Send us a text

Are you making the most of your tax-saving strategies before the year closes?

In this episode, Mike Jesowshek provides a comprehensive checklist of essential tax strategies to implement before the end of 2024. As a CPA and founder of Tax Helm, he emphasizes maximizing tax deductions, making necessary payments, and properly documenting strategies to avoid IRS issues. Mike covers everything from pre-tax versus after-tax spending and utilizing the Augusta Rule to managing self-employed health insurance and year-end retirement contributions. With a focus on practical application, he also offers advice on planning for business expenses, using credit cards strategically, and the importance of completing necessary documentation, like the BOI report, before December 31st.

Discover practical steps to keep more of your hard-earned income in this essential episode!

[00:00 - 05:10] Pre-Tax vs. After-Tax Spending

• Mike gives a reminder that most tax strategies must be implemented by December 31.
• He explains how business owners can convert personal spending to business expenses.
• Utilize pre-tax spending opportunities for valid business expenses like meals, travel, and more.

[05:11 - 11:45] Travel, Augusta Rule, and Implementing Board Meetings

• Business-focused travel, where the majority of the day is spent on work, can qualify as a deductible business day.
• The Augusta Rule allows homeowners to rent their home tax-free for up to 14 days.
• Mike shares the importance of board meetings for accountability and tax deductions.
• Even solo business owners can benefit from holding board meetings and documenting them.

[11:46 - 19:20] Hiring Your Kids, IRAs, and Health Savings Accounts

• Hiring children allows for tax-free income for children and provides eligibility for Roth IRA contributions.
• HSAs offer tax-deductible contributions and tax-free withdrawals for medical costs.

[19:21 - 230:20] S Corporations and Self-Employed Health Insurance

• Health insurance premiums must be included on W-2s for valid deductions.
• Mike gives a reminder to organize receipts, log business mileage, and complete the BOI report.
• Proper documentation ensures compliance and peace of mind during IRS reviews.

Direct Quotes:

“Let this serve as your final reminder—implement these strategies by December 31st to keep your hard-earned money.” - Mike Jesowshek, CPA

“A valid tax strategy, incorrectly implemented, becomes illegal. Understanding and correct implementation are key.” - Mike Jesowshek, CPA

“Hiring your kids in your business not only provides a tax deduction but allows them to start growing a tax-free retirement account.” - Mike Jesowshek, CPA

______

Podcast Host: Mike Jesowshek, CPA - Founder and Host of Small Business Tax Savings Podcast

Join TaxElm: https://taxelm.com/

-------

Podcast Website: https://www.TaxSavingsPodcast.com

Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/taxsavings/

YouTube: www.TaxSavingsTV.com

Send us a text

Are you overpaying on taxes and missing out on key deductions that could boost your business's bottom line?

In this episode, CPA Mike Jesowshek shares advanced tax strategies that empower business owners to significantly reduce their tax liabilities while building wealth. Mike addresses common challenges business owners face when minimizing taxes and introduces actionable tactics such as the 14-day home rental rule, implementing an accountable plan, and leveraging charitable contributions. With a focus on proper documentation and compliance, Mike provides insights on transforming potential tax burdens into effective deductions. He also presents TaxElm, a tax software tailored for business owners looking to maximize tax savings efficiently and responsibly.

[00:00 - 05:36] Introduction to Advanced Tax Strategies

• Mike introduces his goal to reveal tested tax strategies for saving significant money.
• Reasons for struggles: not knowing where to start, being overwhelmed by complexity, and spending time without professional guidance.
• Strategy #1: The 14-Day Home Rental Rule (Augusta Rule)
• Key steps: establishing a rental reason, finding a reasonable rate, and documenting proof.

[05:36 - 11:14] Strategy #2: Implementing an Accountable Plan

• Mike details how S corporations can set up accountable plans for reimbursements on business expenses like home office use, automobile, and utilities.
• He shares the importance of a written policy and detailed expense reporting for compliance.

[11:14 - 17:42] Strategy #3: Advanced Tax Strategies for High-Income Earners

• For those earning $350,000+, Mike shares insights on leveraging charitable contributions, business investments, and more to offset income.
• Emphasizes correct implementation to avoid potential IRS scrutiny.

[17:42 - 25:45] Short-Term Rental Loophole and Hiring Your Children for Business Deduction

• Short-term rentals (average stay of 7 days or less) are considered non-passive, allowing business owners to offset W-2 or business income.
• Mike shares the guidelines for hiring children aged 7-18 in the business for tax deductions.
• Compliance essentials: setting reasonable pay, tracking work hours, and direct payments.

[25:45 - 29:43] Conclusion and Introduction to TaxElm

• Mike introduces TaxElm, a software designed to help business owners implement these strategies and maximize tax savings.

Direct Quotes:

"These aren’t just theories; they are battle-tested methods that have saved my clients millions in taxes over the years." - Mike Jesowshek, CPA

"The right tax strategies can transform a business’s financial health." - Mike Jesowshek, CPA

"These strategies can take you from being an anxious and overwhelmed business owner to one who walks around with confidence and a sense of control." - Mike Jesowshek, CPA

______

Podcast Host: Mike Jesowshek, CPA - Founder and Host of Small Business Tax Savings Podcast

Join TaxElm: https://taxelm.com/

-------

Podcast Website: https://www.TaxSavingsPodcast.com

Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/taxsavings/

YouTube: www.TaxSavingsTV.com

Send us a text

Are you missing out on key tax deductions by mixing personal and business expenses?

In this episode, Mike Jesowshek discusses the importance of setting up an accountable plan for businesses, especially S and C corporations. He breaks down how accountable plans allow business owners to reimburse themselves for personal expenses with a business use, ensuring that the reimbursements are not taxable. Mike emphasizes key requirements for an accountable plan, such as having a business connection, proper substantiation, and timely payments, while also highlighting common deductible expenses like home office, automobile use, and travel.

Find out how an accountable plan can help you save on taxes while staying compliant with the IRS!

[00:00 - 05:21] Introduction to Accountable Plans

• Mike introduces the concept of an accountable plan and its importance for business owners.
• He explains how separating business and personal expenses is crucial to avoid IRS scrutiny.
• He also mentions that even if personal payments are made for business items, they can be reimbursed with a plan.

[05:22 - 10:37] Key Requirements of an Accountable Plan

• Mike outlines the four main requirements: business connection, substantiation, avoiding excess payments, and timely payments.
• He discusses examples of business-related expenses that can be reimbursed, such as home office use and automobile expenses.
• Turning reimbursements into taxable income can cause risks if not handled properly.

[10:38 - 13:49] Setting Up an Accountable Plan

• Mike walks through the process of setting up a written reimbursement policy (accountable plan).
• Businesses need to create a reimbursement tracker to document expenses.
• Taxelm’s templates and tools can help businesses implement these plans correctly.

[13:50 - 17:43] Common Expenses for Reimbursement

• Mike highlights the most common reimbursable expenses: home office, automobile, cell phone, internet, and travel.
• Business owners should take advantage of available deductions to reduce taxable income.

Direct Quotes:

"The IRS looks at that as being sloppy. So the first key to understand is to always have a separate business bank account and credit card that you run all of your business activity through." - Mike Jesowshek, CPA

- "If you don't have an accountable plan put in place, it will be taxable to us, and that's why it's so important." - Mike Jesowshek, CPA

"The IRS gives us incentives as business owners—home office deductions, automobile deductions—but it's your responsibility to understand and implement them correctly." - Mike Jesowshek, CPA

Check out this episode’s blog post: How Do I Reimburse Myself From the Business? When Does An Accountable Plan Come Into Play?

______

Podcast Host: Mike Jesowshek, CPA - Founder and Host of Small Business Tax Savings Podcast

Join TaxElm: https://taxelm.com/

-------

Podcast Website: https://www.TaxSavingsPodcast.com

Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/taxsavings/

YouTube: www.TaxSavingsTV.com