Simplify My Numbers | Saving 7-6-5 Entrepreneurs 5 Figures in Taxes

About Simplify My Numbers | Saving 7-6-5 Entrepreneurs 5 Figures in Taxes

Hit 7 figures but losing 5 figures to taxes? Earn a 6-figure income but feel financial chaos? Welcome to the show helping you Simplify Your Numbers. Most business owners in the $1M–$10M range feel like "passive payers"—surprised by a massive bill every April and wondering why their hard work isn't reflected in their bank account. Host Fabrice Metan, a veteran CFO and tax strategist, cuts through the noise of complex financial data to provide straightforward, actionable insights for the "7-6-5" entrepreneur. This podcast is the bridge between traditional bookkeeping and high-level advisory. We move you away from a reactive "compliance mindset" and into a proactive strategy where your business becomes your greatest wealth-building tool. Stop being a passenger in your own financials. It’s time to simplify your numbers, maximize your profit, and hold onto more of what you earn. Subscribe to join the 7-6-5 community and start your transformation today.

Publisher

Fabrice Metan

Category

business · business

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

20 Feb 2026

Latest episode

11 Aug 2026

Latest episodes

14 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   11 Aug 2026

   13. The 7 Lessons Every 7-Figure Entrepreneur Must Remember

   Are you making more revenue than ever — but still not keeping enough of it? After 12 episodes and a full season of tax strategies, one truth keeps rising to the top: the business owners who build real wealth aren't always the ones with the highest revenue. They're the ones making better decisions. This season finale breaks down the seven most important lessons from Season 1 of Simplify My Numbers — the ones that, if you remember nothing else, could save you thousands of dollars in your business. From rethinking how you approach tax season, to understanding why your tax return can be filed correctly and still cost you a fortune, these seven lessons are the foundation of every smart financial move you'll make going forward. Producer Bryan joins to push back with real questions from real overwhelmed business owners — and the answers might surprise you. Highlights Why tax season is halftime — not the finish line — and what to do differently in the second half of the year The danger of copying tax strategies you see on social media without understanding if they actually apply to your situation How to evaluate financial content online: why you should always move from short-form to long-format platforms for context The difference between filing a tax return correctly and optimizing it — and why compliance alone can cost you thousands Why profit on your P&L and cash in your bank account are two very different numbers The one question you should be asking your tax professional instead of "what can I deduct?" How to get a second opinion on your taxes without feeling like you're going behind your CPA's back Why you have up to three years to amend a tax return and potentially recover overpaid taxes Chapters 0:00 — Season One Recap & Introduction 1:39 — Lesson 1: Taxes Are a Year-Round Business Strategy 7:03 — Quarterly Planning: How to Make It Work Without Doing It Alone 11:13 — Lesson 2: Your Entity Should Follow Your Business, Not Social Media 14:49 — How to Filter Social Media Tax Advice 18:05 — Lesson 3: The Biggest Tax Savings Come from Planning, Not Deductions 22:16 — Lesson 4: Your Tax Return Can Be Correct and Still Cost You Thousands 26:46 — Lesson 5: Don't Copy Tax Strategies — Understand Them 30:55 — Lesson 6: Profit Is Not Cash (Confusing the Two Can Cost You Your Business) 36:25 — Lesson 7: Never Stop Getting a Second Opinion 42:05 — Season One Recap & Season Two Preview Want to keep more of what you earn? If you’re a 7-6-5 business owner ready to move from financial chaos to CFO-level comfort, visit www.simplifymynumbers.com (http://www.simplifymynumbers.com) to schedule a call with our team. Subscribe and leave a review on Apple or Spotify to help us grow the community, and be sure to share this episode with a fellow founder. This show is designed to be used for educational and informational purposes. For your own situation, be sure to contact a tax professional directly. This show is part of the ICT Podcast network. For more information, visit ictpod.net (http://ictpod.net)

2. 

