The Tax Strategy Podcast with Fexingo: Tax Planning, Deductions, and Saving Money on Taxes

How Tax-Loss Harvesting Lowers Your 2026 Capital Gains 12.08.2026 9min

Lucas and Luna dive into tax-loss harvesting, the year-end strategy that turns investment losses into tax savings. They explain how selling losing positions to offset capital gains works under 2026 rules, walk through the wash-sale rule that traps many investors, and show why the strategy is especially valuable in a volatile market like the one we've seen in 2026. With a detailed example of a $15,000 loss and a $10,000 gain, they clarify the $3,000 annual income deduction limit and how unused losses carry forward. They also address common pitfalls, including inadvertently triggering the wash-sale rule on reinvested dividends, and offer practical guidance on harvesting losses in tax-advantaged accounts like IRAs. Whether you're a seasoned investor or just starting to build a portfolio, this episode gives you the tools to make tax-loss harvesting work for you before the year ends. #TaxLossHarvesting #CapitalGains #WashSaleRule #2026Taxes #TaxPlanning #Investing #Finance #WealthManagement #TaxStrategy #YearEndPlanning #StockMarket #TaxDeduction #IRAs #PortfolioManagement #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast #TaxTips #PersonalFinance Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

How the Nanny Tax Works for Household Employers 11.08.2026 9min

Hiring a nanny or household employee means navigating the 'nanny tax' — a set of payroll and income tax rules many families discover only after a surprise bill. In this episode, Lucas and Luna break down the 2026 thresholds, the difference between a household employee and an independent contractor, and why a simple W-2 can save you thousands in penalties. They walk through real numbers for a family paying $20,000 a year, explain the IRS Schedule H filing process, and share the common mistake that triggers audits. If you've ever paid a caregiver, cleaner, or landscaper directly, this episode gives you the practical steps to stay compliant and avoid costly surprises. By the end, you'll know exactly when the nanny tax kicks in, how to register for an employer identification number, and why paying payroll taxes yourself is often better than letting a caregiver handle their own taxes. #NannyTax #HouseholdEmployer #ScheduleH #PayrollTax #W2ForNanny #TaxCompliance #FamilyFinance #CaregiverTaxes #IRS #TaxPlanning #HouseholdEmployee #IndependentContractor #TaxPenalties #EmployerIDNumber #TaxFiling #Finance #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

How Inherited IRAs Work Under the 10-Year Rule 10.08.2026 13min

When you inherit a retirement account, the tax rules changed dramatically under the SECURE Act. In Episode 151 of The Tax Strategy Podcast, Lucas and Luna break down the 10-year rule for inherited IRAs, who it applies to, how the IRS final regulations in 2024 clarified required minimum distributions, and why the penalty for missing an RMD can be steep. They walk through a concrete example of a non-spouse beneficiary inheriting a $500,000 traditional IRA, show how stretch IRA strategies vanished for most heirs, and explain the one big exception for surviving spouses and minor children. If you're expecting an inheritance or advising someone who is, this episode gives you the timeline, the tax hit, and the smart withdrawal order to avoid a nasty surprise. Listen before you take that first distribution. #InheritedIRA #10YearRule #SECUREAct #RetirementPlanning #TaxStrategy #RequiredMinimumDistributions #EstatePlanning #Beneficiary #TaxPlanning #Finance #BusinessPodcast #FexingoBusiness #WealthManagement #IRARules #TaxTips #RetirementAccounts #TaxSeason #FinancialPlanning Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

How the Foreign Tax Credit Avoids Double Taxation in 2026 09.08.2026 7min

When you earn money abroad—say, from a freelance client in Berlin or a rental property in Lisbon—the U.S. taxes your worldwide income, and the foreign country taxes it too. That's double taxation unless you claim the foreign tax credit. In this episode, Lucas and Luna explain how the credit works, who qualifies, and the key limits to watch for in 2026. They walk through a practical example using the simplified option, explain how the credit interacts with the foreign earned income exclusion, and share a cautionary tale about passive income and the foreign tax credit limitation. By the end, you'll know whether the foreign tax credit or the foreign earned income exclusion is the better move for your situation—and how to avoid the common pitfalls that trip up filers every year. #ForeignTaxCredit #DoubleTaxation #TaxPlanning #ExpatTaxes #ForeignIncome #TaxCredits #USExpatTax #ForeignEarnedIncomeExclusion #TaxLimitation #PassiveIncome #TaxStrategy #Finance #TaxSeason #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast #TaxTips #GlobalTax #2026Taxes Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

