Last Updated: January 9 2026
Applies To: 2026 Tax Year (Filed in 2027)
Effective tax planning happens throughout the year, not just at filing time. And with the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBB) now in effect, 2026 brings the biggest changes to business taxation since 2017. Some of these changes create new savings opportunities. Others eliminate strategies that worked before.
This guide covers what matters for business owners, S-Corp shareholders, and real estate investors. We focus on actionable strategies with clear implementation steps.
Key Takeaways for 2026
What changed under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (effective July 2025):
- Section 199A QBI deduction is now permanent (no longer expires in 2025)
- Section 179 expensing increased to $2.5 million (up from $1.22M)
- 100% bonus depreciation restored through 2029 (was phasing down to 40%)
- R&D expenses can be deducted immediately again (no more 5-year amortization)
- New temporary deductions for tips and overtime income (through 2028)
- SALT deduction cap increased to $40,000 for married filing jointly
- Many clean energy credits eliminated or reduced
What this means for you: Business owners have more flexibility to accelerate deductions in 2026 than they’ve had in years. But some strategies that worked before (certain energy credits, for example) are gone. Your 2025 playbook needs updating.
Table of Contents
How to Use This Guide
If you’re a business owner running an S-Corp or partnership, start with Sections 1, 6, and 12. These cover the strategies with the highest dollar impact for your situation.
If you’re a W-2 employee with side income or real estate investments, focus on Sections 1, 4, 5, and 20.
If you’re planning a major purchase or exit this year, Section 6 (business deductions) and Section 19 (QSBS) are critical reading.
If you’re a real estate investor, don’t miss Section 15 (real estate professional status) and the entity structuring guide for property holdings.
1. Maximize Retirement Account Contributions
Retirement contributions remain the simplest high-impact tax strategy. Every dollar you contribute to a traditional 401(k) or IRA reduces your taxable income dollar-for-dollar.
2026 Contribution Limits
| Account Type | Under 50 | Age 50+ Catch-Up | Total (50+) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 401(k), 403(b), 457 | $24,000 | $7,500 | $31,500 |
| Traditional/Roth IRA | $7,500 | $1,000 | $8,500 |
| SIMPLE IRA | $16,500 | $3,500 | $20,000 |
| SEP IRA | 25% of comp (max $70,000) | N/A | $70,000 |
Example: You earn $200,000 and max your 401(k) at $24,000. Your taxable income drops to $176,000. At a 32% marginal rate, that’s $7,680 in immediate tax savings.
S-Corp Owner Retirement Strategies
If you own an S-Corp, retirement planning gets more interesting. Your contribution limits are based on W-2 wages from the S-Corp, not total distributions.
Strategy: Run your S-Corp reasonable salary high enough to maximize retirement contributions. A salary of $70,000 with a Solo 401(k) allows roughly $17,500 in employer contributions (25% of comp) plus your $24,000 employee deferral.
For a complete breakdown of retirement plan options for S-Corp owners, see our S-Corp 401(k) and Retirement Planning Guide.
IRA Deduction Phase-Outs for 2026
If you’re covered by a workplace retirement plan, your Traditional IRA deduction phases out at higher income levels:
- Single filers: Full deduction if MAGI is $79,000 or less; phases out completely at $89,000
- Married filing jointly: Full deduction if MAGI is $126,000 or less; phases out at $146,000
Saver’s Credit (Low-Income Workers)
If your income is below certain thresholds, you may qualify for an additional credit worth up to 50% of your retirement contributions (max credit: $1,000 single, $2,000 married):
- Single filers: AGI up to $39,500
- Married filing jointly: AGI up to $79,000
2. Use Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) as a Triple Tax Shelter
What is an HSA? A Health Savings Account is a tax-advantaged account available to people with high-deductible health plans (HDHPs). It offers three tax benefits: deductible contributions, tax-free growth, and tax-free withdrawals for medical expenses.
This is the only account type in the tax code with triple tax benefits. Max it out before anything else.
