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After Filing 50,000 Tax Returns I Discovered the Secrets to Tax Savings
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They professional, well versed and educated to address my needs. I feel very comfortable moving forward with their services.
Business Accounting Services
Amazing service! Called right away and provided so much information and support!
Tax Sherpa by far is the best in fulfilling your tax needs. They provide top notch customer service and are always willing to help.
Neal is exceptional at the work he does and always looks out for the best interest of his clients. Serena is amazing and keeps communication line open at all time. Thank you Tax Sherpa for your service.
Tax sherpa has been quite good in helping me with my monthly accounting and understand tax saving strategies and has been very low effort on my end compared to tax services I have used in the past.
If you own your own business Tax Sherpas can really switch the extra tax burden on it head for you and save you thousands, while charging very fair fees for service.
The Tax Sherpa Mission
At Tax Sherpa, our mission extends beyond the numbers. We are passionately committed to empowering solopreneurs and small business owners by saving them tens of thousands on their taxes. We firmly believe that prosperity thrives when individuals retain more of their hard-earned money. It's not just about good business sense; it's about fostering a world where people's pockets, not the government's, hold the key to positive change.
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Hop on a call with one of our tax experts to go over your individual situation.
Personalized tax assessment
Expert strategies tailored for you
Potential to discover significant tax-savings opportunities
Pick any available time on our calendar to start saving today.
Our Services
Learn a little more about the core services we offer:
Tax Advisory
Unlock your path to significant tax savings with our Tax Advisory services. Our experts craft, implement, and consistently update tailored tax strategies that not only align with your unique business needs but also pave the way for maximum tax efficiency.
Tax Filings
Realize your tax savings annually without the hassle. With our Tax Filings service, we meticulously handle the paperwork, ensuring every tax advantage is captured when submitting to the government. Experience peace of mind, knowing that every deduction and saving is realized for you.
Bookkeeping
More than just numbers on a ledger, our Bookkeeping service helps you maintain a clear picture of your revenue and expenses. By seamlessly integrating tax strategies into your books, we ensure that your records not only stay organized but also accurately mirror your financial blueprint, keeping you aligned with your tax-saving goals.
About Us
Neal McSpadden,
Chief Tax Strategist
I went from owing the IRS over $1,300,000 to Zero, and in the process of fixing my own mess I discovered the hidden world of tax planning.
Over the years, I've worked on over 50,000 tax returns covering billions of client earnings and have helped save clients hundreds of millions of dollars.
What I discovered through this whole process is that:
The large companies (that can afford to pay 6-figure fees) get great tax advice.
The simple W-2 earner with no other activities end up filing for themselves or go down to the corner tax preparer office. They generally get mediocre advice, but it's good enough for now.
The people in the middle, solopreneurs and small business owners, can't afford the fees of the big companies and are unable to get good service from the corner preparers.
Those people are who we aim to serve.
Our Core Values
Our Philosophy
Our core philosophy is that the solopreneurs and small business people are the backbone of our entire society. Without them, nothing else works.
The current system that places undue tax burdens on this group needs to be changed and defunded.
Our Promise
Our promise to you is to craft an individualized plan for your individual situation. All taxes are personal, and everyone's life is different.
Our Guarantee
We guarantee you will save multiples of our advisory service fees.
When we create your custom tax blueprint we will show you exactly how much you might save based on your current circumstances.
Our Blogs
🧠 Solo 401(k) for S-Corp Owners: Rules, Limits & Setup Guide
If you're an S-Corp owner looking to boost your retirement savings while reducing taxes, the Solo 401(k) for S-Corps is a powerful strategy worth exploring. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the rules, contribution limits, and setup steps to make the most of this retirement tool.
💡 What Is a Solo 401(k)?
A Solo 401(k) (also called an individual 401(k) or self-employed 401(k)) is a retirement plan designed for business owners with no full-time employees other than a spouse. It offers:
High contribution limits
Both employee and employer contributions
Pre-tax and Roth Solo 401(k) options
Potential loan access
Catch-up contributions if you're age 50+
Compared to a SEP IRA, the Solo 401(k) provides more contribution flexibility—making it one of the best retirement plans for S-Corp owners.
🔍 Can S-Corp Owners Use a Solo 401(k)?
Yes—but there are specific S-Corp Solo 401(k) rules to follow. As an S-Corp owner, you're both an employer and employee, which affects your ability to contribute.
Unlike sole proprietors, you can't contribute based on net business profit. Instead, your contributions are tied directly to your W-2 salary. This makes proper compensation planning essential.
Wages vs. Distributions
W-2 Wages: Count toward contribution calculations.
Distributions: Do not count—no matter how large.
Only your salary matters for Solo 401(k) contribution limits.
📊 Contribution Limits & Salary Rules
2025 Contribution Limits:
Employee Deferrals: Up to $23,500
Catch-Up (Age 50+): +$7,500
Enhanced Catch-Up (Age 60–63): +$11,250 (SECURE 2.0)
Employer Contributions: Up to 25% of your W-2 salary
Total Limit (Under 50): $69,000
Age 50+: $76,500
Age 60–63: $80,250
✅ Important: These limits apply only to W-2 wages. Distributions don’t count.