   28 Jul 2026

   12. Profit vs Cashflow: Why You Feel Broke

   Ever wonder why you made three hundred thousand dollars last year but don't have three hundred thousand dollars anywhere to show for it? That gap between what you earn and what you keep trips up more business owners than you'd think — and it usually comes down to confusing profit with cash flow with actual wealth. I break down where the money really goes: taxes, debt payments, and owner's draws you don't even notice creeping up on you. Plus, I share the framework that finally made this click for one of my clients, and a book that lays it all out in simple terms. Highlights Why "profit" and "cash in the bank" are two completely different things The layers of taxes that quietly eat into a business owner's income How paying down debt can make you feel broke even when you're profitable The owner's draw trap: how personal spending drains cash without touching taxable profit A simple framework for separating profit, cash flow, and wealth so you can actually track your numbers How working with a tax strategist can turn expenses into real tax savings Chapters 0:00 – Why You Feel Broke 1:27 – Profit Versus Cash 2:41 – Taxes Eat Cash 3:57 – Debt Payments Drain 4:54 – Owner Draw Trap 6:13 – Fixing The Formula 7:28 – Profit First Method 8:53 – Closing Thoughts & Resources Resources Mentioned Profit First - Amazon (https://www.amazon.com/Profit-First-Transform-Cash-Eating-Money-Making/dp/073521414X/ref=sr_1_3_sspa?crid=2WG5YHIJXWMQ6&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.I-oTnDWviIbgiAvJFdGMYkpMmidQExJRDmpYJAaMH9k56S_ZAbzkadik_yYTRzNlAXoG0-kt9zZ_CPowzse4t6FjYD6-E8tk7-LHu0zO74xVok8EoqBCjKc_DV9fnFlomnMnBVMI7fo1mszx_-AEUPu6x_zLmyakbYA9aF7nfKtUxXqUoYoYY05HuUpU-OMx4L8PayV0c_Spb2KcxLfLW9L0zqo27LHUh6Iz4eOJ6DU.kJShyYr6_HidxdGOdLQp1YrSSmG90Inmez4mp1nyXUg&dib_tag=se&keywords=profit+first+book&qid=1783610934&s=books&sprefix=profit+first+book%2Cstripbooks%2C179&sr=1-3-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9hdGY&psc=1) Want to keep more of what you earn? If you’re a 7-6-5 business owner ready to move from financial chaos to CFO-level comfort, visit www.simplifymynumbers.com (http://www.simplifymynumbers.com) to schedule a call with our team. Subscribe and leave a review on Apple or Spotify to help us grow the community, and be sure to share this episode with a fellow founder. This show is designed to be used for educational and informational purposes. For your own situation, be sure to contact a tax professional directly. This show is part of the ICT Podcast network. For more information, visit ictpod.net (http://ictpod.net)

3. 

   14 Jul 2026

   11. Tax Strategy Showdown: Which Options Win for the 7-6-5 Entrepreneur

   What's the one tax strategy that beats all the rest for a seven-figure business owner? I put myself on the spot and let my producer grill me with a rapid-fire game of "this or that" to find out. He threw two tax strategies at me at a time, and I had to pick a winner between them, working through everything from S corp elections to cost segregation to short-term rentals. While no single strategy is ideal, this allows us to compare the different benefits each tax maneuver can bring to entrepreneurs. Highlights Defining who the "seven-figure" or "765" entrepreneur really is: gross revenue in the seven figures, net profit in the six figures, and roughly five figures in taxes S corp election vs. accountable plans, hiring your children, and the Augusta Rule Cash balance pension plans vs. solo 401(k)s for serious tax deductions Cost segregation on long-term rental property vs. real estate professional status (RPS) Why short-term rental strategy keeps winning out over real estate professional status, Section 179 vehicle deductions, R&D tax credits, and bonus depreciation The final verdict on the single best strategy for most seven-figure business owners — and why combining strategies is often the smarter play Chapters 0:00 — Game Setup 1:24 — Who Is Seven Figure 2:09 — S Corp Versus Basics 3:27 — Retirement Plan Showdown 4:37 — Real Estate Loss Unlocks 5:12 — Short Term Rental Wins 7:55 — Final Picks And Caveats Want to keep more of what you earn? If you’re a 7-6-5 business owner ready to move from financial chaos to CFO-level comfort, visit www.simplifymynumbers.com (http://www.simplifymynumbers.com) to schedule a call with our team. Subscribe and leave a review on Apple or Spotify to help us grow the community, and be sure to share this episode with a fellow founder. This show is designed to be used for educational and informational purposes. For your own situation, be sure to contact a tax professional directly. This show is part of the ICT Podcast network. For more information, visit ictpod.net (http://ictpod.net)

4. 