2026 HSA Contribution Limits
| Coverage Type | Contribution Limit | Catch-Up (55+) |
|---|---|---|
| Individual | $4,400 | +$1,000 |
| Family | $8,750 | +$1,000 |
HSA Strategy: Pay Now, Deduct Later
You don’t have to use your HSA funds in the year you contribute. Smart strategy: pay medical expenses out-of-pocket, keep receipts, let your HSA grow tax-free for decades, then reimburse yourself in retirement.
Hypothetical example: You contribute $8,750/year for 20 years. Assuming 7% annual growth, your HSA balance could reach roughly $380,000. Actual returns depend on investment choices and market conditions. Withdraw tax-free for any medical expenses you’ve documented since opening the account.
Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
Unlike HSAs, FSAs are use-it-or-lose-it. Spend your 2026 FSA funds before your plan year ends.
- Healthcare FSA: Up to $3,200 for 2026
- Dependent Care FSA: Up to $5,000 for childcare expenses
3. Education Tax Benefits: Credits vs. 529 Plans
American Opportunity Credit (AOTC)
Definition: The American Opportunity Credit provides up to $2,500 per eligible student for the first four years of college. 40% of the credit (up to $1,000) is refundable.
Eligibility (2026):
- Full credit: MAGI up to $80,000 (single) or $160,000 (joint)
- Phases out: $80,000-$90,000 (single) or $160,000-$180,000 (joint)
- Student must be pursuing a degree, enrolled at least half-time
Lifetime Learning Credit (LLC)
Definition: The Lifetime Learning Credit provides up to $2,000 per tax return (not per student) for any post-secondary education or job skills courses. Not limited to the first four years.
Key difference: AOTC is per student; LLC is per return. You can’t claim both for the same student in the same year.
529 Plan Contributions
Earnings in 529 plans grow federally tax-free when used for qualified education expenses. Over 30 states offer additional state tax deductions.
Texas note: Texas has no state income tax, so there’s no state deduction for 529 contributions. But the federal tax-free growth still makes these valuable for college savings.
4. Charitable Giving Strategies
Deduction Limits by Contribution Type
| Type | Limit (% of AGI) |
|---|---|
| Cash to public charities | 60% |
| Appreciated stock to public charities | 30% |
| Cash to private foundations | 30% |
| Appreciated property to private foundations | 20% |
Unused deductions carry forward for up to five years.
Bunching Strategy
If your itemized deductions hover near the standard deduction ($30,000 for married filing jointly in 2026), consider bunching two years of charitable giving into one year.
Example: You normally donate $8,000/year. Instead, donate $16,000 in 2026 and $0 in 2027. In 2026, your itemized deductions exceed the standard deduction. In 2027, you take the standard deduction. Net result: more total deductions over two years.
Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs)
If you’re 70½ or older, you can donate up to $105,000 directly from your IRA to charity. The distribution doesn’t count as taxable income, and it can satisfy your Required Minimum Distribution.
Why this matters: A regular IRA withdrawal adds to your AGI, potentially pushing you into higher brackets and increasing Medicare premiums. QCDs avoid this entirely.
5. Homeownership Tax Benefits (Updated for 2026)
Mortgage Interest Deduction
What’s deductible: Interest on mortgage debt up to $750,000 ($375,000 if married filing separately) for loans taken out after December 15, 2017.
Home equity loans: Only deductible if the loan proceeds are used to buy, build, or substantially improve the home securing the loan.
SALT Deduction (Increased Under OBBB)
2026 change: The One Big Beautiful Bill Act increased the SALT cap:
| Filing Status | 2025 Cap | 2026 Cap |
|---|---|---|
| Single | $10,000 | $20,000 |
| Married Filing Jointly | $10,000 | $40,000 |
| Married Filing Separately | $5,000 | $20,000 |
This is significant for homeowners in high-tax states. If you’ve been hitting the SALT cap, you may now benefit from itemizing again.
