Most firms treating tax planning like a simple checklist only serve clients with $2 million or more in assets—leaving everyone else stuck guessing at deductions. But you don’t need a seven-figure portfolio to unlock game-changing strategies. Below are ten high-impact moves that rarely make the headlines. We’ll give you just enough to see their potential—and point you to our free Tax Strategy Finder to reveal exactly which ones apply to you.
1. Income Deferral & Expense Acceleration
What it is: Shifting taxable income into a later year while pulling deductible expenses into the current year.
Why it matters: Lowers your tax bracket today and maximizes write-offs before rates rise—especially useful if your income varies year to year.
2. Qualified Business Income (QBI) Deduction
What it is: Up to a 20% deduction on pass-through business income under Section 199A.
Why it matters: Slashes taxable income for sole proprietors, partnerships, and S corporations—yet many small businesses overlook eligibility nuances.
3. Hiring Your Children Under Age 18
What it is: Paying children wages for legitimate work in your business.
Why it matters: Their earnings up to the standard deduction aren’t taxed, and you get deductible labor costs—an elegant family-centered savings move.
4. Augusta Rule (Section 280A)
What it is: Renting your primary residence to your business for up to 14 days per year tax-free.
Why it matters: Converts personal living space into a deductible business expense without reporting the rental income.
5. S Corp Salary vs. Distribution Planning
What it is: Balancing payroll wages and profit distributions for S corporation owners.
Why it matters: Properly structured, it minimizes payroll taxes while keeping everything IRS-compliant—too many DIY filers miss the sweet spot.
6. HSA Triple-Tax Advantage
What it is: Contributing to a Health Savings Account (pre-tax, grows tax-free, and tax-free withdrawals for medical).
Why it matters: One of the few vehicles offering three layers of tax benefits, yet underused by self-employed and high-deductible plan holders.
7. Roth IRA Conversions in Low-Income Years
What it is: Converting traditional IRA funds to a Roth IRA when your taxable income dips.
Why it matters: Locks in today’s low‐rate environment and shields future withdrawals—even modest earners can take advantage.
8. Depreciation & Cost Segregation
What it is: Accelerating depreciation deductions by reclassifying building components.
Why it matters: Frees up cash flow early in a property’s life cycle—especially impactful for real-estate owners and rental landlords.
9. Home Office Deduction Optimization
What it is: Allocating a portion of home expenses (mortgage, utilities, insurance) to business use.
Why it matters: Many filers undercalculate eligible square footage or opt for the flat rate instead of actual expenses—missing bigger write-offs.
10. Charitable Contribution Stacking with Donor-Advised Funds
What it is: Bunching multiple years’ worth of donations into one large, upfront gift.
Why it matters: Triggers a higher deduction in the year you give, then lets you distribute grants over time—an advanced giving strategy often reserved for ultra-wealthy donors.
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