Sete Tax Strategists @Setetax

The IRS already has your tax data—so why do you have to guess what you owe? Tax law isn’t complicated by accident. It’s built that way—fueled by lobbying and political agendas that benefit software companies and slow real reform. That’s why we still don’t have a simple,…

Most people think donating real estate to your own foundation is a simple tax hack. It’s not. Yes, you get a big tax deduction, but you also give up the right to use that property personally—legally. Any personal use becomes self-dealing, triggering brutal IRS penalties. Just…

Want to stop a state from taxing you after you move? Cut ALL ties. States like California are aggressive—they’ll look for any reason to keep taxing you, even calling your new property a “vacation home” if you've lived there long enough. The key legal standard? "Facts and…

Think you can deduct haircuts and custom suits because they're part of your "brand"? Think again. The IRS clearly classifies personal grooming as non-deductible—even if it's tied to your business image. Just because your face is on your logo doesn’t make your barber a business…

Most people don’t realize this: income is taxed, but loans are not. That’s why top CEOs take $1 salaries and get paid in stock. They park that stock at a bank, borrow against it at up to 80% loan-to-value, and access millions—tax-free. The IRS doesn't tax borrowed money, making…

Most people miss this—wealthy couples write off parts of their wedding on their taxes, and you could too. If you donate your post-wedding flowers to a nonprofit, that’s a charitable deduction. The same goes for your wedding dress or tux—if you give them to organizations…

Most people think moving offshore gets them out of paying U.S. taxes. It doesn’t. The U.S. taxes its citizens no matter where they live. Puerto Rico is the rare exception—with only a 4% income tax rate and 0% on capital gains. But the rules are strict, and one misstep can cost…

Think free products as an influencer mean free from tax? Think again. When a brand sends you high-value items in exchange for potential content, that's income – not a gift. You can’t dodge taxes by claiming there was “no guarantee” of a post. If there's value on both sides,…

Think making a video on vacation makes the whole trip a write-off? Think again. Just filming a YouTube video while in Japan doesn't make a $100,000 family vacation "ordinary and necessary" in the eyes of the IRS. Linking content to revenue isn't enough—intent and business purpose…

Most people don't realize this: real estate investors can legally avoid massive amounts of taxes through depreciation and net operating loss rules. These aren’t loopholes—they’re written into the law, supported by one of the most powerful lobbies in Washington. If you had a $900M…

Think your international business trip covers a free vacation? Think again. The IRS rules are clear: personal travel isn't deductible—even if tied to a business event. But here’s where smart planning wins. Under IRC 274(c)(2)(A), if your overseas trip is under 7 days and…

Think buying a 6,000 lb SUV like a Range Rover means a 100% write-off? That’s a costly myth. Section 179 doesn’t offer full deductions just for weight — it caps at $30,500 unless strict requirements are met. Bonus depreciation helps, but not enough to wipe out the full cost.…

Think filming videos in your car makes it a tax write-off? That's not how the IRS sees it. Tax deductions for vehicles are based on business mileage and purpose—not what you do while parked. Using a horse on livestream doesn’t suddenly make equine costs deductible either. This…

Most people don't realize you can legally pay 0% tax in Dubai—on income, dividends, and corporate profits. No loopholes. No hidden stipulations. Just zero. A UK citizen can move there, earn $50M, and keep all of it—even bring it back tax-free. But if you're a US citizen, your…

Most people don’t realize not all Tax Court opinions carry the same weight. Regular and memo opinions can support your argument. Summary opinions? Not appealable and not citable. Big difference.

Someone just turned down a raise because they thought higher income meant being taxed *more* overall. It’s wild how misunderstood marginal tax brackets still are. This stuff matters.

Most people think you can't touch your Roth IRA until 59½. Not true. You can pull out your contributions anytime, tax- and penalty-free. Just report them properly on Form 8606.

Most C Corp owners think they’re being smart by leaving cash in the business. But the IRS sees that as a red flag—and hits you with a 20% penalty. Know the rules before you get the notice.

Business gift deductions are capped at $25 per person per year! Yep, just $25. That $100 bottle of wine? Mostly not deductible. But branded promo items? Might be fully deductible. DM to learn how to gift smart.