Energy Efficiency Credits (Reduced Under OBBB)
Warning: The One Big Beautiful Bill Act eliminated or reduced many clean energy credits. The following still exist but with lower limits:
Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit:
- Now capped at $600/year (down from $1,200)
- Windows, doors, insulation, and HVAC systems still qualify
- Heat pump and biomass stove credits reduced
Residential Clean Energy Credit:
- Solar panels: Credit reduced to 22% (was 30%)
- Battery storage: Still eligible at 22%
- Wind turbines and geothermal: Still eligible at 22%
Bottom line: If you were planning a major energy upgrade based on the old 30% credit, recalculate the ROI with the new 22% credit.
6. Business and Self-Employment Tax Strategies
This is where tax planning gets interesting. The One Big Beautiful Bill Act created significant new opportunities for business owners.
Section 179 Expensing (Increased for 2026)
Definition: Section 179 allows businesses to deduct the full purchase price of qualifying equipment and software in the year of purchase, rather than depreciating over time.
2026 Limits:
- Maximum deduction: $2,500,000 (increased from $1,220,000)
- Phase-out threshold: $4,000,000 (equipment purchases above this reduce the deduction)
- Business income limitation still applies
What qualifies:
- Machinery and equipment
- Vehicles over 6,000 lbs GVWR (up to $30,500 for SUVs)
- Qualified improvement property (roofs, HVAC, fire protection)
- Off-the-shelf software
Example: Your construction company buys $800,000 in equipment in 2026. Under the new limits, you can deduct the full $800,000 in Year 1. Under the old rules, you would have had to spread that deduction over multiple years.
100% Bonus Depreciation (Restored Through 2029)
What changed: Bonus depreciation was phasing down (60% in 2024, 40% in 2025). The OBBB restored 100% bonus depreciation through 2029.
Difference from Section 179: Bonus depreciation has no dollar cap and can create a loss. Section 179 is limited to business income.
Strategy: Use Section 179 first (limited to taxable income), then apply bonus depreciation to remaining equipment costs to create a net operating loss that can offset other income.
Qualified Business Income Deduction (Section 199A)
Definition: The QBI deduction allows owners of pass-through entities (S-Corps, partnerships, sole proprietorships) to deduct up to 20% of qualified business income.
2026 update: Section 199A is now permanent under the OBBB. It was previously scheduled to expire after 2025.
Phase-out thresholds for 2026:
- Single: Begins at $191,950, complete at $241,950
- Married filing jointly: Begins at $383,900, complete at $483,900
Above the thresholds, specified service trades (law, accounting, consulting, etc.) lose the deduction entirely. Other businesses face W-2 wage and property basis limitations.
For a detailed calculation of your QBI deduction: Use our QBI Calculator to see how different salary/distribution splits affect your deduction.
S-Corp Tax Strategy
For service business owners with consistent net income above $100,000, an S-Corporation structure may reduce self-employment taxes. The actual savings depend on your income level, reasonable salary determination, and other factors.
How it works: You pay yourself a “reasonable salary” (subject to payroll taxes) and take remaining profits as distributions (not subject to self-employment tax).
Hypothetical example: A business owner earns $200,000 in net business income. As a sole proprietor, they pay 15.3% self-employment tax on the full amount ($30,600). As an S-Corp with a $100,000 salary, they pay 15.3% only on the salary portion ($15,300). The $100,000 in distributions avoids self-employment tax. Individual results depend on what constitutes a “reasonable salary” for your specific situation.
To explore whether an S-Corp might benefit you: Use the S-Corp Tax Calculator.
R&D Expenses (Immediate Deduction Restored)
What changed: Starting in 2022, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act required R&D expenses to be amortized over 5 years (15 years for foreign research). The OBBB reversed this.
2026 rule: R&D expenses can be deducted immediately in the year incurred. This is huge for software companies, manufacturers, and any business investing in product development.
Home Office Deduction
Who qualifies: Self-employed individuals and certain business owners. W-2 employees working from home do not qualify (eliminated in 2018).
