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

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• How the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act Sunset Reshapes Your 2026 Return 21.06.2026 9นาที

  The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act sunsets at the end of 2025. In this episode, Lucas and Luna walk through how that changes your 2026 tax return — lower standard deduction, lost personal exemptions, reduced child tax credit, and the return of the state and local tax deduction cap. They focus on a real middle-income family scenario: a couple with two kids earning $120,000 in Atlanta. Compare their 2025 tax bill under current law with what they'd owe in 2026 if Congress lets provisions expire. Specific numbers: the standard deduction drops from $30,000 to about $15,000 (married filing jointly). The child tax credit falls from $2,000 per child to $1,000. The mortgage interest deduction limit reverts from $750,000 to $1 million. State and local tax deduction caps stay at $10,000. The episode explains which expiration is definite and which might be extended, and offers one concrete planning move: accelerating deductions into 2025. #TaxCutsAndJobsAct #TCJASunset #TaxPlanning2026 #StandardDeduction #ChildTaxCredit #SALTCap #MortgageInterestDeduction #PersonalExemption #TaxBrackets #MiddleClass #FamilyTax #Atlanta #Georgia #Congress #IRS #Finance #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo
• How the Kiddie Tax Catches Your Child's Investment Income 20.06.2026 13นาที

  Lucas and Luna unpack the kiddie tax—a rule that taxes a child's unearned income above $2,800 at the parent's marginal rate, not the child's lower rate. They use a concrete example: a 14-year-old with $5,000 in dividend income from a custodial account. Lucas explains the $2,800 threshold for 2026, why the rule exists to prevent income shifting, and how it interacts with the new 2025 tax brackets after the TCJA sunset. Luna asks about UTMA accounts, Form 8615, and whether college savings plans are affected. They also cover the trust-tax-rate alternative for 2026 and a practical tip: timing dividend distributions or selling growth stocks after age 18. No prior tax knowledge assumed, but listeners will walk away knowing exactly how to check if their child owes kiddie tax this year. #KiddieTax #ChildInvestmentIncome #Form8615 #UTMA #CustodialAccount #2026TaxBrackets #TCJASunset #TrustTaxRates #UnearnedIncome #TaxPlanning #FamilyTaxStrategy #DividendTax #CapitalGains #Finance #TaxStrategy #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast #LucasAndLuna Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo
• How the Nanny Tax Works for Household Employees in 2026 20.06.2026 6นาที

  Lucas and Luna tackle the so-called 'nanny tax' — the IRS rules for household employees like nannies, elder caregivers, and house cleaners. They walk through the $2,800 threshold for 2026, what forms you need (Schedule H, W-2, W-3), and the Social Security and Medicare tax split. Lucas explains why many families accidentally misclassify workers as independent contractors and the penalties that follow. Luna shares a story about a friend who got a notice three years after hiring a part-time caregiver. They also cover the state-level complications, including unemployment insurance and paid family leave contributions. By the end, listeners will know exactly when they become a household employer and how to stay compliant without overpaying. #NannyTax #HouseholdEmployee #ScheduleH #TaxCompliance #PayrollTax #IRS #FICA #EmployerTax #Misclassification #IndependentContractor #W2 #W3 #SSN #StateUnemploymentTax #PaidFamilyLeave #Finance #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo
• How the Crypto Wash Sale Rule Works in 2026 19.06.2026 9นาที

  Episode 61 of The Tax Strategy Podcast breaks down the 2026 crypto wash sale rule. Lucas and Luna explain how the IRS now treats digital asset losses the same as stock losses, using a concrete example of a trader who tried to harvest losses on Bitcoin and Ethereum. They cover what changed, what didn't change for spot vs. derivatives, and how the rule affects year-end tax planning. No generic advice — just the specific mechanics and one surprising loophole for foreign exchanges. If you trade crypto, this episode saves you from a common audit trigger. #Crypto #WashSaleRule #TaxLossHarvesting #IRS #Bitcoin #Ethereum #DigitalAssets #TaxPlanning #CapitalGains #InternalRevenueCode #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast #Finance #TaxStrategy #NFTA #DeFi #CryptoTrader #TaxAudit Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo
• How the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act Sunset Reshapes Your 2026 Return 19.06.2026 10นาที