   30 Jun 2026

   10. Fabrice Reacts: Is it Genius or Tax Fraud?

   Are those viral "tax hack" videos on your feed actually genius — or are they setting you up for an audit? Every week, social media serves up a fresh batch of financial advice that sounds too good to be true. In today’s episode, I break down some of the most popular tax strategy videos circulating right now, separating the solid concepts from the dangerous oversimplifications. From the real difference between how employees and business owners get taxed, to the rules around business travel write-offs and how debt is treated by the IRS — you'll walk away knowing exactly what questions to ask before you follow any advice you see online. Highlights Business owners spend first, then pay taxes on net profit — employees pay taxes on gross income before they see a dime Phantom expenses like depreciation reduce your taxable income without cash ever leaving your business — and that's the powerful strategy most videos skip over You can reimburse yourself as a business owner for home office use, mileage, and health insurance — expenses employees simply can't write off Business travel write-offs require intent proven before the trip, not after — the IRS looks at purpose and time spent, not just receipts Debt is not taxable income — when you borrow money, it hits the balance sheet, not your P&L, so there's no tax event until you generate profit Real estate and stocks are taxed very differently from business income — savvy entrepreneurs use real estate to preserve wealth they've built through their business A lot of the advice floating around online is good in concept — it just lacks the detail and documentation needed to hold up if you're audited Chapters 0:00 – Welcome to Fabrice Reacts 2:22 – Employees vs. Owners: How Taxes Work Differently 2:57 – Phantom Expenses & Depreciation 4:01 – Reimbursements and Write-Offs for Business Owners 5:48 – Business Travel Write-Off Rules 6:44 – Proving Intent and Documentation 9:04 – Debt Is Not Taxable Income 9:27 – P&L vs. Balance Sheet Basics 11:49 – Real Estate, Stocks, and Business 13:44 – Genius or Tax Fraud? Wrap-Up Want to keep more of what you earn? If you’re a 7-6-5 business owner ready to move from financial chaos to CFO-level comfort, visit www.simplifymynumbers.com (http://www.simplifymynumbers.com) to schedule a call with our team. Subscribe and leave a review on Apple or Spotify to help us grow the community, and be sure to share this episode with a fellow founder. This show is designed to be used for educational and informational purposes. For your own situation, be sure to contact a tax professional directly. This show is part of the ICT Podcast network. For more information, visit ictpod.net (http://ictpod.net)

5. 

   16 Jun 2026

   9. Business Write-Offs That Are Actually Legal

   Are you afraid to take advantage of the tax breaks available to your business? You might be leaving thousands of dollars on the table every year — not because of illegal loopholes or shady strategies, but because you're not taking the legal deductions you actually qualify for. The tax code isn't designed to punish you; it's an incentive plan. The government wants you to hire, invest, grow, and educate yourself, and it rewards you for doing exactly that. We walk through five deductions that feel almost too good to be true — but are 100% written into the tax code (and why the government wants you to take advantage of them). Highlights The tax code functions as a government incentive plan — business owners receive more deduction opportunities than W2 employees because the IRS wants businesses to create jobs and reinvest in the economy Hiring your children (under age 17) in your business generates a full business tax deduction with zero tax liability for the child — and depending on your business structure, you may also avoid FICA and unemployment taxes on those wages The Augusta Rule allows you to rent your home to your business for up to 14 days per year — the rental income is completely tax-free to you while the payment remains a full business deduction A dedicated home office or business workspace remodel is fully deductible as long as the space is used exclusively for business purposes Vehicle deductions are legitimate and encouraged — the IRS scrutinizes poor recordkeeping, not the deduction itself; always track business mileage or retain expense receipts and document your business-use percentage Business owners can deduct 100% of education expenses, compared to the limited credits available at the individual level Chapters 0:00 — Stop Overpaying Taxes 1:15 — Why Deductions Exist 2:50 — Hire Your Kids 4:29 — Use The Augusta Rule 7:13 — Home Office Remodels 8:52 — Vehicle Write Offs 10:51 — Education Expenses 12:20 — Strategic Closing Tips Want to keep more of what you earn? If you’re a 7-6-5 business owner ready to move from financial chaos to CFO-level comfort, visit www.simplifymynumbers.com (http://www.simplifymynumbers.com) to schedule a call with our team. Subscribe and leave a review on Apple or Spotify to help us grow the community, and be sure to share this episode with a fellow founder. This show is designed to be used for educational and informational purposes. For your own situation, be sure to contact a tax professional directly. This show is part of the ICT Podcast network. For more information, visit ictpod.net (http://ictpod.net)

6. 

   2 Jun 2026

   08. The Truth Behind Business Entities: What Social Media Gets Wrong

   What if the entity structure everyone online is telling you to choose doesn’t fit your business goals? Social media has created a flood of misinformation about business structures — LLCs, S corps, C corps — and most of it is either oversimplified or flat out wrong. The truth is, there is no one-size-fits-all answer. The right entity depends on your income, your industry, your family situation, and your long-term goals. Here's a breakdown of each structure, when it works, and when it doesn't — so you can stop following trends and start following strategy. Highlights A single-member LLC does not automatically save you taxes — it is treated as a sole proprietorship for tax purposes and you still file a Schedule C on your personal return Once your LLC earns more than $50,000 in net income, it may be time to look at converting to another entity to reduce self-employment taxes Operating businesses (not passive real estate) pay self-employment tax of 15.3% on all net earnings under an LLC — both the employee and employer side A sole proprietorship and the business owner are legally the same person, meaning zero liability protection — but it has one powerful use case If you have kids under 17, a sole proprietorship family management company lets you pay them with no Social Security, Medicare, or unemployment taxes — as long as wages stay under the standard deduction The S corp shines when your net income exceeds $50,000 — you pay yourself a reasonable salary, and only that salary is subject to self-employment taxes The Social Security wage cap in 2026 is $184,500 — above that, only Medicare tax continues to apply Fix-and-flip real estate investors can benefit significantly from the S corp by separating their earnings into wages and distributions Passive rental real estate should stay in an LLC — putting it in an S corp could trigger unnecessary self-employment tax exposure Seasonal businesses with unpredictable revenue may struggle to justify and consistently pay a reasonable salary, making the S corp a poor fit C corps are a separate tax-paying entity at a 21% flat rate — and distributions are taxed again as dividends (double taxation) C corps work best for venture-backed companies with multiple investors who do not want annual K-1 pass-through tax implications The goal is not to choose the trendiest entity — it is to choose the one that aligns with your goals, your structure, your plans, and your tax strategy Chapters 0:48 – Incorporation Myths Online 1:17 – LLC Basics and Protection 2:10 – LLC: When It Works 2:51 – LLC Income Threshold Issues 4:32 – Sole Proprietor Pros and Cons 5:47 – Paying Kids Strategy (Family Management Company) 6:43 – S Corp Tax Savings Explained 8:18 – S Corp Best Use Cases 9:43 – When S Corp Fails 11:20 – C Corp Double Tax Reality 13:39 – Choosing the Right Entity Resources Mentioned Episode 2 (https://share.transistor.fm/s/e79f537e) – Full breakdown of the S corp: dos, don'ts, and everything you need to know Schedule C – IRS form used by sole proprietors and single-member LLCs to report business income: https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-schedule-c-form-1040 (https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-schedule-c-form-1040) K-1 (Form 1065 / 1120-S) – Pass-through tax document issued to partners and S corp shareholders: https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-schedule-k-1-form-1120-s (https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-schedule-k-1-form-1120-s) Want to keep more of what you earn? If you’re a 7-6-5 business owner ready to move from financial chaos to CFO-level comfort, visit www.simplifymynumbers.com (http://www.simplifymynumbers.com) to schedule a call with our team. Subscribe and leave a review on Apple or Spotify to help us grow the community, and be sure to share this episode with a fellow founder. This show is designed to be used for educational and informational purposes. For your own situation, be sure to contact a tax professional directly. This show is part of the ICT Podcast network. For more information, visit ictpod.net (http://ictpod.net)

7. 

