Tax Strategy for Small Business Owners
You didn't start a business to become a tax expert. But the right strategy can save you thousands—and a lot of stress.
Sound familiar?
You're great at what you do. You've built something real. But when it comes to taxes, you're kind of winging it.
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Maybe you set up an LLC because someone told you to, but you're not sure if you've chosen the right tax treatment. Maybe you're paying yourself... somehow... but you're not confident you're doing it right. Maybe quarterly taxes are a guessing game, and April always brings surprises.
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And retirement? Succession planning? You know you should be thinking about that stuff, but there's always something more urgent.
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Here's the thing: you don't have to figure this out alone. And you definitely shouldn't wait until it becomes a problem.
Small Business Tax Strategies I Help With
01
S-Corp Election & Tax Treatment
How your business is treated for tax purposes makes a huge difference in what you owe. S-corp election, for example, can save you a ton in self-employment taxes—but it's not right for everyone. I help you figure out the best tax treatment for your situation.
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Business Deductions You're Probably Missing
Home office deduction. Vehicle expenses. Health insurance premiums. Retirement contributions. There are a lot of ways to reduce your taxable income—but only if you know about them and set them up right. I make sure you're not leaving money on the table.
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Small Business Retirement Plans
You don't have an employer matching your 401(k), but you have options—often better ones. SEP IRAs, Solo 401(k)s, defined benefit plans. I help you set up a retirement strategy that reduces your taxes now and builds wealth for later.
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And More
​Every business is different. These are some of the big ones, but there's a lot more we can dig into depending on your situation. That's what the consult is for—we figure out what matters most for you.
02
Reasonable Compensation
If you're an S-corp owner, you have to pay yourself a "reasonable salary." Too low and you're asking for IRS trouble. Too high and you're overpaying in payroll taxes and losing out on QBI deductions. I help you find the sweet spot.
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Quarterly Estimated Tax Planning
No more guessing what to pay or getting hit with underpayment penalties. I help you estimate accurately and plan throughout the year so there are no surprises come April.
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Succession Planning
What happens to your business when you're ready to step back? Whether you're thinking about selling, passing it on, or just want a plan in place, I help you think through the tax implications before you get there.
Should my business be an S-corp?
It depends on your income, expenses, and situation. S-corp election can save self-employment taxes, but it comes with additional requirements like payroll and reasonable compensation. Generally, it starts making sense once your net profit exceeds a certain threshold—but we'd need to look at your specific numbers.
What's the best retirement plan for a small business owner?
It depends on your income and goals. SEP IRAs are simple and allow high contributions. Solo 401(k)s offer more flexibility including Roth contributions and loans. Defined benefit plans can shelter even more income if you're a high earner. I help you figure out which option fits your situation.
​What is reasonable compensation for an S-corp owner?
Reasonable compensation is the salary you pay yourself as an S-corp owner that reflects what you'd pay someone else to do your job. The IRS looks at factors like your duties, experience, time spent, and what similar businesses pay. Getting this wrong can trigger audits and penalties.
How do I calculate quarterly estimated taxes?
​Quarterly estimated taxes are based on your expected income, deductions, and credits for the year. You can use the safe harbor method (paying 100-110% of last year's tax) or estimate based on current year income. I help you plan so you're not overpaying or underpaying.
I'm not just here in April
Tax strategy isn't something you do once a year. It's something you build into how you run your business.
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I'm here year-round—for the big decisions and the quick questions. Thinking about hiring? Buying equipment? Taking on a partner? That's when I want to hear from you. Let's make the smart move together instead of cleaning up after the fact.