  Episode 60 of The Tax Strategy Podcast breaks down the pending expiration of key Tax Cuts and Jobs Act provisions at the end of 2025 — and what that means for your 2026 return. Lucas and Luna walk through the specific changes hitting itemized deductions, the child tax credit, the estate tax exemption, and the qualified business income deduction. They explain why the standard deduction won't revert to pre-TCJA levels, how the personal exemption returns, and why the AMT landscape flips. If you have a mortgage over $750,000, a side business, or an estate above $5 million, this episode gives you a practical checklist for the next six months. No panic, just planning. #TaxCutsAndJobsAct #TCJASunset #2026TaxChanges #ItemizedDeductions #ChildTaxCredit #EstateTaxExemption #QualifiedBusinessIncome #StandardDeduction #AMT #TaxPlanning #PersonalExemption #SALT #MortgageInterest #TaxStrategy #Finance #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast #TaxPodcast Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo
• The Unreimbursed Partnership Expense Trap for Side Hustlers 18.06.2026 7นาที

  This episode of The Tax Strategy Podcast uncovers a little-known IRS rule that disallows unreimbursed partnership expenses — costs you pay out of pocket for a partnership or multi-member LLC that you can't deduct as a business expense and can't claim as an itemized deduction either. Lucas and Luna walk through a real-world example: a freelance graphic designer and a web developer who form a 50-50 partnership to launch a subscription design service. The designer spends $8,000 on software licenses and a dedicated laptop before the venture generates revenue, expecting to deduct those costs against partnership income. But the IRS treats those payments as capital contributions, not deductible expenses, and the partnership's tax return misses the write-off entirely. The episode explains the UPE trap, why it catches so many small business owners in 2026, and the two workarounds: an accountable plan or a partnership agreement amendment that requires reimbursement. Specific, actionable, and timely for anyone running a side hustle with a co-founder. #UnreimbursedPartnershipExpenses #PartnershipTax #SideHustleTax #LLCTax #SmallBusinessDeductions #AccountablePlan #PartnershipAgreement #IRSRules #TaxStrategy #SelfEmploymentTax #BusinessExpenses #TaxPlanning #MultiMemberLLC #Finance #BusinessPodcast #FexingoBusiness #TaxStrategyPodcast #Podcast Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo
• How the Child Tax Credit Phase-in Works in 2026 18.06.2026 12นาที

  Episode 58 of The Tax Strategy Podcast digs into the Child Tax Credit's phase-in rules for 2026. Lucas and Luna explain how the credit's refundable portion gradually increases with earned income above $2,500, using a concrete example of a single mom earning $18,000. They walk through the formula, contrast it with the fully refundable credit from 2021, and discuss how the phase-in affects low-income families who need the credit most. The conversation also touches on planning strategies like timing earned income to maximize the refundable amount. A must-listen for tax pros, parents, and anyone filing with children in 2026. #ChildTaxCredit #TaxCredits #RefundableCredit #PhaseIn #TaxPlanning #FamilyTax #LowIncomeTax #EarnedIncome #TaxStrategy #IRS #2026Tax #Refund #TaxRefund #Filing #Parents #Finance #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo
• The Secret Tax Break for Rental Property Owners 17.06.2026 9นาที

  In this episode, Lucas and Luna dive into the cost segregation study—a tax strategy that lets real estate investors accelerate depreciation on commercial and residential rental properties. They break down how this technique reclassifies building components into shorter-lived asset categories, generating bigger upfront deductions and deferring taxes. Using a concrete example of a $1.5 million apartment building, they show how a cost segregation study can produce a net present value benefit of over $200,000. They also cover the IRS guidelines, the role of engineering-based studies, and the risks of triggering depreciation recapture upon sale. A must-listen for landlords, real estate investors, and anyone curious about optimizing their tax strategy. #CostSegregation #Depreciation #RealEstateInvesting #TaxStrategy #RentalProperty #IRS #MACRS #BonusDepreciation #TaxDeduction #CapitalCostAllowance #Landlords #PropertyInvestors #AcceleratedDepreciation #TaxDeferral #Finance #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast #TaxPlanning Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo
• How the Foreign Tax Credit Saves You From Double Taxation 17.06.2026 9นาที