   19 May 2026

   Tax Season Doesn’t End April 15

   Did you file your taxes and think you were done? Think again. Most business owners treat April like the finish line — but the entrepreneurs keeping the most money in their pockets know that's actually where the real work begins. Your 2026 tax bill is being built right now, and whether it's a painful surprise or a manageable number depends entirely on what you do in the months ahead. Highlights Tax season ending in April is a myth for wealthy entrepreneurs — it's actually a scorecard, not a deadline Seven-figure business owners plan their taxes immediately after filing, not at year-end Your current-year tax liability is being shaped right now, based on your baseline from last year's return Waiting until December to plan taxes is damage control — not strategy Entity structure matters because each business type is taxed differently, and the wrong one could cost you significantly Messy books mean missed deductions — clean bookkeeping is a direct path to tax savings Getting a large refund isn't always a win; it may mean you've been giving the government an interest-free loan Chapters 0:00 — Tax Season Isn't Over 1:12 — Returns Are a Scorecard 2:02 — Plan Right After Filing 3:38 — Mistake #1: Waiting Until Year-End 4:13 — Early Year Planning Moves (Entity Election & Retirement Contributions) 6:41 — Quarterly Estimated Tax Payments 9:37 — Mistake #2: Never Reviewing Your Entity Structure 5:44 — Mistake #3: Ignoring Bookkeeping Until Next Tax Season 7:35 — Mistake #4: Never Looking Back at Prior Returns 8:41 — Four Mistakes Recap 9:19 — Proactive Tax Strategy Mindset Want to keep more of what you earn? If you’re a 7-6-5 business owner ready to move from financial chaos to CFO-level comfort, visit www.simplifymynumbers.com (http://www.simplifymynumbers.com) to schedule a call with our team. Subscribe and leave a review on Apple or Spotify to help us grow the community, and be sure to share this episode with a fellow founder. This show is designed to be used for educational and informational purposes. For your own situation, be sure to contact a tax professional directly. This show is part of the ICT Podcast network. For more information, visit ictpod.net (http://ictpod.net)

8. 

   5 May 2026

   Your Tax Health Check | Signs You Need a Strategy Shift

   Is your CPA costing you thousands in overpaid taxes — without you even knowing it? When you've been working with the same accountant for years, it's easy to assume everything is being handled correctly. But what if autopilot mode is actually leaving serious money on the table? After reviewing hundreds of tax returns, the patterns are clear: familiarity breeds complacency, and complacency costs business owners real money — sometimes $10,000, $16,000, or more. In this episode, we walk through three real client cases where a fresh set of eyes uncovered significant tax overpayments, and then break down five warning signs that your CPA may no longer be actively looking for savings on your behalf. Highlights The "Compliance Trap" — why most CPAs shift to autopilot after year three and what that means for your tax bill How a missed bonus depreciation election cost one client $10,000 — and how we got it back through an amended return Why a client with no bookkeeping system overpaid $16,000 in taxes, and how reconstructing the financials uncovered the truth The difference between taking the standard deduction vs. itemizing — and why choosing the wrong one cost one client $5,000–$6,000 Tax planning vs. tax preparation: why proactive strategy (not just filing) is where the real savings happen The best windows of the year to have a tax planning conversation with your CPA (hint: it's not tax season) Five signs your CPA has stopped looking for opportunities — and what to do about it Why getting a second opinion on your tax return is one of the smartest moves a growing business owner can make Chapters 0:48 – The Compliance Trap 3:01 – Case One: Vehicle Depreciation 4:27 – Case Two: Rebuilding Books 5:58 – Case Three: Itemized Deductions 7:44 – Five Signs Your CPA Misses Savings 7:55 – Sign One: Plan vs. Prepare 10:59 – Signs Two and Three: Stale Strategy 12:01 – Signs Four and Five: Get Reviewed 13:21 – Second Opinion Wrap Up Want to keep more of what you earn? If you’re a 7-6-5 business owner ready to move from financial chaos to CFO-level comfort, visit www.simplifymynumbers.com (http://www.simplifymynumbers.com) to schedule a call with our team. Subscribe and leave a review on Apple or Spotify to help us grow the community, and be sure to share this episode with a fellow founder. This show is designed to be used for educational and informational purposes. For your own situation, be sure to contact a tax professional directly. This show is part of the ICT Podcast network. For more information, visit ictpod.net (http://ictpod.net)

9. 