The Extra Child Tax Credit You Haven't Heard Of 08.08.2026 8min

Most people know the Child Tax Credit, but far fewer understand the Additional Child Tax Credit — a refundable piece that can put money in your pocket even if you owe no tax. In this episode, Lucas and Luna unpack how the credit works in 2026, who qualifies, and why it's especially valuable for lower-income families. They walk through a concrete example: a family with two kids and $18,000 of earned income, showing how the credit can be refunded up to 15 percent of income over $2,500. They also clarify how it interacts with the regular Child Tax Credit, the impact of the 2025 tax law changes, and common mistakes to avoid. If you've ever filed taxes and wondered why you got a check instead of a deduction, this episode explains the mechanics in plain English. Perfect for parents, tax preparers, and anyone who wants to keep more of their refund. #AdditionalChildTaxCredit #ChildTaxCredit #TaxRefund #TaxCredits #FamilyFinance #TaxPlanning #LowerIncomeFamilies #TaxSeason #TaxLaw2026 #RefundableCredit #IRS #TaxTips #Finance #Business #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast #TaxStrategy #Podcast Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

The SALT Cap Deduction and Its 2026 Limits 07.08.2026 7min

Lucas and Luna break down the state and local tax deduction — the SALT cap — in 2026. They explain how the $10,000 federal limit on deducting state income and property taxes affects homeowners, high earners, and residents of high-tax states like New York and California. They also explore alternative strategies, including the workaround some states have adopted for pass-through businesses, and how the cap could change with the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act provisions expiring after 2025. Listeners get a clear picture of what's deductible, what's not, and how to plan ahead. #SALT #StateAndLocalTax #TaxDeduction #PropertyTax #IncomeTax #TaxPlanning #2026Taxes #TaxCutsAndJobsAct #HighTaxStates #PassThroughEntity #Workaround #ItemizedDeductions #Homeowners #Finance #TaxStrategy #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast #TaxTips Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

How the Credit for Other Dependents Can Cut Your Tax Bill 06.08.2026 10min

In this episode, Lucas and Luna break down the Credit for Other Dependents, a lesser-known tax credit that can save you up to $500 per dependent who doesn't qualify for the Child Tax Credit. They explain who counts as a qualifying dependent, how the credit phases out for higher incomes, and why it's often overlooked by taxpayers caring for aging parents or adult children with disabilities. Using a concrete example of a couple caring for an elderly parent, they walk through the math and show how this credit can reduce tax liability even if you don't owe any income tax. They also contrast it with the Child Tax Credit and discuss the rules around claiming multiple dependents. Whether you're supporting a parent, a grandchild, or a non-child relative, this episode gives you the practical details you need to claim what you're owed. #CreditForOtherDependents #TaxCredit #DependentExemption #ElderCareTaxBreaks #ChildTaxCredit #TaxPlanning #TaxDeductions #FilingStatus #IRS #TaxSeason #FamilyTax #TaxSavings #Finance #Business #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast #TaxPodcast #MoneyTips Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

How the Child and Dependent Care Credit Works in 2026 05.08.2026 12min

In Episode 146 of The Tax Strategy Podcast, Lucas and Luna drill into the Child and Dependent Care Credit — the often-overlooked tax break for working parents and caregivers. They walk through who qualifies, how the credit is calculated, and the key limits for 2026, including the $3,000 and $6,000 expense caps and how the credit percentage scales with income. They also tackle a common pitfall: why the credit often doesn't help low-income families as much as expected, and how employer-provided dependent care benefits interact with the credit. Using a concrete example of a family with two kids in daycare, they show exactly how the math works out. Lucas shares a pro tip about keeping records of care providers' tax IDs, and Luna highlights the often-missed opportunity for parents with part-time schedules. The episode closes with a look at how the credit might change in future tax reform discussions. If you're a parent or caregiver paying for childcare, this episode is your practical guide to claiming what you're owed. #ChildAndDependentCareCredit #TaxCredit #Childcare #WorkingParents #TaxPlanning #TaxDeductions #FamilyFinance #TaxSeason #Caregiver #Daycare #TaxTips #Finance #Business #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast #TaxPodcast #2026Tax #IRS Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

