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Paying yourself wrong can trigger IRS issues, messy books, and unexpected tax bills. In this episode, we break down exactly how LLC owners should pay themselves in 2026 based on their entity type and tax election.You'll learn the 3 primary ways business owners get paid: owner draws or distributions, payroll, and guaranteed payments. We explain which payment methods are legally allowed for single-member LLCs, partnerships, and S corporations, and why running payroll as an owner is prohibited unless you have an S corporation election.We walk through how each method is taxed, how it shows up in your financial statements, and why owner draws do not reduce business profit even though they reduce cash.
You formed your LLC. Good job.But many business owners unknowingly make critical mistakes after formation that quietly destroy liability protection, trigger audits, and limit growth.In this episode, Mike walks through the 10 most common LLC mistakes business owners make in 2026 and explains exactly how to fix them. From mixing personal and business finances to ignoring tax planning and misclassifying owner compensation, this episode gives you a practical framework to audit your business and protect it the right way.If you want your LLC to survive and thrive, not just exist on paper, this episode shows you what to fix now before it becomes expensive later.
Thinking about forming an LLC in 2026? In this episode, Mike breaks down how to set up an LLC step by step, what “free” really means, state filing costs, common mistakes to avoid, and why an LLC can act as an insurance policy for future S Corp tax savings. Perfect for new and growing business owners who want clarity without the confusion.If you want a clean, simple business setup that protects you now and gives you flexibility later, this episode gives you the roadmap without the legal confusion.
If you are already behind on your taxes in January, there are four tax tasks you cannot skip.In this episode, we break down the four financial tasks every business owner needs to complete in January to start 2026 clean and organized. Mike explains why unfinished bookkeeping leads to missed deductions and unnecessary stress, how to properly review your financials, and why most tax issues begin long before filing season.We also cover the importance of creating a simple financial summary document, meeting the January 31 1099 deadline, and building a proactive tax plan early in the year instead of scrambling in December.If you want 2026 to be more profitable and less stressful, this episode shows you exactly where to start.
Are you still guessing when it comes to 1099s? Most business owners are. And every January, that confusion turns into stress, penalties, and last-minute cleanup that could have been avoided.In this episode, Mike Jesowshek breaks down everything small business owners need to know about 1099-NEC and 1099-MISC forms, who needs one, who doesn't, the deadlines and the penalties that add up fast. If you want January to feel calm instead of chaotic, this episode gives you the clear rules and simple process to get compliant without overthinking it.
Send us a textHappy Holidays, and thank you. This episode is a personal thank-you to the Small Business Tax Savings Podcast community. We reflect on nearly eight years of the show, including over 400 episodes and more than 1.5 million downloads. At the core of this podcast is one mission; Helping small business owners pay the least amount in taxes legally, without stress or confusion. Let's make 2026 the year you get proactive about tax planning from the start. If this podcast has helped you in any way this year, there are a few small things you can do to help us continue helping more business owners:- Leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen- Subscribe to our YouTube channel- Share this podcast with another business owner- Follow us on social media to stay connectedIf you'd like to go deeper, you can download our Tax Savings Starter Kit. Inside, you'll find:- A complete list of common business deductions- Real case studies showing how business owners saved $5,000–$25,000- Access to a bonus discovery call with our team
Send us a textDo you really have your tax planning handled? The thing is, many business owners are making a critical mistake that will become even more expensive by 2026.In this episode, Mike Jesowshek, CPA, sits down with Mark J. Kohler to expose the biggest tax planning failure business owners make. Confusing knowing strategies with actually applying them. Mark explains why tax savings disappear at the implementation level, how poor execution creates long-term consequences, and why retirement accounts are one of the most overlooked areas where this mistake shows up.
Send us a textIf you're a new business owner, you've probably wondered if you are doing any of this correctly.Should you get an LLC? Do you file a Schedule C? Can you hire your kids? Does a home office hurt you when you sell your house?In this episode, Mike walks through real questions from listeners and gives clear answers to the tax issues that confuse most new entrepreneurs. From 1099 income and deductions to home office rules, the Augusta Rule, and hiring your kids, this Q&A hits the topics every early-stage owner struggles with.
Send us a textYear-end is the last chance to lock in major tax savings for your business.In this episode, Mike walks through the exact steps business owners need to take now, from S Corp requirements and accountable plans to AGI phaseouts, QBI planning, and the Augusta Rule.You'll also learn how to hire your kids correctly, hit retirement deadlines, use timing strategies as a cash-basis filer, harvest tax losses, and document every move so you enter tax season clean, organized, and ready.
Send us a textWhat if you could buy a computer, a machine, or new equipment and deduct the entire cost in the first year instead of waiting 5, 10, or even 30 years? Thanks to major updates in the One Big Beautiful Bill, you can now take a full write-off upfront.We break down how depreciation works, when to expense versus capitalize, and how the updated bonus depreciation and Section 179 rules give owners more control over their tax bill.You'll learn how to time asset purchases, when to avoid front-loading deductions, and why every business needs a written capitalization policy.