Real-World Example
W-2 Salary: $120,000
Employee Deferral: $23,500
Employer Contribution (25%): $30,000
Total: $53,500
To max out the $69,000 limit, you’d need about $183,000 in wages.
🎯 How to Set Up a Solo 401(k) for an S-Corp
Here’s how to establish your plan and stay compliant:
1. Choose a Plan Provider
Look for providers offering:
Roth Solo 401(k) options
Loan features
Self-directed 401(k) investments (e.g., real estate)
2. Meet Deadlines
Plan must be established by Dec 31 to contribute for that year.
Employee deferrals must be elected by Dec 31.
Employer contributions can be made by your business’s tax-filing deadline (plus extensions).
3. File Form 5500-EZ (If Needed)
If plan assets exceed $250,000, you must file Form 5500-EZ annually.
Typically your plan administrator will file these on your plan’s behalf.
4. Maintain Good Records
Keep documentation for:
Contributions
W-2 wages
Plan setup and amendments
🔁 Solo 401(k) vs SEP IRA for S-Corp Owners
If you want to maximize savings and flexibility, the Solo 401(k) is usually the better option.
🤔 Choosing the Best Retirement Plan for S-Corps
The best retirement plan for an S-Corp owner depends on your goals:
Want higher savings with tax flexibility? ➡️ Solo 401(k)
Want simplicity without employee contributions? ➡️ SEP IRA
Need liquidity? ➡️ Choose a plan with a loan feature
Roth vs. Traditional Solo 401(k)
Roth Solo 401(k): Pay tax now, grow tax-free
Traditional Solo 401(k): Defer taxes now, pay later
Your age, income, and tax strategy will help guide this decision.
📌 Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I open a Solo 401(k) mid-year?
Yes, as long as it’s before December 31 for that tax year.
Q: Can my spouse participate too?
Yes—if they earn income from the S-Corp.
Q: Can I have other retirement plans too?
Possibly, but IRS limits still apply across all plans.
✅ Final Thoughts: Maximize Your Tax Savings
For S-Corp owners, the Solo 401(k) is a top-tier way to boost retirement savings and reduce taxes—but only if set up and structured correctly.
Set reasonable compensation
Understand contribution mechanics
Work with a CPA or tax advisor
Proper planning can turn this plan into a powerful tax-sheltered savings machine.
Resource: https://www.irs.gov/retirement-plans/one-participant-401k-plans
Frequently Asked Questions
Q:
What's the difference between tax advisory and just filing my taxes?
Filing your taxes each year is a necessary task, but it is always backwards looking. Tax advisory works with you throughout the year to make sure that you are on the right track when it comes to your taxes and have strategies in place to save money now.
Q:
I've heard about tax write-offs for small businesses. What exactly can I write off, and how does it benefit my business?
Tax write-offs, also known as tax deductions, are expenses that a business incurs that can be subtracted from its revenue to reduce the amount of taxable income. Common write-offs include office supplies, mileage, rent for a business location, and advertising expenses, among many others. By writing off legitimate business expenses, you can significantly reduce your taxable income, which can lead to a lower tax bill. It's essential, however, to maintain proper records and ensure that the expenses are truly business-related.
Q:
What's the difference between a tax deduction and a tax credit?
A tax deduction reduces the amount of your income that is subject to taxation, which in turn can lower your tax liability. Common deductions include expenses like mortgage interest, student loan interest, and business expenses. A tax credit, on the other hand, is a direct reduction of your tax bill. This means if you owe $1,000 in taxes and have a $200 tax credit, your tax due would be reduced to $800. Some popular credits include the Child Tax Credit, the Earned Income Tax Credit, and credits for energy-efficient home improvements.
Q:
I'm thinking of hiring an independent contractor instead of an employee. Are there different tax implications for each?
Yes, there are significant tax differences between hiring an employee and an independent contractor. When you hire an employee, you're responsible for withholding federal and possibly state income taxes, Social Security, and Medicare taxes from their paychecks. You also typically pay unemployment taxes on wages paid to employees. Independent contractors, on the other hand, are responsible for their own taxes. As a business owner, you'd provide them with a Form 1099-NEC (if you pay them $600 or more during the year) instead of a W-2, and they would be responsible for their own self-employment taxes. It's important to correctly classify your workers, as misclassifying can lead to penalties.
Get in touch with us
Have questions? Use the form here and one of our knowledgable staff will get back to you as soon as possible.
(678) 944-8367
office@taxsherpa.com
2302 Parklake Dr NE Ste 675
Monday - Friday, 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
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Disclaimer: The content presented on this website is intended for informational purposes only and is not tailored to the needs of any specific individual or entity. It should not be considered as financial, investment, or tax advice. The information provided is general in nature and does not account for individual circumstances or financial positions. Before making any financial or tax-related decisions, we strongly advise consulting with a qualified professional who can provide guidance tailored to your individual situation. All information on this site is provided in good faith, but we make no representation or warranty of any kind, express or implied, regarding the accuracy, adequacy, validity, reliability, availability, or completeness of any information on the site. Use of this site and reliance on its content is solely at your own risk.
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Contact Us
office@taxsherpa.com
(678) 944-8367
2302 Parklake Dr NE Ste 675
Atlanta, GA 30345
Monday - Friday, 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
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