347. W-2 Tax Strategies in 2025: What's Actually Working

In this episode of the Tax Smart REI Podcast, hosts Thomas Castelli and Ryan Carriere dive into one of the most-requested topics from high-income investors and professionals, W-2 tax strategies. Tune in to learn: - Why W-2 income is so highly taxed and the biggest obstacles to offsetting it - How Section 469 passive activity rules work and proven ways to navigate them with real estate professional status (REPS) or short-term rentals - How the $626,000 Excess Business Loss (EBL) limit applies to high earners and how to strategically plan around it - Ways to generate non-passive losses through active businesses and oil & gas investments - How to stack charitable deductions (like donor-advised funds, CRTs, and CLTs) on top of business losses for maximum impact - Traditional but powerful tactics, including 401(k)s, HSAs, SALT deductions, and capital loss harvesting - Which “too-good-to-be-true” tax schemes to avoid and how to spot them before they get you audited This comprehensive breakdown gives you a complete view of W-2 taxation. To become a client, request a consultation from Hall CPA, PLLC at go.therealestatecpa.com/3KSEev6 Subscribe to REI Daily & Enter to Win a FREE Strategy Call: go.therealestatecpa.com/41JuQBX Connect with Eckard Enterprises: eckardenterprises.com/taxsmartrei/ The Tax Smart Real Estate Investors podcast is for general information purposes only and is not intended to provide, and should not be relied on for, tax, legal, or accounting advice. Information on the podcast may not constitute the most up-to-date legal or other information. No reader, user, or listener of this podcast should act or refrain from acting on the basis of information on this podcast without first seeking legal and tax advice from counsel in the relevant jurisdiction. Only your individual attorney and tax advisor can provide assurances that the information contained herein – and your interpretation of it – is applicable or appropriate to your particular situation. Use of, and access to, this podcast or any of the links or resources contained or mentioned within the podcast show and show notes do not create a relationship between the reader, user, or listener and podcast hosts, contributors, or guests. Any mention of third-party vendors, products, or services does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation. You should conduct your own due diligence before engaging with any vendor.