• Chapter 1 -- The 1996 Tax Changes: Moves You Need to Make.
  
  
• Chapter 2 -- Year-End Tax Moves: It's Just Around the Corner.
  
  
• Chapter 3 -- Future Strategies: Steps to Consider for 1997.
  
  
• Chapter 4 -- Personal Financial Planning: A Check-Up.
  

Chapter 1 sets the stage, showing how the overall environment surrounding taxation affects how you approach the decisions you face in planning for income taxation. You also see how the constant changes in the rules affect the details of planning. You must be aware of the changes not only in the environment, but also in the details—and must regularly review your plans to accommodate the changes.

Chapter 2 sets out six tax planning steps. Although the six steps can be used at any time throughout the year, they are especially important as part of the year-end tax planning process. Year-end tax planning determines whether your projections are accurate, allows you to correct any mistakes you may have made before your income tax liability becomes final, and helps you update your tax planning strategies.

Chapter 3 gives you tax strategies to think about for the future. You may want to adjust your plans to take advantage of some of the opportunities presented here.

Chapter 4 sets out an overview of the personal financial planning process. You will find that a look at the big picture is helpful before you head into the more detailed material in Section 2 and Section 3.

Also: See our new report on the 1997 tax act, for our analysis on the latest changes in the tax laws.