Capital gains taxes come up any time you sell an investment, a piece of property, or a business interest for more than you paid. Understanding how they work — and how to use the rates strategically — can meaningfully lower your tax bill.

One of the most common questions we hear from business owners is: "What's the best structure for my business?" The honest answer is it depends on your income, your goals, and how you plan to grow. But here's a breakdown to help you understand the tradeoffs.

If you've elected S-Corp status, this is probably the single question your tax advisor gets asked most. It matters because your salary is subject to payroll taxes, while your distributions are not — so there's a real temptation to pay yourself as little salary as possible. But the IRS has a rule for this: reasonable compensation.

Retirement contribution limits change almost every year with inflation adjustments, and the "right" plan for you depends heavily on whether you're an employee, self-employed, or a business owner. Here's a general roadmap (always confirm current-year numbers, since limits are indexed annually).

Many people are surprised to learn that gifting money or property to family memberscan trigger tax filing requirements — even when no tax is actually owed. If you'reconsidering helping a child with a down payment, contributing to a grandchild'seducation, or simply passing along wealth during your lifetime, it's worth understandinghow the gift tax rules work before you write the check.

Once youlock in a claiming age (outside a narrow window to withdraw an application), you livewith that monthly number for the rest of your life.

Roth Conversions and Backdoor Roths: Timing, Strategy, and the Trap MostPeople Miss

The federal tax law enacted at the end of 2017 introduced significant changes for individuals, families, and business owners. Some provisions lowered tax rates or expanded available credits, while others reduced or eliminated familiar deductions.

Hiring your child to work in your business can be an effective tax planning strategy, but the rules depend on how your business is structured. While many business owners have heard they can reduce taxes by employing their children, the potential savings vary significantly between sole proprietorships, LLCs, partnerships, and corporations.

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act introduces some of the most significant tax changes in recent years, affecting individuals, families, and business owners alike. While many provisions make existing tax rules permanent, the legislation also creates new planning opportunities that could influence financial decisions for years to come.

Charitable giving can be deeply personal, but it can also be strategic. For taxpayers who give regularly, have appreciated investments, or expect a high-income year, a donor-advised fund may be worth considering.

California Proposition 40 proposes a one-time wealth tax on individuals and trusts with covered assets exceeding $1 billion. Learn what the measure could mean for business owners, founders, family offices, and private-company shareholders.

California SB 177 directs the state to develop options for requiring certain large employers to help offset Medi-Cal costs. Learn what the law does today and how employers can prepare for possible 2027 legislation.

California SB 125 establishes a managed care organization provider tax for 2027 through 2029. Learn how health plans can prepare for enrollment reconciliation, forecasting, payment notices, and federal approval.