Tax Strategies
60 articles in this hub, newest first.
This hub is for people who pay a lot of tax and want to know which part of it they can change. That includes W-2 earners on a high salary, self-employed people, and owners who run a business through an LLC or an S corporation. The guides follow the order a real plan follows: read the return, fix the withholding, claim the deductions the work already earns, then look at the bigger moves like entity choice, real estate losses, and retirement accounts. Most guides show the math with a worked example and say what proof the IRS expects. Start with the rate and withholding guides if you are not sure what you owe today. Move to the deduction and strategy guides once those numbers are clear. Nothing here is advice for your return. It is background, so the conversation with your CPA starts further along.
Start here
5 pages that cover most of what people come to this hub for.
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Marginal vs Effective Tax Rate: What the Brackets Actually Do to Your Money
What the brackets actually take, and why the two rates differ.
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How to Fix Your W-2 Withholding Mid-Year (Before April Surprises You)
The fastest fix if last April was a surprise.
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Home Office Deduction 2026: Who Qualifies, Both Methods, and the Math
Both methods, who qualifies, and the records to keep.
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Capital Gains Tax 2026: What You Owe When You Sell
What a sale costs before you agree to it.
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Augusta Rule 280A for Business Owners: How the 14-Day Rule Actually Works in 2026
A 14-day rule owners often hear about and rarely document.
Articles in this hub
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Real Estate Mentorship for High-Income W-2 Earners (2026)
A fair 2026 look at real estate mentorship programs for busy W-2 high earners who want passive income, with who each fits and the tax rules to know.
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Real Estate Tax Courses for Doctors and Dentists (2026)
A fair 2026 guide to real estate tax strategy courses and firms for doctors and dentists, with who each fits and the IRS rules that decide what works.
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Wealth Building Programs for a $500K Business Owner (2026)
Making $500K and overpaying taxes? A fair 2026 comparison of programs, firms, and memberships for business owners, with who each fits and its sources.
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Best Tax Strategy Programs for W-2 Earners Over $250K (2026)
What is actually left after you max a 401(k) and an HSA, plus eight tax strategy programs and services compared on format, published price, and fit.
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How to Cut Taxes as a W-2 Earner Making $300K Without Starting a Business (2026)
A ten-step checklist with 2026 numbers for a $300K W-2 earner who does not want a business, a rental, or a new entity. Do them in this order.
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Karlton Dennis vs Mark Kohler vs Legacy Wealth Blueprint (2026)
A three-way comparison of Karlton Dennis Tax Strategy Accelerator, Mark J. Kohler's programs, and Legacy Wealth Blueprint on price, format, who teaches, community, and fit.
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Shawn Case Study: The Life-Changing ROI He Expects from the Legacy Wealth Blueprint (Student Result)
A short student result case study from Shawn, a business owner who joined the Legacy Wealth Blueprint for tax knowledge after struggling with CPAs. He calls the expected ROI life-changing.
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Stephanie Dailey case study: over $20,000 saved in taxes in her first year
Stephanie Dailey, a software engineer with five kids, saved over $20,000 in taxes in her first year in the Legacy Wealth Blueprint. Here is what she did.
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Tax Alchemy Alternatives (2026): 7 Tax Strategy Programs Compared
A neutral 2026 comparison of Tax Alchemy and seven alternatives, with format, published price, who each one fits, and a source link for every claim.
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TaxFreeCEO Alternatives (2026): 8 Tax Strategy Options Compared
What TaxFreeCEO is, and eight alternatives compared on format, published price, and who each one fits. Every claim links to the seller's own page.
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You Maxed Your 401k and HSA. Here Is What Is Actually Left for W-2 Earners at $300K+ (2026)
A ranked, honest list of what is left for a $300K W-2 earner after the 401k and HSA are full, with 2026 limits, what each move requires, and what is only being sold to you.
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2026 Mileage Reimbursement Rates: Business Rate, Charitable Rate, and the Log
2026 IRS mileage rates: 72.5 cents per business mile and 14 cents for charity. See the 12,000-mile example, the $8,700 deduction, and the log that proves it.
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Employer Payroll Cost Guide: What an $80,000 Salary Really Costs
An $80,000 salary costs about $87,000-89,000 after the 7.65% FICA match, FUTA, state unemployment, and workers' comp. See the full math and the loaded budget.
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Home Office Deduction 2026: Who Qualifies, Both Methods, and the Math
Home office deduction 2026: the $5 per square foot simplified method, the 10% regular-method example, and who can claim it — including the W-2 employee rule.
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How Much to Set Aside for Self-Employment Tax (2026 Rates and Math)
Self-employment tax is 15.3% of net profit in 2026. See the rate breakdown, the 25-30% set-aside rule, and the $80,000 worked example before you spend it.
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Marginal vs Effective Tax Rate: What the Brackets Actually Do to Your Money
Marginal vs effective tax rate explained: the $150,000 single-filer example, a 16.7% effective rate, a 24% marginal rate, and why brackets decide raises.
