User Guide
User Guide — Tax Planning Dashboard
Getting Started
- Start the server:
cd app && node server.js - Open
http://localhost:3848 - Go to Edit Inputs to enter client data
- Navigate tabs to review projections and strategies
Your inputs are saved automatically in the browser (localStorage).
Input Reference
Client & Filing
| Field | Description |
|---|---|
| Client name | Display label only |
| Filing status | Single, MFJ, MFS, or Head of Household |
| State | Drives state tax calculation (CA full brackets, NY simplified, TX/FL/WA/NV none) |
| Dependents | Used for Child Tax Credit ($2,000 each, TY2025) |
Income
| Field | Description |
|---|---|
| Business income (gross) | Schedule C gross before expenses |
| W-2 income | Taxpayer W-2 wages |
| Spouse W-2 income | Spouse wages (if MFJ) |
Deductions
| Field | Description |
|---|---|
| Business expenses | Schedule C expenses |
| Retirement contributions | Pre-tax 401(k), SEP, etc. |
| Health insurance (SE) | Self-employed health insurance deduction |
| HSA contributions | Health Savings Account |
| Other deductions | Additional above-the-line deductions |
| Other credits | Non-CTC credits |
Payments
| Field | Description |
|---|---|
| Federal / state withholdings | Year-to-date amounts |
| Estimated payments Q1–Q4 | Quarterly estimated tax paid |
Dashboard Views
Executive Summary
High-level KPIs: AGI, total liability, strategy savings, amount due or refund. Includes composition and before/after charts.
Tax Position
Detailed taxable income, tax components, effective/marginal rates, and calculation trace.
Due / Refund
Payment vs liability comparison with visual breakdown.
Strategy Savings
Each enabled strategy shows input amount, income reduction, federal/state/SE savings, assumptions, and risk notes.
Before vs After
Side-by-side comparison of tax position with and without modeled strategies.
Quarterly Planning
Income-weighted liability pace vs cumulative payments. Status badges: on-track, underpaid, ahead.
Client Guide
Plain-language explanation of terms and next steps.
Strategy Modules
| Strategy | What to Enter |
|---|---|
| Augusta Rule | Rental income received; days rented (≤14) |
| Pay Children | Total wages paid; number of children; FICA exempt checkbox |
| S Corp Salary | Total S-corp profit; reasonable W-2 salary |
| Retirement | Additional pre-tax contribution beyond base input |
| Accountable Plan | Business expense reimbursements |
| Health / HSA | Additional HSA or SE health premium |
| Custom | Name, amount, assumptions, risk notes |
Toggle strategies on/off with checkboxes. Disabled strategies are excluded from savings totals.
Tips for Advisors
- Use Reset Sample to restore the demo client profile
- Update quarterly income mix when client has seasonal business
- Review strategy risk notes with client before implementation
- Export screenshots or walk client through Before vs After tab at year-end planning meetings
Limitations
See DELIVERY-NOTE.md and tax-bracket-sources.md for modeling limitations. This dashboard is a planning tool — not a substitute for professional tax preparation.