Send us a textMost S Corp owners follow the right steps, but still pay more tax than they should. A business earning over 300K can lose thousands simply by underusing core strategies.In this live case study, Mike Jesowshek, CPA, reviews a seven-figure business with an S Corp structure, a salary in place, and a record year of profit. You will see why this owner paid 30K in taxes and how that number can be reduced.If you feel like your tax plan has stopped working, this breakdown gives you a clear blueprint for moving from basic strategies into advanced tax planning.
Send us a textWhat if you could pay your kids a salary, take a business deduction, and teach them real financial skills at the same time? In this episode, Mike Jesowshek, CPA, explains how to legally hire your children in your business, what the IRS actually allows, and how to do it correctly so you avoid audits and penalties.You'll learn the rules for paying your kids under age 18, how to document their work, how much you can pay them tax-free, and how this strategy can double as a wealth-building tool through Roth IRAs.
Send us a textIf you've ever wanted to move money from your business to yourself without paying extra tax, this episode is for you.In this episode, you'll learn how the Augusta Rule, also called the 14-Day Home Rental Rule, lets business owners rent their personal homes to their own business and receive that income completely tax-free. You'll also learn exactly how to document it, what proof the IRS expects, and the common mistakes that can get this strategy disallowed.
Send us a textIf you've ever paid for business expenses out of pocket, like your phone bill, internet, or home office, and wondered if you can get reimbursed without paying more tax, this episode is for you.In this episode, you'll learn how an Accountable Plan lets business owners legally reimburse themselves and their employees tax-free. You'll also discover the 4 key rules every plan must follow to stay IRS-compliant, and the most common mistakes that lead to audit trouble.
Send us a textA single medical bill can wipe out your profits. But health expenses don't have to drain your cash flow. In this episode, you'll learn three powerful ways to turn your medical costs into legitimate tax deductions. From self-employed health insurance and Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) to Section 105 reimbursement plans and employee health benefits, these strategies can help business owners save thousands while staying fully IRS-compliant.
Send us a textTrusts aren't just for the rich. Every family can benefit from one. A revocable living trust can simplify estate planning, avoid probate, and create a foundation for generational wealth.In this episode, Mike Jesowshek, CPA, sits down with Jack Fiveash, attorney and co-founder of The Co Letter, to talk about how families can use a simple trust and LLC structure to build long-term stability, protect assets, and involve their children in smart financial stewardship.They cover how to start a revocable trust, the ideal timing, what it costs, and how it ties into a broader family office structure that preserves both wealth and values.
Send us a textIf you earn over $250,000 or plan to sell a highly appreciated asset, this episode could save you hundreds of thousands in taxes. Most business owners stop at basic deductions and retirement plans, but the wealthy use strategies that go far beyond that. In this episode, we break down the five categories of advanced tax planning, when they apply, and how to use them the right way.
Send us a textAre you spending money the wrong way? Every dollar is either pre-tax or after-tax money. Knowing the difference is the key to thousands in tax savings.In this episode, we cover how to turn everyday expenses into business deductions. From meals and travel to home office and even hiring your kids, you'll learn the mindset shift that could save you thousands each year.
Send us a textWhat happens when you take a real small business owner, put them in the hot seat, and break down their tax strategy live? That's what we're doing in this episode.Eric runs a successful appraisal business, pays himself through an S-Corp, and last year wrote a $50,000 check to the IRS. Did he really have to? Mike digs into Eric's setup and reveals how simple shifts could slash his tax bill. From adjusting his salary to using the Augusta Rule, hiring kids, and planning for real estate, you'll see how the right strategy can cut thousands off your tax bill.
Send us a textMost business owners are driving right past thousands in tax savings without realizing it. In 2025, the IRS raised the standard mileage rate to 70 cents per mile, but that's only the beginning.In this episode, Mike breaks down exactly how to structure your auto deductions, avoid costly mistakes, and choose between the mileage method and actual expenses.
Send us a textDo you have a home office? The desk you're sitting at could save you up to $1,500 a year in taxes.Many business owners skip this deduction because they think they don't qualify or fear an IRS audit. The truth is, most do qualify. One client of mine saved $1,100 in just 30 minutes by setting it up.In this episode, Mike Jesowshek, CPA, explains who qualifies, the two ways to calculate it, how to document properly, and the mistakes that cause business owners to miss out. You'll also learn how the home office deduction can unlock other tax savings like business mileage.
Send us a textSome entrepreneurs sell their companies and walk away with zero federal taxes. How? This is thanks to a strategy called QSBS.In this episode, tax strategist Alessandro of Get Dynasty breaks down Qualified Small Business Stock, new changes from the “Big Beautiful Bill,” and how founders can use trusts to multiply tax-free exits. If you're building or investing in startups, this could be the single most powerful tax break you'll ever use.
