Yelp and Asana, Marla understands the journey from startup equity to IPO and is passionate about helping women, tech professionals, and single filers build financial confidence.

​Marco Ottonello – Originally from Italy, Marco spent 15 years in the tech industry living and working in the US, Europe, and Asia. With his firsthand experience navigating the complexities of cross-border finances, Marco specializes in financial planning for Europeans living in the US.

What We Want to Share

• ​Best Places to Retire in 2025 (International Living). Thinking outside the box? Retirement planning could be sooner than planned if you are considering going abroad to one of these countries where you can cost costs and possibly even increase your quality of life.
• ​How to loosen the grip on your perfectionism (CNN). A gentle reminder for the New Year—sometimes the best way to improve your health and happiness is by learning to let go.
• ​Tax Strategies for High Income Earners (Modern Family Finance). As we get ready for tax season, we did a podcast episode on the most effective tax planning strategies for high-income earners that goes beyond the basics.

Now Accepting New Clients

At Modern Family Finance, we provide tax-smart financial advice for modern families, delivered like a trusted friend. Schedule a free consultation and take the first step toward financial clarity.

Photo Spotlight

Our team has grown from the dynamic duo of Jenni and Lisa to a powerhouse of seven dedicated professionals. We can’t wait to continue supporting you!