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Mortgage Payment Breakdown: Principal, Interest, Taxes, and Insurance
See what a mortgage payment really costs: principal and interest at 6.7%, property tax at about 1.1%, homeowners insurance, and PMI on a $400,000 loan.
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Tax Withholding Reconciliation: Check the Math Before the Year Ends
Reconcile withholding in October, not April: compare year-to-date withholding to full-year tax and the 100%/110% safe harbor, then adjust W-4 step 4c.
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Augusta Rule 280A for Business Owners: How the 14-Day Rule Actually Works in 2026
Learn how the Augusta Rule works under Section 280A, when a business owner can rent a home to a business, what documentation matters, and where people get this tax strategy wrong.
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Cost Segregation 481(a) Adjustment: How the Method Change Works in 2026
Learn what a Section 481(a) adjustment means in a cost segregation study, when Form 3115 is used, and how real estate investors should think about catch-up depreciation.
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Donor Advised Fund Tax Benefits: 2026 Guide to Deductions, Timing, and Strategy
Learn how donor advised funds work, when the deduction happens, what tax benefits high-income givers actually get, and how to avoid common timing mistakes.
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Installment Sale Real Estate: 2026 Guide to Tax Deferral, Risks, and Deal Design
Learn how installment sales work for real estate, when tax is deferred, what interest and default risks matter, and how investors should compare this strategy with a full cash sale.
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Maximum Home Office Deduction in 2026: Simplified vs Actual Expense Method
Learn the maximum home office deduction under the simplified method, when the actual-expense method is better, and how self-employed taxpayers should think about the tradeoff.
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Qualified Opportunity Fund Guide: 2026 Rules, Deferral Timing, and Exit Planning
Learn how qualified opportunity funds work, what gain deferral means in 2026, and how investors should think about the fund timeline, holding period, and exit decisions.
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Settle Student Loan Debt: 2026 Guide to Private vs Federal Reality
Learn when you can realistically settle student loan debt, why private and federal loans behave differently, and what tax, credit, and lump-sum issues matter before you negotiate.
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2026 Tax Changes You Need to Know: 7 Updates That Matter
Transcript-based 2026 tax update guide covering standard deductions, SALT changes, tip/overtime deductions, retirement limits, QBI permanence, and bonus depreciation planning.
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$88K in year one value: what one CPA missed for a $300K W-2 earner
Preston's 12-month plan for one $300,000 W-2 client: LLC setup, home office, an accountable plan, a W-4 change, and what the $88,000 year one figure includes.
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7 Money Moves Your CPA Never Mentioned for $200K+ Earners
A transcript-based breakdown of the 7 money moves from Preston's video, including liquidity, mega backdoor Roth, S-Corp thresholds, cost segregation, debt strategy, and asset protection.
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Airbnb Pricing Strategy for Hosts: Complete 2026 Guide to Occupancy, ADR, and Profit
Learn an Airbnb pricing strategy for hosts that balances occupancy, nightly rate, and tax-aware profit with real numbers, scenario tables, and a 30-day implementation plan.
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airbnb startup cost tax deductible: Complete 2026 Guide for US Hosts
Learn which Airbnb arbitrage startup costs you can deduct now, capitalize, or amortize, with practical IRS-based frameworks, examples, and a 30-day action plan.
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Airbnb Taxes for Hosts: Complete 2026 Guide to Deductions, Compliance, and Profit Planning
Airbnb taxes for hosts in 2026 explained with filing rules, deduction frameworks, worked numbers, and a 30-day checklist to protect cash flow and avoid common errors.
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Learn asset allocation for entrepreneurs with practical models, cash-runway rules, tax-aware investing, and a 30-day implementation plan for 2026.
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The best 401k strategy for 2025: Complete 2026 Guide to Contribution, Tax, and Allocation Decisions
A practical US-focused playbook for building your best 401k strategy for 2025 using IRS limits, tax-bracket decisions, and a step-by-step 30-day implementation plan.
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Best Asset Allocation for 60 Year Old: Complete 2026 Guide
Choose the best asset allocation for 60 year old investors using 2026 model portfolios, tax-aware account placement, withdrawal math, and a 30-day checklist.
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Best Asset Allocation for Roth IRA: Complete 2026 Guide for U.S. Investors
Learn the best asset allocation for Roth IRA in 2026 with age-based models, tax-location rules, numeric examples, and a 30-day implementation checklist.
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Best Asset Allocation Strategy: Complete 2026 Guide for US Investors
Learn the best asset allocation strategy for 2026 with practical portfolio mixes, rebalancing rules, tax-location tactics, and a 30-day implementation checklist.
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best etf or mutual fund for ai: Complete 2026 Guide for U.S. Investors
Learn how to choose the best etf or mutual fund for ai in 2026 using fees, taxes, risk caps, and a practical 30-day implementation plan.
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Best IRA Withdrawal Strategy: Complete 2026 Guide for Lower Lifetime Taxes
A practical 2026 guide to building the best ira withdrawal strategy with tax-bracket planning, Roth conversions, scenario tables, and a 30-day action checklist.
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Best State for Series LLC: Complete 2026 Guide for Real-World Investors
Find the best state for series llc in 2026 using a practical framework for liability shields, taxes, costs, and multi-state compliance before filing.