Send us a textMisclassifying workers is one of the biggest mistakes a business owner can make. It might seem cheaper to pay someone as a 1099 contractor, but if the IRS says they should be a W-2 employee, you're looking at back taxes, penalties, and possible audits that could cripple your business.In this episode, Mike breaks down the IRS framework for worker classification, the red flags that trigger audits, and the tax differences between employees and contractors. You'll learn how to protect your business, avoid costly penalties, and even find tax strategies that benefit both employers and contractors.
Send us a textMost tax strategies give you either a write-off or long-term growth. Oil and gas gives you both. With IRS Code 263(c), you get massive upfront deductions and steady tax-advantaged cash flow.In this episode, Mike and Nick from US Energy unpack how drilling funds work, the unique tax benefits they provide, and how to use them strategically in your business planning.
Send us a textIf I were starting a business today, this is exactly how I'd approach tax planning from the ground up. In this episode, we're tackling tax strategy hierarchy every small business owner should follow. From core strategies like hiring your kids and maximizing deductions, to advanced moves like asset purchases, oil and gas investments, and captive insurance, you'll learn the right order to implement them for maximum savings. We also answer listener questions on short-term rental deductions, the Big Beautiful Bill, and how to structure partnerships for smarter tax planning.
Send us a textMost business owners think of insurance as a necessary expense, but what if it could double as a tool to cut taxes? With a Section 831(b) captive insurance company, you can set aside pre-tax dollars to cover risks traditional insurance won't touch… All while building a financial safety net for your business. In this episode, Van Carlson, founder of SRA 831(b), explains how captives work, the types of risks they can cover, when it makes sense to use one, and how to stay compliant under IRS rules.
Send us a textRetirement expert Matt Ruttenberg walks through 5 real-world business scenarios and how to choose the smartest retirement plan for each. Whether you're flying solo or managing a growing team, this episode breaks down IRA, SEP, SIMPLE, 401(k), and advanced options in a simple way… Plus, how to take advantage of powerful tax credits.
Send us a textTaking money out of your business isn't always tax-free. If you're not tracking your basis, you could get hit with a surprise capital gains tax, even without selling anything. Let's break down what basis means, how it works differently for Partnerships and S Corps, and why overlooking it could cost you thousands.
Send us a textMixing active and passive income in one entity could be costing you thousands. In this episode, we break down why separating your income streams is essential. You'll learn how to structure your business the right way using S Corps, LLCs, holding companies, and even C Corps to unlock advanced tax strategies. From hiring your kids to slashing self-employment tax, this is the blueprint smart business owners use to keep more of what they earn.
Send us a textTrump's Big Beautiful Bill just became law. What's actually in it? On July 4th, the biggest tax overhaul since 2017 was signed, and it's packed with big wins for business owners. 100% bonus depreciation, a permanent 20% QBI deduction, tax-free tips and overtime, and brand-new deductions most people haven't even heard of. Let's break down the Big Beautiful Bill line by line so you know exactly what's changing, what's temporary, and how to use it to slash your tax bill before the window closes.
Send us a textWhen you're self-employed, getting approved for a mortgage isn't as straightforward as it is for W-2 employees. In this episode, Mike sits down with mortgage lender Bill Moeller to break down how tax-saving strategies can impact your mortgage application.
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Send us a textMissed the S Corp deadline? Don't panic. In this episode, Mike breaks down how to file a late S Corp election the right way so you can still unlock major tax savings. You'll learn what an S Corp really is, who qualifies, how to calculate your savings, and what to watch out for when making the switch. Plus, the exact steps to file a late election with the IRS, without triggering a red flag.
Send us a textMost people think tax planning is only for big corporations. But it's one of the most powerful tools any small business owner can use to save money.In this episode, Mike breaks down how tax planning is different from just filing your taxes, and why even brand-new business owners should be thinking about it. He also shares a real case study showing how one small business went from guessing on taxes to saving over $15,000 a year, just by planning ahead.If you've ever wondered whether tax planning is for you, this episode is the place to start.
Send us a textYou've heard of Roth IRAs, but no one talks about when and how to convert.In this episode, Mike breaks down exactly how a Roth conversion works, when it makes sense, and how to use it to build tax-free income in retirement.He also unpacks the key differences between Traditional and Roth accounts, plus real-life stories of business owners who used this strategy to grow wealth the IRS can't touch.
Send us a textAre you 100% sure your business entity is compliant? In this episode, Mike is joined by Nellie Akalp, CEO of CorpNet, to break down what compliance really means for LLCs and corporations. They cover everything from annual reports, meeting minutes, and registered agents to BOI reporting and choosing the right state to form your entity. You'll also learn when it makes sense to do it yourself, hire a service, or bring in a lawyer and what mistakes could cost you your limited liability status. If you want to avoid penalties, fees, or even losing your business, this is a must-listen.
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