  This episode of The Tax Strategy Podcast with Fexingo explores the Foreign Tax Credit, a powerful tool for U.S. investors and expats with international income. Lucas and Luna break down how the credit works, who qualifies, and why it often beats the foreign earned income exclusion for tax efficiency. They use a concrete example: a U.S. resident with $10,000 in dividends from a German company, showing how the credit offsets the 15% German withholding tax dollar-for-dollar against U.S. tax liability. They also discuss the carryforward rule for unused credits, the difference between passive and general category income, and common pitfalls like double-dipping on the same income. If you hold foreign stocks, work abroad, or own a foreign rental property, this episode gives you the framework to avoid paying tax twice on the same income. #ForeignTaxCredit #DoubleTaxation #InternationalInvesting #TaxStrategy #Finance #Podcast #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast #TaxPlanning #LucasAndLuna #GermanDividends #WithholdingTax #TaxTreaty #ForeignEarnedIncomeExclusion #Carryforward #PassiveIncome #GeneralCategoryIncome #ExpatTax Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo
• How the Wash Sale Rule Traps Active Traders 16.06.2026 8นาที

  Episode 55 unpacks the wash sale rule — a tax provision that disallows losses on securities sold at a loss if you buy a substantially identical stock within 30 days. Lucas and Luna walk through a concrete example of a trader triggering the rule unintentionally during a volatile quarter in June 2026. They explain tracking the 61-day window, how it interacts with tax-loss harvesting, and the surprising impact on ETF trades. Perfect for anyone who manages their own portfolio and wants to avoid costly IRS adjustments. #WashSaleRule #TaxLossHarvesting #ActiveTrading #IRS #CapitalGains #PortfolioManagement #ETFs #TaxStrategy #Investing #Finance #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast #TaxTips #StockMarket #TraderTaxes #TaxPlanning #DividendReinvestment #CostBasis Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo
• How the Roth IRA Conversion Ladder Works in 2026 16.06.2026 9นาที

  Episode 54 of The Tax Strategy Podcast breaks down the Roth IRA conversion ladder — a strategy for moving pre-tax retirement savings into a Roth account over multiple years to minimize taxes. Lucas and Luna explain the five-year rule, how to avoid the 10% early distribution penalty, and what the 2026 tax brackets mean for your conversion timing. They walk through a real example: a 45-year-old earning $120,000 who converts $30,000 per year and ends up paying less total tax than a lump-sum conversion. The episode also covers the pro-rata rule for mixing IRAs and the potential impact of future tax rate changes. Listeners learn exactly how to execute the ladder and whether it makes sense for their own retirement timeline. #RothIRAConversion #RetirementPlanning #TaxLadder #TaxStrategy #PersonalFinance #Investing #IRA #FiveYearRule #ProRataRule #TaxBrackets #2026Taxes #EarlyWithdrawal #PenaltyFree #FinancialIndependence #FIRE #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast #TaxTips Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo
• How Tax-Loss Harvesting Cuts Your Capital Gains Bill 15.06.2026 8นาที

  In this episode of Tax Strategy Podcast with Fexingo, Lucas and Luna dive into tax-loss harvesting — a technique that turns investment losses into real tax savings. They explain how it works with a concrete example: selling a losing stock to offset gains from a winning one, and how the IRS wash-sale rule can trip you up. Lucas breaks down the mechanics using a hypothetical portfolio, showing how a $5,000 loss can reduce a $15,000 gain, saving you $1,500 in taxes. They also discuss timing strategies, the importance of harvesting before year-end, and how to avoid buying back the same security within 30 days. Perfect for investors looking to optimize their taxable accounts without changing their long-term strategy. #TaxLossHarvesting #CapitalGains #WashSaleRule #InvestmentTaxes #TaxPlanning #TaxStrategy #PortfolioManagement #IRS #TaxSavings #YearEndTaxPlanning #LucasAndLuna #Fexingo #Finance #Business #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast #TaxTips2026 #InvestingTips Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo
• How a Dependent Day Care FSA Saves You Thousands 15.06.2026 8นาที