How the New 1099-K Threshold Affects Gig Workers 04.08.2026 9min

The IRS quietly lowered the 1099-K reporting threshold to $5,000 for 2026, and that changes things for freelancers, gig workers, and small sellers. Lucas and Luna break down what the 1099-K actually is, how the new threshold works, and why it doesn't change your tax bill—but does change your paperwork. They walk through a concrete example of a rideshare driver who gets a 1099-K for the first time, explain the state-by-state patchwork of thresholds, and offer practical tips for reconciling 1099-Ks with your own records. No panic, just clarity on a form that confuses millions. Plus, a quick note on how listener support keeps this show ad-free. #1099K #GigEconomy #FreelancerTaxes #TaxReporting #IRS #TaxSeason #SideHustle #Rideshare #EtsySeller #SmallBusiness #TaxTips #Finance #BusinessPodcast #FexingoBusiness #TaxPlanning #TaxDeductions #TaxCompliance #SelfEmployed Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

How the Mortgage Interest Deduction Really Works in 2026 03.08.2026 10min

In this episode of The Tax Strategy Podcast, Lucas and Luna break down the mortgage interest deduction in 2026, explaining exactly who qualifies, how the limits have changed, and why the standard deduction often makes it useless. They walk through a concrete example of a $750,000 mortgage, discuss the impact of the 2025 tax law changes, and clarify the rules for home equity debt, second homes, and refinancing. Listeners will learn how to run the numbers for their own situation, when it makes sense to itemize, and why the deduction isn't the tax break it used to be. Also covered: how the deduction interacts with state and local tax caps, and a quick tip for couples buying a home together. The episode ends with a discussion of whether the deduction is worth the complexity, and a link for listeners who want to support the show. #MortgageInterestDeduction #TaxPlanning #Homeownership #ItemizedDeductions #StandardDeduction #TaxDeductions #2026Tax #HomeEquityLoan #Refinance #SecondHome #RealEstateTax #TaxStrategy #Finance #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast #TaxTips #HomeBuyer #TaxSeason Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

How the Clean Vehicle Credit Works in 2026 02.08.2026 10min

In this episode of The Tax Strategy Podcast, Lucas and Luna break down the Clean Vehicle Credit for 2026, focusing on the new point-of-sale transfer option that lets buyers apply the credit at the dealership. They walk through the income limits, the price caps, and the confusing battery component requirements, using the example of a family buying an electric SUV under $80,000. They also discuss how the credit phases out for higher earners and why leasing can sometimes be a better workaround. By the end, you'll know exactly what to ask at the dealership and how to avoid common mistakes when filing. If you're thinking about an EV this year, this is the episode you need. #CleanVehicleCredit #EVTaxCredit #ElectricVehicle #TaxCredit #TaxPlanning #TaxStrategy #Finance #Business #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast #TaxPodcast #IRS #Dealership #PointOfSale #BatteryRequirement #IncomeLimit #Leasing #2026Taxes Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

The State Tax Credit That Pays You to Donate to Scholarship Funds 01.08.2026 8min

In this episode of The Tax Strategy Podcast, Lucas and Luna unpack state-level tax credits that reward donations to scholarship-granting organizations. Using Arizona's law as a concrete example, they explain how a dollar-for-dollar credit can lower your state tax bill by up to $1,000 for individuals or $2,000 for couples filing jointly. They walk through the mechanics, who benefits, and the policy trade-offs, including how these credits influence where education dollars flow. If you itemize or pay state income tax, this episode offers a fresh angle on charitable giving that goes beyond the standard deduction. Plus, Lucas and Luna share how listener support keeps the show ad-free and funded by a small group of monthly contributors. #StateTaxCredits #ScholarshipDonations #ArizonaTaxCredit #CharitableGiving #TaxPlanning #Finance #Business #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast #TaxStrategy #PersonalFinance #TaxSavings #EducationFunding #StateTaxes #TaxCredits #DonationStrategy #TaxDeductions #LucasAndLuna Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

How the American Opportunity Tax Credit Saves College Costs in 2026 30.07.2026 8min