   21 Apr 2026

   Separating Tax Fact from Fiction | Social Media Reality Check

   Are the tax strategies you're seeing online actually legit — or could they land you in serious trouble? Not every tax tip on social media tells the full story. In this episode, I put some popular tax strategies circulating online to the test — breaking down what's real, what's missing, and what could seriously backfire if you act on it without the full picture. We also tackle a real listener situation involving years of unfiled taxes, and why getting right with the IRS sooner rather than later is one of the most important financial moves you can make. Highlights The Augusta Rule is a legitimate tax strategy — but the rate you charge must be based on comparable market rates, not what sounds good Retiring a spouse to pursue real estate professional status can create significant tax savings, but only if the real estate portfolio generates enough cash flow to replace the lost income Failure to file taxes is a federal criminal offense; failure to pay is not — this distinction matters enormously The IRS likely already has your income data from W-2s, 1099s, and third-party reports — ignoring them doesn't mean they don't know If you let the IRS file for you, they will not account for your deductions and write-offs, resulting in a much higher tax bill Always consult a tax professional before acting on any tax strategy you find online Chapters 0:48 – Introduction: Tax Tips Reality Check 1:23 – Augusta Rule Explained 2:49 – Augusta Rule Caveats 4:35 – Retiring Your Spouse Strategy 5:27 – Running the Numbers 7:55 – Listener Question: Unfiled Taxes Crisis 8:33 – File Now, Not Later 9:42 – Why Filing Matters 12:20 – Wrap Up and Final Advice Resources Mentioned IRS Section 280A (https://www.irs.gov/publications/p527) – The Augusta Rule (renting your home to your business) IRS Tax Brackets & Rates (2025) (https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs-releases-tax-inflation-adjustments-for-tax-year-2025) – Referenced when discussing the "Big Beautiful Bill" tax rate updates Want to keep more of what you earn? If you’re a 7-6-5 business owner ready to move from financial chaos to CFO-level comfort, visit www.simplifymynumbers.com (http://www.simplifymynumbers.com) to schedule a call with our team. Subscribe and leave a review on Apple or Spotify to help us grow the community, and be sure to share this episode with a fellow founder. This show is designed to be used for educational and informational purposes. For your own situation, be sure to contact a tax professional directly. This show is part of the ICT Podcast network. For more information, visit ictpod.net (http://ictpod.net)

10. 

    7 Apr 2026

    What Income Level Triggers an IRS Audit

    Are you leaving money on the table because you're afraid of getting audited? Fear of IRS audits keeps too many entrepreneurs from using the tax strategies they're legally entitled to. The truth is, audit rates are much lower than most people think — but your risk does change as your income grows. Understanding exactly where the IRS focuses its attention, and why entrepreneurs face more scrutiny than W2 earners, can help you stay proactive, stay protected, and stop letting fear drive your financial decisions. Highlights The IRS audits less than 1% of all returns — the overall rate is roughly 0.2–0.5% Most audits happen by mail (correspondence audits), not in-person Audit risk by income bracket: Under $100K (0.1–0.2%), $100K–$500K (~0.1%), $500K+ (~0.6%), $1M+ (~1.1%) Entrepreneurs face more scrutiny because they report income after deductions, unlike W2 earners Cash-intensive businesses (construction, restaurants, salons, retail) draw extra IRS attention The POND framework helps determine if an expense qualifies as a tax write-off: Primary, Ordinary, Necessary, Documented Smart tax planning isn't about being aggressive — it's about being proactive and prepared Every tax strategy should be defensible, backed by the code, and supported with documentation Chapters 0:00 – Do Income Levels Trigger Audits? 1:24 – Audit Basics and What to Expect 3:16 – Audit Rates Under $100K 4:27 – $100K–$500K: Growing Complexity 5:48 – $500K+: When Risk Jumps 7:03 – Why Entrepreneurs Get Scrutinized 8:49 – Cash Businesses and Key Takeaways 9:30 – The POND Rule for Deductions 10:56 – Closing Advice and Getting Help Want to keep more of what you earn? If you’re a 7-6-5 business owner ready to move from financial chaos to CFO-level comfort, visit www.simplifymynumbers.com (http://www.simplifymynumbers.com) to schedule a call with our team. Subscribe and leave a review on Apple or Spotify to help us grow the community, and be sure to share this episode with a fellow founder. This show is designed to be used for educational and informational purposes. For your own situation, be sure to contact a tax professional directly. This show is part of the ICT Podcast network. For more information, visit ictpod.net (http://ictpod.net)

11. 