  Episode 52 of The Tax Strategy Podcast breaks down the Dependent Day Care FSA — a tax-advantaged account that lets working parents set aside up to $5,000 pre-tax for child care expenses in 2026. Lucas and Luna walk through the eligibility requirements, the interplay with the Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit, and a real-world scenario showing how a family can save over $1,200 in taxes. They also cover common gotchas like the earned income requirement, the age limit for qualifying dependents, and what counts as eligible care. If you're a parent paying for daycare, after-school programs, or summer camp, this episode gives you the concrete rules to decide whether the FSA or the credit makes more sense for your family. #DependentDayCareFSA #ChildCareTaxStrategy #FSABasics #TaxDeductions2026 #WorkingParents #ChildAndDependentCareCredit #PreTaxSavings #DaycareCosts #SummerCampDeduction #TaxPlanning #FamilyFinance #PayrollDeduction #EarnedIncomeRequirement #FSAVsTaxCredit #StayAtHomeParent #Finance #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo
• How a Donor-Advised Fund Works for Tax-Smart Giving in 2026 14.06.2026 10นาที

  In Episode 51 of The Tax Strategy Podcast, Lucas and Luna break down the donor-advised fund (DAF) — a tax strategy that lets you bunch charitable deductions into one year while spreading grants to nonprofits over time. They walk through a concrete example: a couple earning $200,000 who wants to give $15,000 annually but can itemize only every other year under the 2026 standard deduction. By funding a DAF with three years of gifts now, they claim ~$45,000 in itemized deductions this year, and then grant the money out bit by bit. Lucas explains the rule limiting DAF deductions to 30% of adjusted gross income for cash and 20% for appreciated stock, and why donating stock can avoid capital gains tax. Luna raises common pitfalls — non-cash assets besides stock, administrative fees, and the fact that the IRS requires the sponsoring organization to have 'donor-advised' in its name. They also touch on the 2026 regulatory landscape, including the proposed 50% cap on DAF grants to certain foreign charities. A practical guide for anyone thinking about charitable giving and tax efficiency. #DonorAdvisedFund #CharitableGiving #TaxStrategy #ItemizedDeductions #AppreciatedStock #CapitalGains #BunchingDeductions #2026Tax #Philanthropy #TaxDeductions #FidelityCharitable #SchwabCharitable #Finance #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast #TaxPlanning #LucasAndLuna #TaxTips Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo
• How the American Opportunity Tax Credit Cuts College Costs 14.06.2026 11นาที

  Episode 50 of The Tax Strategy Podcast breaks down the American Opportunity Tax Credit (AOTC), a dollar-for-dollar tax credit worth up to $2,500 per student for qualified college expenses. Lucas and Luna walk through the eligibility rules, income phaseouts, and how the 40 percent refundable portion helps families with little or no tax liability. They compare it to the Lifetime Learning Credit and explain why claiming the wrong credit on Form 8863 can cost you thousands. A concrete example shows how a family earning $160,000 can save $2,500 per year for four years of undergraduate tuition, fees, and course materials. If you're paying for college in 2026, this episode shows you exactly how to capture the credit before it expires at the end of 2026. #AmericanOpportunityTaxCredit #AOTC #TaxCredits #CollegeCosts #HigherEducation #Form8863 #LifetimeLearningCredit #RefundableCredit #TaxPlanning #EducationTaxBreaks #StudentLoans #TaxStrategy #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast #Finance #TaxPodcast #CollegeSavings #IRS Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo
• How the Self-Rental Rule Blocks Home Office Deductions 13.06.2026 7นาที

  Episode 49 dives into the IRS self-rental rule, a trap that catches real estate professionals who rent their home office to their own business. Lucas and Luna break down Section 469, the material participation test, and a real-world example from a 2026 tax court case where a consultant lost $23,000 in deductions. Listeners learn how passive activity loss rules classify rental income and why owning the office you work in can actually hurt your tax bill. Specific strategies include converting to a cost-sharing arrangement or electing out of the recharacterization rule. No fluff, just the one angle that saves you from an audit. #SelfRentalRule #HomeOfficeDeduction #Section469 #PassiveActivityLoss #TaxCourt2026 #RealEstateProfessional #MaterialParticipation #IRS #AuditRisk #RentalIncome #TaxStrategy #Finance #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast #TaxPlanning #SmallBusiness #ConsultantTaxes #HybridWorker Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo
• How Filing Status Changes Your Tax Bill After Marriage or Divorce 13.06.2026 9นาที

