Answer eight questions. The Finder tests each strategy against 2026 federal law, keeps only the ones that pay for themselves, and shows what each saves, what it costs, and what you keep. No email needed.
| Strategy | Tax saved | Cost | Net | Fit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| S corporation election, salary $150,000IRC 1362; Rev. Rul. 59-221 | $6,454 | $3,000 | $3,454 | Fits |
| Accountable plan, $8,000IRC 62(a)(2)(A) | $1,536 | $0 | $1,536 | Fits |
| Augusta rule, 14 days at $800IRC 280A(g) | $2,150 | $500 | $1,650 | Fits |
| Donor-advised fund, 3 years of giving, funded with stockIRC 170, 170(e) | $1,377 | $0 | $1,377 | Fits |
| Family HSAIRC 223 · $8,750 goes to your accounts | $1,690 | $0 | $1,690 | Fits |
| Safe-harbor 401(k): owner deferral, 4% to staffIRC 401(k)(12) · $24,500 goes to your accounts | $8,015 | $10,900 | −$2,885 | Costs more than it saves |
| Cash balance pensionIRC 401(a), 412; 401(b)(2) · $72,414 goes to your accounts | $16,869 | $14,900 | $1,969 | Fits |
| Plan total (fixed fee $6,500 included in costs) | $31,536 | $24,900 | $6,636 |
Complicated situation? See how we'd think it through
Illustrative estimate for a married couple filing jointly in Texas under 2026 federal law (brackets, $32,200 standard deduction, Social Security wage base $184,500, 0.9% Additional Medicare Tax, QBI deduction with its phase-in). Each strategy is kept only if its tax saving exceeds its cost. Retirement contributions are your money, moved to your own accounts. Not tax advice; your facts decide. Fees are fixed and quoted before work begins; they never depend on the result.
No. It removes any strategy that costs more than it saves, and it says so when nothing fits. Many businesses only need the first two or three items.
An S corporation owner must take a reasonable salary for the work done (Rev. Rul. 59-221). If yours is too low, fixing it costs tax but protects you in an audit. The Finder shows that honestly.
Retirement and health savings contributions cut tax today, but the cash leaves the business and goes into accounts you own. It is still your money, just not spendable this year.
2026 federal law: IRC sections cited on each line, the 2026 brackets and standard deduction, the Social Security wage base and the QBI deduction rules. The engine is the same one we use with clients.
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