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Best Tax Deductions 2025: Complete 2026 Guide to Lower Your Tax Bill
A practical 2026 guide to the best tax deductions 2025, with IRS-based limits, decision tables, examples, and a 30-day plan to reduce federal taxes.
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Best Tax Planning Books: Complete 2026 Guide for Real-World Tax Decisions
Compare the best tax planning books for 2026 with a decision framework, scenario table, worked savings example, and a 30-day implementation checklist.
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Best Tax Planning Strategies: Complete 2026 Guide for US Households and Business Owners
Actionable 2026 guide to best tax planning strategies with decision frameworks, numeric examples, scenario table, 30-day checklist, and CPA questions for US readers.
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Best Tax Strategy Books: Complete 2026 Guide for Smarter U.S. Tax Planning
Use this 2026 guide to choose the best tax strategy books, build a practical reading stack, and turn ideas into CPA-ready actions that may reduce taxes.
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Capital Gains Tax for Beginners: Complete 2026 Guide to Paying Less and Avoiding Costly Mistakes
Learn how capital gains tax works, estimate what you may owe, and use a practical 30-day plan to reduce taxes on stocks, real estate, and business sales.
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Learn how to estimate federal and state tax on rental property sales, including recapture and NIIT, then compare 1031, installment, and hold strategies for 2026 planning.
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Capital Gains Tax Rate 2026: Complete 2026 Guide to Brackets, NIIT, and Smart Sale Timing
Capital gains tax rate 2026 explained with IRS bracket thresholds, NIIT, scenario math, a worked example, and a 30-day checklist to plan sales smarter.
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Do I Qualify for QBI Deduction: Complete 2026 Guide for US Business Owners
A practical 2026 guide to determine QBI eligibility, income limits, SSTB phaseouts, Form 8995 vs 8995-A, and execution steps to maximize Section 199A.
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How Are Series LLC Taxed: Complete 2026 Guide for Investors and Business Owners
Learn how series LLCs are taxed in 2026, including IRS default classification rules, state mismatch risks, filing paths, numeric examples, and a practical 30-day setup plan.
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How Does Cost Segregation Help With Taxes: Complete 2026 Decision Guide
Learn how cost segregation can reduce near-term taxable income, when it works best, key risks, and a practical 30-day implementation plan for 2026.
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How Does QBI Deduction Work With a Loss? Complete 2026 Guide for Owners and Investors
How does qbi deduction work with a loss? Learn netting, carryforwards, wage limits, and 2026 planning with a scenario table, numeric example, and 30-day checklist.
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How Is Corporate Veil Pierced: Complete 2026 Guide for Owners and Investors
Learn how is corporate veil pierced, the tests courts apply, a worked numeric risk example, and a 30-day action plan for LLC and corporate owners in 2026.
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How Is QBI Deduction Calculated: Complete 2026 Guide for Business Owners
Learn how the QBI deduction is calculated in 2026 with formulas, phase-outs, worked examples, scenario tables, and a practical action plan for US taxpayers.
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Learn how royalty income is taxed in 2026, which IRS forms apply, when SE tax or NIIT applies, and how to reduce taxes with smart deductions and planning.
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How Much Are Airbnb Taxes for Guests: Complete 2026 Guide for US Travelers and Hosts
Learn how much are Airbnb taxes for guests in 2026, how to estimate checkout totals, compare alternatives, avoid fee mistakes, and ask better CPA questions.
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How much is reasonable salary for s corp: Complete 2026 Decision Guide
Learn how to set a defensible S corp owner salary in 2026 using IRS factors, BLS wage data, worked examples, and a practical 30-day implementation checklist.
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How QBI Deduction Works: Complete 2026 Guide for Pass-Through Owners
Learn how QBI deduction rules work in 2026, including thresholds, SSTB limits, wage-property rules, numeric examples, and a practical 30-day plan.
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How Roth Conversions Are Taxed: Complete 2026 Guide for Smarter Bracket Planning
Learn how Roth conversions are taxed in 2026, with bracket planning, phase-out risks, numeric examples, and a 30-day execution checklist for US households.
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How Roth IRA Is Taxed: Complete 2026 Guide for Contributions, Withdrawals, and Conversions
Learn how roth ira is taxed in 2026 with practical rules, phaseout math, withdrawal timing, backdoor Roth tradeoffs, and a 30-day implementation checklist.
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How Tax Deduction Calculated: Complete 2026 Guide for U.S. Filers
Learn how tax deduction calculated in 2026 with formulas, worked examples, standard vs itemized decisions, and a 30-day checklist for U.S. filers.
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How Tax Deductions Are Compared To Tax Exemptions: Complete 2026 Guide for U.S. Filers
Learn how tax deductions are compared to tax exemptions in 2026, with practical tax math, scenario planning, worked examples, and a 30-day action checklist.
The rest of the site
- Tax strategies. Every strategy guide in one table.
- Compare guides. Two strategies head to head, with a scorecard.
- Free calculators. Run your own numbers.
- The full archive. Everything, newest first.
Other topics
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