Two methods:
- Simplified: $5/sq ft × up to 300 sq ft = max $1,500
- Regular: Actual expenses (mortgage interest, utilities, insurance) prorated by office square footage
The regular method usually yields a higher deduction but requires detailed record-keeping.
7. New for 2026: Tips and Overtime Deductions
The One Big Beautiful Bill Act created temporary deductions for tip and overtime income. These are unusual because they’re above-the-line deductions (reduce AGI) rather than itemized deductions.
Tip Income Deduction
What it is: Workers who receive tips as part of their compensation can deduct tip income (up to $25,000) from federal taxable income.
Who qualifies: Employees in traditionally tipped occupations (restaurant workers, bartenders, hotel staff, etc.)
Duration: Tax years 2025-2028 (currently scheduled to expire)
Limitation: Applies only to tips, not base wages. Requires employer reporting on W-2.
Overtime Income Deduction
What it is: Employees can deduct overtime pay (hours worked beyond 40/week) from federal taxable income.
Who qualifies: Non-exempt employees who receive overtime pay under FLSA
Duration: Tax years 2025-2028
Limitation: Capped at a certain dollar amount (guidance pending from Treasury). Salaried exempt employees do not qualify.
Business owner note: These deductions benefit your employees, not you directly. But they may affect your payroll planning and compensation structure discussions.
8. Investment Tax Planning: Harvesting Losses and Gains
Capital Loss Deduction Rules
Definition: Capital losses can offset capital gains dollar-for-dollar. Net losses exceeding gains can offset up to $3,000 of ordinary income per year. Unused losses carry forward indefinitely.
Netting order:
- Short-term losses offset short-term gains
- Long-term losses offset long-term gains
- Net short-term and long-term results offset each other
- Net loss up to $3,000 offsets ordinary income
Tax-Loss Harvesting Strategy
Sell investments at a loss to offset gains, then reinvest in similar (but not “substantially identical”) assets.
Wash sale rule: If you buy substantially identical securities within 30 days before or after the sale, the loss is disallowed.
Workaround: Sell an S&P 500 index fund at a loss and immediately buy a total stock market fund. Similar exposure, not substantially identical.
Long-Term vs. Short-Term Rates
| Taxable Income (MFJ) | Long-Term Rate | Short-Term Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Up to $96,700 | 0% | 10-12% |
| $96,700 – $600,050 | 15% | 22-35% |
| Over $600,050 | 20% | 37% |
Plus: Net Investment Income Tax (NIIT) of 3.8% applies to investment income for taxpayers with MAGI over $250,000 (MFJ).
9. Review and Adjust Withholding
If you consistently owe money or receive large refunds at tax time, your withholding is wrong.
Owing money: You may face underpayment penalties if you owe more than $1,000 and paid less than 90% of current year tax (or 100% of prior year tax).
Large refund: You gave the government an interest-free loan. That cash could have been invested or earning interest in your account.
Action: Use the IRS Tax Withholding Estimator at irs.gov to calculate proper withholding. Adjust your W-4 accordingly.
10. Medical Expense Deduction
Threshold: Medical expenses exceeding 7.5% of AGI are deductible if you itemize.
What qualifies:
- Doctor and hospital bills (unreimbursed)
- Prescription medications and insulin
- Medical equipment and supplies
- Long-term care premiums (subject to age-based limits)
- Transportation for medical care (22 cents/mile for 2026)
- Medically necessary home modifications
What doesn’t qualify:
- Over-the-counter medications (except insulin)
- Cosmetic procedures
- Gym memberships (unless prescribed for specific condition)
Example: Your AGI is $100,000 and you have $12,000 in medical expenses. Deductible amount: $12,000 – $7,500 (7.5% of AGI) = $4,500.
11. Child Tax Credit and Dependent Care
Child Tax Credit (2026)
- Credit amount: $2,000 per qualifying child under 17
- Refundable portion: Up to $1,700 (Additional Child Tax Credit)
- Phase-out: Begins at $400,000 (MFJ) or $200,000 (other filers)
Requirements: Child must have a valid SSN, be under 17 at year-end, live with you more than half the year, and not provide more than half their own support.