    24 Mar 2026

    7 Real Estate Methods to Save Big on Taxes

    What if you could turn a $21,000 tax bill into a $4,000 refund — legally, using an investment strategy you may already be considering? That's exactly what happened with one of my clients, and real estate made it possible. Most entrepreneurs and business owners focus on growing revenue — but the wealthy focus on keeping more of what they earn. Real estate is one of the most powerful, IRS-approved tools available to do exactly that. Between depreciation, cost segregation, professional status elections, and smart exit strategies, the tax code is stacked with incentives for real estate investors. The problem is most people don't know they exist — or don't know how to use them. In this episode, I walk through seven specific strategies that can dramatically reduce — or completely eliminate — your tax bill, whether you're just getting started in real estate or already building a portfolio. Highlights A real client went from owing $21,000 to receiving a $4,000 refund using real estate tax strategies Depreciation allows you to claim a paper expense on your taxes without spending that cash out of pocket Cost segregation can accelerate depreciation to the first year a property is placed in service, generating massive write-offs Passive loss rules limit who can use real estate losses against ordinary income — but there are legal workarounds Real estate professional status (750+ hours/year) can turn passive losses into active losses deductible against all ordinary income A stay-at-home spouse can qualify as the real estate professional — a strategy used by many high-earning doctors and dentists Short-term rentals (Airbnb/VRBO with average stays under 7 days) can sidestep passive loss rules entirely The 1031 Exchange allows you to defer capital gains taxes indefinitely by rolling proceeds into a like-kind property The step-up in basis means heirs can potentially inherit real estate with zero capital gains owed The BRRRR method (Buy, Renovate, Rent, Refinance, Repeat) lets you pull tax-free cash from your properties via a refinance loan Chapters 0:00 — Tax Bill Shock: The story of a $21,000 bill turned into a $4,000 refund 0:29 — Seven Tax Strategies: Introduction to real estate as a tax tool 1:54 — Depreciation Basics: How the IRS lets you write off property value over time 3:43 — Cost Segregation Boost: Accelerating depreciation to dramatically increase first-year deductions 5:50 — Passive Loss Rules: Why real estate losses can't always offset ordinary income 7:06 — Real Estate Pro Status: Qualifying to unlock passive losses against ordinary income 8:53 — Short-Term Rental Loophole: Using Airbnb/VRBO to turn passive losses into active ones 10:01 — 1031 Exchange Deferral: Deferring capital gains taxes by reinvesting in like-kind property 10:53 — Step-Up Basis Legacy: How heirs can inherit real estate with zero capital gains 12:39 — BRRRR Method & Tax-Free Cash: Pulling cash from properties through refinancing — tax-free 13:36 — Recap & Next Steps: Summary of all seven strategies Want to keep more of what you earn? If you’re a 7-6-5 business owner ready to move from financial chaos to CFO-level comfort, visit www.simplifymynumbers.com (http://www.simplifymynumbers.com) to schedule a call with our team. Subscribe and leave a review on Apple or Spotify to help us grow the community, and be sure to share this episode with a fellow founder. This show is designed to be used for educational and informational purposes. For your own situation, be sure to contact a tax professional directly. This show is part of the ICT Podcast network. For more information, visit ictpod.net (http://ictpod.net)

12. 

    10 Mar 2026

    S Corp Strategies: Maximizing Savings, Minimizing Risks

    Ever wondered if an S Corp is really the tax-saving miracle you've heard about on social media—or could it actually cost you thousands? One real estate investor learned this the hard way when he paid $30,000 in unnecessary self-employment taxes by structuring his rental properties incorrectly. The S Corporation tax election is often misunderstood. While it can generate significant savings by splitting your income into salary and distributions—potentially saving $20,000 to $40,000 annually—it's not right for everyone. The structure requires reasonable compensation planning, ongoing payroll compliance, and careful timing. Used incorrectly, especially with passive rental income, it can create a costly tax trap instead of tax savings. I'll walk you through real client examples showing exactly how much they saved, explain the reasonable compensation rules the IRS expects you to follow, reveal when an S Corp is a terrible idea, and share critical deadline information that could save or cost you thousands. HIGHLIGHTS • An S Corp is a tax election, not an entity—you must already have an LLC or C Corp before converting • Self-employment tax is 15.3% on 100% of net profit for sole proprietors and partnerships • S Corps allow you to split income into salary (taxed at 15.3%) and distributions (not subject to self-employment tax) • Real client saved $33,000 in one year by converting their granite business to an S Corp • Engineering consultant saved $11,000 annually by restructuring $225,000 of 1099 income • Reasonable compensation requires analyzing market rates, business profitability, and planned distributions • Don't use an S Corp if you have inconsistent income, profit under $50,000, or passive rental properties • Real estate investor paid $30,000 in unnecessary taxes by incorrectly placing long-term rentals in an S Corp • March 15th is the annual deadline to elect S Corp status, but late filing elections are possible with proper explanation • Missing the timing window cost one client thousands—he called in January instead of mid-year • S Corps require payroll setup, quarterly tax planning, and multiple tax form filings (1120-S, 941, 940, state returns) • Best candidates are consistent businesses generating $50,000+ in annual profit with active (not passive) income CHAPTERS 0:00 - S Corp Tax Trap 1:27 - What Is an S Corp 2:53 - Self Employment Tax Basics 3:52 - Salary vs Distributions 5:39 - Reasonable Compensation Rules 8:17 - Real Client Savings Examples 11:54 - When S Corp Is Bad 14:59 - Passive Rentals Warning 17:13 - Deadlines and Late Election 21:01 - Planning and Compliance Wrap Up RESOURCES MENTIONED • Schedule C (https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-schedule-c-form-1040) (IRS form for sole proprietor income) • Form 1120-S (https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-form-1120-s) (S Corporation tax return) • Form 941 (https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-form-941) (quarterly payroll tax form) • Form 940 (https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-form-940) (federal unemployment tax form) • Form W-9 (https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-form-w-9) (request for taxpayer identification) • FICA taxes (https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/employment-taxes) (Federal Insurance Contributions Act - Medicare and Social Security) Want to keep more of what you earn? If you’re a 7-6-5 business owner ready to move from financial chaos to CFO-level comfort, visit www.simplifymynumbers.com (http://www.simplifymynumbers.com) to schedule a call with our team. Subscribe and leave a review on Apple or Spotify to help us grow the community, and be sure to share this episode with a fellow founder. This show is designed to be used for educational and informational purposes. For your own situation, be sure to contact a tax professional directly. This show is part of the ICT Podcast network. For more information, visit ictpod.net (http://ictpod.net)

