How the Wealthy Pay Less in Taxes (Legally) with Amanda Han | 023

Taxes might not be the most exciting topic, but what if I told you they could be the easiest money you’ll ever make—just by keeping more of what you already earn? In this episode, I sit down with Amanda Han, CPA, real estate investor, and tax strategist at Keystone CPA, to break down how real estate investing can significantly reduce your tax burden and accelerate your path to financial freedom.We discuss the most overlooked tax benefits of real estate, common myths that CPAs tell investors, and why tax planning is not just about filing your return—it’s about making smart financial moves throughout the year. Whether you’re a high-income W-2 earner, a business owner, or an accredited investor, Amanda shares actionable strategies to help you legally pay less in taxes while building long-term wealth. Plus, we talk about the importance of working with the right tax advisor and how to tell if your CPA is truly helping you or just going through the motions.Key Takeaways:1. Tax planning is an ongoing process, not a one-time event – You need a strategy in place before tax season to maximize savings.2. Depreciation is one of the most powerful wealth-building tools – It allows real estate investors to claim deductions even if their property is increasing in value.3. Not all CPAs understand real estate investing – Many focus only on W-2 income and overlook significant tax advantages available to investors.4. High-income earners can still benefit from real estate tax strategies – Even if losses can’t offset W-2 income now, they carry forward to offset future gains.5. Asking the right questions is key to tax savings – A great tax advisor should ask you detailed questions about your investments and future goals to craft the best strategy.Episode Highlights:[0:00] - Introduction[2:22] - Why real estate investing is one of the best ways to legally reduce taxes[6:09] - The difference between tax planning and tax filing (and why most people get it wrong)[10:55] - The biggest myth CPAs tell investors about real estate tax benefits[12:54] - What is depreciation, and why is it a game-changer for real estate investors?[16:03] - How real estate allows you to generate cash flow while minimizing taxes[18:14] - The “real estate professional” status and how it can dramatically lower your tax bill[22:29] - What accredited investors should ask their CPA to ensure they’re maximizing tax benefits[27:15] - How to tell if your CPA is truly helping you plan or just answering questions[30:23] - The power of leveraging a great tax team for real estate success[35:12] - Amanda’s personal journey into real estate investing (and how she transitioned from a corporate CPA to a tax strategist for investors)[39:40] - How saving on taxes gives you more freedom to enjoy life, family, and of course… great food!Links & Resources:• https://www.keystonecpa.com/ • Follow Amanda Han on Instagram for daily tax tips: https://www.instagram.com/amanda_han_cpa/?hl=enIf you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast! And share it with fellow investors who want to pay less in taxes and build wealth faster.