Child and Dependent Care Credit
What it is: Credit for expenses paid for care of children under 13 (or disabled dependents) so you can work.
2026 limits:
- Expense limit: $3,000 (one person) or $6,000 (two or more)
- Credit percentage: 20-35% of expenses, depending on AGI
- Maximum credit: $1,050 (one) or $2,100 (two or more)
Note: This credit is nonrefundable. It reduces tax owed but won’t generate a refund.
12. Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)
What is the EITC? The Earned Income Tax Credit is a refundable credit for low-to-moderate income workers. It’s one of the largest anti-poverty programs in the tax code.
2026 Maximum Credits:
| Children | Maximum Credit | Income Limit (MFJ) |
|---|---|---|
| 3+ | $7,830 | $66,819 |
| 2 | $6,960 | $62,688 |
| 1 | $4,213 | $56,004 |
| 0 | $632 | $25,511 |
Requirements:
- Must have earned income (wages, self-employment)
- Investment income must be $11,600 or less
- Must file a return (even if not otherwise required)
- Can’t file as married filing separately
13. Record Keeping Requirements
The IRS can audit returns for three years (six years if you omit more than 25% of income). Keep records accordingly.
What to keep:
| Document | Retention Period |
|---|---|
| Tax returns | Permanently |
| W-2s and 1099s | 7 years |
| Receipts for deductions | 7 years |
| Home purchase documents | Until 7 years after sale |
| Investment purchase records | Until 7 years after sale |
| Business expense receipts | 7 years |
Digital tip: Scan paper receipts. Paper fades. Digital doesn’t.
14. Standard Deduction vs. Itemizing: The 2026 Decision
2026 Standard Deduction Amounts
| Filing Status | Standard Deduction | Additional (65+ or Blind) |
|---|---|---|
| Single | $15,000 | +$1,950 |
| Married Filing Jointly | $30,000 | +$1,550 each |
| Married Filing Separately | $15,000 | +$1,550 |
| Head of Household | $22,500 | +$1,950 |
When to Itemize
Itemize if your total itemized deductions exceed the standard deduction. Common itemized deductions:
- Mortgage interest
- State and local taxes (up to SALT cap)
- Charitable contributions
- Medical expenses (over 7.5% AGI)
- Casualty losses (federally declared disasters only)
2026 consideration: With the increased SALT cap ($40,000 MFJ), more taxpayers in high-tax states will benefit from itemizing compared to prior years.
15. Real Estate Professional Status: Tax Benefits for Active Investors
Definition: A real estate professional under IRC §469(c)(7) can deduct rental losses against active income (wages, business income) without passive activity limitations.
Why this matters: Normally, rental losses are “passive” and can only offset passive income. Real estate professionals can use rental losses (often accelerated through cost segregation) to offset W-2 or business income.
Two Tests You Must Pass
Test 1: 750-Hour Rule You must spend at least 750 hours in real estate activities during the year. This includes tenant management, property maintenance, acquisition, development, construction, and similar activities.
Test 2: More Than 50% of Personal Services Real estate activities must represent more than half of all personal services you perform in any trade or business during the year.
The challenge: If you have a full-time W-2 job, the 50% test is nearly impossible to meet. This strategy works best for spouses who can dedicate time to real estate activities while the other spouse works.
Documentation Requirements
The IRS scrutinizes real estate professional claims. Maintain contemporaneous time logs showing:
- Date and time spent
- Property address
- Specific activities performed
Vague logs (“worked on rentals”) won’t survive an audit. Specific logs (“inspected 123 Oak St roof, met with contractor, 2 hours”) will.
For a complete breakdown of requirements and strategies, see our guide on entity structuring for real estate investors.
16. Delaware Statutory Trusts (DSTs) for 1031 Exchanges
Definition: A Delaware Statutory Trust is a legal entity that holds real estate and allows investors to purchase fractional interests. These interests qualify as “like-kind” property for §1031 exchange purposes.