13. 

    24 Feb 2026

    Navigating the Tax Maze of 2026

    What happens when tax laws change halfway through the year? If you're a business owner with employees, purchased assets in 2025, or live in a high-tax state, you might be sitting on tax savings you don't even know about—or worse, facing confused employees with incorrect W-2s. The 2025 tax code overhaul, via the One Big Beautiful Bill, brought massive changes that caught most business owners off guard: overtime became tax-exempt (with conditions), bonus depreciation returned at 100%, and the SALT deduction cap quadrupled. But because these changes happened mid-year, payroll systems weren't ready, business owners weren't prepared, and now the 2026 tax filing season is shaping up to be one of the most confusing in years. HIGHLIGHTS • Why the 2026 tax filing season will be uniquely confusing for business owners • The 55-employee W-2 crisis: what went wrong and how to fix it • Bonus depreciation is back at 100%—but only for assets purchased after a specific date • How to write off $50,000 in equipment while only spending $5,000 out of pocket • The overtime tax exemption explained: who qualifies and how much you can save • Why most payroll software failed to capture overtime exemptions correctly • SALT deduction changes: the cap increased from $10,000 to $40,000 • How high-income earners in high-tax states can finally itemize properly • The critical questions your tax professional should be asking you right now CHAPTERS 0:00 - 55 W-2s Missing Overtime Info: What Went Wrong? 0:24 - Welcome to Simplify My Numbers + Why 2026 Taxes Will Be a Mess 1:18 - Mid-Year 2025 Tax Law Changes You Must Know 2:48 - Bonus Depreciation Is Back: The Write-Off Opportunity Explained 5:18 - The Catch: 100% Bonus Depreciation Only After Jan 19, 2025 6:32 - Overtime Tax Exemption: Rules, Limits, and Who Qualifies 7:48 - Payroll Software Fail: Fixing Incorrect W-2s for Overtime 10:38 - SALT Deduction Changes: Standard vs Itemized (and the New $40K Cap) 14:07 - Final Takeaway: Plan Early, Ask the Right Questions, Save More Want to keep more of what you earn? If you’re a 7-6-5 business owner ready to move from financial chaos to CFO-level comfort, visit www.simplifymynumbers.com (http://www.simplifymynumbers.com) to schedule a call with our team. Subscribe and leave a review on Apple or Spotify to help us grow the community, and be sure to share this episode with a fellow founder. This show is designed to be used for educational and informational purposes. For your own situation, be sure to contact a tax professional directly. This show is part of the ICT Podcast network. For more information, visit ictpod.net (http://ictpod.net)

14. 

    20 Feb 2026

    Your Tax Planning Journey Begins Here!

    Today is my birthday (38 years around the sun) and marks eight years in business, so I’m kicking off something new: Simplify My Numbers, the show built for the 7-6-5 entrepreneur. After helping more than 300 business owners secure over $7.1M in tax credits and save more than $2.6M in taxes legally—and seeing too many tax horror stories along the way—I’m here to help you stop getting shocked at tax time.

Contact Simplify My Numbers | Saving 7-6-5 Entrepreneurs 5 Figures in Taxes

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