Ep. 156 | 4th Quarter Tax Planning for Business Owners
Download MP3In this episode of the Teaching Tax Flow Podcast, hosts Chris Picciurro, CPA, and John Tripolsky welcome Marit Burmood, CPA & EA, to discuss actionable strategies for business owners as the year winds down. From vehicle deductions to timing income and expenses, this episode cuts through online tax myths to deliver real-world guidance on maximizing deductions before year-end.
Marit shares practical insight from years of hands-on experience helping business owners implement proactive tax plans—emphasizing organization, accurate bookkeeping, and collaboration with your tax professional. Together, the trio highlight how cash-basis timing, depreciation, reimbursable plans, and entity structure play critical roles in shaping your 4th-quarter tax outcomes.
Key Takeaways
• Get your books in order — profit & loss, balance sheet, payroll, and distributions must be accurate before planning.
• Understand that a deduction ≠ a tax-free purchase. A $100K vehicle deduction doesn’t eliminate $100K in taxes.
• Avoid depreciation traps — bonus depreciation and vehicle write-offs can cause painful recapture if sold too soon.
• Use the cash-basis “twelve-month rule” to prepay eligible expenses or defer income strategically.
• Set up an accountable plan for home-office, mileage, and reimbursements before year-end.
• Track all subcontractor payments and W-9s now—don’t scramble during 1099 season.
• Above all: buy only what you need—don’t let the tax tail wag the dog.
• Understand that a deduction ≠ a tax-free purchase. A $100K vehicle deduction doesn’t eliminate $100K in taxes.
• Avoid depreciation traps — bonus depreciation and vehicle write-offs can cause painful recapture if sold too soon.
• Use the cash-basis “twelve-month rule” to prepay eligible expenses or defer income strategically.
• Set up an accountable plan for home-office, mileage, and reimbursements before year-end.
• Track all subcontractor payments and W-9s now—don’t scramble during 1099 season.
• Above all: buy only what you need—don’t let the tax tail wag the dog.
Notable Quotes
• “Buying a vehicle might be good, but it’s not a tax plan.” – Chris Picciurro
• “A $100K deduction doesn’t mean you’re saving $100K in taxes.” – Marit Burmood
• “Cash flow and tax flow are different.” – Chris Picciurro
• “Don’t buy it if you don’t need it—be logical, not emotional.” – Marit Burmood
• “A $100K deduction doesn’t mean you’re saving $100K in taxes.” – Marit Burmood
• “Cash flow and tax flow are different.” – Chris Picciurro
• “Don’t buy it if you don’t need it—be logical, not emotional.” – Marit Burmood
Resources
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- (03:09) - Entrepreneurial Tax Strategies for Business Owners in October
- (08:56) - Understanding Tax Misconceptions and Effective Business Financial Planning
- (16:50) - Understanding Depreciation Recapture and Tax Implications for Businesses
- (21:19) - Tax Strategies for Small Businesses and Real Estate Investments
- (26:50) - Tax Strategies for S Corp and Small Business Owners
- (35:45) - Effective Tax Planning Through Communication and Organization
