The sun was just beginning to set, casting a golden glow across Astraea’s balcony. Vardaan arrived with a puzzled look and a fresh set of questions.
“Astraea,” he said, settling into his usual spot, “tax season’s behind me, but my bank balance still looks bruised. Everyone keeps saying I should ‘plan’ better. But can a financial advisor really help with tax savings—or is that just marketing fluff?”
Astraea smiled. “Not only can they help, but a good financial advisor could be the most underrated weapon in your tax-saving arsenal.”
Beyond Returns: The Role of a Financial Advisor in Tax Planning
“Most people,” Astraea explained, “think of taxes once a year—right before the deadline. But smart tax planning doesn’t happen in March. It happens all year round.”
Here’s how a financial advisor helps you stay ahead:
1. Income Structuring That Works for You
“Say you’re a freelancer, a startup founder, or someone with multiple income sources,” Astraea continued. “A financial advisor helps you structure your income in a way that minimizes tax—legally.”
- Salary vs. Dividend vs. Director’s Fees: Each is taxed differently.
- Choosing the right business structure: LLP, Pvt Ltd, Sole Proprietor—all have different tax implications.
“We help you pick what works best for your goals, not just what’s convenient.”
2. Smarter Investment Planning
“You’ve probably heard of Section 80C,” Astraea smiled. “But do you know how to actually use it well?”
A financial advisor doesn’t just list options—they evaluate:
- Which instruments give better post-tax returns
- How your risk profile fits into ELSS, PPF, NPS, etc.
- What aligns with both your financial and tax goals
“Most people end up saving tax but locking money in low-return instruments. We help you grow it, too.”
3. Expense Optimization and Deductions
Business owners, consultants, and even salaried professionals often miss legitimate deductions:
- Home office expenses
- Travel for business
- Internet, phone, and even a portion of rent
“We help identify and document these,” Astraea explained, “so you reduce your taxable income the right way.”
4. Staying Compliant, Staying Stress-Free
Tax notices and penalties don’t just cost money—they cost peace of mind. A financial advisor keeps your planning aligned with the latest rules:
- Filing timelines
- GST compliance
- Advance tax calculations
- Reporting of foreign assets, if any
“It’s not just about saving money,” Astraea said. “It’s about sleeping well at night.”
Why Choose 21DEGREES?
Vardaan looked up. “So this is about more than just paperwork. It’s about taking control of your money.”
Astraea nodded. “Exactly. And at 21DEGREES, we make that control easy and clear.”
✅ Founder-Focused Plans: Tailored strategies for business owners, freelancers, and startups
📊 Tax-Smart Structuring: From income streams to investments, we build with compliance and savings in mind
💬 Ongoing Guidance: Year-round access to our experts—not just at tax time
Ready to Save Smarter?
Vardaan grinned. “I think I’ve been reacting to taxes instead of planning for them. Time to change that.”
“Exactly,” Astraea replied, pouring another cup of chai. “And when you plan proactively, saving taxes becomes a natural outcome—not a last-minute panic.”