How much does tax preparation cost in Houston TX?

Tax preparation fees in Houston vary by complexity. Simple W-2 returns typically cost $150–$300. Self-employed and small business returns run $300–$800. Call (225) 396-5511 for a quote.

What documents do I need for tax preparation?

Bring: W-2s and 1099s, Social Security numbers for all dependents, last year's tax return, receipts for deductible expenses, mortgage interest statements (Form 1098), and any IRS notices received.

Can you help me if I owe back taxes to the IRS?

Yes. Big Ass Tax Returns can help negotiate IRS payment plans, file unfiled returns, and resolve tax debt. Call (225) 396-5511 for a confidential consultation.

What is the deadline for filing taxes in Texas?

The federal income tax deadline is typically April 15. Extensions push the filing deadline to October 15 but do not extend the payment deadline. Texas has no state income tax.

How do I maximize my tax refund as a self-employed Houston resident?

Track all business expenses (mileage, home office, equipment, software), max out SEP-IRA contributions, and deduct health insurance premiums. Self-employed filers consistently get larger refunds when working with a professional.

Investment Advisory | Tax-Smart Portfolio Strategy

Investment Advisory

Investment Advisory Services Built Around Your Whole Financial Picture

Most investment advisors operate in isolation — managing a portfolio without consideration of your tax situation, business income, or financial goals. We integrate investment strategy with tax planning, cash flow management, and long-term financial goals to build portfolios that actually serve your life — not just your brokerage statement.

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Tax-Efficient Portfolio Strategy

Asset location (what goes in taxable vs. tax-deferred vs. Roth accounts), tax-loss harvesting, long-term vs. short-term gain management — investment decisions coordinated with your annual tax plan for maximum after-tax returns.

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Retirement Account Optimization

401(k), IRA, Roth IRA, SEP-IRA, Solo 401(k), Defined Benefit Plans — the right combination of retirement accounts for your income level and goals, contribution maximization, and Roth conversion strategy for long-term tax reduction.

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Business Investment Strategy

For business owners: how to invest retained earnings, whether to take distributions or leave capital in the business, business vs. personal investment trade-offs, and how your business equity fits into your overall wealth picture.

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Asset Allocation Planning

Strategic allocation across equities, fixed income, alternative assets, and real estate — calibrated to your risk tolerance, time horizon, income needs, and tax situation. Rebalanced with tax consequences in mind.

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Real Estate Investment Analysis

Rental property acquisition analysis, portfolio-level depreciation planning, 1031 exchange timing, cost segregation studies, and integration of real estate equity into your broader investment and retirement plan.

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Investment Due Diligence

Evaluating a specific investment opportunity? We provide independent financial analysis of the investment thesis, return projections, fee structures, and how it fits (or doesn’t fit) your overall plan.

Our Philosophy

Investment Strategy Integrated with Tax Strategy

The standard investment advisory approach is: pick good investments, diversify, stay the course. That’s not wrong — but it leaves an enormous amount of value on the table by ignoring the tax dimension of every investment decision.

At Michelet Financial, every investment recommendation is evaluated for its after-tax return. We coordinate investment timing with your annual tax plan. We position assets to minimize your lifetime tax burden — not just your return this year.

The result is an investment strategy that works harder for you — not because we pick better stocks, but because we keep more of what the market gives you.

The Tax-Investment Integration

✓ Asset location: tax-inefficient assets in tax-deferred accounts, growth in Roth
✓ Tax-loss harvesting timed with gains to minimize net capital gains exposure
✓ Roth conversion strategy in low-income years to build tax-free retirement wealth
✓ Investment decisions coordinated with income timing to manage tax brackets
✓ Charitable giving of appreciated assets to eliminate capital gains entirely

FAQ

Investment Advisory Questions

What is investment advisory and how is it different from wealth management?

Investment advisory focuses on managing your investment portfolio and making investment recommendations aligned with your financial goals. Wealth management is broader — it includes investment management plus financial planning, tax planning, estate planning, and insurance. We operate as wealth advisors who integrate investment strategy with your complete financial picture, including business income and tax planning.

How do your investment advisory fees work?

We offer fee-based advisory engagements — flat fees for planning work and retainer arrangements for ongoing advisory. We do not charge AUM (assets under management) percentage fees that grow automatically with your portfolio, and we do not receive commissions on financial products. Our incentive is to give you the best advice, not to grow the fee base.

What investments do you recommend?

We don’t push specific products — we recommend investment strategies aligned with your situation. For most clients, this involves diversified low-cost index funds in a tax-optimized account structure, with tactical adjustments based on income, tax bracket, and timeline. For business owners and high-net-worth clients, we also analyze alternative investments, real estate, and business equity in the overall allocation.

Can you help with my 401(k) or IRA investments?

Yes — retirement account optimization is one of the highest-value areas of investment advisory. We analyze your current 401(k) fund selection, contribution levels, and Roth vs. traditional allocation. We also model out Roth conversion opportunities — converting traditional IRA balances to Roth during lower-income years to build tax-free retirement wealth.

Do you work with clients nationwide?

Yes. All of our investment advisory and financial planning services are available to clients in all 50 states via virtual consultation. We use secure document sharing and video calls to deliver the same quality of advice regardless of where you are located.

Investment Advisory That Accounts for Your Taxes