Episode 141 of The Tax Strategy Podcast breaks down the American Opportunity Tax Credit (AOTC) — a refundable credit worth up to $2,500 per undergraduate student. Lucas explains the eligibility rules, income phaseouts (starting at $180,000 MAGI for joint filers), and qualifying expenses like tuition and books. Luna asks about the Lifetime Learning Credit, dependent claiming, and coordination with 529 plans. A 2026 case study shows how a family with a community college student can pocket the full credit. The hosts also discuss Form 8863 and 1098-T requirements. Listeners learn one concrete way to reduce their tax bill while supporting higher education. #AmericanOpportunityTaxCredit #AOTC #TaxCredits #CollegeSavings #EducationTaxBreaks #FinancialAid #TaxPlanning #Form8863 #1098T #LifetimeLearningCredit #TuitionDeduction #RefundableCredit #TaxRefund #StudentTaxes #Finance #TaxStrategy #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

How the HSA Triple Tax Advantage Works in 2026 30.07.2026 9min

In this episode of The Tax Strategy Podcast, Lucas and Luna break down the Health Savings Account — the most powerful tax-advantaged account most people overlook. With specific 2026 contribution limits ($4,150 for individuals, $8,300 for families, plus $1,000 catch-up), they explain how the triple tax benefit works: tax-deductible contributions, tax-free growth, and tax-free withdrawals for qualified medical expenses. They discuss why savvy savers invest their HSA for long-term growth rather than using it for small bills, how to avoid FICA taxes through payroll deductions, and the special rules after age 65. Plus, they compare HSAs to FSAs and 401(k)s. Perfect for anyone with a high-deductible health plan looking to turn medical savings into retirement wealth. #HealthSavingsAccount #HSA #TaxTripleAdvantage #TaxStrategy #Finance #PersonalFinance #RetirementPlanning #MedicalExpenses #HighDeductibleHealthPlan #IRAComparison #FICA #CatchUpContributions #TaxFreeGrowth #Investing #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast #TaxPodcast #2026Tax Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

How Clean Energy Tax Credits Slash Your 2026 Tax Bill 29.07.2026 8min

In this episode of The Tax Strategy Podcast, hosts Lucas and Luna break down the federal tax credits available for homeowners and businesses investing in clean energy in 2026. They focus on the Residential Clean Energy Credit, which covers 30% of solar panel, battery storage, and geothermal heat pump costs with no dollar cap, and the Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit, which offers up to $1,200 annually for items like windows and doors, plus $2,000 for heat pumps. Lucas explains how these credits are nonrefundable but can carry forward for solar, while efficiency credits cannot. They also discuss state-level add-ons, the simplicity of IRS Form 5695, and how to avoid common mistakes like using non-qualifying products. The episode is packed with specific dollar figures and practical tips for maximizing your savings. A brief listener-support segment reminds listeners about buy me a coffee dot com slash fexingo. Whether you're a homeowner planning upgrades or a business considering solar, this episode gives you the concrete numbers and rules you need to cut your 2026 tax bill. #TaxStrategy #CleanEnergy #SolarTaxCredit #EnergyEfficiency #IRS #TaxCredits #ResidentialCleanEnergy #HeatPumps #BatteryStorage #Geothermal #Form5695 #InflationReductionAct #Finance #Business #TaxPlanning #HomeImprovements #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

How Section 199A Saves Small Business Owners Thousands in 2026 29.07.2026 7min

The Qualified Business Income deduction (Section 199A) lets many small business owners deduct up to 20% of their pass-through income. But the rules get tricky: specified service businesses like doctors and lawyers face phaseouts above certain income thresholds, and even trades like manufacturing are limited by wages and property. In this episode, Lucas and Luna break down exactly how the deduction works for a real-world example—a married plumber earning $300,000 who can claim a $60,000 deduction, saving over $15,000 in taxes. They also cover the phaseout ranges for 2026, the wage and property limitations, and why high-earning professionals may lose the deduction entirely. If you own a business as a sole proprietor, LLC, or S-corp, this is the tax break you cannot afford to ignore. #TaxStrategy #SmallBusiness #QBI #Section199A #TaxDeduction #PassThrough #BusinessTax #Finance #Business #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast #TaxPlanning #SelfEmployed #LLC #Partnership #SoleProprietor #QualifiedBusinessIncome #TaxTips Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

