We recently had an amazing opportunity to be guests on Madeline MacRae's podcast, "Scaling the Gap". We wanted to share some reflections on our conversation there, and revisit a few of the valuable tax-saving strategies we discussed.
Let's dive in!
One of the main themes of our conversation was making taxes less intimidating for business owners. Taxes can feel like a dark, unpredictable cloud hanging over your head. As Tyler and I talked with Madaline, we shared our belief that taxes shouldn't feel this way.
Tyler knows this firsthand; he started his journey in tax strategy out of sheer frustration, feeling that the system was stacked against people like him—hardworking entrepreneurs trying to make their way.
Our mission with Make Taxes Fair is simple: help business owners feel empowered by giving them control over their taxes. As we said on the podcast, "Friends don't let friends overpay the government."
This core philosophy is about ensuring you're paying your fair share—and not a penny more. Tax planning shouldn't just be an obligation. It's an opportunity to maximize the rewards of all the hard work you've put into building your business.
We also touched on the emotional toll taxes can take. The fear of making mistakes, missing out on key savings, or dealing with unexpected IRS letters can weigh heavily. We want to replace this doubt with clarity and confidence.
With the right strategies and knowledge, taxes don't have to be a burden—they can become a well-managed part of your business finances.
One of the highlights of our discussion was the Augusta Rule, a strategy that often leaves people wondering, "How did I not know about this sooner?" Tyler and I love this one because it's simple, legal, and can save business owners thousands each year.
The Augusta Rule allows you to rent your home to your business for up to 14 days each year, with the rental income being tax-free. As we explained to Madaline, think about hosting a company meeting, a team planning session, or even a mini-retreat at home. Instead of spending money at a conference center or hotel, you can hold the event in your own space, receive rental income from your business, and it's all tax-free.
🔍 Additional resource: Tap into the Power of the Augusta Rule for Tax-Free Earnings
This strategy isn't just about convenience—it's about turning your home into an asset contributing to your business success. As I explained, service-based businesses like consulting firms, marketing agencies, and small tech startups can particularly benefit from this. The key here is keeping good records—document the meetings, keep proof of comparable rental rates, and make sure it's audit-proof. It's one of the ways Tyler and I are helping entrepreneurs hold onto more of what they earn.
Despite its benefits, many business owners need to learn about the Augusta Rule or help understand how to use it properly. We're working hard to change that. As we said during the podcast, we want to make sure business owners know about their options. When used properly, the Augusta Rule can significantly reduce your tax liability, keeping more of your hard-earned dollars in your business.
Another big focus of our conversation with Madaline was the emotional burden taxes carry. Tyler and I have both seen how tax anxiety affects entrepreneurs. Even now, after almost two decades in the business, I can tell you that receiving an unexpected IRS letter makes my heart skip a beat. I shared this on the podcast because so many of our clients relate to it.
This is why Make Taxes Fair focuses on providing proactive, straightforward strategies. Educating and supporting our clients aims to make taxes manageable rather than scary. Our goal is simple: provide peace of mind through sound tax planning.
As Tyler and I mentioned, the right tax strategies can give you something invaluable: peace of mind. We want business owners to focus on their growth and success, not the stress of a looming tax bill. The best way to do that is to make tax strategy a regular part of your business—not just something you think about once a year.
Another powerful strategy we shared with Madaline was the Disabled Access Tax Credit. Making your business more accessible isn't just good for compliance; it's about future-proofing your business and making it open to everyone. If you make accessibility improvements—physical or digital—you can qualify for a tax credit of up to $5,000 annually.
Tyler and I are passionate about making accessibility a core part of any business. During the podcast, we explained that accessibility isn't just about compliance. It's about growth, customer loyalty, and long-term sustainability. Businesses that invest in accessibility are opening doors to a broader customer base and showing that they care about every potential client. Whether it's making a website screen reader compatible, adding closed captions, or ensuring physical spaces are accessible, these efforts invest in a more inclusive future.
🔍 Additional resource: Unlock Your Business’s Tax Savings with ADA Compliance
Many clients are surprised to learn that digital improvements can count towards accessibility compliance. It's more than ramps and handrails—making websites accessible matters, too. It was great to share this on the podcast because it's a strategy that helps you grow your customer base and claim valuable credits from the IRS.
We talked a lot with Madaline about knowing all your options. Tax savings often require some digging, and we at Make Taxes Fair pride ourselves on uncovering these opportunities for our clients.
The Augusta Rule, the Disabled Access Tax Credit, and other strategies are available for you to use. These aren't loopholes—they're written into the tax code to help business owners succeed. Understanding these rules means maximizing your returns without stepping into a legal gray area.
The most important takeaway is the value of expert support. Taxes are complex, and there's no need to navigate them alone. Tyler and I love partnering with entrepreneurs, helping them make informed decisions, and ensuring they pay the right amount. With the proper support, tax planning becomes a strength rather than a source of stress.
If you found our conversation on Scaling the Gap helpful and want to explore these strategies further, we'd love to help. Head to Make Taxes Fair for resources, playbooks, and ways to contact us. Together, we can take the guesswork out of your taxes and put you back in control.
Remember, it's not just about saving money. It's about peace of mind, proactive planning, and ensuring your hard work pays off.
Please schedule a call with us today to see how these strategies can work for you. Taxes are a part of every business owner's journey, but they don't have to be a burden you carry alone.
With the proper guidance and proactive steps, you can make taxes work for you and secure a brighter financial future. Empowerment starts today—take control, and let's build a more secure tomorrow.