Business Tax Strategies
The comprehensive playbook for business owners who want to keep more of what they earn. S-Corp elections, entity structure, hiring your kids, and 15+ proven strategies, organized so you can find the ones that fit your business.
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Entity Structure & S-Corp
Get the foundation right, most business tax savings start with how you're structured
S-Corp Optimization
The #1 strategy for business owners earning over $50k profit. Save thousands in self-employment tax.
LLC vs S-Corp
The definitive comparison. When to stay an LLC, when to elect S-Corp, and how much you'll save.
Entity Structure Optimization
LLC vs S-Corp vs C-Corp. Choosing the right legal structure for taxes and liability.
Late S-Corp Election
Missed the March 15 deadline? You may still qualify for late election relief under Rev. Proc. 2013-30.
Reasonable Compensation
How to pay yourself enough to satisfy the IRS but low enough to maximize tax savings.
Owner Basis Management
Track your stock and debt basis to avoid surprises on distributions and loss deductions.
Deductions & Income Shifting
The strategies that move income out of your top bracket, with documentation that holds up
Hiring Your Kids
Shift income to lower tax brackets and build generational wealth by hiring your children tax-free.
The Augusta Rule
Rent your home to your business for up to 14 days/year tax-free. A perfect play for board meetings.
Accountable Plans
Reimburse yourself for home office, cell phone, and internet expenses tax-free.
Home Office Deduction
Simplified ($5/sq ft) or actual method. How to claim it without triggering an audit.
Small Business Tax Deductions
Every deduction your business can take in 2026. Home office, vehicle, meals, retirement, and more.
Fringe Benefits (S-Corp)
Health insurance, HRA plans, and other tax-free benefits available to S-Corp 2% shareholders.
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Credits, QBI & State Taxes
Deductions you don't have to spend money to get, plus the state-tax angles most preparers skip
QBI Deduction (199A)
Maximize the 20% pass-through deduction. Understand the limits and phase-outs for high earners.
Estimated Tax Payments
The 90%/100%/110% safe-harbor math, 2026 due dates, and the year-end withholding rescue.
PTET Workaround
Bypass the $40,000 SALT cap by paying state income taxes at the entity level. Still valuable for high earners whose cap phases down or who owe more than $40,000.
R&D Tax Credit
Not just for tech companies. If you develop products, processes, or software, you may qualify for up to $500K in credits.
Quarterly Estimated Taxes
When they're due, how to calculate them, and how to avoid underpayment penalties.
Retirement & Health
The accounts that let owners shelter serious income while building wealth
Ongoing Services for Business Owners
Strategy is only half the equation, we handle the accounting, payroll, and advisory that make it stick
Monthly Accounting
CPA-led bookkeeping in QuickBooks Online. Books closed by the 15th every month.
Payroll Services
Full-service payroll via ADP. Federal, state, and local tax filing handled.
Fractional CFO
Financial forecasting, KPI dashboards, and strategic growth guidance.
Tax Planning
Year-round proactive strategy to minimize your combined tax burden.
Industries We Serve
Every industry has unique accounting challenges, we specialize in these verticals
Restaurants
Books, payroll, and tax strategy built for tip reporting and thin-margin operations.
Contractors
Job costing, equipment planning, and entity strategy for trades and construction.
E-Commerce
Inventory accounting, sales tax exposure, and platform payouts reconciled cleanly.
Medical Practices
Accounting and tax planning for physician-owned and group practices.
Professional Services
Strategy for consultants, agencies, attorneys, and other service firms.
Real Estate Agents
Commission income, vehicle and marketing deductions, and S-Corp timing for agents.
Where to Start
A quick routing guide if you're not sure which page to read first
If you're a sole proprietor or single-member LLC with growing profit, start with S-Corp Optimization and LLC vs S-Corp. Already an S-Corp? Reasonable compensation and an accountable plan are usually the first cleanup items. If your structure is solid and you want to lower this year's bill, go to deductions and retirement plan design.
Frequently Asked Questions
The questions business owners ask us most
When should I elect S-Corp status?
Generally, when your net self-employment income exceeds $50K-$60K annually. At that point, the self-employment tax savings from setting a reasonable salary typically outweigh the additional compliance costs (payroll, separate tax return). We analyze your specific numbers before recommending the election.
What is the Augusta Rule?
IRC Section 280A(g) allows you to rent your personal home to your business for up to 14 days per year without reporting the rental income. Your business deducts the fair market rental rate as a business expense. It's ideal for board meetings, planning sessions, or team retreats held at your home.
How much should I pay myself as an S-Corp owner?
The IRS requires 'reasonable compensation', typically 40-60% of your net business income, benchmarked against what you'd pay someone to do your job. Setting it too low triggers audit risk; too high wastes the S-Corp tax benefit. We use industry salary data and IRS guidelines to find the optimal number.
Can I really hire my kids and deduct their wages?
Yes, if the work is real, the pay is reasonable for the work performed, and you follow employment law. Children under 18 employed by a sole proprietorship or single-member LLC (owned by a parent) are exempt from FICA taxes. Their standard deduction shelters the first $16,100 (2026) from income tax. It's one of the cleanest income-shifting strategies available.
Ready to Keep More of What Your Business Earns?
Book a free 30-minute consultation with our team to discuss your needs, our services, and whether Taxstra is a fit. Tax advice, document reviews, and analysis require a paid engagement.Your tax plan and specific advice come after you engage. The call is about fit and next steps.
Tax planning slots are limited before year-end.