Everyone I know hates paying taxes. Sales Executives are not alone in their disdain. However, not everyone is willing to take the necessary steps in advance to reduce their tax burden when tax season arrives. Frustrations with tax professionals AFTER the tax bill is determined are misguided. Paying less in taxes requires careful planning and forethought. Are you dedicating the time each year to minimize your tax liability? If not, you may be leaving money on the table, and worse, handing that money over to the government (IRS).
As a Sales Executive, often earning a substantial six-figure income from base pay alone, you stand to benefit significantly from proactive tax planning to minimize your tax liability and maximize your long-term wealth building. Taxes paid to the IRS, which could otherwise be avoided with proper tax planning, simply translate to less money in your pocket and bank account.
Reducing your tax burden and optimizing your effective tax rate necessitates proactive tax and financial planning. One effective approach is to engage a professional tax strategist and advisor, like CayDen. Let's explore some of the strategies we employ at CayDen to help our Sales Executive clients minimize their tax obligations:
Dial in the W2
Maximize Pre-Tax Deductions
Tax-Efficient Retirement Savings
Tax-Efficient Investment Portfolio Management
Dialing in your W2
Your W2 withholdings dictate the amount taken from your paycheck to cover taxes. If you received a tax refund last year, it means you can be more efficient with your W2 withholdings. Adjusting these withholdings can increase the cash flow on your paycheck, allowing you to save more.
Maximizing Pre-Tax Deductions
There are two significant levers you can pull for tax planning that provide immediate and long-term financial benefits. These are contributing to your 401k or employer-provided retirement account and contributing to your HSA if you have a high-deductible health care plan. Maximizing contributions to these accounts is one of the most effective ways to reduce your taxable income and lower your effective tax rate. Not to mention the benefit of the savings growing tax-deferred for your future needs.
In 2023, you could save up to:
$26,350 as an Individual, filing Single. ($22,500 401k contribution + $3,850 HSA contribution)
$52,750 as a Family , Married filing Jointly ($45,000 401k contributions + $7,750 HSA contribution)
Those are two HUGE tax reductions! Because keep in mind that contributions to your 401k and HSA are dollar-for-dollar reductions of your taxable income.
Another valuable pre-tax deduction, if your employer provides it and you're not in a high deductible health plan, is a Dependable Care Flexible Spending Account. These accounts allow you to withhold pre-tax money to cover qualified child care expenses, reducing your taxable income for the year. In effect this lowers your taxes owed at year-end for expenses you know you will have anyway. It's a great benefit to take advantage of if your employer offers it.
Tax-Efficient Retirement Savings Strategies
Back-Door Roth Conversions and Mega Back Door Roth Conversions are advanced tax and retirement planning techniques that allow you to invest more money into tax-free Roth IRAs, even if you exceed the traditional income limits for Roth IRA contributions. However, it's important to note that these strategies come with significant tax implications and considerations, making it advisable to consult a tax advisor.
Tax-Efficient Investment & Portfolio Management
Strategies such as tax-loss harvesting and tax-efficient investment management can help minimize taxes over the long term. They take advantage of opportunities to lock in capital gains losses during market downturns and maintain your desired long-term asset allocation. Building a diversified investment portfolio and diversifying your tax-advantaged accounts can contribute to reducing the total taxes you pay over your lifetime. Investing in proactive tax planning can yield lifelong financial returns, leaving more money in your pocket and accelerating your wealth-building journey.
As you can see, proactive tax planning can lead to substantial savings for Sales Executives like yourself throughout your career and into retirement. The pursuit of wealth building and minimizing taxes go hand in hand.
*Everyone's tax situation is unique. This should not be construed as advice. Please consult with a tax advisor and/or financial planner to discuss your specific situation.
If you're interested in reducing your taxes and planning for long-term wealth, we're here to help. Reach out to us for a complimentary financial and tax review. Schedule your meeting here: Meeting Scheduler Link or contact us via email at invest@caydenwm.com. We eagerly anticipate the opportunity to assist you in saving, planning, investing, and minimizing your taxes on your path to achieving your own vision of financial freedom.
About the author: Daniel Caycedo is an Investment & Tax Strategist and Wealth Management Advisor for CayDen Wealth Management, a Colorado registered investment advisory firm with offices located in Broomfield, Colorado and Charlotte, North Carolina. Daniel works out of CayDen Wealth Management's Charlotte office, providing virtual, fiduciary, comprehensive wealth management and tax services for high performing professionals and their families. Services include proactive Financial Planning, Investment Management, & Tax Services.