When DSTs make sense:
- You’re selling investment property and want to defer capital gains
- You no longer want active management responsibilities
- You need replacement property quickly (45-day identification deadline)
- You want to diversify across multiple properties or markets
Tax benefits:
- Full deferral of capital gains, depreciation recapture, and NIIT
- Step-up in basis at death (heirs receive property at current value, eliminating deferred gain)
- Continued depreciation deductions through the trust
Limitations:
- Illiquid (5-10 year hold periods typical)
- No management control
- Passive income treatment only (can’t offset active income)
- Accredited investor requirements
17. Qualified Small Business Stock (QSBS): Tax-Free Gains
Definition: Qualified Small Business Stock under IRC §1202 allows shareholders to exclude up to 100% of capital gains from federal tax when selling stock in qualifying C corporations.
Exclusion amount: Greater of $10 million or 10× your adjusted basis in the stock.
Requirements:
- Stock must be issued by a domestic C corporation
- Corporation must have gross assets of $50 million or less at time of issuance
- Corporation must use 80%+ of assets in an active “qualified business”
- You must acquire stock at original issuance (not secondary market)
- You must hold the stock for more than 5 years
Excluded businesses: Professional services (law, accounting, consulting), financial services, hospitality, and similar “specified service” businesses don’t qualify.
Planning note: QSBS qualification is determined at the time stock is issued. If you’re founding or investing in a startup, structure it as a C corporation from day one if QSBS benefits are important to your exit strategy.
18. Roth Conversions: Strategic Tax Planning
Definition: A Roth conversion moves money from a traditional (pre-tax) retirement account to a Roth (after-tax) account. You pay income tax on the converted amount now in exchange for tax-free growth and withdrawals later.
When Roth Conversions Make Sense
- Low-income years: Between jobs, sabbatical, early retirement before Social Security
- Tax rate arbitrage: Current bracket lower than expected future bracket
- Estate planning: Roth accounts have no RMDs during owner’s lifetime; heirs inherit tax-free
Backdoor Roth IRA
What it is: A strategy for high-income earners (above Roth IRA contribution limits) to get money into Roth accounts.
How it works:
- Contribute to a non-deductible Traditional IRA ($7,500 for 2026)
- Convert to Roth IRA (minimal tax since contribution wasn’t deductible)
- Repeat annually
Pro-rata rule warning: If you have existing Traditional IRA balances, the conversion is taxed proportionally across all IRA assets. Consult a CPA before attempting this if you have significant Traditional IRA balances.
Mega Backdoor Roth
What it is: Using after-tax 401(k) contributions (beyond the $24,000 employee limit) and converting them to Roth.
2026 total 401(k) limit: $70,000 (including employee deferrals, employer match, and after-tax contributions)
Requirements: Your employer’s plan must allow after-tax contributions and in-service distributions or conversions. Many plans don’t.
19. Electric Vehicle Tax Credits (Reduced Under OBBB)
The One Big Beautiful Bill Act significantly reduced EV credits compared to previous years.
New Clean Vehicle Credit (2026)
Credit amount: Up to $3,750 (reduced from $7,500)
Requirements:
- Final assembly in North America
- Critical mineral and battery component sourcing requirements
- MSRP caps: $55,000 (cars), $80,000 (SUVs/trucks)
- Income limits: $150,000 (single), $300,000 (joint)
Point-of-sale transfer: You can transfer the credit to the dealer to reduce your purchase price at time of sale.
Used Clean Vehicle Credit
Credit amount: Lesser of $4,000 or 30% of purchase price (unchanged)
Requirements:
- Purchase price must be $25,000 or less
- Model year at least 2 years older than purchase date
- Must purchase from a dealer
- Income limits: $75,000 (single), $150,000 (joint)
20. Short-Term Rental Tax Strategy for W-2 Earners
Short-term rentals can offer significant tax benefits for W-2 employees looking to offset wage income with real estate losses. This strategy requires careful planning and proper documentation.
How it works:
- Purchase a short-term rental property (average guest stay 7 days or less)
- Perform 100+ hours of material participation in the property
- Use cost segregation to accelerate depreciation
- With 100% bonus depreciation restored, accelerated depreciation can generate substantial Year 1 paper losses
- These losses may offset W-2 income because short-term rentals with material participation aren’t subject to passive loss rules under IRC §469
The 100-hour rule: For short-term rentals (average stay ≤7 days), you only need 100 hours of material participation (not 500 hours). This makes the strategy more accessible to people with full-time jobs.
Activities that count: Guest communication, booking management, cleaning coordination, maintenance oversight, check-ins/check-outs, marketing, financial management.
Hypothetical example: A taxpayer earning $400,000 buys a $600,000 short-term rental. Cost segregation identifies $180,000 in assets eligible for bonus depreciation. Combined with other deductions, Year 1 could generate significant tax losses. Actual results depend on property characteristics, purchase price, and individual tax situation.
Important: This strategy requires proper structuring and documentation. The IRS scrutinizes short-term rental material participation claims. Individual results vary significantly based on property type, location, and taxpayer circumstances. Work with a qualified tax professional before implementing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between tax planning and tax preparation?
Tax preparation is compiling your income and deductions after the year ends and filing your return. It’s backward-looking and compliance-focused.
Tax planning is strategically arranging your financial affairs throughout the year to minimize taxes. It’s forward-looking and savings-focused.
Tax preparation ensures you meet your filing obligations accurately. Tax planning involves proactive strategies like timing income and deductions, optimizing entity structure, and making year-end moves before December 31.
Should I itemize or take the standard deduction?
Take whichever is higher. Add up your potential itemized deductions (mortgage interest, SALT up to the cap, charitable giving, medical expenses over 7.5% AGI). If the total exceeds the standard deduction for your filing status, itemize.
With the increased SALT cap in 2026 ($40,000 MFJ), more taxpayers in high-tax states will benefit from itemizing.
How do I know if I should form an S-Corp?
Generally, S-Corp election makes sense when your net business income exceeds $60,000-$80,000 consistently. Below that threshold, the payroll costs and compliance burden often outweigh the self-employment tax savings.
Use our S-Corp Tax Calculator to estimate your specific savings.
Can I deduct my home office if I work remotely for an employer?
No. The home office deduction for W-2 employees was eliminated in 2018. Only self-employed individuals and business owners can claim the home office deduction.
What records should I keep and for how long?
Keep tax returns permanently. Keep supporting documents (W-2s, 1099s, receipts, bank statements) for at least seven years. Keep records related to property purchases until seven years after you sell the property.
How do the new tip and overtime deductions work?
For 2026, workers can deduct qualifying tip income (up to $25,000) and overtime pay from federal taxable income. These are above-the-line deductions that reduce AGI. They apply only to employees who receive tips or overtime pay. Treasury guidance on specific limitations is still being finalized.
Is Section 199A permanent now?
Yes. The One Big Beautiful Bill Act made the 20% qualified business income deduction permanent. It was previously scheduled to expire after 2025.
Next Steps
Tax planning works best as a year-round conversation, not a once-a-year filing. If you’d like to discuss how these strategies apply to your specific situation, we offer a free initial consultation.
What to expect:
- A 20-minute call to understand your business and tax situation
- An honest assessment of whether we’re a good fit
- No pressure, no sales pitch
We specialize in partnerships, S-Corps, and real estate investors with complex tax situations. If that sounds like you, we’d be happy to talk.
This guide is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute tax, legal, or financial advice. Tax laws are complex and change frequently. The examples provided are hypothetical illustrations only; actual results vary based on individual circumstances. This information should not be relied upon as a substitute for consultation with a qualified tax professional regarding your specific situation. SDO CPA LLC makes no guarantees regarding tax savings or outcomes.
SDO CPA LLC | 214 S Main St, Suite 101-C, Duncanville, TX 75116 | (972) 296-0981