  Getting married or divorced doesn't just change your life — it rewrites your entire tax situation. In this episode of The Tax Strategy Podcast with Fexingo, Lucas and Luna walk through how filing status choices — Married Filing Jointly, Married Filing Separately, Head of Household, and Single — affect everything from your tax bracket width to deduction eligibility. They dive into the real numbers: the 2026 standard deduction for Married Filing Jointly is $30,000, compared to $15,000 for Single filers, but the brackets widen too — the 22% bracket for joint filers tops out at $123,000 versus $61,000 for single filers. That can save thousands. But there are traps: the Net Investment Income Tax threshold stays at $250,000 for joint filers, and the Pease limitation on itemized deductions kicks in at $400,000. They also cover what happens mid-year — say a December wedding or a June divorce — and how the IRS uses your status on December 31 to determine your whole year. A concrete listener scenario ties it together: a couple earning $150,000 each who married in 2025 and saved $4,200 in taxes simply by filing jointly. Plus, a quick word on how listener support keeps the show ad-free at buy me a coffee dot com slash fexingo. #MarriageTax #DivorceTax #FilingStatus #TaxBrackets #StandardDeduction #MarriedFilingJointly #HeadOfHousehold #TaxPlanning #2026Tax #NetInvestmentIncomeTax #PeaseLimitation #IRS #PersonalFinance #Finance #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast #TaxStrategy #LucasAndLuna Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo
• How Bartering Income Is Taxable in 2026 12.06.2026 8นาที

  Most people think trading services with a friend is tax-free. Not so fast. In this episode, Lucas and Luna break down how the IRS treats bartering transactions in 2026, using a concrete example: a graphic designer swaps $2,000 worth of branding work for a mechanic's car repairs. They explain the fair market value rule, how barter exchanges report to the IRS on Form 1099-B, and why even a neighborly swap of home-cooked meals for lawn care can create a tax headache. They also walk through what happens if you don't report barter income—back taxes, penalties, and audit flags. Plus, they offer practical tips for tracking barter deals, including using a simple log or apps. If you've ever traded a service without exchanging cash, this episode will save you from an unwelcome surprise come tax season. #Bartering #TaxableIncome #IRS #1099B #FairMarketValue #SideHustle #FreelanceTaxes #GigEconomy #TaxTips #Finance #BusinessPodcast #FexingoBusiness #TaxStrategy #Form1099 #AuditRisk #ServiceSwap #SelfEmployed #TaxSeason Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo
• How the IRS Audits Side Hustles in 2026 12.06.2026 7นาที

  In this episode of The Tax Strategy Podcast, Lucas and Luna break down how the IRS is auditing side hustles in 2026, focusing on Form 1099-K reporting thresholds, the Transactional Data Analysis program, and a real case study of a freelance graphic designer who triggered an audit by mismatching income across platforms. They explain what red flags the IRS looks for, how to document business expenses properly, and practical steps to reduce audit risk without stifling your side income. Episode 46 of Fexingo's daily business podcast. #IRS #SideHustle #1099K #TaxAudit #FreelanceTax #BusinessExpenses #SelfEmployment #GigEconomy #TaxCompliance #Form1099 #AuditRedFlags #IncomeMatching #TaxTips #Finance #Business #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast #TaxStrategy Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo
• How the Qualified Business Income Deduction Works in 2026 11.06.2026 12นาที

  Lucas and Luna break down the Section 199A qualified business income deduction for pass-through business owners. Using the example of a freelance graphic designer earning $180,000, they explain the 20 percent deduction, the taxable income threshold ($197,300 for single filers in 2026), the phase-in range, the wage and property limits, and how specified service trades or businesses like law, medicine, and consulting are treated. They walk through the actual math for two scenarios: one below the threshold and one in the phase-in zone. Listeners learn exactly whether their business qualifies and how to structure wages and property to maximize the deduction. #QualifiedBusinessIncomeDeduction #Section199A #PassThroughBusiness #TaxStrategy #FreelanceTax #SmallBusinessTax #TaxDeduction #2026Tax #Finance #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast #TaxPlanning #ServiceBusiness #PhaseIn #WageLimit #PropertyLimit #SoleProprietor #LLCTax Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo