ebotCPA — The Entrepreneur's CPA
    ← Tax Planning

    Twenty owners. Twenty tax plans. The real math.

    Twenty high-earning owners across professions, run through the same engine as the Tax Strategy Finder under 2026 federal law. Strategies that cost more than they save are dropped before anything is shown. In every plan here, the owner keeps about five dollars of tax savings for every dollar of fee, and many build six figures of wealth in their own accounts.

    The full playbook

    Every strategy, one owner: a $1.1M practice

    S corporation, age 52, $600k payroll, two children, owns a $1.5M building, gives $25,000 a year. Each strategy is added in order and kept only if it pays for itself.

    Tax today$347,353
    Year-one tax saved (building is one-time timing)$255,375
    Net after all costs$199,575
    Costs + fixed fee$55,800
    To your accounts$198,750
    Kids' wages (their money)$32,200
    Every strategy in the plan
    StrategyTax savedCost
    Salary reset to $320,000Rev. Rul. 59-221$3,264$0
    Accountable plan, $10,000IRC 62(a)(2)(A)$3,700$0
    Augusta rule, 14 days at $1,200IRC 280A(g)$6,216$500
    Donor-advised fund, 3 years of giving, funded with stockIRC 170, 170(e)$16,026$0
    Family HSAIRC 223$3,253$0
    Cash balance pensionIRC 401(a), 412; 401(b)(2)$80,162$23,300
    2 children on payroll at $16,100IRC 162$7,266$0
    Cost segregation on a $1.5M building (one-time timing)IRC 168(k)$126,979$9,000
    Fixed fee$23,000

    Also reviewed in a full engagement when the facts fit: installment sales, Roth conversions, qualified small business stock, 1031 exchanges, opportunity zones, energy and hiring credits. Captive insurance and conservation easements are high-scrutiny positions we evaluate cautiously and often decline.

    Health care

    The oral surgeon ten years from retirement

    S corporation, $1,200k net profit, age 55, $700k payroll, 2 children, owns a $2,200k building.

    Tax today$383,700
    Tax saved$143,323
    Net cash$90,223
    Costs + fixed fee$53,100
    To your accounts$259,750
    Building lever$165,996
    See every strategy
    StrategySavedCostNet
    Salary reset to $360,000Rev. Rul. 59-221$1,305$0$1,305
    Accountable plan, $9,000IRC 62(a)(2)(A)$3,330$0$3,330
    Augusta rule, 14 days at $1,000IRC 280A(g)$5,180$500$4,680
    Donor-advised fund, 3 years of giving, funded with stockIRC 170, 170(e)$15,852$0$15,852
    Family HSAIRC 223$3,625$0$3,625
    Safe-harbor 401(k): owner deferral, 4% to staff (dropped: costs more than it saves)IRC 401(k)(12)$17,324$22,100−$4,776
    Cash balance pensionIRC 401(a), 412; 401(b)(2)$104,226$26,100$78,126
    Fixed fee$26,500
    Legal

    The trial attorney after a big verdict year

    S corporation, $1,300k net profit, age 50, $650k payroll, 2 children.

    Tax today$419,068
    Tax saved$121,660
    Net cash$73,460
    Costs + fixed fee$48,200
    To your accounts$198,750
    Lean plan net$25,459
    See every strategy
    StrategySavedCostNet
    Salary reset to $330,000Rev. Rul. 59-221$653$0$653
    Accountable plan, $9,000IRC 62(a)(2)(A)$3,330$0$3,330
    Augusta rule, 14 days at $1,000IRC 280A(g)$5,180$500$4,680
    Donor-advised fund, 3 years of giving, funded with stockIRC 170, 170(e)$20,920$0$20,920
    Family HSAIRC 223$3,253$0$3,253
    Safe-harbor 401(k): owner deferral, 4% to staff (dropped: costs more than it saves)IRC 401(k)(12)$16,803$20,700−$3,897
    Cash balance pensionIRC 401(a), 412; 401(b)(2)$79,815$24,700$55,115
    Fixed fee$23,000
    Health care

    The family physician who owns her practice

    S corporation, $800k net profit, age 52, $420k payroll, 2 children.

    Tax today$236,063
    Tax saved$108,526
    Net cash$68,266
    Costs + fixed fee$40,260
    To your accounts$198,750
    Lean plan net$14,249
    See every strategy
    StrategySavedCostNet
    Salary reset to $300,000Rev. Rul. 59-221$3,293$0$3,293
    Accountable plan, $9,000IRC 62(a)(2)(A)$3,150$0$3,150
    Augusta rule, 14 days at $1,000IRC 280A(g)$4,900$500$4,400
    Donor-advised fund, 3 years of giving, funded with stockIRC 170, 170(e)$6,686$0$6,686
    Family HSAIRC 223$3,078$0$3,078
    Safe-harbor 401(k): owner deferral, 4% to staff (dropped: costs more than it saves)IRC 401(k)(12)$13,634$14,260−$626
    Cash balance pensionIRC 401(a), 412; 401(b)(2)$79,896$18,260$61,636
    Fixed fee$21,500
    Real estate

    The top-producing agent who never incorporated

    Sole owner on Schedule C, $620k net profit, age 42, no staff, 2 children.

    Tax today$178,745
    Tax saved$77,776
    Net cash$57,276
    Costs + fixed fee$20,500
    To your accounts$73,250
    Lean plan net$42,445
    See every strategy
    StrategySavedCostNet
    S corporation election, salary $160,000IRC 1362; Rev. Rul. 59-221$41,637$3,000$38,637
    Accountable plan, $9,000IRC 62(a)(2)(A)$2,904$0$2,904
    Augusta rule, 14 days at $1,000IRC 280A(g)$4,521$500$4,021
    Donor-advised fund, 3 years of giving, funded with stockIRC 170, 170(e)$3,548$0$3,548
    Family HSAIRC 223$2,714$0$2,714
    Solo 401(k): deferral plus profit sharingIRC 401(k), 415(c)$16,355$1,500$14,855
    Fixed fee$15,500
    Health care

    The orthodontist who owns the building

    S corporation, $950k net profit, age 48, $520k payroll, 2 children, owns a $1,600k building.

    Tax today$289,568
    Tax saved$90,046
    Net cash$50,486
    Costs + fixed fee$39,560
    To your accounts$148,750
    Building lever$120,236
    See every strategy
    StrategySavedCostNet
    Salary reset to $300,000Rev. Rul. 59-221$1,632$0$1,632
    Accountable plan, $9,000IRC 62(a)(2)(A)$3,330$0$3,330
    Augusta rule, 14 days at $1,000IRC 280A(g)$5,180$500$4,680
    Donor-advised fund, 3 years of giving, funded with stockIRC 170, 170(e)$11,154$0$11,154
    Family HSAIRC 223$3,430$0$3,430
    Safe-harbor 401(k): owner deferral, 4% to staff (dropped: costs more than it saves)IRC 401(k)(12)$16,289$17,060−$771
    Cash balance pensionIRC 401(a), 412; 401(b)(2)$58,660$21,060$37,600
    Fixed fee$18,000
    Construction

    The custom home builder with a record year

    S corporation, $1,050k net profit, age 51, $900k payroll, 2 children.

    Tax today$260,011
    Tax saved$87,207
    Net cash$37,507
    Costs + fixed fee$49,700
    To your accounts$172,543
    Lean plan net$18,843
    See every strategy
    StrategySavedCostNet
    Raise salary to a defensible $250,000 (compliance fix) (compliance fix)Rev. Rul. 59-221−$4,934$0−$4,934
    Accountable plan, $9,000IRC 62(a)(2)(A)$2,680$0$2,680
    Augusta rule, 14 days at $1,000IRC 280A(g)$4,168$500$3,668
    Donor-advised fund, 3 years of giving, funded with stockIRC 170, 170(e)$20,739$0$20,739
    Family HSAIRC 223$2,464$0$2,464
    Safe-harbor 401(k): owner deferral, 4% to staff (dropped: costs more than it saves)IRC 401(k)(12)$16,907$27,700−$10,793
    Cash balance pensionIRC 401(a), 412; 401(b)(2)$56,879$31,700$25,179
    Fixed fee$17,500
    Technology

    The software founder doing real research

    S corporation, $380k net profit, age 36, $1,500k payroll, $900k of qualified research.

    Tax today$78,375
    Tax saved$55,425
    Net cash$31,925
    Costs + fixed fee$23,500
    To your accounts$0
    Lean plan net$31,925
    See every strategy
    StrategySavedCostNet
    Accountable plan, $9,000IRC 62(a)(2)(A)$1,728$0$1,728
    Augusta rule, 14 days at $1,000IRC 280A(g)$2,688$500$2,188
    R&D credit on $900k of qualified researchIRC 41, 280C(c)$48,897$12,000$36,897
    Family HSA (dropped: costs more than it saves)IRC 223$0$0$0
    Safe-harbor 401(k): owner deferral, 4% to staff (dropped: costs more than it saves)IRC 401(k)(12)$0$44,500−$44,500
    Fixed fee$11,000
    Hospitality

    The restaurant owner with tipped staff

    S corporation, $390k net profit, age 40, $1,600k payroll, 2 children, $700k tipped wages.

    Tax today$70,979
    Tax saved$40,684
    Net cash$32,184
    Costs + fixed fee$8,500
    To your accounts$8,750
    Lean plan net$30,504
    See every strategy
    StrategySavedCostNet
    Raise salary to a defensible $120,000 (compliance fix) (compliance fix)Rev. Rul. 59-221−$3,726$0−$3,726
    Accountable plan, $9,000IRC 62(a)(2)(A)$1,728$0$1,728
    Augusta rule, 14 days at $1,000IRC 280A(g)$2,688$500$2,188
    FICA tip creditIRC 45B$36,778$0$36,778
    Family HSAIRC 223$1,680$0$1,680
    Safe-harbor 401(k): owner deferral, 4% to staff (dropped: costs more than it saves)IRC 401(k)(12)$10,046$21,700−$11,654
    Fixed fee$8,000
    Health care

    The group dental practice owner

    S corporation, $620k net profit, age 45, $600k payroll, 2 children.

    Tax today$168,124
    Tax saved$81,077
    Net cash$21,977
    Costs + fixed fee$59,100
    To your accounts$139,457
    Lean plan net$12,046
    See every strategy
    StrategySavedCostNet
    Salary reset to $220,000Rev. Rul. 59-221$718$0$718
    Accountable plan, $9,000IRC 62(a)(2)(A)$4,046$0$4,046
    Augusta rule, 14 days at $1,000IRC 280A(g)$7,128$500$6,628
    Donor-advised fund, 3 years of giving, funded with stockIRC 170, 170(e)$5,515$0$5,515
    Family HSAIRC 223$3,968$0$3,968
    Safe-harbor 401(k): owner deferral, 4% to staffIRC 401(k)(12)$19,743$19,300$443
    Cash balance pensionIRC 401(a), 412; 401(b)(2)$34,360$23,300$11,060
    Fixed fee$16,000
    Professional services

    The solo consultant building wealth

    Sole owner on Schedule C, $350k net profit, age 45, no staff, 2 children.

    Tax today$76,028
    Tax saved$39,342
    Net cash$19,842
    Costs + fixed fee$19,500
    To your accounts$117,517
    Lean plan net$6,810
    See every strategy
    StrategySavedCostNet
    S corporation election, salary $115,000IRC 1362; Rev. Rul. 59-221$9,674$3,000$6,674
    Accountable plan, $9,000IRC 62(a)(2)(A)$1,728$0$1,728
    Augusta rule, 14 days at $1,000IRC 280A(g)$2,688$500$2,188
    Family HSAIRC 223$1,680$0$1,680
    Solo 401(k): deferral plus profit sharingIRC 401(k), 415(c)$10,861$1,500$9,361
    Cash balance pensionIRC 401(a), 412; 401(b)(2)$10,915$6,500$4,415
    Fixed fee$8,000
    Media and creators

    The bestselling author and speaker

    Sole owner on Schedule C, $650k net profit, age 49, no staff, 2 children.

    Tax today$190,157
    Tax saved$102,250
    Net cash$70,250
    Costs + fixed fee$32,000
    To your accounts$157,819
    Lean plan net$22,172
    See every strategy
    StrategySavedCostNet
    S corporation election, salary $170,000IRC 1362; Rev. Rul. 59-221$14,307$3,000$11,307
    Accountable plan, $9,000IRC 62(a)(2)(A)$3,150$0$3,150
    Augusta rule, 14 days at $1,000IRC 280A(g)$4,900$500$4,400
    Donor-advised fund, 3 years of giving, funded with stockIRC 170, 170(e)$9,320$0$9,320
    Family HSAIRC 223$4,731$0$4,731
    Solo 401(k): deferral plus profit sharingIRC 401(k), 415(c)$32,125$1,500$30,625
    Cash balance pensionIRC 401(a), 412; 401(b)(2)$25,919$6,500$19,419
    Fixed fee$20,500
    E-commerce

    The online brand owner

    Sole owner on Schedule C, $800k net profit, age 52, $350k payroll, 2 children.

    Tax today$195,022
    Tax saved$59,166
    Net cash$27,366
    Costs + fixed fee$31,800
    To your accounts$126,681
    Lean plan net$9,213
    See every strategy
    StrategySavedCostNet
    S corporation election, salary $180,000IRC 1362; Rev. Rul. 59-221$8,093$3,000$5,093
    Accountable plan, $9,000IRC 62(a)(2)(A)$2,520$0$2,520
    Augusta rule, 14 days at $1,000IRC 280A(g)$3,920$500$3,420
    Donor-advised fund, 3 years of giving, funded with stockIRC 170, 170(e)$1,415$0$1,415
    Family HSAIRC 223$2,465$0$2,465
    Safe-harbor 401(k): owner deferral, 4% to staff (dropped: costs more than it saves)IRC 401(k)(12)$12,083$12,300−$217
    Cash balance pensionIRC 401(a), 412; 401(b)(2)$37,015$16,300$20,715
    Fixed fee$12,000
    Financial services

    The independent financial advisor

    S corporation, $900k net profit, age 52, $400k payroll, 2 children.

    Tax today$269,437
    Tax saved$96,861
    Net cash$59,161
    Costs + fixed fee$37,700
    To your accounts$172,543
    Lean plan net$18,442
    See every strategy
    StrategySavedCostNet
    Salary reset to $250,000Rev. Rul. 59-221$1,632$0$1,632
    Accountable plan, $9,000IRC 62(a)(2)(A)$3,330$0$3,330
    Augusta rule, 14 days at $1,000IRC 280A(g)$5,180$500$4,680
    Donor-advised fund, 3 years of giving, funded with stockIRC 170, 170(e)$12,269$0$12,269
    Family HSAIRC 223$3,396$0$3,396
    Safe-harbor 401(k): owner deferral, 4% to staff (dropped: costs more than it saves)IRC 401(k)(12)$13,437$13,700−$263
    Cash balance pensionIRC 401(a), 412; 401(b)(2)$63,840$17,700$46,140
    Fixed fee$19,500
    Financial services

    The insurance agency owner

    S corporation, $900k net profit, age 50, $450k payroll, 2 children.

    Tax today$202,458
    Tax saved$45,738
    Net cash$17,138
    Costs + fixed fee$28,600
    To your accounts$139,784
    Lean plan net−$6,378
    See every strategy
    StrategySavedCostNet
    Raise salary to a defensible $200,000 (compliance fix) (compliance fix)Rev. Rul. 59-221−$14,473$0−$14,473
    Accountable plan, $9,000IRC 62(a)(2)(A)$2,520$0$2,520
    Augusta rule, 14 days at $1,000IRC 280A(g)$3,920$500$3,420
    Donor-advised fund, 3 years of giving, funded with stockIRC 170, 170(e)$5,839$0$5,839
    Family HSAIRC 223$2,632$0$2,632
    Safe-harbor 401(k): owner deferral, 4% to staff (dropped: costs more than it saves)IRC 401(k)(12)$13,354$15,100−$1,746
    Cash balance pensionIRC 401(a), 412; 401(b)(2)$42,782$19,100$23,682
    Fixed fee$9,000
    Health care

    The physical therapy group owner

    S corporation, $900k net profit, age 47, $1,100k payroll, 2 children.

    Tax today$267,805
    Tax saved$72,426
    Net cash$20,126
    Costs + fixed fee$52,300
    To your accounts$114,957
    Lean plan net$8,255
    See every strategy
    StrategySavedCostNet
    Salary reset to $220,000Rev. Rul. 59-221$709$0$709
    Accountable plan, $9,000IRC 62(a)(2)(A)$3,330$0$3,330
    Augusta rule, 14 days at $1,000IRC 280A(g)$5,180$500$4,680
    Donor-advised fund, 3 years of giving, funded with stockIRC 170, 170(e)$2,789$0$2,789
    Family HSAIRC 223$3,430$0$3,430
    Safe-harbor 401(k): owner deferral, 4% to staff (dropped: costs more than it saves)IRC 401(k)(12)$21,476$33,300−$11,824
    Cash balance pensionIRC 401(a), 412; 401(b)(2)$51,623$37,300$14,323
    Fixed fee$14,500
    Health care

    The veterinary hospital owner with a building

    S corporation, $850k net profit, age 50, $650k payroll, 2 children, owns a $1,400k building.

    Tax today$248,596
    Tax saved$75,759
    Net cash$35,559
    Costs + fixed fee$40,200
    To your accounts$139,784
    Building lever$103,959
    See every strategy
    StrategySavedCostNet
    Salary reset to $200,000Rev. Rul. 59-221$473$0$473
    Accountable plan, $9,000IRC 62(a)(2)(A)$3,330$0$3,330
    Augusta rule, 14 days at $1,000IRC 280A(g)$5,115$500$4,615
    Donor-advised fund, 3 years of giving, funded with stockIRC 170, 170(e)$3,434$0$3,434
    Family HSAIRC 223$3,078$0$3,078
    Safe-harbor 401(k): owner deferral, 4% to staff (dropped: costs more than it saves)IRC 401(k)(12)$15,899$20,700−$4,801
    Cash balance pensionIRC 401(a), 412; 401(b)(2)$54,780$24,700$30,080
    Fixed fee$15,000
    Trades

    The HVAC company owner who owns the shop

    S corporation, $1,100k net profit, age 49, $1,800k payroll, 2 children, owns a $1,200k building.

    Tax today$275,084
    Tax saved$16,378
    Net cash$10,878
    Costs + fixed fee$5,500
    To your accounts$8,750
    Building lever$84,566
    See every strategy
    StrategySavedCostNet
    Accountable plan, $9,000IRC 62(a)(2)(A)$2,664$0$2,664
    Augusta rule, 14 days at $1,000IRC 280A(g)$4,144$500$3,644
    Donor-advised fund, 3 years of giving, funded with stockIRC 170, 170(e)$5,485$0$5,485
    Family HSAIRC 223$2,605$0$2,605
    Safe-harbor 401(k): owner deferral, 4% to staff (dropped: costs more than it saves)IRC 401(k)(12)$24,782$52,900−$28,118
    Cash balance pension (dropped: costs more than it saves)IRC 401(a), 412; 401(b)(2)$44,488$56,900−$12,412
    Fixed fee$5,000
    Trades

    The roofing contractor with a big storm year

    Sole owner on Schedule C, $1,400k net profit, age 46, $1,200k payroll, 2 children.

    Tax today$387,856
    Tax saved$86,489
    Net cash$25,389
    Costs + fixed fee$61,100
    To your accounts$129,440
    Lean plan net$22,733
    See every strategy
    StrategySavedCostNet
    S corporation election, salary $250,000IRC 1362; Rev. Rul. 59-221$18,492$3,000$15,492
    Accountable plan, $9,000IRC 62(a)(2)(A)$2,664$0$2,664
    Augusta rule, 14 days at $1,000IRC 280A(g)$4,144$500$3,644
    Donor-advised fund, 3 years of giving, funded with stockIRC 170, 170(e)$4,983$0$4,983
    Family HSAIRC 223$2,605$0$2,605
    Safe-harbor 401(k): owner deferral, 4% to staff (dropped: costs more than it saves)IRC 401(k)(12)$19,857$36,100−$16,243
    Cash balance pensionIRC 401(a), 412; 401(b)(2)$47,875$40,100$7,775
    Fixed fee$17,500
    Transportation

    The trucking company owner with a terminal

    Sole owner on Schedule C, $800k net profit, age 52, $1,300k payroll, 2 children, owns a $1,500k building.

    Tax today$195,022
    Tax saved$66,404
    Net cash$6,504
    Costs + fixed fee$59,900
    To your accounts$126,681
    Building lever$74,500
    See every strategy
    StrategySavedCostNet
    S corporation election, salary $180,000IRC 1362; Rev. Rul. 59-221$8,046$3,000$5,046
    Accountable plan, $9,000IRC 62(a)(2)(A)$2,520$0$2,520
    Augusta rule, 14 days at $1,000IRC 280A(g)$3,920$500$3,420
    Donor-advised fund, 3 years of giving, funded with stockIRC 170, 170(e)$1,418$0$1,418
    Family HSAIRC 223$2,465$0$2,465
    Safe-harbor 401(k): owner deferral, 4% to staff (dropped: costs more than it saves)IRC 401(k)(12)$19,578$38,900−$19,322
    Cash balance pensionIRC 401(a), 412; 401(b)(2)$43,831$42,900$931
    Fixed fee$13,500
    Engineering

    The engineering firm with research credits

    S corporation, $900k net profit, age 54, $1,600k payroll, 1 child, $400k of qualified research.

    Tax today$221,679
    Tax saved$103,147
    Net cash$18,847
    Costs + fixed fee$84,300
    To your accounts$172,543
    Lean plan net$16,712
    See every strategy
    StrategySavedCostNet
    Accountable plan, $9,000IRC 62(a)(2)(A)$2,520$0$2,520
    Augusta rule, 14 days at $1,000IRC 280A(g)$3,920$500$3,420
    Donor-advised fund, 3 years of giving, funded with stockIRC 170, 170(e)$6,092$0$6,092
    R&D credit on $400k of qualified researchIRC 41, 280C(c)$22,000$12,000$10,000
    Family HSAIRC 223$2,632$0$2,632
    Safe-harbor 401(k): owner deferral, 4% to staff (dropped: costs more than it saves)IRC 401(k)(12)$22,193$47,300−$25,107
    Cash balance pensionIRC 401(a), 412; 401(b)(2)$60,243$51,300$8,943
    Fixed fee$20,500

    Complicated situation? See how we'd think it through

    Illustrative composites of high-earning owners in each profession, not clients, and not a promise of any result. Federal income and payroll tax only, married filing jointly, 2026 law; owners in states with an income tax save more. The building lever is a one-time timing benefit from cost segregation. "Moved to your accounts" is retirement and HSA money that stays yours. "Net cash" is tax saved minus strategy costs and the fixed fee. Fees are fixed and quoted before work begins; they never depend on the result. Prepared by Ebot Mbi, CPA, EA, ebotCPA PLLC, Irving, Texas.

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