Max out pre-tax retirement contributions to 401(k), 403(b), 457(b), and traditional IRA where eligible
Use a backdoor Roth IRA if direct Roth contributions are not allowed
Contribute to a Health Savings Account if enrolled in a qualifying high-deductible health plan
Use a Flexible Spending Account for healthcare and dependent care expenses
Make deductible traditional IRA contributions if eligible
Increase pre-tax payroll deductions for commuter, transit, and parking benefits
Use employer stock purchase plans and tax-advantaged equity compensation strategies carefully
Defer bonuses, commissions, or other compensation when possible
Harvest investment losses to offset capital gains
Hold investments longer than one year to qualify for lower long-term capital gains rates
Place tax-inefficient investments in tax-advantaged accounts
Use municipal bonds for taxable fixed-income allocations
Donate appreciated securities instead of cash
Bunch charitable contributions into one tax year
Use a donor-advised fund for larger charitable giving
Maximize itemized deductions where available
Time medical expenses, property taxes, and other deductible expenses strategically
Consider a cash balance pension plan or defined benefit plan if self-employed or a business owner
Use an accountable plan for business expense reimbursements
Deduct ordinary and necessary business expenses if self-employed
Elect pass-through entity tax deductions where available
Use Section 179 expensing and bonus depreciation for qualifying business assets
Split income with family members through legitimate business or trust structures
Invest through tax-efficient structures such as index funds and ETFs
Review state tax residency and sourcing rules
Consider relocating to a lower-tax state if appropriate
Use tax-loss carryforwards from prior years
Manage net investment income and additional Medicare tax exposure
Plan Roth conversions in lower-income years
Use qualified opportunity funds when appropriate
Evaluate real estate depreciation and cost segregation strategies
Use 1031 exchanges for qualifying investment real estate
Keep detailed records and receipts for all deductible items
Work with a qualified tax professional for year-round tax planning