How Remote Work Across State Lines Complicates Your Taxes in 2026 28.07.2026 7min

In this episode of The Tax Strategy Podcast, Lucas and Luna unpack the state tax maze facing remote workers. With about one in three employees still working remotely or hybrid, the question of which state gets your income tax is surprisingly tricky. Lucas explains the 'convenience of the employer' rule, focusing on New York's aggressive stance: if you live in a no-tax state like Texas but work for a New York company, you may still owe New York tax. Luna probes how remote workers can avoid double taxation and manage multi-state filing. The hosts share practical strategies: track your days carefully, understand your employer's state's rules, and consider whether moving changes your liability. With audits on the rise, this episode is essential for anyone earning a paycheck from a different state than where they live. A couple of dollars a month from listeners keeps this ad-free show going — head to buy me a coffee dot com slash fexingo if you've gotten value from our tax deep dives. #RemoteWorkTax #StateTax #ConvenienceOfEmployer #NewYorkTax #TexasIncomeTax #MultiStateTax #TaxStrategy #Finance #Podcast #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast #TaxTips #WorkFromHome #TaxCompliance #Telecommute #TaxAudit #DoubleTaxation #TaxFiling Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

How the Kiddie Tax Works for Your Child's Investment Income 28.07.2026 9min

If your child has investment income from a custodial account, the kiddie tax might apply and it’s taxed at trust tax rates—not the child’s lower rate. In this episode, Lucas and Luna break down the 2026 thresholds (the first $1,300 is tax-free, next $1,300 at child’s rate, anything over at trust rates), who is affected (children under 19 and full-time students under 24), and three practical strategies to reduce the impact: switching to growth stocks, using municipal bonds, and timing the sale of assets. They also discuss a real-world case where a family inadvertently triggered the tax on a large capital gain distribution. If you have a child with a brokerage account, this episode is a must-listen for year-end tax planning. #KiddieTax #InvestmentIncome #TaxStrategy #FamilyFinance #IRS #TaxPlanning #CustodialAccounts #Dividends #CapitalGains #StandardDeduction #TrustTaxRates #Business #Finance #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast #TaxPodcast #ParentingAndFinance #2026Tax Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

How the AMT Still Catches High-Income Earners in 2026 27.07.2026 7min

The Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT) was designed to ensure wealthy taxpayers pay a minimum tax, but it still ensnares many high-income earners with large deductions. In this episode, Lucas and Luna break down how the AMT works, why it's triggered by state and local tax deductions, and who's most at risk in 2026. Using a concrete example of a taxpayer earning $500,000 with significant itemized deductions, they explain the 26% and 28% rates, exemption phaseouts, and planning strategies like limiting SALT deductions or bunching charitable contributions. They also touch on how inflation indexing has reduced but not eliminated AMT exposure. If you're a high earner with big deductions, this episode helps you plan ahead. #AlternativeMinimumTax #AMT #HighIncomeEarners #TaxPlanning #SALT #StateAndLocalTax #ItemizedDeductions #ExemptionPhaseout #2026Tax #TaxStrategy #IRS #Finance #Business #TaxPodcast #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast #TaxTips #WealthManagement Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

How the Primary Residence Capital Gains Exclusion Works in 2026 27.07.2026 7min

Selling your home? The IRS lets single filers exclude up to $250,000 of profit from capital gains tax, and married couples filing jointly can exclude $500,000. But the rules have traps: the two-out-of-five-year ownership and use test, how to count time if you've worked from home, and what happens if you sell before two years. Lucas and Luna walk through a concrete example of a couple selling a home in Austin, Texas, and show how the exclusion saved them over $70,000 in taxes compared to a non-qualified sale. Plus, strategies for maximizing the exclusion when you've turned part of your home into a rental or home office. If you're planning to sell in 2026 or 2027, this episode is a must-listen. #PrimaryResidenceExclusion #CapitalGains #TaxStrategy #Section121 #HomeSale #IRS #2026Tax #RealEstateTax #HousingMarket #HomeOwnership #TaxExclusion #MarriedFilingJointly #Finance #TaxPodcast #TheTaxStrategyPodcast #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast #Fexingo Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo